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Note: This reflection is the first in a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. For generations the marketplace has been blessed with many great leaders who have inspired untold numbers and provided a model to emulate. Names like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are examples of some who have motivated millions across the global marketplace. My career began in Houston, Texas. As an aspiring real estate developer I had the benefit of observing an industry giant in the making named Gerald Hines. Although I never met him in person, I watched him from a distance. His reputation for excellence and the thought he put into his developments was a huge inspiration and challenge. As a follower of Christ I have always watched...

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” (ESV) “Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established.” (NASB 1995) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (NIV) The simplicity of this familiar proverb seems obvious, but it is backed by a powerful promise. Our call is to entrust all of our work to God, Who has all authority over the universe (and the marketplace). Imagine the effect on your city if every business owner, senior manager, sales people, service reps, financial analysts, etc . . . resolved to dedicate and commit their work to the Lord? Can you picture the impact on our culture? How one carries out this command isn’t...

On September 8, 1860, the passenger steamer, Lady Elgin, was shipwrecked in Lake Michigan. Rescue teams were sent to help, including a team of Northwestern University students. One of those young men, Edward Spencer, rescued eighteen people from the sinking ship. When he was carried, exhausted, from the scene he kept asking, “Did I do my best?" Years later, at a class reunion, a speaker recalled this act of heroism. Someone called out that Edward Spencer was present in the audience. He was invited to come forward and asked if there was any particular memory he wished to share. “Only this” he replied. “Of the sixteen or seventeen people I saved, not one thanked me.” Like those whom Edward Spencer helped to rescue, setting aside time to...

Author and psychologist Mary Pipher summed up Business in this statement: "In the world of business, all of life is boiled down to one word: profit." The word profit sure can elicit some extreme emotions, from righteous denouncement to fanatical exaltation. At one extreme, profit represents injustice and exploitation; at the other end profit is the ultimate prize regardless of ethics. Where do you line up on the morality of profit? Once again, we need some biblical clarity to confirm our understanding. After completing the Creation God blessed and instructed humans to “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:28,...

Over the last couple of years, I have yet to come across many marketplace workers who are not weary–bordering on exhaustion–from the pace and demands of their business. The old statement, “It’s a jungle out there” feels quite current today. That reminds me of a story I’ve retold over the years.In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler set out on a long trip. He had high hopes for a speedy journey, accompanied by the nationals he hired to carry his heavy cargo. One the first day they traveled very far and very quickly. But the second morning, the men refused to move, just sat as though in deep thought. When asked about this strange behavior, they said that they had gone too fast the...

I have heard that statement quoted my entire life–that Christians live in the world, but are not of the world. John 17:1-26 records the great prayer of Jesus the night before He went to the cross. His disciples were gathered around Him but Jesus’ prayer also included all the generations of believers that would follow after them. “In the world, but not of the world” . . . it sounds like it might be a slogan branding a Christian campaign. Actually it’s “stitched together” from four verses: “11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you . . . 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because...

Attention all architects, engineers, contractors and developers! Time to get out your calculators to evaluate the scope of two very important projects. Our first site is located in Jerusalem. It’s a very significant development—the original Temple built by King Solomon of Israel. The specs are detailed in the blueprints found in I Kings 5 and 6 of the Bible. The structure was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. (Note: the long cubit was about 19.8 to 20.6 inches) Also note the project schedule of 7 years to complete the temple (1 Kings 6:38) Our second site is also located in Jerusalem. It is Solomon’s palace and adjacent halls. The schedule and specs are in 1 Kings 7. The structure was 100...

Several years ago I was in the middle of the largest real estate transaction I had ever been involved in. The whole process took more than two years. I was representing a long-time client and property they had owned for over 100 years. We were under contract with a group for over $120 million and we had reached a major crossroad. The buyer was being asked to risk an additional $2 million of earnest money on top of what was already submitted. I was working very closely with the buyer while also trying to help my client navigate a very complicated process. It was mid-afternoon and the deadline was hours away . . . Despite working very hard to navigate communications with both parties, the tension...

I have worked in the commercial real estate business for over 40 years. I love my work and my industry. I have tried to do business from the vantage point that I am serving under the Heavenly Father’s gaze. Colossians 3:23 has always meant something to me—”Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This perspective has aided me throughout my career. While I am not always as conscious of the Lord as my “employer” as I desire to be, I really do want Him to be magnified through my business and my company. Several years ago, I began pursuing a deeper understanding of the theology of Business. I wondered, “Does God have a purpose for Business itself, or only for...

God’s power and creativity are incomparable and limitless. The first two chapters of Genesis summarize the beginning of Everything. From nothing, He created Earth, within a vast Universe. He spoke into existence the Sequoias, the Vaquita and the Middlemist Red (the most unusual, rare trees, animals, flowers). And ultimately, God designed Humankind, both male and female, to bear His inconceivable image. Amazing, right? Afterward, God planted a Garden and put Adam and Eve to work in it (Genesis 2:8). He charged them to oversee and cultivate it under His personal care. Now, before we move on we must consider a very significant question: Why didn’t God finish the Garden himself? How is that relevant for us today? The answer will help unfold God’s creative purposes for...