Biblical Principles for the Home, School, and Workplace: A 52-Week Devotional Study Covering Topics from A - Z

by John Clunan

Overview

Most of us spend the majority of our time on this earth at home, school, and the workplace. If you’re in school, you may also be spending time on any number of extracurricular activities, and if you’re in the workplace, you may also be spending time on additional work-related activities such as traveling to meet with customers, attend conferences, and participate in offsite training and team-building activities, just to name a few. In other words, we’re all busy, and in some cases we feel like you’re too busy. So home should be our respite from the demands of school and the workplace, right? It should be a place of comfort and relaxation. But that’s not necessarily the case because we’re also busy managing numerous responsibilities at home, as well as caring for our most important relationships.  OK, so other than stating the obvious, what point am I trying to make? The point is this: we need help navigating through life. We need guidance and wisdom to manage our responsibilities, and in particular our relationships. The question is, where are we going to turn for answers? While there are many options, there’s only one best option, and that’s God’s Word. I want to point you to God’s Word to help you address the myriad concerns and issues that are common to everyone. These concerns and issues are relevant at home, they are relevant at school, and they are relevant in the workplace. While acknowledging there are many wonderful daily devotional books that are readily available, this devotional book is different. Rather than presenting a different devotional topic every day, I’ve intentionally chosen to address one important topic each week. I’ve done this because I want you to have the opportunity during the week to reflect upon and apply the Biblical concepts of God’s Word. This will allow God’s Word to become more fully implanted into your heart and mind,  allowing you to grow and become more equipped to handle the challenges of life in a manner that’s pleasing to God. I’ve even added a journal section following each devotional that will allow you, if you choose to do so, to express your thoughts and experiences for the week as they pertain to the topic. There’s even enough space for you to add to your journal as you further reflect upon the various topics during the course of the year or subsequent years. It’s my heart’s desire that you, your family, your classmates, your coworkers, your customers, your neighbors, and even strangers will be richly blessed because you chose to read this devotional book. In particular, I pray that as you spend time reflecting upon and applying the wonderful principles from God’s Holy Word, you’ll grow in your knowledge and your love for Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781595558718
Publisher:	Elm Hill
Publication date:	10/02/2018
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	220
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

John Clunan is a husband, father, and grandfather who lives in Huntsville, AL. Following a 29-year career working in sales and marketing for major corporations, he’s spent the last three years writing devotional tracks on a volunteer basis for the Back to the Bible organization and his local church. His passion is to point people to God’s Word, demonstrating that it's the best resource for addressing the myriad issues and concerns that are common to everyone.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

WEEK 1

Acceptance

Most of us have a desire to fit in or be accepted by our peers, and this is particularly true during our teenage years. But it's difficult because of all the various cliques. So what do we do? We try to impress others so they'll accept us, perhaps putting on a façade rather than being true to ourselves. Or perhaps we take on a lone-wolf mentality, telling ourselves that we don't need to belong. But neither of these solutions is healthy, right?

Don't worry, because the God of creation accepts you and loves you. He wants to have a close relationship with you through His son Jesus. Look at this invitation from Jesus:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

So, if you're already a Christian, cast your concerns on the Lord and stop stressing about fitting in, because you've already been accepted by Him. If Jesus isn't your Lord and Savior, accept His invitation and find the rest and peace that you can't find anywhere else.

Application

This week, reflect upon what it means to be accepted, especially by Christ who accepted you and me despite our sins and flaws. Apply this concept by looking for opportunities to accept others, especially those who are different or who may not be particularly likeable or approachable.

Journal

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CHAPTER 2

WEEK 2

Attitude

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude"

John C. Maxwell

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart"

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

It's common for us to pay attention to the tone, facial expressions, and body language of someone when they're speaking to us. How we speak to people is often more important than what we say. With that in mind, how important do you feel attitude is in the workplace? And do you feel that our attitude towards God and His Word is paramount in terms of shaping our attitude in the workplace and at home?

People tend to respect and gravitate towards people with positive attitudes. However, sometimes the attitudes of our heart can be poisonous and negatively impact our job performance and our relationships. But in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) God says that His Word can change us so that we're thoroughly equipped for every good work. So today and every day, let's make it a point to abide in God's Word.

Application

This week, reflect upon the importance of your attitude and how it impacts what you think, what you say, and what you do. Has it been generally positive or negative? If negative, reflect upon the circumstances that led to your negative attitude and decide what you can do to change it so that it's pleasing to the Lord.

Journal

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CHAPTER 3

WEEK 3

Betrayal

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? Have you ever betrayed anyone? It certainly hurts either way, doesn't it? So how did you handle the hurt that you felt or the hurt that you caused?

Let's take a look at some practical advice from Scripture:

"Do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation."

Proverbs 25:98-10 (NIV)

So forgive the one who's betrayed your confidence and be careful not to share something in confidence with someone who can't be trusted. Likewise, don't share what's been told to you in confidence, because your reputation is at stake.

Application

This week, reflect upon the concept of betrayal and specifically how you can avoid betraying someone. If you've betrayed someone, make a point to approach them and ask for forgiveness. If you've been betrayed, offer the person forgiveness because the Lord has forgiven you of your sins. You may not feel like doing this, so pray to the Lord for strength, for it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can forgive.

Journal

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CHAPTER 4

WEEK 4

Brand

"Suppliers and especially manufacturers have market power because they have information about a product or a service that the customer does not and cannot have, and does not need if he can trust the brand. This explains the profitability of brands."

Peter Drucker

"He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."

1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)

In business it takes years and considerable cost to build a brand. It then takes commitment, diligence, quality control and capital, especially for advertising and marketing, to maintain the brand. But any significant lapses in quality can significantly damage a brand in short order, and even complacency can lead to market share losses that can't easily be overcome. Have you recently considered your "brand," i.e., your reputation, and how you can guard it?

We must have a good reputation both within and outside the church to be effective messengers of the Gospel. Nonbelievers are watching and forming opinions, so it's critically important that we be people of integrity and wisdom, especially in the workplace, so that people are drawn to the Lord.

Application

This week, reflect upon your brand, or reputation. What kind do you have among those closest to you? Are you comfortable with your reputation, or has it been tarnished in some way? If you need to change your reputation, start today. Pray to the Lord for guidance from His Word, and strength from His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Journal

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CHAPTER 5

WEEK 5

Callousness

Callousness can be defined as "showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for other people." Do you know anyone like this? Are you like this?

Jesus has something to say about a calloused heart:

"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear With their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."

Matthew 13:15 (NIV)

Jesus says that He can heal the person with a calloused heart. But it requires that person to allow Jesus' words to penetrate their heart so they're moved to confess and turn from their sins. If you haven't already done so, believe in Jesus and you'll receive a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV).

Application

This week, reflect upon where your heart is and whether you've allowed it to become calloused. There may be one or more reasons why you've allowed this to happen, and it's important that you're honest about it. The next step is to confess this sin to the Lord and pray that He will heal you, because He has the power to do it. And keep in mind that even if we don't have a calloused heart, we can still be callous toward others, can't we? So ask the Lord to examine your heart and be sensitized to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Journal

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CHAPTER 6

WEEK 6

Commitment

"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes ... but no plans."

Peter Drucker

"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good"

1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

We admire commitment in people, such as those who participate in the Olympic Games, because what they do requires dedication, hard work, sacrifice, belief, and perseverance. These attributes are obviously helpful in the workplace, but what about in our daily spiritual walk with the Lord?

Employers, sports teams, and churches need committed people because they make a difference. So let's not be like the people in the Church in Laodicea, who Jesus wanted to spit out of his mouth because they were lukewarm (Revelation 3:16 NIV). Rather, let us be like the people in the Church of Philadelphia, who were commended for being fully committed to the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:8-10 NIV).

Application

This week, evaluate whether or not you're committed to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask yourself if there are areas of your life that aren't yet subject to His Lordship. Identify the things that you're doing that you know are wrong or spiritually unhealthy, and ask God to give you both the desire and the strength to change.

Journal

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CHAPTER 7

WEEK 7

Disappointment

We've all experienced disappointment. Sometimes people disappoint us, and sometimes its circumstances. And there are times when we disappoint others. Perhaps you're disappointed right now, or perhaps you've disappointed someone. How are you handling it? How do you feel you should handle it?

Scripture provides some insight:

"They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed."

Psalm 22:5 (NIV)

God says the answer to disappointment is to trust in Him, and also trust in the one He sent (John 14:1 NIV). He always has our best interests at heart, and He always does the right thing even though we can't always understand it. But Scripture says not to lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 NIV); rather, cast your concerns on the Lord through prayer and thanksgiving and He'll give you a peace that transcends all understanding.

Application

This week, address your disappointment head on. Don't continue to stew about it but rather take your feelings to the Lord in prayer. Be honest. Tell Him how disappointed you are and that you don't understand why you're going through this experience. Ask Him to help you deal with it and to move on, because He likely has something better in store for you. And if you've disappointed someone, pray for the wisdom to learn from it.

Journal

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CHAPTER 8

WEEK 8

Discernment

"Checking the results of a decision against its expectations shows executives what their strengths are, where they need to improve, and where they lack knowledge or information."

Peter Drucker

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)

King Solomon, the wisest human being ever to walk the face of the earth (other than Jesus), asks God for discernment to make wise decisions for the benefit of a nation of at least several million people. If you're an executive, you may lead a small company with less than fifty employees or one with more than 100,000 employees. Either way, you need discernment to make wise decisions for the benefit of the company, its employees, and your customers. Have you prayed to God for discernment so that that you will make the right rather than the wrong decisions?

Company executives have a difficult job, especially if the company's stock is publicly traded. We've seen a number of instances where company executives haven't fulfilled their fiduciary responsibilities, leading to disastrous results. If you're an executive, this can be avoided by doing as King Solomon did: humble yourself before God and pray for discernment.

Application

This week, make a concerted effort to discern what the Lord is doing in your life. Has He been prompting you to take a specific action but you've been putting it off? Or perhaps He's been prompting you to stop doing something that's not in your best interest or the interests of others? Take the time to talk to Him, listen, and then obey. And continue to pray for discernment in all matters both large and small.

Journal

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CHAPTER 9

WEEK 9

Encouragement

"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish."

Sam Walton

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen"

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

If boosting the self-esteem of employees, i.e., building them up, is good for employers, isn't it especially helpful for those we love? Aren't our spouses and children positively impacted when we make a conscious effort to build them up according to their needs?

People have a basic need to be encouraged. This is not to say that we don't address problematic behavior or deficiencies in an appropriate manner, whether in the workplace or at home. But it is to say that leaders need to be encouragers, as was the Apostle Paul. He made a conscious effort to be an encourager in his epistles, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV):"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Application

This week, think about someone you know who needs encouragement, and then you be the person to offer them the encouragement they need. On the other hand, if you need encouragement, reach out to a trusted friend or family member. But also spend time in God's Word and in prayer, for God and the Lord Jesus Christ know how to encourage us better than anyone else.

Journal

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CHAPTER 10

WEEK 10

Envy

Are you struggling with the sin of envy? If so, how are you dealing with it? Is it working? If not, perhaps some insight from Scripture will help you.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Scripture says that if we love someone we're not going to be envious of them, and since we're commanded to love our neighbor as our self, we're not to be envious of anyone. But this can be difficult, can't it? So how do we do it? Well, we can only do it through the power of God's Holy Spirit, for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). So, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and received the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Application

This week be very honest and ask yourself if you're struggling with envy. If you are, you need to deal with it immediately. Don't wait, because it's actually harming you more than it harms others. Don't believe me? Then read Proverbs 14:30 (NIV). Still not convinced? Read James 3:1416 (NIV). And understand that the best way to overcome envy is to Have a truly grateful heart. So spend time reflecting upon all the blessings that God has given you and be grateful. You'll soon discover that you have nothing to be envious about.

Journal

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CHAPTER 11

WEEK 11

Fear

Fear is a common human emotion, but it isn't something we really want to think about, is it? There are any number of things to fear: disaster, disease, failure, rejection, and death, just to mention a few. But can we overcome our fears? If so, how?

Let's go to the best source for answers: God's Word. It has a lot to say about fear.

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Even King David, a very gifted man and valiant warrior, experienced fear. So what did he do? He sought the Lord and trusted Him. He addresses this theme again in Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV), which says, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

And we can and should do likewise. Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and cast all your fears upon Him. He will strengthen and equip you so that you can live fearlessly and boldly.

Application

This week, reflect upon the things that you fear and be honest about it. We all experience fear, so don't be embarrassed to admit it. The important thing is to decide that you want to overcome your fears, and the best way to do that is to spend time in God's Word and in prayer. Try it and you'll see that your fears will fade away as you grow in the strength and promises of the Lord.

Journal

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CHAPTER 12

WEEK 12

Future

"The best way to predict the future is to create it"

Peter Drucker

"Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?" Ecclesiastes 8:7 (NIV)

Peter Drucker certainly understood that we can't predict the future, but more importantly he understood that the attitudes we bring into today and the subsequent actions that we take will shape our future. What are you doing today to positively impact your future and that of your loved ones?

While our earthly future is important, our eternal future is of utmost importance. So in the course of today's business, let's make sure that we don't neglect the Father's business, for He's the One who holds the future in His hands.

Application

This week, reflect upon the actions that you need to take in order to positively impact your future. Commit to doing them, because without commitment they won't get done. Also, reflect upon where you believe you'll spend eternity. If you're in Christ, you know that your eternal home will be with Him. If you're not in Christ, make the decision to ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to become Lord of your life. Then you, too, will have an eternal home with Jesus.

Journal

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(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Biblical Principles for the Home, School, and Workplace"
by .
Copyright © 2018 John Clunan.
Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Introduction v

Acceptance 1

Attitude 5

Betrayal 9

Brand 13

Callousness 17

Commitment 21

Disappointment 25

Discernment 29

Encouragement 33

Envy 37

Fear 41

Future 45

Generosity 49

Gossip 53

Honesty 57

Humility 61

Instruction 65

Integrity 69

Judgmental 73

Just 77

Kindness 81

Knowledge 85

Learning 89

Lying 93

Management 97

Merciful 101

Neglectful 105

New 109

Obsess 113

Ordinary 117

Plans 121

Prudence 125

Quarrelsome 129

Quick-Tempered 133

Reputation 137

Respect 141

Silence 145

Slander 149

Teaching 153

Trustworthy 157

Unwholesome 161

Useless 165

Value 169

Vindictive 173

Wisdom 177

Worry 181

eXalt 185

eXcellent 189

Yearn 193

Yoke 197

Zealous 201

Zion 205