A guy writing on (in)courage… kind of strange and a little awkward.
That’s likely what you’re thinking and that’s certainly what I was thinking when Holley suggested I write this post.
But as I considered the idea, I started to get excited about the opportunity to share the heart of DaySpring, the company behind (in)courage.
My personal relationship with God and understanding of His heart really began to grow while I was in college. As I started to study the Bible, my life was turned upside down by this God that loved me enough to send His son Jesus to earth to suffer, die, and defeat death for me. I was blown away by His love and the fact that He calls me His son and has a plan for my life.
During this time, I realized that a life devoted to anything except Him and His glory would fall short of the purpose I was created for. My heart’s desire became to see His name lifted up in every tribe, tongue and nation. I knew God had called me to ministry and I quickly began to look into seminary as a next step in that direction.
I originally went to college to get my business degree because I’ve always enjoyed marketing and I felt strongly that God had given me a natural inclination toward business; but I never really understood why.
As I planned out my future at seminary and in ministry, I had one ever-present question in my mind: “Why did God give me a passion for business if it wasn’t a part of His plan for my life?” I wrestled with this question for several months.
Thankfully, through prayer and various circumstances, God began to show me that He was intentional in giving me a love for business and that He planned to use it as an essential part of my ministry. In incredible ways, God started to reveal to me that business could be a very effective and valuable way to do missions and ministry. I won’t go into detail about that here, but this topic of “Business as Missions” or “Kingdom Business” is what I write about on my blog, and I believe there is an exciting movement happening around this concept in the church today.
With college graduation and my wedding coming quickly, I found myself on my knees telling God “If you want me to do this Business as Missions thing, you’re going to have to provide an opportunity, and fast.”
He was faithful, as always, to provide something better than I could have imagined myself.
As I interviewed at DaySpring, I was amazed at the heart of the company. The product, halls and offices were all covered with scripture. The people and the culture were unlike anything I had experienced. But more than anything, the mission and vision of the company captivated me.
Written on the wall in one of our conference rooms is a quote from our president James Barnett that says “Our motivation is ministry, our method is business, our message is Jesus”.
This quote sums up my personal calling and that of DaySpring as a company.
DaySpring was founded by pastors who were called to use business as a method for ministry and it’s an honor to work for a company that is still doing that 40 years later.
My role as the Internet Marketing Manager has given me the privilege to work alongside many of you on product reviews & giveaways, through our affiliate program and at conferences like Relevant and Blissdom. Today I want to invite the whole community, if you haven’t already, to partner with us in our ministry and our business. We love working together with bloggers and others online to help people share their heart and God’s love.
We’ve seen God do amazing things through this (in)courage community and I’m excited to see what He has in store for the future!
If you are interested in partnering with DaySpring or (in)courage, sign up below and let us know…
{if you can’t see the form below, click here}
Thanks to all of you that partner with us already… and if you’re new to (in)courage or don’t know much about DaySpring – Welcome! Here are some links to learn more:
- Did you know you make a difference?
- Read today’s Guest Post
- More from Kristen on Bloom
- Connect with DaySpring on Facebook & Twitter
If you have any questions for me or others from DaySpring or (in)courage, feel free to post them in the comments!
By Jesse Lane, DaySpring
Leave a Comment
Christin says
Hi Jesse!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am absolutely elated to sign up!! This is by far my favorite company to work with, not only because the products are amazing, but so are all of you guys. DaySpring/(In)Courage has lived up to their motto of sharing their heart and God’s love. :O)
Jesse Lane says
Thanks Christin… We’ve loved partnering with you over at Joyful Mothering! You always go over and above the expectation and write amazing, Christ-filled, posts!
Thanks for your kind words this morning and for partnering with us… we are blessed to work with you.
Our Method is Business, Our Message is Jesus. « kingdom commerce :: biblical business for God's glory says
[…] I have the privilege of posting on (in)courage, one of DaySpring's blogs. I work on (in)courage every day from behind the scenes and pray over […]
Holley Gerth says
I never get tired of hearing this story and DaySpring’s heart! As someone who has partnered with them for almost 15 years, I can say they’re the real deal. Thanks for letting your words hang out with the girls today, Jesse!
Jeri says
It was so intuitive of you to have Jesse share with us. I’ve benefitted hugely today 😀 Thanks Holley.
Jennifer says
Jesse… I love hearing your story! What an amazing journey bringing your passion and His plan for you together. I love how you said, “He was faithful, as always, to provide something better than I could have imagined myself.” Isn’t that always the case!
Jesse Lane says
Yep. He’s always faithful, yet I often don’t fully trust Him. Maybe some day I’ll learn…
Katie @ Imperfect People says
What a great opportunity! Thanks Jesse! Great to hear your story too!
Amy (One Day Closer) says
Thank you for sharing the heart behind Dayspring.
It is so encouraging to see that the area of business is not abandoned! I love hearing how God is moving in our culture, and it is so refreshing to see this company boldly stepping out!
Thank you for helping me to pray more specifically for this business, and for sharing your heart so bravely in a room full of women! ;o)
Jesse Lane says
Thank you for praying for DaySpring! We pray for you, the readers of (in)courage and all DaySpring consumers on a regular basis.
thanks for welcoming me here…
Jan Udlock says
Holley, Good call! Jesse needed to share his heart with the community.
I’m relatively new to Incourage and love DaySpring cards. I’m a big card sender to my mama friends. And now I know why I love ’em.
Thanks for sharing.
kim says
Sometimes I think if my days at DaySpring get any fuller with joy, I may have to start paying them to work here!
While nothing is ever perfect, I wholeheartedly agree with Jesse, this is one amazing place to do business, to minister, and to worship.
I am thankful everyday to work here and to work with ‘the cool kids’ like Jesse.
BTW-Jesse is the real deal-he lives out what he believes and it is contagious!!
Jesse Lane says
thanks for being such an encourager Kim and for chiming in… 🙂
Lisa-Jo says
A to the Men! Jesse really gets social media, this community and most importantly, Jesus. We are so grateful to have him as one of the hearts behind (in)courage!
Linda M. says
Jesse, thanks for posting today. I had to scroll to the bottom before I read it as I needed to see which one of you guys had written for (in)courage . 🙂 I’ve been blessed in partnering with DaySpring in both business and ministry. Like you, I love seeing all the scripture and inspiration DaySpring has on their walls. My life has been enriched in my interactions with Roy, James, the editorial department, as well as customer service. DaySpring has definitely impacted my life and I am richer for it. Thanks for sharing your vision here today. Partnering with you to share one’s heart and God’s love. The anointing and blessing of the Lord rest over all of you!
Jesse Lane says
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment… it’s a special place and I’m blessed to be here and know James, Roy and others that God has used in so many ways.
Thank you!
Jessica Turner @ The Mom Creative says
I love working with you Jesse! Thank you for all you do.
Why Online Dating is So Popular says
[…] Our Method is Business, Our Message is Jesus. […]
Kalyn says
This post was so encouraging to me. I am a business/marketing graduate of almost 2 years and still have yet to find that job intertwining both business and missions. It’s been pretty discouraging, but every day I still wake up with a desire to use my business degree for the Lord. I am definitely going to check out your blog! Thanks!
Jesse Lane says
Thanks Kalyn. My advice is always the same, pray, pray, pray.
Then you can trust that your life is in His hands and that’s a good place to be.
Jeri says
Such an amazing testimony. I love life-words and God-dreams stories come true. Woohoo!!!
Mel @ Trailing After God says
It’s so nice to see a company whose heart matches my own beliefs and desires to see glory brought to the Kingdom! What a wonderful testimony! God puts desires in each of our hearts that He plans to fulfill. Encouraging!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
Dawn Camp says
Yay, Jesse! I love hearing more about you and how you came to DaySpring. You’re wonderful to work with, but I’ve decided that everyone at DaySpring is fabulous. 🙂
Debbie says
Wow! What an awesome testimony!! You are truly living out God’s plan for your life in a huge way!! I thank God every day that he has chosen you for the business that allows you to share your passion for Jesus and for people in every walk of life!! You were born to wittness miracles in a world where they are sometimes hard to find!! Thank you for always encouraging me!
Jesse Lane says
Thanks MOM! Love you! 🙂
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience says
Walking those halls at DaySpring, I was overwhelmed by exactly what you describe, Jesse — the presence of Christ in the Center. I couldn’t get over it — Him, so manifest — the heart of a servant everywhere. In all DaySpring does…
Jesse — you truly are living out God’s calling on your life, your every conversation seasoned with His grace, your every interaction a representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I give thank to Him for you…
You are a gift to us all, giving us more of Jesus….
All’s grace,
Ann Voskamp
Jesse Lane says
Thank you so much Ann!
It’s a blessing to work with you and the other (in)courage contributors…
Deidra says
Jesse-
I consider it one God’s richest blessings to me that I get to work with the folks at DaySpring. You are part of what makes DaySpring a very special place in this world of ours!
Jesse Lane says
We are SO honored to work with you all!
We treasure the relationships.
Thank you…
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