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12 May

Posted at 15:26h in Uncategorized

Note: This reflection continues a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. (3 remaining) Despite a seemingly endless list of names, Nehemiah 3 is one of the most fascinating chapters in the Bible. It conveys an integral part of the rebuilding story. Taking a closer look, it’s a comprehensive roster of the different groups who participated in the construction of Jerusalem’s wall. The entire Jerusalem community came together to complete a project that demanded everyone’s contributions. Each group was assigned a different section of the wall according to their occupation or family unit. Notice the phrase that is repeated over and over. “And next to him [or them]” is repeated sixteen times. “Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep...

26 Apr

Posted at 12:28h in Uncategorized

Note: This reflection continues a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. Realizing that the wall’s condition was worse than anticipated and recognizing that the opposition against him was formidable, I wonder if Nehemiah ever questioned that God really called him to attempt something so bold? Regardless of any such doubts, Nehemiah drew on the Lord’s strength and held fast to the vision that God had placed on his heart. He gathered all of the people in Jerusalem saying: “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies and in ruins and its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” (Nehemiah 2:17) He went on to share how God gave him favor with the...

19 Apr

Posted at 09:18h in Uncategorized

Note: This reflection continues a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. Fernando Apezteguia, CEO of NTT Data UK, expanded on the idea that trust is the new currency in our marketplace.” and wrote, “. . . those companies that know how to spend it well can create a competitive advantage by making sure that their actions speak louder than words.” Is trustworthiness just another “key” to success? Skepticism stemming from misinformation, manipulation and fraud–even among Christians–has driven more companies to discuss this essential but elusive quality. Today’s business leaders and employees must not only earn but sustain the trust of increasingly cynical clients and colleagues. 1. Nehemiah was a model of trust in God. As we observe Nehemiah’s actions and attitudes over many years,...

14 Apr

Posted at 08:07h in Uncategorized

Note: This reflection continues a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. When was the last time you felt like your life and business hit a dead end, stuck in a mire of impossible circumstances? Maybe you feel that way today. If so, you should be able to genuinely relate to Nehemiah. Having heard about the dire conditions in Jerusalem during the month of Chisley (our November and December), with its broken-down walls and splintered community, Nehemiah earnestly called out to God. Ultimately he was confident of God’s clear call to step into that moment, yet he had to wonder what he could really do about such chaos (Nehemiah 1: 1-3). Consider those circumstances: Susa [modern Shush in southwestern Iran] was close to 800 miles from...

05 Apr

Posted at 15:12h in Uncategorized

We know the end of Nehemiah’s story: ultimately he accomplished an amazing professional feat which serves as a prime example of both excellent business and spiritual leadership. In the midst of improbable circumstances, he rebuilt the walls of God’s holy city after experiencing intense political and economic upheaval. He pulled it off utilizing public funds and volunteer labor, bringing in the project ahead of schedule and under budget. Nehemiah was creative and resourceful but he also possessed an intangible—God’s promises and purposes. That’s the end of the story, but how did Nehemiah’s story begin? The answer is with prayer. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the heavens.” (Neh. 1:4) Nehemiah...

29 Mar

Posted at 14:13h in Uncategorized

Note: This reflection continues a series based on the Bible book of Nehemiah. We’ve all been there. The expected offer never came; the “sure thing” blew up just before closing; your loved one received a dreaded diagnosis. Whether relatively large or small, things go wrong in your world and in mine. Consider the moment you received word of a crisis. How did you respond? Where did you turn next? Who did you call first? This is exactly where Nehemiah is first introduced to us (Nehemiah 1:1-3) He was receiving word that all was not well in the world, nor in his domain. As we try to step into Nehemiah’s shoes (445 BC) we observe his awareness of a great and “major” need The broken down walls...

21 Mar

Posted at 08:29h in Uncategorized

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...

08 Dec

Posted at 10:30h in Uncategorized

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...

17 Nov

Posted at 08:00h in Uncategorized

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...

26 Oct

Posted at 19:38h in Uncategorized

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,...