Author: David Atchison

10 Apr

Posted at 19:38h in Uncategorized

Is it possible to simultaneously be culturally “hip” and a faithful Christian, or does “fitting in” with the culture compromise essential beliefs? In different Christian circles this can be a controversial question. I still remember an issue of Christianity Today several years ago that asked, “Can Christianity Be Cool?” While vocational ministers may debate the answer, you and I are living with the tension. Like it or not, Christians must learn to function effectively in a culturally saturated workplace. This is not a new dilemma. Jesus addressed it in a prayer over His disciples shortly before his death (John 17:1-26). From this passage is synthesized the often, overused phrase “in the world, but not of it.” We should take care about quoting the...

20 Mar

Posted at 16:19h in Uncategorized

Have you considered the power of words? Not just the power of words in general, but the impact that words bring to bear on your world? The marketplace is full of words. Bosses pass on the workload, employees converse with one another, sales-people make their pitches, the media informs and advertises, etc. Words are some of the most powerful tools we bring to work. They can energize, inspire, convince, teach, and rally us to accomplish great things . . . or they can destroy, deflate, discourage, and deceive, leading to negative results. How are you employing words these days? Proverbs 12:18 contrasted how words can build up or tear down. "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue...

07 Feb

Posted at 02:38h in Uncategorized

Our faith changes our motives, but not necessarily our methods. Imagine two business leaders walking into a meeting. One is a follower of Christ, and the other is not. If these individuals are effective at their craft, they will probably present themselves in a similar manner. They will both be prepared and well informed about the market and their product or service. They will both pitch for the business with a compelling value proposition and will convey passion and conviction about their desire to meet the client’s needs. They will both draw on the best practices they have learned from their training and experience. However, there will be a difference . . . at least there should be. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul called followers of Christ...

29 Jan

Posted at 21:29h in Uncategorized

In January we cast a vision for renewing our concept of God. I hope you have been encouraged by unpacking some of God’s marvelous qualities in four great Bible chapters: Isaiah 40, Psalm 139, Romans 8 and finally Revelation 21. One of my favorite quotes when planning a new business venture or project is “Begin with the end in mind.” (Steven Covey) That idea has always centered my outlook. Revelation 21 introduces us to the Beginning and End, “the Alpha and the Omega” (21:6), our great God. John penned the book of Revelation, a series of visions revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. Exiled to the island of Patmos (just west of modern Turkey), Jesus “beloved disciple” was shown amazing images of the end of human...

21 Jan

Posted at 22:50h in Uncategorized

In case this is the first Reflection you’ve read this year, each week in January we are praying for a renewed vision and understanding of God. We have been meditating on the nature and character of God using four of the greatest chapters in the Bible. The first week we read Isaiah 40, considering the incomparable greatness of God. The second week we read Psalm 139, reflecting on the all-knowing, always present God, who knows all our days and His purposes for them (I hope you haven’t gotten over the marvel of that). This week I want to focus on the God revealed in Romans 8. I honestly do not feel worthy to write or speak on such a profound passage of Scripture. It is a great...

16 Jan

Posted at 16:01h in Uncategorized

We have started 2022, spending the month reading four great Bible chapters that reveal God’s true nature and character. The first week we meditated on Isaiah 40, considering God’s greatness and magnificence as He rules and reigns over the universe. This week our focus has been on Psalm 139. Everyone wants to be known. Whether naturally introverted or laid back or outgoing, we all want to be acknowledged, understood and valued. Contemplating God in a rational way, it seems unlikely that He would even notice us out of the billions of people He has created. But then there’s Psalm 139 . . . God knows Everything (vs. 1-6) This song written by David for the chief musician begins with “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.”...

08 Jan

Posted at 14:51h in Uncategorized

Isaiah 40 was written to the nation of Israel during a time of intense turmoil and spoke of their coming exile to Babylon, where their lives would be turned upside down for a whole generation. By ignoring and rejecting God, their dreams had been crushed and their sense of hope was hanging by a thread. I’m sure they believed that being rescued and returned to their homeland was the most important thing, but what they needed most was a new vision of God--the God who is, not the God they had created in their own minds. We are no different. Regardless of what is going on in our lives or businesses, an accurate image of God is essential for all of us. Isaiah 40 beautifully paints...

31 Dec

Posted at 15:51h in Uncategorized

Welcome to another brand-new year! I am convinced that something in our DNA loves a fresh start. A lot has been said about the last two years, but let’s look forward with a fresh vision for our lives and businesses There are several familiar paths to launching a new year with purpose. A new spiritual discipline may lead you to a deeper relationship with God. An inspiring person may challenge you to overcome some difficult obstacle. A new strategy may help you pursue something you’ve always hoped to achieve. But may I cast a vision for something different, something greater? More than political unity, social peace or a better business plan is a renewed image of God. I’m not talking about “seven steps to spiritual success,”...

20 Mar

Posted at 20:12h in Uncategorized

Imagine that you just sat down for dinner, ready to enjoy good food and conversation, only to feel that infernal buzz in your pocket. A second or two passes while you try to remain in the dialogue around the table, but it's too late. Your mind has been activated and your curiosity forces you to take a peek. Sure enough, it's an associate who has just received some new information about the deal you are working on. You have a split-second to make one of two choices: 1) politely apologize and excuse yourself to respond to the message or 2) steal glances at your phone under the tablecloth and attempt to reply without being detected. (Loud buzzer) You are incorrect! There were are least two more options:...

21 Feb

Posted at 18:56h in Uncategorized

Some of my most magnificent moments have been while witnessing the amazing beauty of God's creation: hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona, taking in the vista from Angel's Landing in Utah's Zion National Park and gazing over the waterfalls of En-gedi in Israel. What made those views so breath-taking was a keen awareness that I was tasting the fruit of God's glory and creative labor. If all I ever did was travel the world to view all of Earth's glorious beauty it would be spectacular...