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

By John Clunan

Most of us spend the majority of our time on this earth at home, school, and the workplace. If you’re in school, you may also be spending time on any number of extracurricular activities, and if you’re 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, we’re all busy, and in some cases we feel like you’re 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 that’s not necessarily the case because we’re 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, there’s only one best option, and that’s God’s Word. I want to point you to God’s 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, I’ve intentionally chosen to address one important topic each week. I’ve done this because I want you to have the opportunity during the week to reflect upon and apply the Biblical concepts of God’s Word. This will allow God’s 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 that’s pleasing to God. I’ve 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. There’s 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. It’s my heart’s 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 God’s Holy Word, you’ll grow in your knowledge and your love for Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Oct 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781595558718

John Clunan

John Clunan is a husband, father, and grandfather who lives in Huntsville, AL. Following a 29-year career working in sales and marketing for major corporations, he’s spent the last three years writing devotional tracks on a volunteer basis for the Back to the Bible organization and his local church. His passion is to point people to God’s Word, demonstrating that it's the best resource for addressing the myriad issues and concerns that are common to everyone.

Book preview

WEEK 1

ACCEPTANCE

Most of us have a desire to fit in or be accepted by our peers, and this is particularly true during our teenage years. But it’s difficult because of all the various cliques. So what do we do? We try to impress others so they’ll accept us, perhaps putting on a façade rather than being true to ourselves. Or perhaps we take on a lone-wolf mentality, telling ourselves that we don’t need to belong. But neither of these solutions is healthy, right?

Don’t 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.

MATTHEW 11:28–30 (NIV)

So, if you’re already a Christian, cast your concerns on the Lord and stop stressing about fitting in, because you’ve already been accepted by Him. If Jesus isn’t your Lord and Savior, accept His invitation and find the rest and peace that you can’t 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

ATTITUDE

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.

HEBREWS 4:12 (NIV)

It’s common for us to pay attention to the tone, facial expressions, and body language of someone when they’re 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 we’re thoroughly equipped for every good work. So today and every day, let’s make it a point to abide in God’s 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 it’s pleasing to the Lord.

Journal

[Your Response Here]

WEEK 3

BETRAYAL

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? Have you ever betrayed anyone? It certainly hurts either way, doesn’t it? So how did you handle the hurt that you felt or the hurt that you caused?

Let’s take a look at some practical advice from Scripture:

Do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.

Proverbs 25:9b–10 (NIV)

So forgive the one who’s betrayed your confidence and be careful not to share something in confidence with someone who can’t be trusted. Likewise, don’t share what’s been told to you in confidence, because your reputation is at stake.

Application

This week, reflect upon the concept of betrayal and specifically how you can avoid betraying someone. If you’ve betrayed someone, make a point to approach them and ask for forgiveness. If you’ve been betrayed, offer the person forgiveness because the Lord has forgiven you of your sins. You may not feel like doing this, so pray to the Lord for strength, for it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can