God’s Plan for Productivity, Plus Four Things to Know This Week; August 8, 2024

A Word to the Wise – In a Day’s Work: God’s Plan for Productivity, by Reagan Rose:
​https://redeemingproductivity.com/in-a-days-work-gods-pattern-for-productivity/
 
Even though work is cursed (Genesis 3), there is still a satisfaction we can draw from work that mimics the way God worked in creation: choosing one thing, working it to completion, and then taking the time to stand back and admire the work and give gratitude to God for it.

When we complete things, we feel productive. 
 
The Four D’s of a Productive Day

1. Decide: At the start of the day, decide what the big thing is you’re going to work on. This gives you time to pray and commit your plans to the Lord.
2. Defend: Defend your choice from distractions throughout the day. Interruptions will hit you from all sides, but be determined to make your chosen task the priority. (This step is necessary for us and wasn’t for God because of the curse).
3. Discharge: Before the end of the day, see that the project is completed.
4. Delight: At the end of the day, take the time to look back at what you’ve completed and appreciate it. Give thanks to God for a good day’s work.

 
By deciding, defending, discharging, and delighting, we can have more satisfying days and better imitate how God worked during the days of creation. This pattern of work can lead to a more productive and fulfilling workday.
 

Here are Four Things to Know this Week:

1. First-Person: Hope Still Shines Through, Even for Dying Churches (Mark Clifton)
2. Olympic Gold to Missionary Sacrifice: Eric Liddell’s Legacy at 100
3. 7 Questions Pastors Should Ask Before Leaving a Church (Dan Reiland)
4. Why John Owen and Richard Baxter Didn’t Like Each Other (and lessons for us)

  
 To the praise of His glory,
 
   Ray