Week 5

NO MORE OFFICE NIGHTMARES (Part 1)

By Sandra Clifton, D.Min.

 

Begin your study by reading “No More Office Nightmares” by T.D. Jakes (SpiritLed Woman magazine, Dec/Jan 2007).

 

Introduction

If you let it, the workplace can bring you unrest and disappointments, especially if you carry unrealistic expectations and neediness to be approved by others. However, if you turn to God and His love and approval, His peace and love will carry you through your day! His Word confirms this and will help you greatly.

 

What God Says

Read 1 Sam. 16:14-23.

 

Write it out: Take key Scripture passages from the above selection and write them out, then contemplate on what they mean to you and your life.

 

Deeper Insight

Read the following Scriptures (in New King James Version, as the exercises to follow will be based on that). Make brief notes of how each passage reminds you of God’s love can “carry” with you through your day and dealings with others.

 

Is. 26:3: ______________________________________________________

 

2 Thess. 3:13: __________________________________________________

 

1 John 4:4: ____________________________________________________

 

3 John 2:  _____________________________________________________

Application

Below are Scriptures (NKJV) taken from the previous Deeper Insight section. Fill in the blanks with the missing words, then look them up and see how you did. Write them out and memorize them. This will strengthen you, as you affirm that the Lord and His love are with you in all of your relationships at the office (and personal).

 

Is. 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect _____, whose _____ is stayed on ____, because he trusts in You.”

 

2 Thess. 3:13:”But as for you, brethren, do not grow _____in doing ______.”

 

1 John 4:4: “You are of ___, little children, and have ______ them, because He who is in you is _________ than he who is in the ____.”

 

For Group Study

Begin your group time by reading aloud 1 John 4:4, and then have the group members take turns sharing how this truth has been evident in their lives. Also have them take turns sharing examples of situations where God is stronger than “he who is in the world” and how these examples can be used in witnessing to others.

            End the meeting by taking prayer requests focused on office concerns (and the people behind them). Pray blessings and favor upon those who work with people and for promotions, raises, and the peace of God to reign in all situations.

 

Prayer:

Read aloud as part of your prayer Is. 26:3, and thank the Lord that He will keep you in perfect peace in all that you do at work and in all of your work-related situations with people. Pray that He grant you favor and protection and empowerment to be His vessel of kindness and Christ-likeness that all may see Jesus through you.