To have job security we should: (1) Increase our visibility in our industry. In whatever field we work or plan to work, let's establish contacts and relationships within it. Our goal should be to develop our skills so that we will get noticed and experience favour. When the time is right and we're ready, God will open doors for us. 'Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield' (Psalm 5:12 NIV).

(2) Maintain a divine perspective on our job. Let's remember that our work is only one of many channels God uses to provide for us. God miraculously provided for Elijah the prophet through a raven, a brook and a single mum with just enough food for one meal. God used four different streams to water the garden of Eden. When we have unmet needs or financial burdens, let's ask God to reveal different streams of provision to us.

And, let's stand on these two promises: 'My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 GWT). 'God has not given us a spirit of fear [of not being employed], but of power and of love and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

So what now? Fear and faith are powerful forces that seek to rule your life (which includes your employment journey). One force takes you in the wrong direction, the other in the right direction. So, strengthen your faith by reading God's word, praying and entrusting the outcomes of your life to him.

To have job security we should: (1) Aim to be as indispensable as possible. 'Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty' (Proverbs 21:5 NLT). Let's strive for integrity and excellence in our work, while learning as much as possible about procedures and processes beyond our area of responsibility. Let's be willing to help others, but not at the expense of our own effectiveness.

(2) Embrace the biblical principle of authority and submission. It may well be that we'll clash with our manager at some stage. Let's not forget that the buck stops with the person in charge. It is wisdom to submit to reasonable instructions asked of us, provided they're not illegal or immoral. And it's smart to speak with respect, and be willing to go the extra mile, open to carrying out reasonable tasks even if they're not in our job description. Cooperating with our manager is important. 'Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back' (Titus 2:9 NKJV).

(3) Build marketability. Are we in a field with a strong demand for our skills, or do we need to educate ourselves to upgrade them? If we want a raise or a promotion on the job, we must be willing to invest the time and effort to do what's necessary in order to earn them. 'Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth' (Proverbs 10:4 NIV).

So what now? Be wise: ask God to help you plan, manage and build your job security.

If we think the perfect life is one in which we don't have to work, think again. God created the garden of Eden, then he created Adam, then he told Adam that his job was to take care of it. Work gives dignity and meaning to our lives. That's why the Bible says, 'Those who work...will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense' (Proverbs 12:11 NIV).

Due to many factors, unemployment in New Zealand has increased in the past few years. It's easy to understand why so many live in fear of not getting a job or becoming unemployed. These employment fears are rooted in the following core fears. Lack: 'How will I meet my obligations?' Inadequacy: 'I'm not good enough.' Helplessness: 'What do I do now?' Loneliness: 'I'll be isolated from my social network.' For some, the shame and humiliation of not working is as devastating as having no income. Unfortunately, worrying about unemployment can become a self-fulfilling prophecy because its anxiety makes us less confident and effective.

If we live with the constant fear of being unemployed, let's develop a strategy to enhance our position on the job market or assure us of a soft landing if we are made redundant. Our very first strategy is to trust in God's faithfulness: 'The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do....The Lord will again delight in being good to you...if you obey his voice' (Deuteronomy 30:9-10 NLT).

So what now? The most important step: trust God with your job security.

Here are three important principles to keep in mind when conflict arises:

(1) Deal with the issue without attacking the person. Many vicious personal attacks have created lifelong division. What a shame! Some of us would rather lose the relationship than lose the argument. (2) Sometimes it's best to go separate ways. When Paul and Barnabas argued over whether or not John Mark should travel with them on their next missionary journey, 'their disagreement was so sharp that they separated' (Acts 15:39 NLT). But, actually, that split resulted in the birth of two different ministries. So, stay gracious in conflict. What's happening right now may be God's way of moving us into new service and blessing. (3) Remember that 'iron sharpens iron' (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV). Others' opinions and personalities are meant to challenge us and help us to mature. Let's learn from our conflicts.

An old Quaker bought a grumpy cow. Every milking session became a battle of wills. Determined to demonstrate grace under fire, the old man refused to react when Bessie stomped her foot, whipped him in the face with her tail and knocked over the milk bucket. Finally, she kicked him against the barn wall, and that did it! Glowering, he growled, 'Thou knowest I am a Quaker and cannot strike thee back - but I can surely sell thee to a Presbyterian!' When we are the injured party, we need to draw on this promise: 'He gives more grace' (James 4:6 NKJV).

So what now? Ask God to help you show grace under fire. It's the Jesus way.

A little boy wanted a bicycle for Christmas. One night he prayed at the top of his voice telling God exactly what kind and colour of bike he wanted. His mother said, 'Son, you don't need to shout for God to hear you.' He replied, 'I know, Mum, but I need to shout if Grandpa is going to hear me and buy me that bike!'

We're all familiar with the power of unspoken communication. Many of us grew up with parents who didn't have to talk to communicate what they wanted - all it took was a certain look or signal. But we knew exactly what was being communicated, and how to respond. Prayer works that way too. When we think about God in our minds, it's prayer; and when God communicates his thoughts back to us, it's a form of answered prayer.

The truth is, we don't need to shout for God to hear us. Jesus said, 'Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs' (Matthew 6:32 NLT). So, why even take the time to pray? Because God wants us to approach him with confidence, trust him with all our needs, and build a relationship with him. That's what it's all about!

So what now? In your day-to-day chatting with God, tell him what you need or would like, and acknowledge that he wants to bless you, but knows what is best for you. Jesus said, 'Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need' (Matthew 6:33 NLT).

If money is handled well and wisely, it's so useful for us to live our lives and help others. But when we get into debt, become 'addicted' to retail therapy, feel like our value depends on our salary, or simply just focus on money too much, we can end up living in an ungodly way. For the record, God never said we shouldn't have money or that we shouldn't spend it, but he is serious about us being good stewards of our finances.

Saving money is a great, and necessary, way to make sure we have enough for days to come. But we shouldn't save to the point of not relying on God to provide for us, and at the expense of being generous givers. In God's word it says, 'Don't store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in Heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves' (Matthew 6:19-20 TLB).

Also, we shouldn't spend our money only on ourselves. Throughout the Bible, we're called to live selflessly. We need to be generous and sacrificial in our giving. When we see people in need and have the means to help, let's help them out. Let's give what we can to our church to help them reach more people. And most importantly, let's remember that we can't serve both God and money (see Matthew 6:24).

So what now? Ask God to help you manage your money in a sensible and godly way, to help yourself, others and God's Kingdom.