God Still uses Cracked Pots

(Note: This article was published on the Faith, Work & Economics blog, the Christian Grandfather Magazine, and the Coram Deo blog.)

Have you ever had an employee who wasn’t fully competent, who had a bad attitude, who made big mistakes, who didn’t make much of an effort to communicate with you on a regular basis to ask for help or guidance? I know I have.

My purpose is not to discuss how to work with incompetent people. I addressed that subject in a previous article. The people I want to discuss are you and me. We are not fully competent, have negative attitudes, make big mistakes, and don’t make time to pray and read God’s Word. And yet, by His mercy and grace, God chooses to use us as His coworkers. God works with, in, and through us wherever He has placed us to love those around us by meeting the wide spectrum of human needs in spite of our fallen nature.

I believe that many Christians do not experience God’s presence at work because they feel unworthy. I invite you to explore with me some timeless truths from God’s word that will help to answer the following questions: Why does God work with imperfect people? How does He do it? Is there anything we can do to help?

We are God’s coworkers

Before I answer these questions, allow me to first summarize the idea that we are God’s coworkers, reflect on a key verse, and offer some examples where God used imperfect humans to do great things for His Kingdom.

The concept that we were created to be God’s coworkers to rule over and care for creation is found in Gen. 1:28 and 2:15. The Theology of Work Bible Commentary (TOWBC) states, “God worked to create us and created us to work. . . God brought into being a flawless creation, an ideal platform, and then created humanity to continue the creation project.” God made us to continue His work to expand and sustain the creation.

In 2 Cor. 4:7, the Apostle Paul lays out a picture of what we have in Christ. He calls it a treasure. In context, it is the precious gift of understanding and being able to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

Paul writes that this valuable knowledge/skill/calling is packaged in what he calls “earthen vessels” (NASB). Other translations refer to this human body of ours as “earthen vessels [of human frailty]” (AMP), “common clay pots” (GNT), “jars of clay” (NIV), and “cracked pots made of earth and clay” (The Voice). I prefer the last one.

Examples of imperfect coworkers

Before I explain why, allow me list several imperfect coworkers whom God used, despite their many human weaknesses.

Moses had doubts about his ability to be used as God’s spokesman. Perhaps it was a speech impediment. Maybe he lacked confidence. He asked Yahweh, “Who am I that I should go?” God said, “I will be with you.” His response implied, “It doesn’t matter who you are; all that matters is who I AM” (Ex. 3:10-14).

Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus chose him to lead the early church in Jerusalem. Paul had a thorn in his side to keep him humble and dependent on God. Other less than perfect believers include Abraham (a liar), Sarah (impatient), Jacob (deceiver), Jonah (disobedient), David (adulterer and murderer), and Thomas (doubter). If God used these cracked pots, I know that He will use you and I also.

Why does God work with imperfect people?

The simple answer is that there are no perfect workers. We are all sinners saved by grace. Although Christians are justified (declared righteous) by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are not righteous in practice. This requires sanctification, which is a lifelong process. It is more about direction than perfection.

Regarding our justification, we read in Rom. 8:1 that “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Because our sins are taken out of the way at the moment of salvation, we are loved by God. This love never ends (Rom. 8:38-39). Jesus said that “No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). As the hymn “Amazing Grace declares, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” This new status is irreversible.

Regarding our sanctification, the apostle Paul wrote that as a result of our personal relationship with Jesus, He begins to perfect us through the Holy Spirit until we die, or He returns. He wrote, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

How does God use imperfect people?

Let’s take a closer look at King David. We know that he was far from perfect. He was not a good man, and yet he was called by the Lord “a man after his own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). God used him to write much of the Psalms.

After committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband, he was confronted by Nathan the prophet. David sincerely confessed his sin (Ps. 51:1-10). He knew that he had sinned against God Himself. He wanted a pure heart. Later, in Ps. 103:11-12, David rejoiced in the blessedness of forgiven sin. After David’s fellowship with God was restored, he was able to pursue what God had called Him to do.

We read in 2 Tim. 2:21 that those who cleanse themselves from wickedness will be useful to the Master. That is what I want to be. I learned as a young Christian college student through the campus ministry I was involved in to keep short accounts with God. The concept was called “spiritual breathing.” Once I was made aware of my sin (usually through the conviction of the Holy Spirit), I would exhale, which is the confession part. (See 1 John 1:9.) Next, I would pray that God would fill me once again with His Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18), which was the inhaling part. After decades of practice, I still do this often.

Is there anything we can do?

So, if God uses me to serve others even when I struggle with sin, does that mean I should continue to sin? The Apostle Paul shouts, “May it never be!” (Rom. 6:1-2). Just because God chooses to work through imperfect people by His mercy and grace doesn’t mean that we should do nothing to try to improve the situation.

We are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-13). When we seek Him through Bible Study and prayer, we grow in grace. Even though we will never be sinless in this life, over time, we will sin less. Our sanctification is both passive and active. God works in us, and we work it out.

Here are some additional actions we can take to be able to do that:

• Eph. 6:10-17 – Put on the armor of God be able to stand against temptation
• 2 Tim. 2:22 – Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness with other Christians
• Heb. 12:1-2 – Get rid of the sins that can trip us; fix our eyes on Jesus to help us

Final thoughts

Let me circle back to 2 Cor. 4:7, where we discussed our humble status as cracked pots. One of God’s purposes in using us despite our being incompetent is that whenever we see positive results from the work we do, we know it was all from God. We can’t take the credit. He gets all the glory. Looking at it another way, when we consistently abide in the Jesus as the vine and bear the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23) wherever we have been planted, God the Father – the gardener – gets the glory as well (John 15:1-5).

A good employer is patient with his incompetent employees, especially when they are making an effort and are an asset, not a liability. I would venture to say that God is more than patient with us when we fail, have bad attitudes, make mistakes, and neglect seeking God in His word and prayer to ask for His guidance. However, let us not take His patience and mercy for granted, but strive to work for His glory.

(Note: I encourage you to read the book, The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. He served as a kitchen worker in a monastery and experienced God’s presence daily. This book inspired me as a young Christian. It set the tone for how I experience God’s presence no matter where I am or what I am doing.)

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written 230 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 270 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Biblical Imagery in Ezra and Nehemiah

A few years ago, I read through the book of Ezra. I had read it before, but hadn’t really studied it, so I meditated on it with great interest and focus.

What I found there was a gold mine of literary devices that fall into the category of imagery: a word picture that evokes a specific meaning. These images are examples of anthropomorphism, where an author assigns human characteristics to something not human, i.e., an animal, object, or in this case a triune deity.

Let me provide a long overdue introduction to a four-part study on the imagery that I found in these two OT books.

God’s hands

In Ezra chapter 7, I noticed three references to God’s hands in close proximity. The narrator of the story states that “The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him” (Ezra 7:6); “the gracious hand of his God was on him” (Ezra 7:9); and “the hand of the Lord my God was on me” (Ezra 7:28). Each verse painted a picture of God’s blessing that Ezra experienced. 

The hand of God has often been portrayed as vengeful, but clearly not in this context. I also saw this same word picture used in Ezra 8:18 and 22. God’s protection from enemies is the meaning that is intended in Ezra 8:31.

God’s mouth and eyes

As I meditated on this book, I had to go back to the beginning to see what I missed. I noticed much use of imagery that I had overlooked. Other body parts were used (or implied) to describe what God did among His people. 

For example, God’s mouth which gave words that were spoken through Jeremiah in Ezra  1:1, Moses in Ezra 3:2, David in Ezra 3:10, and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah in Ezra 5:1. I also caught something about the eye of God, who watched over the Jews, which was mentioned in Ezra 5:5. This use of imagery described God’s protection as the Jewish elders went about rebuilding the temple.

More Imagery in Nehemiah

When I began to read Nehemiah, I saw more references to God’s body parts, which also included his ears. These images seemed to highlight God’s divine attribute of immanence (God’s direct involvement in the life of man). This is in contrast to His attribute of transcendence, which focuses on Him being separate from us. (Note: I invite you to read an article I wrote and posted on my blog about these two attributes of God here.)

When Nehemiah asks the king for permission to help rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He concludes, “because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Neh. 2:8). As he introduces his plan to the priests and the others who would be doing the rebuilding, he restates that God’s gracious hand was upon him, which would grant them success in their work (Neh. 2:18).

Furthermore, I observed in both books that there were several corresponding references to man’s hands, mouth, eyes, ears, and heart, in contrast to God’s body parts. I was excited to discover a purpose in this. Take hands, for example. I sensed that God’s hands of protection enabled man’s hands to do God’s work.

Our God is better than idols

I have to add a comment at this point about the contrast between Yahweh and the idols that were prevalent in the Old Testament. Psalm 115:5-7 describes these man-made idols: “They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats.”

The psalmist is pointing out the futility of these idols. They have no real power. They cannot compare with the God the Israelites have. Although Yahweh does not physically have a mouth, eyes, ears, hands, or feet, as He is not flesh and blood, He certainly speaks, sees, hears, touches, and walks with His people.

Application

So, what does all of this mean for believers today? What are we to do with this knowledge about these attributes of God?

Here are some basic truths that pop out of these passages that can help us to know, believe, and obey the God who has revealed Himself to us in Scripture and in the person of Jesus Christ:

• God always initiates interaction with His people; he sees, hears, and protects us
• God expects us to respond to Him accordingly in love and obedience
• In the OT, we see God revealed in forms and shadows; in the NT, we see God in the flesh in Jesus

I invite you to join me as I explore in more depth the hands, mouth, eyes, and ears of God from these Old Testament books.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted 270 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Reflections on my 2023 Writing Ministry

As I have done in the past, I want to reflect on my writing ministry in 2023. My intention is not to draw attention to what I have done, but to glorify God. By His grace, God has demonstrated His faithfulness through my writing. I want to highlight His presence with me as I worked to write about His presence at work.   

Let me summarize some statistics on articles written and published, compare with previous years, provide links to my top ten favorite articles, highlight interviews I did, and close with what I want to focus on this year.

Articles written and published

Overall, 2023 was a productive year for me. I wrote 38 articles: 29 were on a variety of faith and work topics and nine were on other topics. Two of these articles made the The Institute for Faith Work & Economics (IFWE) top ten list for 2023!

Of the 38 I wrote on faith and work, 23 of them were published or posted 42 times. Of the nine on other topics, three were published.

I was extremely happy to see that last year there were 59 articles on faith and work (from 2023 or previous years) that were published or posted, which was a personal record. This was 13 more than in 2022.

Over the past eight years, I have written 228 articles on faith and work. Of these, 139 (61%) were published or posted 270 times. Fifteen of the 107 articles I have written on other topics were published 16 times. Together, I have written 335 articles which have been published or posted a total of 286 times.

I want to give a shout out to three organizations for their support last year. The Coram Deo blog posted links to 21 of my articles, the IFWE published 20 articles; and the Christian Grandfather Magazine published 12 articles.

Here are the top ten articles that grabbed my heart so deeply they practically wrote themselves:

1. How Can Parents and Grandparents Support their Child’s Vocational Journey?
2. What Pentecost Means for our Work
3. Lessons Learned from Launching our Children off to College
4. I Don’t Know What I’d do Without You
5. Sacrificial Love Gives us Endurance at Work
6. Physical Versus Mental Labor
7. Lord of Heaven and Earth
8. The Blessings of Difficult Bosses, Coworkers, Employees, and Customers
9. Do Your People Know that Their Work Matters to God?
10. God’s Grace Finds Me

I hope that as you skimmed over the titles above, there might have been an article or two that caught your eye. Take a few minutes to read one that interests you, if you did not read it already. (Note: Another article that had special meaning to me, but may not have universal appeal is a reflection I wrote last October after Linda and I visited the hospital where I was born. It was an unforgettable experience.)

Podcasts and radio interviews

I was blessed with much more than just having articles published. I was able to conduct two podcast and radio interviews.

In March 2023, I was a guest on a podcast with the Kirby Laing Center. I discussed how work allows us to love God and our neighbor at the same time. I also did a radio interview with Moody Radio in August where I discussed an article I wrote on launching your kids well that was published on the IFWE blog.

Closing thoughts

As I look back on the ever-increasing body of work that is available on the internet now and for future generations, I can clearly see that I did not misread God’s calling. After I earned my seminary degree in 2015, I was unshakably compelled to “be part of the conversation” on the theology of work. God opened up so many doors on a local, national, and even international level, way more that I could possibly imagine (Eph. 3:20). I had no idea that when I first started to summarize a few insights I learned during an independent study that I would be able to teach and encourage countless readers who were hungry for these biblical, theological, and practical life-changing truths.

As a way ahead, I want to refine my list of ideas and unfinished articles, delete the ones that are no longer relevant. and get the rest done and pushed out there. I will continue to follow God’s leading when a new topic pops into my sanctified imagination. Ordinary Christian workers need a solid foundation as they face real-world issues 40 hours a week. They need to know that God is present in their work in every stage of the process, from the development of talents in early childhood to retirement. I want them to know they are God’s coworkers. He has chosen, called, and enabled us to work, so that He can work with, in, and through us to meet the wide spectrum of human needs and bring flourishing.

I want to be bold and step out in faith, by soliciting opportunities to be interviewed on podcasts or radio shows. I also want to offer my writing to more faith at work organizations in order to expand my audience.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted 270 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Reflections on Diversity from a Biblical Worldview

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (Martin Luther King)

I read a timely post on social media Friday that shook me to the core. It was posted a few days’ prior to the holiday to celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is a personal hero. My heart was broken when I read about what Black women are facing in this country. This topic deserves a response from a biblical perspective.

My intent here is to help Christians – especially those who look like me – better understand the pain that people of color are going through so that we can come alongside those who are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and be ready to boldly confront racist attitudes and actions where God has placed us. I want us to be known as those who stand up for what is right. Let me describe a little of what is going on, what the Bible says, how we should think, and what we can do to stand up and be part of the solution.

What is happening now?

The details of a Black woman who committed suicide recently that drove the post I read are not necessary for this discussion. The tragic story was a snapshot of the larger problem. It made me aware that there is way more pain in the Black community, especially for female workers, that I could ever know.

I read, “We are not okay. . . Black women are often holding on by threads.” One woman responded, “The story of so many women of color who are struggling with the daily reminders that the people we work around, the cultures we are subject to see us as less than. Regardless of your experience, education, work quality and skills you’re constantly reminded that all you’re seen as is a diversity hire. A token to achieve diversity goals.” She prays “someone will see the disparate treatment, unnecessary challenges to your integrity and intellect and dismissive reaction to your cries for help. But no one stands up.”

We have seen much in the news about a Black woman university president who made bad decisions. Diversity was made out to be a villain. But I never considered it from the other side. Black women who are extremely competent and got their positions by their achievements and character are often seen by those with racist viewpoints as not deserving. I can’t imagine the pressure these women are under.

I have had the blessing of serving in the military with great men and women of color, too many to mention, who have made a difference in my life and career. Not one of them was a “diversity hire.” They earned their rank and positions by their many accomplishments, potential for greater service, and by the content of their character. They earned respect from me and everyone else whose lives they touched.

What does the Bible have to say about these things?

I love that the Bible is full of timeless truths that set us free and show believers how to think and act now, just as much as when they were first written thousands of years ago. I learned when I went to seminary the first time in the mid-80’s that we can always start with the Bible and find truths that apply to various aspects of our life. We can also take a slice of life and bring it to Scripture to see what it says.

This issue of racism is something that the Bible is not silent on. There are a number of things that have been written long ago that are applicable to us now:

• Humans were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26)
• Jesus calls us to love God and our neighbor; there is nothing more important (Matt. 22:36-40)
• Loving our neighbor involves meeting the needs of those who suffer, no matter what their race; i.e., the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
• Christians are taught to value those who are different from us; everyone has a purpose and a function, and are worthy of dignity and respect (1 Cor. 12:12-26)
• The church is made up of diverse people groups (i.e., male/female, Jew/Gentile); in Christ, all are equal (Gal. 3:28)
• God’s people are made up of Jesus-followers from every nation, tribe, and language (Rev. 7:9)

Let me address a couple of these bullet comments above in a little more detail.

The second and third bullet above are connected. Jesus stated in Matthew 22 that loving God and neighbor were the two greatest commandments. In Luke 10, a scribe acknowledged the same, and then asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded by teaching the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were a mixed race that the Jews systemically hated. The point of Jesus’ story is that loving our neighbor means that we give what we have to meet their needs, even though it may cost us dearly. Since all humans were created in the image of God, our neighbors, regardless of what they look like, are of value to God. We should value them enough to lay aside our fears to share ourselves when we have the chance.

Revelation 7:9 describes the population of heaven as racially diverse, just like here. Since that is true, I strongly recommend we consider how to get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ who look different than we do.

How should we think about diversity in the workplace?

It is often said that there is strength in diversity. I would agree with that statement. However, in my nearly 38 years of experience serving in and for the U.S. Army, I prefer to say that there is strength in unity amidst diversity. Let me explain further. It is easy for those who look, sound, and think alike to get along and get the job done. However, if your team is made up of individuals who bring their different backgrounds and strengths to the table, and if they are able to focus on a unified goal, there is nothing they cannot do.

That is what the world should see in the church: People of all races coming together as the Body of Christ to serve Jesus as one. If Christian workers can bring this spirit of unity in spite of our diversity and treat all with dignity and respect as described in 1 Cor. 12 outside of the church and into our workplaces, people will take notice.

What can we do to stand up and be part of the solution?

There may be some Christians in positions of authority who would be called, equipped, and led to stand up publicly to confront racist attitudes and actions in the workplace when given the opportunity. I suspect that most of us would be called to something a little simpler and perhaps more effective in bringing change.

There is a small list of commands in one of the epistles of Paul that guides how we treat others, especially those in the Body of Christ. Paul exhorts, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15).

I have always found this ministry of comfort and encouragement to be plain and simple Christ-like love. Like Job’s friends who sat down and said nothing for a time (Job 2:11-13), when we execute a ministry of presence and listen to one who is suffering, we love them deeply. We may not be able to come up with any simple solutions to solve their problem, but just being with them and hearing their story brings them some measure of peace in the midst of the storms they are facing.

Closing challenge

It is clear when you read articles and talk with people you know that there is so much more work to be done. I want to prayerfully work to be part of the solution and not be part of the problem. I invite you to resolve to join me by standing up when we need to and coming alongside those who are suffering. Ask the hard questions and listen well. By doing so, we are doing what Jesus commands us to do.

(Note: I invite you to read a few articles I have written previously on this subject. Click here to read one on the value of diversity in the workplace, click here for one on racial reconciliation, click here for an article I wrote on Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, and click here for another one on showing dignity and respect.)

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 260 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

The Events of Jesus’s Birth in Chronological Order

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about” (Matt. 1:18)

A lot of Christians will hear or read the Christmas story, with our family, at church, or silently in personal devotions. The challenge is this: Which version do we read? If we read the Christmas story from Matthew’s Gospel only, we will miss the scenes about John the Baptist’s parents, the angel’s announcement to Mary, and the proclamation to the shepherds by the heavenly host. If we stick exclusively with Luke’s version, we miss the visit of the magi and Herod’s response.

But what if we could simply read the whole story of Jesus’s birth from start to finish in chronological order? That might be more meaningful. However, in all my days, I do not recall ever seeing such a list of Scriptures.

So, my assignment that I felt inspired to accept yesterday was to put a list together so that others might be reminded of all of the events prior to, during, and after Jesus’s birth to be filled once again with awe and wonder.

Significant events leading up to Jesus’s birth

• Luke 1:5-25 – The birth of John the Baptist foretold (Zechariah and Elizabeth)
• Luke 1:26-38 – The announcement to Mary
• Luke 1:39-45 – Mary visits Elizabeth
• Luke 1:46-56 – Mary’s song
• Matt. 1:18-25 – An angel appears to Joseph
• Luke 1:57-80 – The birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah’s song
• Luke 2:1-5 – The census brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem

Significant events immediately following Jesus’s birth

• Luke 2:6-7 – Jesus was born, wrapped in cloths, and placed a manger
• Luke 2:8-20 – The angel’s appearance to the shepherds
• Luke 2:21-24 – Jesus presented at the temple
• Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon’s blessing
• Luke 2:36-39 – Anna’s prophecy

Significant events long after Jesus’s birth

• Matt. 2:1-12 – The visit of the Magi, Herod’s response, presentation of gifts
• Matt. 2:13-18 – Mary, Joseph, and Jesus escape to Egypt
• Matt. 2:19-23 – Mary, Joseph, and Jesus return to Nazareth
• Luke 2:40 – Jesus grew up and became strong

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 260 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

The Calling and Hard Work of Marriage

(Note: This article was published on the IFWE blog in two parts. Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. It was also posted on the Coram Deo blog in two parts, here and here.)

A few months ago, I wrote an article on how parents can successfully launch their children off to college or work. A key element in being able to do this well that I did not discuss in that article is having a good marriage.

Parents of children at this age are often in their mid-40s where many men and women struggle with mid-life issues. Marriages are fragile, even Christian ones. When your child is leaving the nest, it can add even more stress to your life together. Many couples may find it difficult to handle this transition in harmony.

My goal in writing this article is to explore marriage as a divine calling. It has much in common with other callings, such as medicine, teaching, or the military. How are we called to pursue it? How does God prepare us, provide for us, and protect our marriage? How do we overcome the unique thorns and thistles in this calling? How is God present in it? How does God use our marriage to love our neighbor?

How are we called to it?

In general, Christian men and women are called to pursue marriage and family life. Adam and Eve were commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). This command still applies to men and women today; it has not been rescinded. This “one flesh” union in marriage normally results in procreation, which fulfills this portion of the creation mandate. (See Gen 2:24.) Jesus Himself reemphasized the purpose and permanence of marriage in Matt. 19:4-6.

In between two passages on marriage, the Apostle Paul singles out two other callings. In 1 Cor. 7:17-24, he mentions the statuses of circumcision and slavery as categories that new Christians can fall into. His point is that new believers are not required to change their status at conversion. This implies that marriage is also a calling. Believers are not to avoid it, nor are they to try to get out of it in order to be more spiritual.

Just like other callings, God does not leave His children uninformed. The Bible provides some guidance for selecting a mate; i.e., do not be unequally yoked to an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:14). Beyond that, we have to choose carefully, prayerfully, and wisely using the internal checklists that God writes on our hearts.

How does God prepare, provide, and protect?

In all career paths, God has a way of preparing us for our life’s work behind the scenes with desires, aptitudes, skills, spiritual gifts, experiences, and education. It also works this way as He prepares us for marriage. Sometimes, God prepares us for our life work through pain. In our families of origin, my wife’s parents handled conflict with the silent treatment. Mine did it through shouting matches. We decided to avoid both dysfunctional patterns and learn to resolve conflicts in a mature way.

God provides wisdom when we ask for it with regards to who we should marry. This wisdom is also available through every stage of the marriage. As we commit to this sacred relationship for life, God provides for us as we learn to obey what the Bible teaches about marriage.

God also protects us from dangers inside and outside the marriage. God kept us both faithful, despite two one-year unaccompanied tours in Korea and multiple separations while I was training.

Thorns and thistles in marriage

Let me begin by mentioning that Adam’s sin resulted in God putting a curse on work for all men and women that will last until Jesus returns. This curse makes work more difficult than necessary, which also impacts the relationship between husband and wife (Gen. 3:16-19).

All married couples figure out shortly after the “I do’s” that sometimes they would rather say, “I don’t.” We want the “for better” and would rather avoid the “for worse.” Until you live together 24/7, you really do not know a person. It is hard to put into practice all that the Bible teaches husbands and wives to do.

Every job will have its share of “thorns and thistles” Some are common, such as dealing with difficult customers and bosses; some are unique to that field. In marriage, the thorns and thistles that will come up appear in the form of interpersonal conflict, losses, and distractions. My wife and I and have worked together for over four decades, learning how to raise our children and launch them out into the world. As we have stood firm in the “for better and for worse” in every season of life, our marriage has gotten sweeter.

How is God present in it?

Here is a passage I read in my wedding vows I wrote for my bride that connects marriage to work: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Eccl. 4:9-12).

If you read this too fast, you might have missed the key phrase: “a cord of three strands.” My wife is one strand, I am another, and God is the third. God makes Himself known to us when we seek Him as a couple. He is clearly present in a Christian marriage that is founded upon and committed to the divinely designed purposes and principles found in the New Testament. (See Eph. 5:22-33 and Col. 3:18-19.)

How does God use our marriage?

As we have seen above, marriage, like other kinds of vocational callings, is characterized by God calling us to it, preparing us for it, providing for us in it, and protecting us from danger, as well as being very present with us. Like these other callings, God has a purpose for putting us where we are. We are placed as a couple where God needs us to be, scattered among the unbelieving world, shining light into dark places, and bringing hope where there is none. He wants us to be His coworkers to love our neighbors through our marriages.

In addition to the three children that God brought forth through this holy union and the five grandchildren that have come from their families, my wife and I have seen God use us to be a blessing to countless others as we have travelled all over the world as a military family. As we have worked together as a cord of three strands, we have given hope to many that a joyful marriage for a lifetime is real possibility.

Looking forward

I have to say that our marriage is way more than a divine calling. It is something we had to work hard at in order to succeed. But as I look back, it hardly seems like work. What motivated me to be the husband God called me to be is that I recognized from Day One that my wife was a gift from heaven above, one that I cherish because she is so precious to me. As I have pursued this relationship, God has clearly blessed.

I want to encourage those who have been blessed with a good marriage to keep going. Keep Christ in the center of your relationship as that “third strand” to make the rope able to withstand the demands placed on it. If you are in a season of struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to a Christian couple who seems to have a solid, but not perfect marriage and see if they can help. If your relationship is needing more professional assistance, please find it with a Christian counselor.

For those who are in the middle of trusting God to provide that special someone in your life, I encourage you to keep on seeking God’s face. Ask Him for wisdom to make the right choices, for patience as needed, and to not settle for anything less that God’s best for your life. He will lead, He will provide, and He will use you.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of nearly 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 260 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

God’s Presence with Ordinary Workers in the Birth of Christ

Preparing for Your College Student to Come Home for the Holidays

(Note: This article was published on the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog and was posted on the Creative Disciple Newsletter.)

Your eldest child has been attending a Christian college out of state for the past three months. You visited her on Parent’s Weekend in September. You had a great time. You saw a play, watched a football game, attended a chapel service, toured the campus, and met some of her new friends. You noticed she had grown up a bit.

You are excited for her to come home for Thanksgiving where you can enjoy some family time. Everyone has missed her. But then, a few weeks prior, she mentions during her weekly phone call that she doesn’t have the time or money to come home. She is planning to spend the holiday with her roommate and her family.

What are parents to do in this situation? How are you going to handle this disappointment? Is this just the start of a “new normal,” where one by one, your children disappear from family events? As Christian parents of a young adult, are there any biblical principles that might apply? Is there any wisdom on how to deal with this in a Christlike manner?

I believe there is. Let me offer some timeless and timely truths from God’s word that should help Christian parents respond to these changes, whether their student decides to come home or not. The biblical principles I will share are among the most eye-opening and practical discoveries I have made. I trust they will enable parents entering these unfamiliar waters to adapt to the changes that happen to the family when a young adult leaves home.

(Note: This is a follow-on article to one I wrote back in July on lessons learned from launching our children off to college. Click here to read this article.)

Moving from obedience to honor

When you look at what God commands children, you find two similar, yet distinct requirements. In the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:12), God commanded His people to honor their father and mother. This applies to both children and adults.

In the NT, the Apostle Paul commands children to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20). This command applies to children only. Unlike the command to honor ones parents, this one has an expiration date. Adults are expected to honor their parents for life, but they are not expected to obey their parents for life. Only children are commanded to obey mom and dad. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that as your child becomes a young adult, you lead the transition for them to learn how to honor you and not to merely obey you.

Now, let us attempt to apply this new understanding to this difficult situation.

If your child respectfully informs you that they are unable to come home for Thanksgiving, they are in fact honoring you. You should be happy that they made this hard decision, despite your obvious disappointment. You may want them to consider other alternatives that yield a different outcome, if possible, but let them make the call.

Adapting to the changing adult relationships

It is important to note that our job as parents does not end when our children become adults. However, it does change. Parents are no longer completely responsible for every aspect of their lives. The adult child is now responsible for themselves.

When they do come home for the holidays, I would like to help set expectations for this first visit to avoid some of the inevitable awkwardness:

• Know that your young adult will have matured during their first semester
• Discuss with the younger siblings to expect that they will be different
• Allow them time to see old high school friends, but express a desire that they spend some quality time with the family as well
• Don’t be afraid to set some reasonable and realistic expectations to minimize disruptions; i.e., coming home at a decent time, being present for meals, etc.

Trusting God through change

I know it was difficult to let them go a few months’ back. You desire a happy family reunion. However, it may end up being less than what you hope for. Like any trial we go through as Christians, this adjustment for your entire family will become an opportunity to trust God. You and your spouse will have to pray and seek God’s wisdom.

My sister-in-law recently reminded me that college is a good laboratory for both young adults and their parents. The young adult can make mistakes with a safety net underneath them, and parents have the time to slowly learn how to let them go.

I am reminded of when Jesus wandered away from his parents as a 13-year old boy (Luke 2:41-51). They eventually found Him engaging with the Jewish religious leaders. His reason for being there was that he was “doing His Father’s business.” In the same way, you need to be prepared to see this God-given development to occur in your own adult child. What began when they were a young teen will approach its conclusion during this time. As you learn to embrace their efforts towards greater independence, you may see that they are also doing their Father’s business. You can enhance this process by leading them in this transition.

Closing thoughts

Here is an additional challenge to consider as you prepare for your student to come home. Think about when they are preparing to leave again.

Years ago, I made the painful discovery that when a child heads back to school after the holidays or in the Fall, they are not leaving home. They are going home. School is their new home. It is where they belong because it is where God has called them to be. Once I realized this, I simply learned to rejoice with those who rejoice. They are returning to what has become their new life, one that is full of new relationships, activities, and possibilities as they receive their education and set their sights on what God is calling them to do vocationally.

It is easy to focus on what you have lost as a parent. But I found it possible to focus more on what they are gaining. My wife and I found peace in the midst of the storm when we remembered that these precious children were not ours to keep. If they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are not just our child, they are our brother or sister in Christ. More importantly, they are God’s child. We can entrust them into His loving hands.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 250 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

The God of all Comfort can Comfort Others Through You

(Note: This article was published on the Christian Grandfather Magazine, Kingdom Winds, and The Faith Herald.)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. (2 Cor. 7:5-7)

Last week, I read these passages above from 2 Corinthians. The more I thought about it, the more excited I was to find another example of what call Immanuel labor, the biblical connection between God’s presence and human work.

I invite you to join me as I carefully unpack these verses. My intent is to help us see how God can work through us to provide comfort to those who are suffering so that they can in turn can provide that same comfort to others. Before I show how these verses support the idea of Immanuel labor, let me define the word.

What is comfort? 

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia indicates that the Greek word used here is parakaleo. It means “call by the side.” Interestingly, it mentions that in this culture, “the consoler becomes involved empathetically in the sorrow or discomfort of the one needing comfort, and together they find release.”

I see comfort in many places: when my son or daughter snuggles one of their young children after they’ve gotten hurt or when I sit next to my beautiful wife after I’ve had a long, hard day at work. For others, it is a warm blanket after we’ve nearly drowned. It is a hug from a teammate after we’ve lost the big game. It is a word of encouragement when we face disappointment. It is something given in words or actions to provide the one who is suffering some measure of security, peace, and strength during a storm.

Comfort comes from God

Paul mentions one of God’s attributes as the source of His comfort. Paul identifies God as “the Father of compassion” (2 Cor. 1:3). The psalmist says that He knows “we are dust” (Ps. 103:14). He created us; He knows our weaknesses. Only God can provide His presence and remind us of His promises that meet our deepest needs.

In 2 Cor. 1:3, Paul also speaks of “the God of all comfort.” Paul does not intend to limit this activity to merely God the Father. Providing comfort is a trinitarian thing: God comforts us “in all our troubles,” as do Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

In Matt. 9:36, when Jesus saw the crowds that came to hear Him preach, He felt empathy for them because they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” His compassion led to acts of healing and deliverance. The Holy Spirit is described as a helper, comforter, or advocate, who will not only be with us, but in us (John 14:16-17).

God’s comfort is meant to be shared

We’ve discussed the first part of this first passage – receiving God’s comfort. Now, let us take a look at what should come next – giving it.

The Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary informs us that this passage highlights one attribute of God that Paul appreciated in a deeper way due to his circumstances. However, he understood its main purpose was to focus on others who needed God’s comfort. We read, “To experience God’s help, consolation, and encouragement in the midst of all one’s affliction is to become indebted and equipped to communicate the divine comfort to others in any kind of affliction or distress.” I appreciate the reminder that when we receive God’s comfort, it qualifies us to comfort those whom God brings in our midst.

Why do we need God’s comfort? Paul writes in 2 Cor. 1:6 that comfort “produces in you patient endurance.” We need it so that we can faithfully press on even when we have suffered a major loss. When we suffer, it is natural to doubt that God is with us. When we comfort others, we can reassure them that God is still present with them and that He is more than able to enable them to persevere through the trial. 

In the past, I often pointed out that going through a particular trial would allow us to minister to those who are going through the same thing. My wife, who had a miscarriage years ago can certainly share how she got through it with a young woman who has suffered the same loss. However, this passage indicates that “we can comfort those in any trouble.” The reason Paul can boldly make this claim is that we are not to focus on teaching others what we did. We need to focus on what God can do.

I see these verses clearly linking God’s presence to our work. He was with us in an intimate way as He provided us the comfort we needed. He will be with us as we make an effort to pass this same comfort on to others. The only way we can do this is by being a coworker with God as He does this important work through us.

The never-ending chain of comfort

Let’s focus now on 2 Cor. 7:5-7.

The key to understanding this chain of comfort is by observing all of the key players. Let me summarize what is happening in this passage.

Paul reminds us that God, “who comforts the downcast,” comforted him and his team through Titus. Notice that Titus received comfort from the church in Corinth. Where did they receive it? From God. What does Paul do with the comfort He received? He passes it on to us in this epistle, and we pass it on to others who need it. In response to Paul’s teaching in 2 Cor. 1:4, they pass it on to others, who pass it on to others, etc.

Here is what I see: God comforts the church in Corinth, who comforts Titus, who comforts Paul, who then comforts us, and we in turn comfort others. Here, as in the previous passage, you can see God’s presence linking up with human efforts to bring comfort. God works through His people.

Implications for all of us

There are a large number of people who get paid to provide comfort to those who need it: chaplains, counselors, day-care workers, mental health professionals, medical personnel, etc. God provides comfort to those who need it through your work. (I invite you to read an article I wrote about first responders on 9/11.)

However, the passages above have implications for all of us. If we have experienced God’s comfort when we’ve suffered, and that should be every single believer because we have all suffered in one way or another, we are called to provide comfort to others around us who suffer. This is non-negotiable.

The amazing truth I want to close with is that God does not need any of us to help Him in comforting His people. He graciously invites us to be His coworkers in this ministry that everyone who has suffered and received comfort can do by simply sharing how God brought them comfort and reminding them of His faithfulness. God placed you in families, workplaces, churches, and neighborhoods to be around people who suffer. Keep your eyes open for a chance for God to comfort others through you.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 250 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Experiencing God’s Presence When Reading His Word

(Note: This article was published on the Christian Grandfather Magazine.)

Last spring, at one of our Wednesday night discipleship programs, I began our discussion of God’s presence in our work from chapters 5 and 6 of my book, by asking the class, “Where or when do you experience God’s presence?”

One member sensed God’s presence in fellowship with other ladies. Another said that she prays when she wakes up in the middle of the night. One gentleman told us that he felt God’s presence while he was in Vietnam by reciting the Lord’s prayer every night. I experience nearness to God when I take long walks around the neighborhood and pray.

God’s constant presence is meant to be experienced in a variety of ways. Brother Lawrence, in his classic book, The Practice of the Presence of God wrote that it can be experienced even while he was hard at work washing dishes in the kitchen. However, without circling back to read God’s word occasionally, how can we know that our practices align with the truth? We can’t fellowship, pray, or worship if we don’t learn how to do it from the Bible.

I invite you to join me as I show how God’s Word brings us into His presence, which enables us to know Him, and teaches us how to walk with Him. The presence of God is a common thread that ties these things together.

God’s Word brings us into His presence

When I teach my class on Wednesday nights using my book, class members get to ask me questions about what I meant to say as I laid out some deep theological ideas. In the same way, when we read the holy Scriptures, we come into direct contact with the author. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were involved in writing this book. Moreover, each of them is involved now in helping us understand it. We can fellowship with each member of the Godhead when we carefully, prayerfully, and worshipfully meditate on His word.

For example, Ps. 23:4 highlights David experiencing God’s presence when he needed it most. He wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death ourselves, we can feel the same nearness to God as we read these words. Many of us have sensed God’s presence in this psalm. I know I have.

There are other passages in the Psalms and other places that move us because we can relate to them. Verses about God’s protection, wisdom, guidance, and provision come to mind. When we need help with a major decision, don’t we all look for some kind of an answer from the heart of the Father that give us confidence to make the right choice?

God’s Word enables us to know Him

When we are in the presence of God as we read His Word, God is not just revealing interesting information about Himself, He reveals to us who He is.

The truth about God is found in His infallible word, from Genesis to Revelation. This is the only source of divine truth. Those who have been given spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see through faith in Jesus Christ can read it, understand it, and know God in a personal way. Jesus stated in John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus is the truth (John 14:6).

The third Person of the Trinity is specifically identified as the one who will help us to understand the Scriptures as we read. The key to this understanding is that the Holy Spirit indwells every Christian. Jesus said the Holy Spirit was with His disciples and would be in them (John 14:17). He would be their teacher (John 14:26). The indwelling Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to know God the Father in real time as we read the Scriptures.

Like any good teacher, the Holy Spirit not only helps us understand what we are reading, but is also aware of the timing of what we need to learn. My wife wisely observed that we may read a passage for years and see the same thing, but then one day we will read it again and will see something new. Just when we truly need it, the Spirit shines the light.

God’s Word teaches us how to walk with Him

Reading God’s word allows us to experience His presence and to know Him. More importantly, it instructs us how to live as His chosen people.

As Joshua began to lead the Israelites to the promised land after Moses died, Yahweh instructed him on the key to his success. He said, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from our mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Josh. 1:8).

James also emphasized that the goal of knowing God’s Word is to obey it. He wrote, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

However, like most Christians who have tried to live in accordance with God’s word simply by their own human efforts, I found that I need to humble myself in complete dependance on God’s presence with me to receive the strength to obey God’s word consistently, and to be able to walk with God, abide in Christ, and be filled with the Spirit.

Closing challenge

Dwight L. Moody wisely said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” I can agree with that. When I read the Word on a regular basis, my mind and my heart are set on things above, not on things below. (See Col. 3:1.)

When I go several days without some quality quiet time, I struggle more than usual with the things of the flesh. I don’t know about you, but I imagine your experience is similar to mine. Although we will never be completely sinless in this life, we can sin less when we keep the Bible close by, and go there to be reminded of who God is and who we are in Christ. There, and only there, will we find strength to walk with God in His presence.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 250 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.