Today we are reading Proverbs chapter 28 and Psalm chapters 131-135. Ask God to join you and commune with you today.
-Read Scripture-
The Psalms refers to God's chosen people a lot. Israel, God's chosen people. God chose Jacob, etc. There is a ton of weight and pressure when you really think about that. Psalm chapters 131-135 is no different. It is filled with promises to God's chosen people, Israel, and more specifically, David.
In chapter 132 verse 11 the writer refers to the promise God made to David and how he would not go back on that promise. Psalm 135 refers to Israel as God's treasured possession. There are so many beautiful promises of protection, provision, and blessing. But there is also tremendous responsibility and weight, and you feel that in the Psalm as well.
An amazing thing happened after Christ came, you and I and all of his followers are now included with his chosen people. The new testament says: "But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." 1 Peter 2:9-10 The Message.
Talk about weight and responsibility. You are chosen. You have a role to play. You have a job that God has called you to do.
No pressure. :)
But that also means you get to claim all the beautiful promises to the Israelites that you read in the Psalms. What encouragement. Here's my truth: God has made a night-and-day difference in my life. Those of you who have known me any length of time can attest to that. He has turned me from nothing special into something special. And this is me, attempting to fulfill my calling to priestly work and telling others of what God has done for me. I have been chosen. I have been called, and so have you.
Today, I want you to meditate on the fact that you are a chosen one, that your Abba has "embraced you as a prized possession." He has called you to do his work on this Earth. Who has he put in your life to share your story with? Where has he placed you to do his work? Because with this gift, we have a great responsibility. What does your priestly work look like? Ask him to show you, or to confirm what you may already know...
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Day 20: Your Workplace.
Today we are reading Proverbs 20 and Psalm chapters 96-100. Before starting, ask God to help you apply his word to an area of your life that might need it.
-Read Scripture-
One of the reasons I love Proverbs is because they are general rules of wisdom that can be applied in all aspects of your life. It doesn't matter how old you are, or where you are in your life's journey, they are applicable to everyone.
Today I would like to look at Proverbs 20 through the lens of the workplace. Wether you are a business owner, boss, or employee, most of these proverbs can help you. They can not only help guide you to being a better Christ-follower in the workplace, but can actually help you succeed at your job and at what you do.
1. Proverbs 20:3 We have already addressed picking fights in an earlier study, but now think of it in terms of your workplace. (Side note: there is a difference of avoiding fights and avoiding confrontation; there is a need to address certain tensions, just in a constructive and healthy way.)
2. Proverbs 20:4 Don't procrastinate. (Another one of my personal struggles.) The key I want you to notice in this verse is that there are always consequences for procrastination. Lazy planting, no harvest.
3. Proverbs 20:6 True loyalty is rare, so if you are loyal, you will be valued. Loyalty breads loyalty. If you are loyal to someone, most times they can't help but reciprocate. This makes for a safe and healthy workplace. (I have seen this play out in both scenarios.)
4. Proverbs 20:10 & 23 This is huge because God comes right out and tells us how he feels about this, twice. We are not to take advantage or steal from people, whether they are our boss, employees, or out customers. Always be fair and up front.
5. Proverbs 20:13 This one is dangerous because it feeds into other issues, such as laziness and procrastination. The most important thing here to me is the attitude towards sleep. "Fall in love with sleep," or "be fond of sleep". I used to struggle with this principle big time. I used to love nothing more than sleeping in. We have to use sleep for what it is meant for, recharging your body to function as it is supposed to. Don't rely on it or make it something that it is not.
6. Proverbs 20:14 Don't take advantage of people. This goes along with number 4. Always be fair and up front. It's okay to get good deals and bargains, but let it be on the sellers terms, don't lie or cheat your way to one.
7. Proverbs 20:16 Be careful/wise who you lend to. Other verses in Proverbs encourages you to "give" to those in trouble or in need rather than "loan." I think that is a great principle when it comes to helping a friend or family member out of financial troubles.
8. Proverbs 20:18 Self explanatory and completely necessary. Always seek counsel before making any large decision and always counsel with people you trust and admire.
9. Proverbs 20:24 Rely on God for your path. I do not look at myself as a business owner, I look at myself as a business steward. No matter what work you are in, you can filter your decision making and actions through this verse. We should filter our entire lives through this verse.
Today, ask God to help you implement one or more of these proverbs principles into your job or workplace. And as you go about your day, keep your eyes open to see where these principles are applicable. I know that this is a lot of material, but I truly believe that how we handle our workplaces and how we conduct ourself in our jobs are one of the largest opportunities we have to show Jesus. And proverbs sets us up to win, so let's start applying!
-Read Scripture-
One of the reasons I love Proverbs is because they are general rules of wisdom that can be applied in all aspects of your life. It doesn't matter how old you are, or where you are in your life's journey, they are applicable to everyone.
Today I would like to look at Proverbs 20 through the lens of the workplace. Wether you are a business owner, boss, or employee, most of these proverbs can help you. They can not only help guide you to being a better Christ-follower in the workplace, but can actually help you succeed at your job and at what you do.
1. Proverbs 20:3 We have already addressed picking fights in an earlier study, but now think of it in terms of your workplace. (Side note: there is a difference of avoiding fights and avoiding confrontation; there is a need to address certain tensions, just in a constructive and healthy way.)
2. Proverbs 20:4 Don't procrastinate. (Another one of my personal struggles.) The key I want you to notice in this verse is that there are always consequences for procrastination. Lazy planting, no harvest.
3. Proverbs 20:6 True loyalty is rare, so if you are loyal, you will be valued. Loyalty breads loyalty. If you are loyal to someone, most times they can't help but reciprocate. This makes for a safe and healthy workplace. (I have seen this play out in both scenarios.)
4. Proverbs 20:10 & 23 This is huge because God comes right out and tells us how he feels about this, twice. We are not to take advantage or steal from people, whether they are our boss, employees, or out customers. Always be fair and up front.
5. Proverbs 20:13 This one is dangerous because it feeds into other issues, such as laziness and procrastination. The most important thing here to me is the attitude towards sleep. "Fall in love with sleep," or "be fond of sleep". I used to struggle with this principle big time. I used to love nothing more than sleeping in. We have to use sleep for what it is meant for, recharging your body to function as it is supposed to. Don't rely on it or make it something that it is not.
6. Proverbs 20:14 Don't take advantage of people. This goes along with number 4. Always be fair and up front. It's okay to get good deals and bargains, but let it be on the sellers terms, don't lie or cheat your way to one.
7. Proverbs 20:16 Be careful/wise who you lend to. Other verses in Proverbs encourages you to "give" to those in trouble or in need rather than "loan." I think that is a great principle when it comes to helping a friend or family member out of financial troubles.
8. Proverbs 20:18 Self explanatory and completely necessary. Always seek counsel before making any large decision and always counsel with people you trust and admire.
9. Proverbs 20:24 Rely on God for your path. I do not look at myself as a business owner, I look at myself as a business steward. No matter what work you are in, you can filter your decision making and actions through this verse. We should filter our entire lives through this verse.
Today, ask God to help you implement one or more of these proverbs principles into your job or workplace. And as you go about your day, keep your eyes open to see where these principles are applicable. I know that this is a lot of material, but I truly believe that how we handle our workplaces and how we conduct ourself in our jobs are one of the largest opportunities we have to show Jesus. And proverbs sets us up to win, so let's start applying!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Day 14: Shoveling Manure.
Today we are reading Proverbs chapter 14 and Psalm chapters 66-70. Pray that God would reveal his plans for you today.
-Read Scripture-
So in preparing for today's study I had a little trouble. I was torn between two different topics to write about and finally gave in and asked God, "What do you want people to know today?" (Why is it that I always wait to go to him until I'm flustered, when I could have at the beginning and avoided the flusteredness?!) After a few moments of silence, he answered.
THAT WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT I GIVE YOU, DICTATES WHAT I GIVE YOU IN THE FUTURE.
Huh, stewardship. Well, thanks God but that wasn't either of my options. But of course after re-reading todays scripture through that lens, I noticed the theme. Guess God does know what he's doing and has a plan! :)
Everything we have is from God: finances, provisions, abundance, and hardships. What do we do with what he entrusts to us? Are we wise and generous? Or are we frivolous or stingy? Are we angry with the burdens he places on us, or do we learn, grow, and stretch ourselves?
Psalm 66:10-12 says, "He trained us first, passes us like silver through refining fires, Brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit, Road tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well watered place." The Message
(I can not even put into words how much I love these verses and what they mean to me personally.)
How do you handle your test? What tests are you currently going through? What hell are you in? Are you looking to God for sustaining or shaking your fist? The truth is, God tests us for a reason, he needs to prepare us for the work he has for us. It's never an easy process, but it is necessary. (Just a side note from me to you: The hotter your refining fire, the more important work he is preparing you for. So know that it is not for nothing, and let that fact encourage you. That God has something incredible for you when you are ready!)
My test/refining fire are my two beautiful, amazing autistic children. I've been through some dark and hellish years, but God used (and IS using) my children to mold me into who I am. I can honestly say that I would not be doing what I am doing today without that hardscrabble country.
The trouble with hard work is just that, it's hard. "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." Proverbs 14:23 TNIV God wants to know that we are willing to put in the work. It's just like the talents parable, he wants to know we will make the most of what he gives us! And he wants to know you're not afraid to get your hands dirty...
"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox." Proverbs 14:4 TNKJ I will tell you this, and I believe it with all I am, if God knows you are willing to shovel the manure, he'll give you the ox you need. It might sound a little silly, but I truly believe that God will give you everything you could ever need, if he knows you will take care of it and make the most of it.
I don't want you to take this as a "works based" thing. I am strictly referring to stewardship, not salvation, grace, or love. That is all free and unconditional, nothing we can do will change that. I just want us to be willing to work for his kingdom. Be willing to be refined, so you can work at your best. Because today, he wants you to know: THAT WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT I GIVE YOU, DICTATES WHAT I WILL GIVE YOU IN THE FUTURE.
Abba, allow this to wash over us and encourage us. You have a purpose for all we go through, you have a plan. You have a job for us to do, and it's up to us to use what you entrusted to us to accomplish it. We are so thankful for your blessings, and your refining fire. You turn us into something better, more valuable than we could ever become on our own. Thank you for seeing the potential in us and bringing out the best in us. We love you and desire to honor you today with ALL you give us, all the good and the difficult.
Amen.
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