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

B IBLICAL P RINCIPLES FOR THE H OME , S CHOOL , AND W ORKPLACE

B IBLICAL P RINCIPLES FOR THE H OME , S CHOOL , AND W ORKPLACE

A 52-Week Devotional Study Covering Topics from AZ

John Clunan

2018 John Clunan

Biblical Principles for the Home, School, and Workplace

A 52-Week Devotional Study Covering Topics from AZ

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018949967

ISBN 978-1-595558381 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-595558664 (Hardbound)

ISBN 978-1-595558718 (eBook)

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M ost of us spend the majority of our time on this earth at home, school, and the workplace. If youre in school, you may also be spending time on any number of extracurricular activities, and if youre 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, were all busy, and in some cases we feel like were 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 thats not necessarily the case because were 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, theres only one best option, and thats Gods Word. I want to point you to Gods 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, Ive intentionally chosen to address one important topic each week. Ive done this because I want you to have the opportunity during the week to reflect upon and apply the Biblical concepts of Gods Word. This will allow Gods 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 thats pleasing to God. Ive 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. Theres 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.

Its my hearts 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 Gods Holy Word, youll grow in your knowledge and your love for Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

C ONTENTS

WEEK 1

M ost of us have a desire to fit in or be accepted by our peers, and this is particularly true during our teenage years. But its difficult because of all the various cliques. So what do we do? We try to impress others so theyll accept us, perhaps putting on a faade rather than being true to ourselves. Or perhaps we take on a lone-wolf mentality, telling ourselves that we dont need to belong. But neither of these solutions is healthy, right?

Dont 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.

M ATTHEW 11:2830 (NIV)

So, if youre already a Christian, cast your concerns on the Lord and stop stressing about fitting in, because youve already been accepted by Him. If Jesus isnt your Lord and Savior, accept His invitation and find the rest and peace that you cant 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

[Your Response Here]

WEEK 2

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.

H EBREWS 4:12 (NIV)

I ts common for us to pay attention to the tone, facial expressions, and body language of someone when theyre 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 were thoroughly equipped for every good work. So today and every day, lets make it a point to abide in Gods 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 its pleasing to the Lord.

Journal

[Your Response Here]

WEEK 3

H ave you ever been betrayed by a friend? Have you ever betrayed anyone? It certainly hurts either way, doesnt it? So how did you handle the hurt that you felt or the hurt that you caused?