Thursday, 2 April 2015
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Verse of the Day
Romans 10:17
17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is
heard through the word of Christ.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Verse of the Day
Genesis 15:6
6
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
The Secret to David Green's Successful 'Hobby'
TULSA, Okla. -- Billionaire David Green has closely
followed Biblical principles over the years. In 1972, the founder and
CEO of the arts and crafts chain, Hobby Lobby, started the business with just $600.
From the company's humble beginnings in an Oklahoma
City living room, Green now oversees close to 20,000 employees and 457
stores in 39 states.
He was number 136 on Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans published late in 2010, with a net worth of just over $2.5 billion.
He was number 136 on Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans published late in 2010, with a net worth of just over $2.5 billion.
Hobby's Ministry
The journey to that amount was draining at times,
involving battles with pride and debt. But a humble and grateful Green
emerged from the trials, giving all the credit to God.
"God has just blown us off the map, and we know that we give God the glory," Green told an audience at a luncheon in Tulsa, fighting back the tears.
Only a portion of the West Coast and New England are without the arts and crafts chain. However, Green said Hobby Lobby stores are on the way, with one expected to open in California in January, to be followed by stores in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
"There are so many decisions that we have to make that we just can't make without God, the Holy Spirit guiding us. And it has been very important for us, our family, to lean on the Holy Spirit," Green shared with CBN News.
"For him, it was always a ministry," said David's son, Mart Green, who is also a highly successful businessman.
"God has just blown us off the map, and we know that we give God the glory," Green told an audience at a luncheon in Tulsa, fighting back the tears.
Only a portion of the West Coast and New England are without the arts and crafts chain. However, Green said Hobby Lobby stores are on the way, with one expected to open in California in January, to be followed by stores in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
"There are so many decisions that we have to make that we just can't make without God, the Holy Spirit guiding us. And it has been very important for us, our family, to lean on the Holy Spirit," Green shared with CBN News.
"For him, it was always a ministry," said David's son, Mart Green, who is also a highly successful businessman.
"He couldn't be a preacher, and Grandma wanted six
preachers, and he wished he could have been a preacher, but that wasn't
his calling," he explained. "So he had to go where his gifting was, and
he just, he loved the retail business."
Real Giving
Green built his business on Biblical principles.
"We try to do as much as we can, especially as we have rid ourselves of any debt," Green explained. "We've always tithed. That's something that we always have been taught, but we've also been taught that that's not giving. Giving is above what we owe God, and that is our tithes."
More profits mean more funds to give away. Green and his family have given millions to Christian causes and education. Their generous donations have benefited Liberty University in Virginia, rescued Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, and will enable C.S. Lewis College to open in Massachusetts.
Green built his business on Biblical principles.
"We try to do as much as we can, especially as we have rid ourselves of any debt," Green explained. "We've always tithed. That's something that we always have been taught, but we've also been taught that that's not giving. Giving is above what we owe God, and that is our tithes."
More profits mean more funds to give away. Green and his family have given millions to Christian causes and education. Their generous donations have benefited Liberty University in Virginia, rescued Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, and will enable C.S. Lewis College to open in Massachusetts.
Green's latest charitable endeavor involves purchasing Christian artifacts and ancient Bibles for a national Bible museum.
Caring for Employees
However, the CEO hasn't forgotten those who help keep Hobby Lobby stores running and the customers happy. In 2010, the company raised the minimum wage for full-time employees to $11 per hour -- 52 percent above the federal minimum wage.
However, the CEO hasn't forgotten those who help keep Hobby Lobby stores running and the customers happy. In 2010, the company raised the minimum wage for full-time employees to $11 per hour -- 52 percent above the federal minimum wage.
Green said raising wages is a way to reward employees for the company's success.
Another way that Green takes care of his employees is by limiting the number of hours that the store stays open in the evenings. Monday through Saturday, it's only open until 8 p.m. Hobby Lobby is also closed on Sundays to allow time for family and worship.
"It kind of frightened us when we knew God was speaking to us about closing on Sunday, because it is per hour, the busiest day of the week. But we knew God wanted us to close," Green said, adding that the move has not hurt the company's bottom line.
Another way that Green takes care of his employees is by limiting the number of hours that the store stays open in the evenings. Monday through Saturday, it's only open until 8 p.m. Hobby Lobby is also closed on Sundays to allow time for family and worship.
"It kind of frightened us when we knew God was speaking to us about closing on Sunday, because it is per hour, the busiest day of the week. But we knew God wanted us to close," Green said, adding that the move has not hurt the company's bottom line.
Blessing in a Tough Economy
Green said there are no other companies the size of Hobby Lobby that are open only 66 hours a week. Yet, even in these tough economic times, the business is flourishing. He said same-store sales rose 6 percent in 2009, and the company's overall revenue was up 10 percent.
Green said there are no other companies the size of Hobby Lobby that are open only 66 hours a week. Yet, even in these tough economic times, the business is flourishing. He said same-store sales rose 6 percent in 2009, and the company's overall revenue was up 10 percent.
"Our businesses have done really well, even in these
hard times," Green told CBN News. "Last year, we had a nice increase,
even in our same stores. This year we're above that."
"So I know God is in this," he said. "And He is
blessing us, and I think just as important as our giving is our hearts
and that we do have clean hands and a pure heart in our work. And this
is what God would require of us."
Sharing the Gospel
Sharing the Gospel
Green and his family are not just financial givers.
They strive to help meet the spiritual needs of their employees as well.
Three Hobby Lobby chaplains minister to workers.
Green said hundreds of employees have given their hearts to Jesus Christ, including more than a dozen managers this year alone.
"We prayed a prayer with them, and we did have 15 managers come to know Christ in the business place," he shared.
Sharing the Gospel, Green says, is the driving force behind his quest for success in the marketplace. In fact, that's how he wants to be remembered.
"I would like to know that we have brought as many people to know Christ as we possibly can," Green said. "We hope to continue to just grow our company. As long as there's someone on this earth that doesn't know Jesus Christ, we have a job to do."
Green said hundreds of employees have given their hearts to Jesus Christ, including more than a dozen managers this year alone.
"We prayed a prayer with them, and we did have 15 managers come to know Christ in the business place," he shared.
Sharing the Gospel, Green says, is the driving force behind his quest for success in the marketplace. In fact, that's how he wants to be remembered.
"I would like to know that we have brought as many people to know Christ as we possibly can," Green said. "We hope to continue to just grow our company. As long as there's someone on this earth that doesn't know Jesus Christ, we have a job to do."
*Original broadcast Nov. 6, 2010.
Monday, 30 March 2015
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Foundation For a Stable Family
Hello Reader,
With joy and gladness I welcome you to this edition of Family Success. In this third month of the year of Heaven On Earth, I shall be teaching on The Foundation for a Stable Family. In our Christian journey, a call to a constant examination of our foundation is a major prerequisite and cannot be over emphasized.
Instability is one of the circumstances facing the average family around the world today. It has ravaged many homes causing separation, infidelity, sorrow and non-fulfillment. The good news is that there is a solution to this instability in families. You don’t have to go through any of those heart-shaking experiences; in fact your family can become so stable that you will not be aware that others are collapsing. For you to have a stable family, you need a solid foundation. That is why today I shall be examining: Laying A Solid Foundation.
The foundation of a house is what determines how stable and strong the building will be. The Word of God says: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). There is nothing anyone can do if the foundation of a building be destroyed. So, also, if the foundation of your family life be destroyed, every other part will be faulty.
The foundation for securing a stable family is in your personal relationship with God. You need a personal encounter with God. God is the Author of marriage. He is the One who founded the family. So, the starting point is, your relationship with the Almighty Father will affect and determine your relationship in your marriage. How vital and strong the quality of your relationship with your heavenly Father is, will determine the quality of the relationship in your family.
God is the only source of true and lasting relationship. When you allow God to enter into your ship, your ship will never sink. As singles, I want you to know that it is the will and intention of God for you to enjoy a sweet home but it is very important to know that, your true and lasting satisfaction, joy and fulfillment in life is rooted in your relationship with the Almighty God. A good understanding of this will help you to walk in life with confidence.
I want you to know that your spouse is not your source of joy. God is the only source of joy. If you understand this, you will be ready to walk by the Word of God, to secure stability in your home. If you know this, that God is the only source of joy, happiness and contentment in the family, you will know that changing spouse like changing clothes is not the solution to your contentment in the family. Looking for the latest models in town will never bring you contentment. God is the source!
Your problem today may be, ‘Oh! My husband is not good, I will look for another one. My wife is not good, I will get a better one.’ May be you are even contemplating of divorce, as you are reading this material right now, the light of God will come on you and God will restore dignity back to your marriage. Stop that divorce plan; divorce is not the solution. It is your relationship with God that makes all the difference and you will make progress in your family life. Whatever has caused you heartache and tears before, your relationship with God will cause a change and you shall have stability in your family.
Family stability is a possibility, but it is not a gift, you have a responsibility. Bishop David Oyedepo, whom I am privileged to be married to, said: “Faith that makes God absolutely responsible for the events of your life is an irresponsible faith”. You have a part to play!
You need to be born again to have a relationship with God that Father, Who founded the family. God is the only true source of joy. Allow God to come into your life so you can have a relationship with God. You can say this prayer of faith:
“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores:
With joy and gladness I welcome you to this edition of Family Success. In this third month of the year of Heaven On Earth, I shall be teaching on The Foundation for a Stable Family. In our Christian journey, a call to a constant examination of our foundation is a major prerequisite and cannot be over emphasized.
Instability is one of the circumstances facing the average family around the world today. It has ravaged many homes causing separation, infidelity, sorrow and non-fulfillment. The good news is that there is a solution to this instability in families. You don’t have to go through any of those heart-shaking experiences; in fact your family can become so stable that you will not be aware that others are collapsing. For you to have a stable family, you need a solid foundation. That is why today I shall be examining: Laying A Solid Foundation.
The foundation of a house is what determines how stable and strong the building will be. The Word of God says: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). There is nothing anyone can do if the foundation of a building be destroyed. So, also, if the foundation of your family life be destroyed, every other part will be faulty.
The foundation for securing a stable family is in your personal relationship with God. You need a personal encounter with God. God is the Author of marriage. He is the One who founded the family. So, the starting point is, your relationship with the Almighty Father will affect and determine your relationship in your marriage. How vital and strong the quality of your relationship with your heavenly Father is, will determine the quality of the relationship in your family.
God is the only source of true and lasting relationship. When you allow God to enter into your ship, your ship will never sink. As singles, I want you to know that it is the will and intention of God for you to enjoy a sweet home but it is very important to know that, your true and lasting satisfaction, joy and fulfillment in life is rooted in your relationship with the Almighty God. A good understanding of this will help you to walk in life with confidence.
I want you to know that your spouse is not your source of joy. God is the only source of joy. If you understand this, you will be ready to walk by the Word of God, to secure stability in your home. If you know this, that God is the only source of joy, happiness and contentment in the family, you will know that changing spouse like changing clothes is not the solution to your contentment in the family. Looking for the latest models in town will never bring you contentment. God is the source!
Your problem today may be, ‘Oh! My husband is not good, I will look for another one. My wife is not good, I will get a better one.’ May be you are even contemplating of divorce, as you are reading this material right now, the light of God will come on you and God will restore dignity back to your marriage. Stop that divorce plan; divorce is not the solution. It is your relationship with God that makes all the difference and you will make progress in your family life. Whatever has caused you heartache and tears before, your relationship with God will cause a change and you shall have stability in your family.
Family stability is a possibility, but it is not a gift, you have a responsibility. Bishop David Oyedepo, whom I am privileged to be married to, said: “Faith that makes God absolutely responsible for the events of your life is an irresponsible faith”. You have a part to play!
You need to be born again to have a relationship with God that Father, Who founded the family. God is the only true source of joy. Allow God to come into your life so you can have a relationship with God. You can say this prayer of faith:
“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores:
- Marriage Covenant
- Making Marriage Work
- Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
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