Sunday

Something Old, Something New

Daily Reflection / Produced by Life for Leaders

Scripture — Matthew 4:12-22 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on […] The post Something Old, Something New appeared first on De Pree Center.

Read Today's Devotional ›

The High Calling

The High Calling

The High Calling is a production of the Theology of Work Project in partnership with the H. E. Butt Foundation. Here you'll discover a range of stories that help you think deeply about how your faith relates to your work and the culture you live in. Every day on this page you'll find a new devotional from Mark Roberts' Life For Leaders.

Editor's Picks

5265986141 cef426e804 b

Happy New You!

Daily Reflection

Even as we once put off our old self and put on our new self, we are to choose to live into the new each day. At times, we fall back into our...

Default article daily reflection

New Creation!

Daily Reflection

Yes, the date on the calendar is new today. But will you live as part of Christ's new creation?

16727641218 65b0b2f797 z

Resolution Rebel

re·solve [ri-zolv]: to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full. ...

5329978023 9c57fd1772 o

Transformation That Endures

So many times, our attempts at making resolutions have their roots in a belief that the person God created us to be is not enough.

Default image

God’s Grammar for the New Year

Somebody—probably a preacher—has said, "Don't put a period where God only puts a comma." ...

Editor's Picks

5265986141 cef426e804 b

Happy New You!

Daily Reflection

Even as we once put off our old self and put on our new self, we are to choose to live into the new each day. At times, we fall back into our...

Default article daily reflection

New Creation!

Daily Reflection

Yes, the date on the calendar is new today. But will you live as part of Christ's new creation?

16727641218 65b0b2f797 z

Resolution Rebel

re·solve [ri-zolv]: to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full. ...

5329978023 9c57fd1772 o

Transformation That Endures

So many times, our attempts at making resolutions have their roots in a belief that the person God created us to be is not enough.

Default image

God’s Grammar for the New Year

Somebody—probably a preacher—has said, "Don't put a period where God only puts a comma." ...

Seeking Jesus in Your Work

The Work of an Accountant

Scott Killen, a Charleston, South Carolina native, generates 70% of his yearly income between January and April.

Bw fence small

The Work of an Adjuster

When our policyholder backed his milk truck out of the yard, he took a bit of the farmer’s fence with him.

The Work of an Artist

I paint for the same reason I breathe.

Law

The Work of an Attorney

What could be taking the jury so long? Hadn’t we put on a solid defense? Was it really that close?

2588186224 16e1ba8f57 m1

The Work of a Bookseller

To speak of bookselling, one must first give heed to the library.

The Work of a Community Liaison

One of my joys is connecting volunteers to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The Work of a Data Analyst

It started with the numbers, but they ended up telling a story. And I was the narrator.

2656971766 5b35fc6d8c z

The Work of a Farmer

“How often in your lifetime will the farm right next to yours come up for sale? Not more than once or twice.”

Ellicia 24 Hc Jhf0u6 M unsplash

The Work of a Florist: Appreciation of Beautiful Things

An appreciation for beautiful things is a defining characteristic of a fully lived human life.

Tools

The Work of a Handyman

My days are spent helping customers cross items off of their home maintenance and repair to-do list.

4050674623 1ce1ab8caf o

The Work of Holy Artistry

Our God-crafted identity, flowing through our skills, becomes a kind of holy artistry, whether we're making art, planting a garden, or stocking shelves.

Peter Kemmer gloves square

The Work of an Illness (and the Work of a Patient)

It’s hard to admit, but I am not skilled at quieting my body and mind.

18359896891 caa45a51ed z

The Work of a Landscaper

I think of myself not so much as a landscaper, with its nuance of design and control, as one who labors to keep a kind of wild order.

The Work of a Maker

I think it is a normal human response to care deeply about those things we have invested time and energy and talent into creating.

Matilde Zacchigna sadlady square

The Work of a Nurse

For months, in the afternoons when I had a spare moment at the nurses' station or when I was driving home from work, I'd think about her. And I'd pray.

4834903417 9da1961993 m1

The Work of a Physical Therapist

For all the talk about health care ethics and codes of conduct in physical therapy school, nobody ever taught me to care.

Jovan vasiljevic rz2 L Pf Ns L3 E unsplash

The Work of a Poem

Hard work that, if done well, might ease another's tired soul—not solve anything necessarily, but perhaps unravel, unbind.

Nayanika mukherjee B Eqv Phsh7 Us unsplash 1

The Work of a Poet

"I want to be a poet," I said to the air.

3015100822 d850d36ea3 w

The Work of a Retailer

We all know Ms. Smith. As usual, she ignored the fact that I was waiting on someone else.

2827997314 cd8deda3f9 b

The Work of a Roofer

Roofing is unusually hard work. Second from the bottom on the job list ... one up from shark bait.

Tim Miller 2014 01 12 TRAQ Hares and Hounds 2745 480x300

The Work of a Sports Photographer

Compared to the runner sweating, struggling to keep up with the others, it looks simple: A photographer sitting comfortably in the shade with a cold drink, taking pictures.

4468081723 9a30aa3a61 w

The Work of a Storyteller

I wanted to tell a different story than the one I’d read by hundreds of writers before me.

Seeking Jesus in Your Work

The Work of an Accountant

Scott Killen, a Charleston, South Carolina native, generates 70% of his yearly income between January and April.

Bw fence small

The Work of an Adjuster

When our policyholder backed his milk truck out of the yard, he took a bit of the farmer’s fence with him.

The Work of an Artist

I paint for the same reason I breathe.

Law

The Work of an Attorney

What could be taking the jury so long? Hadn’t we put on a solid defense? Was it really that close?

2588186224 16e1ba8f57 m1

The Work of a Bookseller

To speak of bookselling, one must first give heed to the library.

The Work of a Community Liaison

One of my joys is connecting volunteers to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The Work of a Data Analyst

It started with the numbers, but they ended up telling a story. And I was the narrator.

2656971766 5b35fc6d8c z

The Work of a Farmer

“How often in your lifetime will the farm right next to yours come up for sale? Not more than once or twice.”

Ellicia 24 Hc Jhf0u6 M unsplash

The Work of a Florist: Appreciation of Beautiful Things

An appreciation for beautiful things is a defining characteristic of a fully lived human life.

Tools

The Work of a Handyman

My days are spent helping customers cross items off of their home maintenance and repair to-do list.

4050674623 1ce1ab8caf o

The Work of Holy Artistry

Our God-crafted identity, flowing through our skills, becomes a kind of holy artistry, whether we're making art, planting a garden, or stocking shelves.

Peter Kemmer gloves square

The Work of an Illness (and the Work of a Patient)

It’s hard to admit, but I am not skilled at quieting my body and mind.

18359896891 caa45a51ed z

The Work of a Landscaper

I think of myself not so much as a landscaper, with its nuance of design and control, as one who labors to keep a kind of wild order.

The Work of a Maker

I think it is a normal human response to care deeply about those things we have invested time and energy and talent into creating.

Matilde Zacchigna sadlady square

The Work of a Nurse

For months, in the afternoons when I had a spare moment at the nurses' station or when I was driving home from work, I'd think about her. And I'd pray.

4834903417 9da1961993 m1

The Work of a Physical Therapist

For all the talk about health care ethics and codes of conduct in physical therapy school, nobody ever taught me to care.

Jovan vasiljevic rz2 L Pf Ns L3 E unsplash

The Work of a Poem

Hard work that, if done well, might ease another's tired soul—not solve anything necessarily, but perhaps unravel, unbind.

Nayanika mukherjee B Eqv Phsh7 Us unsplash 1

The Work of a Poet

"I want to be a poet," I said to the air.

3015100822 d850d36ea3 w

The Work of a Retailer

We all know Ms. Smith. As usual, she ignored the fact that I was waiting on someone else.

2827997314 cd8deda3f9 b

The Work of a Roofer

Roofing is unusually hard work. Second from the bottom on the job list ... one up from shark bait.

Tim Miller 2014 01 12 TRAQ Hares and Hounds 2745 480x300

The Work of a Sports Photographer

Compared to the runner sweating, struggling to keep up with the others, it looks simple: A photographer sitting comfortably in the shade with a cold drink, taking pictures.

4468081723 9a30aa3a61 w

The Work of a Storyteller

I wanted to tell a different story than the one I’d read by hundreds of writers before me.

Wisdom from Howard E. Butt, Jr.

7236207830 01128065a1 k

It Is Well

Horatio Spafford suffered three major traumas. His only son died of scarlet fever at age four. In the great Chicago Fire of 1871, the then-prominent businessman was destroyed financially. Soon...

Bread and butter 2485527 1280

Do You Know Who I Am?

Each person and each person's job is important—in the high calling of our daily work.

Gold watch

Between the Pink Slip and the Gold Watch

Have you changed jobs or even your profession . . . more than once? You’re not alone.

Solid foundation

Your Work Needs a Solid Foundation

When Jesus taught in his hometown, people said, "What's this wisdom that’s been given to him? Isn't this the carpenter?"

8299572716 5483ded557 z

Do Not Despair

Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic polar expedition of 1939 and ‘40 had reached Sulzberger Bay—farther than any previous South Pole venture—when its small wooden ship, the U.S.S. Bear, became ice...

6195812672 e2de8e36a1 b

Let the Rain Fall

Ever notice that problems tend to bother those people least who prepare the most?

72845

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Howard E. Butt, Jr.

Remembering the life, work, and ministry of Howard E. Butt, Jr., who died Saturday, September 11, 2016.

Default article daily reflection

Reflections on Servant Leadership from Howard E. Butt, Jr.

Daily Reflection

“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader...

Default image

Interview with Howard Butt: Who Can You Trust?

In Who Can You Trust? you write that the basis of all trust is the trustworthiness of God. In such a violent...

Wisdom from Howard E. Butt, Jr.

7236207830 01128065a1 k

It Is Well

Horatio Spafford suffered three major traumas. His only son died of scarlet fever at age four. In the great Chicago Fire of 1871, the then-prominent businessman was destroyed financially. Soon...

Bread and butter 2485527 1280

Do You Know Who I Am?

Each person and each person's job is important—in the high calling of our daily work.

Gold watch

Between the Pink Slip and the Gold Watch

Have you changed jobs or even your profession . . . more than once? You’re not alone.

Solid foundation

Your Work Needs a Solid Foundation

When Jesus taught in his hometown, people said, "What's this wisdom that’s been given to him? Isn't this the carpenter?"

8299572716 5483ded557 z

Do Not Despair

Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic polar expedition of 1939 and ‘40 had reached Sulzberger Bay—farther than any previous South Pole venture—when its small wooden ship, the U.S.S. Bear, became ice...

6195812672 e2de8e36a1 b

Let the Rain Fall

Ever notice that problems tend to bother those people least who prepare the most?

72845

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Howard E. Butt, Jr.

Remembering the life, work, and ministry of Howard E. Butt, Jr., who died Saturday, September 11, 2016.

Default article daily reflection

Reflections on Servant Leadership from Howard E. Butt, Jr.

Daily Reflection

“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader...

Default image

Interview with Howard Butt: Who Can You Trust?

In Who Can You Trust? you write that the basis of all trust is the trustworthiness of God. In such a violent...

Everything Matters: Life, Work, and Culture

Vision postimage

Everything Matters: Creating a High Calling Culture

I need your help with a bit of culture creation . . . but first, let me give you some background. ...

Bookmark post image

Everything Matters: Book Publicity as a Cultural Act

I entered the publishing world through the marketing department—a fact I often felt the need to justify when I told friends, family...

Easter postimage

Everything Matters: Easter as a Cultural Act

Joey is new to church and Jesus has become one of his favorite superheroes. Recently, he asked, “Did Jesus have brown skin...

Editing postimage

Everything Matters: Editing as a Cultural Act

I am a professional back-seat driver. I sit in my lofty position and decide the fate of hundreds of writers a year...

Featured

Everything Matters: From Rusted Chevy to Chrome-Plated Couch

Some cultural artifacts—like stories and art—seem to live forever, as successive generations learn to love them. Other works, like most of the...

Beater image

Everything Matters: Hospitality as a Cultural Act

Eating together matters. When we ask people to join us in this deeply human ritual, it can be accompanied by blessing without...

Living Alone Sized for Posting

Everything Matters: Living Alone as a Cultural Act

At my age, most people I meet assume I am married with kids. When I tell them I am not, they look...

Data postimage

Everything Matters: Managing Operations as a Cultural Act

As operations manager at a small investment advisory firm, I help identify and execute changes. I minimize the upheaval and magnify the...

5129374697 79e1e7808d z

Everything Matters: Playing Video Games as a Cultural Act

One of the great values of video games is play. God has built for us a remarkable playground in creation and set...

Pens pr

Everything Matters: Public Relations as a Cultural Act

My rules are simple, and my rules have come from 38 years of learning, sometimes painful learning, on the job.

Reading postimage

Everything Matters: Reading as a Cultural Act

Writing is obviously a cultural act with its new phrases and new ideas, but reading? Is the poster true? Can the act...

Teaching post image

Everything Matters: Teaching as a Cultural Act

As a teacher, I help students become what God intended them to be as His image and likeness: culture-makers!

Llama post

Everything Matters: Travel as a Cultural Act

Travel broadens our awareness; it shatters the glass boxes that hold our preconceptions—revealing just how small they were only after new experiences...

Everything Matters: Life, Work, and Culture

Vision postimage

Everything Matters: Creating a High Calling Culture

I need your help with a bit of culture creation . . . but first, let me give you some background. ...

Bookmark post image

Everything Matters: Book Publicity as a Cultural Act

I entered the publishing world through the marketing department—a fact I often felt the need to justify when I told friends, family...

Easter postimage

Everything Matters: Easter as a Cultural Act

Joey is new to church and Jesus has become one of his favorite superheroes. Recently, he asked, “Did Jesus have brown skin...

Editing postimage

Everything Matters: Editing as a Cultural Act

I am a professional back-seat driver. I sit in my lofty position and decide the fate of hundreds of writers a year...

Featured

Everything Matters: From Rusted Chevy to Chrome-Plated Couch

Some cultural artifacts—like stories and art—seem to live forever, as successive generations learn to love them. Other works, like most of the...

Beater image

Everything Matters: Hospitality as a Cultural Act

Eating together matters. When we ask people to join us in this deeply human ritual, it can be accompanied by blessing without...

Living Alone Sized for Posting

Everything Matters: Living Alone as a Cultural Act

At my age, most people I meet assume I am married with kids. When I tell them I am not, they look...

Data postimage

Everything Matters: Managing Operations as a Cultural Act

As operations manager at a small investment advisory firm, I help identify and execute changes. I minimize the upheaval and magnify the...

5129374697 79e1e7808d z

Everything Matters: Playing Video Games as a Cultural Act

One of the great values of video games is play. God has built for us a remarkable playground in creation and set...

Pens pr

Everything Matters: Public Relations as a Cultural Act

My rules are simple, and my rules have come from 38 years of learning, sometimes painful learning, on the job.

Reading postimage

Everything Matters: Reading as a Cultural Act

Writing is obviously a cultural act with its new phrases and new ideas, but reading? Is the poster true? Can the act...

Teaching post image

Everything Matters: Teaching as a Cultural Act

As a teacher, I help students become what God intended them to be as His image and likeness: culture-makers!

Llama post

Everything Matters: Travel as a Cultural Act

Travel broadens our awareness; it shatters the glass boxes that hold our preconceptions—revealing just how small they were only after new experiences...

60 Seconds to Significance

Tod bolsinger thc

How Do You Define Leadership? - Tod Bolsinger

If you don’t have to grow, it’s not leadership.

Kimberlysitting

“Does My Work Honor God?” - Contractor Kimberly Renner

Kimberly Renner discusses honoring God through her construction work, by doing good work and treating people well.

Screenshot 2017 11 17 10 01 18

“Who Has Impacted You as a Leader?” — Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes, Executive Director of Families Empowered, looks for leaders who excel both professionally and personally.

Screen Shot 2015 03 24 at 8 30 09 PM

“How Does Your Work Serve Others?” - Leigh McLeroy

How can we think differently about the ways that our work impacts our communities?

Crouch01

“Does My Career Matter to God?” - Andy Crouch

For Christians, everything matters, because we believe that God is at work in our world...and in our lives.

“Are We Called by God to Our Jobs?” - JB Wood

“Are We Called by God to Our Jobs?” - JB Wood

Faith doesn't always provide us with a simple, five-step path to the job of our dreams. What it does provide us is...

Screen Shot 2015 03 24 at 7 13 01 PM

“Can Day-to-Day Work Be Holy?” - Norm Goodyear

We may be carrying something priceless without even realizing it!

Jennywhite integrate

“How Important Is Mentoring?” - Jenny White

Behind every successful person is a teacher, a coach, a mentor—someone who inspired, challenged, and instructed. Everyone needs guidance at some point...

Bruner

“What Is the Role of Prayer in Our Daily Life and Work?” - Dale Bruner

"Prayer should be brief, frequent, and intense."

60 Seconds to Significance

Tod bolsinger thc

How Do You Define Leadership? - Tod Bolsinger

If you don’t have to grow, it’s not leadership.

Kimberlysitting

“Does My Work Honor God?” - Contractor Kimberly Renner

Kimberly Renner discusses honoring God through her construction work, by doing good work and treating people well.

Screenshot 2017 11 17 10 01 18

“Who Has Impacted You as a Leader?” — Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes, Executive Director of Families Empowered, looks for leaders who excel both professionally and personally.

Screen Shot 2015 03 24 at 8 30 09 PM

“How Does Your Work Serve Others?” - Leigh McLeroy

How can we think differently about the ways that our work impacts our communities?

Crouch01

“Does My Career Matter to God?” - Andy Crouch

For Christians, everything matters, because we believe that God is at work in our world...and in our lives.

“Are We Called by God to Our Jobs?” - JB Wood

“Are We Called by God to Our Jobs?” - JB Wood

Faith doesn't always provide us with a simple, five-step path to the job of our dreams. What it does provide us is...

Screen Shot 2015 03 24 at 7 13 01 PM

“Can Day-to-Day Work Be Holy?” - Norm Goodyear

We may be carrying something priceless without even realizing it!

Jennywhite integrate

“How Important Is Mentoring?” - Jenny White

Behind every successful person is a teacher, a coach, a mentor—someone who inspired, challenged, and instructed. Everyone needs guidance at some point...

Bruner

“What Is the Role of Prayer in Our Daily Life and Work?” - Dale Bruner

"Prayer should be brief, frequent, and intense."