Extreme Life Makeover

I love the start of a new month. Back when we lived in Minnesota, we always celebrated May 1st –or “May Day” – by giving neighbors fresh flowers. May 1st was special because it was symbolically the start of spring in the Midwest. But I live in Florida now, and almost every day is like spring or summer, so I have grown used to celebrating the first day of every month like it’s May Day. So Happy March Day. Welcome to a new month!

Speaking of new things, Martha and I just threw a fresh coat of paint on the outside of our house, along with a new blanket of mulch. Of course, it’s still the same old house, with the same old dirt in front of it; it just has a fresh outer coating.

Sometimes people think this is what becoming a Christ-follower is like: a new coat of paint on life – Christian coral or Believer blue or Salvation salmon. A pretty coating of religious behavior. But that is like putting makeup on a pig (no offense to pigs.) When you surrender to Jesus, He starts building a new you from the ground up! Yes, He uses your existing DNA, but everything that matters about you is changing. It’s more like taking an old house down to the studs and rebuilding it than like a coat of paint. We don’t add a new outside veneer; rather, we become new from the inside all the way to the outside.

Hebrews 3:4,6b says, “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything…. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” 

When you see a house being extensively remodeled, your curiosity gets piqued – if it didn’t, HGTV wouldn’t be so popular. Likewise, when you live out the process of becoming a new person in front of those you work with, they get to see God doing His best work, taking you from who you are to who He created you to be, right before their eyes! I have no doubt that my co-workers from the ’80s and ’90s wouldn’t recognize the 2021 Jim Brangenberg. God has been working overtime on me for decades! They would probably recognize the have-to-be-funny and busy-all-the-time Jim, but they would also see that many of my rough edges have become smooth edges. They would notice that I’ve fundamentally changed in many ways, and it would probably pique their curiosity.

So, what about you? Are you just putting on a fresh paint job, or are you allowing God to do a full restoration? The paint is nice, but if you paint over mold, mildew, and a cracked foundation, eventually, all the ugly comes back. But if you allow Jesus to start fresh with you today, He will renovate you from the inside out! Surrender to the Master rebuilder; you won’t regret it.

Jim

To dig deeper and allow God to work on your full restoration find a favorite podcast on www.AwakenPodcastNetwork.com

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Ready for a change?

One of my favorite memories as a young mom occurred on May Day. My best intentions actually materialized when the kids and I created little May baskets full of flowers and successfully delivered them to our neighbors. I always loved May Day because it was like playing “legal” ding-dong-ditch. We would put the basket of flowers on the porch of a neighbor, ring the doorbell, and then run away. The kids would giggle as we hid, trying to watch as the door opened to find a fresh surprise on the doorstep.

Sounding the same but with a very different meaning is the phrase mayday: an internationally recognized radio word to signal distress.  Often we hear this phrase repeated 3 times in an old war movie where the airplane has lost an engine and is going down.  Some disaster in happening and this is the signal.  Many people have been crying mayday in recent months, maybe even you.  The stress of the unknown, job loss, or the loss of a loved one can be reasons to signal distress.  What are we doing to respond to the mayday call?

Think about the people you work with.  How can you respond to them when they are struggling?

1. Listen to them

2. Offer to Pray with them

3. Don’t try to fix it

4. Check on them

Listen for the mayday calls around you and then decide to spread a little May Day.  Bring the much needed love of Jesus to someone today.

John 13:34  A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

For more ideas on loving others in the workplace:  listen to this recent episode of iWork4Him

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Unity - finally

John 17:23 The Message (MSG) 20-23 I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they’ll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That you’ve sent me and loved them In the same way you’ve loved me.

Jesus prayed the passage in John 17:20-23 out loud in front of a crowd. He was driving home a point. Unity among Christ Followers would demonstrate the reality of His presence in the world. Martha and I have made a marketplace observation, Christ Followers at work are unified in a common cause – to live out their faith in their work because Jesus changed them 100%.  It’s amazing that God chose the Marketplace to show unity, but Jesus prayed this for us almost 2000 years ago.  2000 years.  That is a long time. 

Present day, the Church is now unified as well. Since the Corona virus has torn down the walls of the Church and spread the Church all over the world, we are operating as one for the first time since Christianity overtook the Roman empire 1700 years ago.  What does this all mean to the Christ Following today?

It means that your workplace is your mission field and in that mission field, you and me may be the only Jesus our co-workers or employees may ever meet. Your workplace, however different it now looks, is a place of ministry and you have been called there. It’s not about the money or the prestige but it is about the people God has allowed you to be surrounded with each and every day – whether it is in person or on video conference.

Today, recognize the unity in the Church and see your part in it. Keep it going and see how a world can transform when it sees the reality of Jesus at work in your life and mine.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Let's Talk About Lunch

What does your lunch hour look like?

Do you brown bag it, eat at your desk, go out to eat, eat alone, eat in the lunchroom with other co-workers?

Have you ever considered intentionally using your lunch hour as a door to gospel conversations? Twenty-five years ago, a co-worker invited our friend Skip to lunch. Their conversation resulted in an introduction to Jesus. That same day when Skip got home from work, he told his young wife about the conversation – they both became dedicated followers of Jesus. Today, Skip has 130 employees in the company he owns and manages. Those employees, and the customers they serve feel the love of Jesus through Skip every day. He has dedicated his business to the Lord, and together the whole company is impacting their community for Christ. (listen to his whole story)

One simple meal and open conversation can change a life. So, who will you invite to lunch tomorrow?

1 Corinthians 10:31 English Standard Version (ESV)

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Our desire is for more Christians to understand that their workplace is their mission field. Will you join us in that mission? Become a monthly partner to spread the news in cities across the Nation and remember your co-workers are watching.

Martha Brangenberg

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Living With Integrity

Do you ever push back against rules?

Jim and I live in a Homeowners Association, and sometimes it’s tempting to just ignore a rule or bend it ever so slightly! But people are watching – right? It’s not so much about getting what you want, as it is about setting the example that could make all the difference. Living with integrity makes a BIG statement and causes curiosity.

We recently interviewed Steve, he works for a large company managing over 5,000 people. While traveling for work he noticed a co-worker that was very careful with his expense report and didn’t bend any rules. Steve asked him why he was so careful, and the answer led Steve to become a Jesus follower. Steve met Jesus at work because a co-worker refused to compromise, and now Steve lives out his faith every day at work, impacting thousands.

Our desire is for more Christians to understand that their workplace is their mission field. Will you join us in that mission? Become a monthly partner to spread the news in cities across the Nation and remember your co-workers are watching.

By Martha Brangenberg

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Road Trippin'

Jim and I take a LOT of road trips for iWork4Him. You can follow us on Facebook and watch for #iWork4Himroadtrip. Our very highly cultivated palates and need for well timed pit stops lead us to have a few “regular” destinations as we head out of Florida on I75.

One such stop is McDonalds at Exit 301 in Brooksville, FL. If you ever have the pleasure of stopping there, I can assure you it will become a destination for you as well. The timing of this stop is perfect from Ft Myers, through Tampa traffic, and then stop for breakfast. But the manager Patty is the real reason to make it a destination.

When you enter this establishment, expect to be welcomed! Instantly you can feel the happy atmosphere. Last week on our trip, the first thing I heard as we came in the door was, “Great job ladies!” That was Patty, praising her staff for whatever situation they had just overcome. A sweet young employee helped me with ordering breakfast on the “big touchpad thing”, and told me how Patty has helped her through some tough life stuff. She told me she was so grateful for Patty and she was more than a boss to her. Jim and I chatted with Patty for a few minutes, she updated us on her life and the ministry she does in her work, we prayed with her, and then hit the road!

Patty understands wholeheartedly that her workplace is her mission field and her staff are her ministry. What a great encouragement her life is to me and I hope to you, too.

It starts with love.

Patty knows Gods love and shares it with her staff (1 Cor. 13:4). They get to know her heart and she can show them where the love comes from. Now, that’s a management model worth mimicking.

Our desire is for more Christians to understand that their workplace is their mission field. Will you join us in that mission? Become a monthly partner to spread the news in cities across the Nation and start managing more like Patty.

By Martha Brangenberg

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Seek To Keep The Peace, Or BE Peace

“When we seek peace with people who don’t know peace……there is no fruit.”

For decades, people have been challenging the Biblical basis of America. If we just try to keep “peace” with them, the truth will not be known.

Did Elijah seek peace with the prophets of Baal? The status quo in Israel was going to lead to destruction, yet he challenged the false priests and put their “gods’ to the test, and Truth prevailed.

I recently read “Transforming Culture with Truth” by Len Munsil, and was reminded of Proverbs 29:2

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

If Jesus Followers rise to authority in such places as government, classrooms, media, sports, and every work place – the people will rejoice!

If we just keep the peace, the status quo, the days of our great nation are numbered. NUMBERED. Like Babylon the Great in Revelation chapter 18, we are likely to fall in one day because of our evil influence in the world. However, just like in Nineveh, if the people of this country hear the TRUTH, the real Jesus, they may repent, too.

YOUR workplace is a mission field of epic proportions. Be Peace and share the TRUTH that heals all. Let Him work through you today and let the people REJOICE.

Finding peace in your home can start by investing in your marriage. Join us Oct. 5th for our S’more than a feeling marriage retreat!!

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Why Was "Cheers" So Successful?

Imagine a place where everyone knows your name.

They care about you. Everyone is nice to you. Everything around you is being perfectly orchestrated to bring you a little happiness. I know, its sounds like Heaven or the opening to the old hit TV show "Cheers" that I've been watching lately. I believe this idea might be key to experiencing a little bit of Heaven here on Earth. Read on.

What is your workplace like for you? Do people know your name? Are they nice to you and care about your happiness? Do you know their names and welcome them into a non-judging environment?

Imagine if every person who calls themselves a Christian actually saw their workplace as more than an income stream, but a place of ministry. Imagine if every Christian saw their workplace full of hurting people who need to meet Jesus, as an opportunity to get paid to do mission work every day. If we love everyone, even the grouchiest people, and do excellent work, our workplace will be magical, almost like Heaven.

The show, “Cheers”, resonated with so many people over the years because everyone was welcome, their name was known, and they were served kindness. Love breaks down the largest barriers and bridges gaps. You do not need to quit your job in order to "Go" into ministry, all you need to do is shift your paradigm. You already are on mission and in ministry. Love the people around you in your workplace and serve them kindness. Check out the iWork4Him Nation today. It can be a great step in shifting your paradigm.

Jim

iWork4Him exists to transform the workplace of every Christian into a mission field.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!