Work and God
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Posted:Sep 13, 2008 4:34 am
Last Updated:Sep 13, 2008 1:54 pm 2290 Views
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Work and God: The Importance of Knowing Which is Which
T.M. Moore
BreakPoint
"What has a man from all the toil and striving of his heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation." (Ecclesiastes 2:22,23)
Presidential campaigns have a way of focusing our attention on economic matters. One of the persistent themes in this category of campaign rhetoric is jobs: their flight to foreign countries, theft by illegal immigrants, battering at the hands of a weak economy and record oil prices, and the persistent claims of unequal opportunity, unjust remuneration scales, and uncertain futures related to jobs. Americans have a curious love/hate relationship with their work. They love their work because it keeps them busy, provides them the means for survival and self-fulfillment, and gives them a measure of status in society. They hate their work because it wears them out emotionally and physically, never quite seems to satisfy what they’d hoped from it, and, increasingly, keeps them on the edge of uncertainty and potential ruin.
It’s pretty clear that the attitude and perspective we bring to our work play a major role both in the way we work and the benefits we derive from our job. A positive attitude toward work is more likely to lead to a productive and fulfilling career. A negative attitude may affect both our contribution to the workplace and the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction we derive from our jobs. Work is not, as some suppose, a consequence of the fall into sin; it is not one of the evidences of the curse. Rather, people were made to work, created by God to tend to the creation and all its creatures and potential in such a way as to bring forth His goodness, beauty, and truth with increasing bounty and benefit.
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon has a few things to say about work. And he should know, having devoted so much of his adult life to working at a wide range of projects and achievements as King of Israel. As he neared old age, Solomon sought to warn his already wayward-leaning heir, Rehoboam, about the dangers of confusing work and God. In his musings on this subject, he guides us to consider four ways that people experience their work. It might be helpful to reflect on our own work in the light of Solomon’s counsel, which is offered from two altogether different perspectives on life.
Work Under the Sun
On the one hand, Solomon explains to his that it is possible to approach our work without any consideration as to how it relates to God or the fact that we are His creatures. He uses the phrase “under the sun” when he is speaking about work from this perspective. This is the way most men approach their work, and they find it neither satisfying nor meaningful; instead, work pursued “under the sun” leaves one wondering, “Is that all there is?”
People who approach their work without reference to God and His will end up experiencing their work either as a yoke, a means to self-fulfillment, or a tool. For people whose only perspective on work is “this-worldly,” work becomes something to which they bind themselves in the hope that, by devoting themselves to work, they’ll get what they want out of life.
Solomon explains that, in such a situation, work is like a yoke because it demands so much of us physically and emotionally. It is a burden to bear: “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous for me, for all is vanity and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). We are like animals; every day we take up the yoke appointed to us, grind out a few rows, break our backs, and strain our souls, and then come home too exhausted for much of anything else. Sooner or later, we die, completely unfulfilled (Ecclesiastes 3:18-21; 9:11,12).
Nevertheless, men expect their work to make them happy and to give them a sense of meaning and fulfillment; and, for a time, it does. But soon enough even our greatest achievements fail to satisfy, and we are left wondering if we’re ever going to know meaning and fulfillment in our work (Ecclesias
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The Pain of Rejection
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Posted:Sep 12, 2008 4:31 am
Last Updated:Sep 13, 2008 3:45 am 3602 Views
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The Pain of Rejection
by Tracie Miles
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I still trying to please men?
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Devotion:
If there is one thing that can make someone feel like they don't have a friend in the world, it's rejection. Whether it be rejection from a spouse, a co-worker's gossip, a friend's betrayal, an unappreciative boss, an unfriendly neighbor, or a who suddenly doesn't want to be seen with you anymore - rejection hurts.
A few years ago I was dealt a harsh blow of rejection from someone I thought I had a positive relationship with. In the midst of this rejection, I became so focused on my hurt feelings that it became nearly impossible to think clearly, or rationally.
For most of us, when we are drowning in the pain of being rejected by someone, our thoughts are often, "How could that person have done/said that to me? Do they know how much I have done for them? Have they taken a hard look at themselves?"
Do those words sound familiar? They certainly do to me. These are some of the exact thoughts I had when I was thinking vengeful thoughts about my "rejecter."
My human nature wanted to get back at the one who hurt me. Maybe give them a taste of their own medicine. But God had a different plan in mind.
God desired for me to handle this challenging and painful situation with understanding and compassion. He wanted me to pray for that person, and see them as His who had made a mistake and didn't realize how their words and actions affected others. He wanted me to forgive them.
Yes, that was His plan, but I didn't really buy into it at first. Instead, I chose to harbor anger and pierce the ears of my family and friends with all of my woes, forcing them to be an involuntary guest at my ongoing pity party. I chose to feel sorry for myself, and shed as many tears as possible, as if that would drown out the hurt.
However, despite my procrastination in handling things God's way, over the next few weeks, God repeatedly intervened and reassured me of His love. I stumbled across sweet Bible verses dealing with overcoming rejection. My weekly Bible study topic was on rejection, my daily email devotions touched on rejection, and my pastor's sermon was about rejection that Sunday.
Could all of those things just have been incredible coincidences? Definitely not! I knew it was the awesome work of my Lord and Savior, who cared about me enough to let me know that He was with me during this time of turmoil. He gently reassured me of my worth in His eyes, and reminded me that I did not need 'man's' approval, only His approval.
God's love helped me to wash away the pride from my eyes, and allow Him to wash my soul with His mercy and grace. In His arms, I was reminded that I am His and that He loves and adores me despite my flaws and insecurities. As a result, I was able to take my focus off of my rejecter, and instead focus on my approver -- Jesus.
Isn't it so comforting to know that you never have to try to earn Jesus' approval, and that you can live with a peace of mind knowing that He accepts you, no matter what.
Although Jesus may not always approve of our actions or choices, He always approves of us as a person whom He created, whom He loves, and whom He thought was important enough to die for.
Dear Lord, I pray for Your wisdom on how to deal with situations in which I feel hurt, rejected and worthless. Fill me with Your love so that I can love others, even when I do not feel loved in return. Please help me to remember that the only One who I need to seek approval from is You, and that it is in You alone, that I can truly believe that I am worthy and unconditionally loved. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Ask God for the supernatural ability to forgive your rejecter. Remember who you are in God's eyes is all that really matters.
Reflections:
Are you allowing the opinion of one person to affect how you feel about yourself?
Power Verses:
1 Kings 8:50 And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. (NIV)
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You guys drive on the wrong side of the road!!!!
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Posted:Sep 1, 2008 3:53 am
Last Updated:Oct 12, 2008 4:13 am 2819 Views
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I arrived safely in the States. The flight was 25 hours, with a delay on my overlay in Atlanta, ended up being 3 hours instead of two, it felt so much longer after the 20 hour flight from South Africa.
I think you guys rock, everybody is so friendly and I feel right at home. Tom is a darling, and we hit it off very well. It feels as though it was meant to be. I know it is early days, but I am having a ball and are very excited.
Lol, had my first experience driving on the wrong side of the road, I have to agree, it was a nightmare, Lol, I think more for Tom than me. I had one freaky incident where I tried turning into oncoming traffic but lived to tell the tale. Every time a car approaches from the front it feels as though it is where I am supposed to be.
I met the family and friends and so far so good. It is awkward, you think it is difficult as a youngster to meet the parents, try meeting the as a 40 something.
My internal clock is slowly adjusting, the first 3 nights I woke up at 1am and was wide awake because that was my mornings in South Africa. I am at 4am now lol.
Keep well and be blessed, will try and catch up between my new experiences.
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46 hours to go....
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Posted:Aug 22, 2008 11:31 am
Last Updated:Oct 12, 2008 4:14 am 2999 Views
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I just passed the 46hour countdown mark and are almost done packing for my trip to the States.
I must admit, I am extremely nervous. Up to this morning I was fine but this morning, I woke up with a feeling of, what were you thinking.
I am looking forward to meeting Tom but lol, this is an extremely awkward time for me. He is so sweet and have gone through such a lot of trouble for me, which I appreciate so much.
It is also very exciting time, I may spend the rest of my life with him. We have so many plans and projects planned.
I have been quite bored the past week and yesterday I started a garden project, the result, a whole lot of broken nails but I feel good about the end result. It is almost finished. I have actually put in the plants and finished the boarders after the pic was taken.
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Leave one...
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Posted:Aug 22, 2008 1:44 am
Last Updated:Aug 23, 2008 5:48 am 2470 Views
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If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.
Unknown
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Heart Whispers
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Posted:Aug 22, 2008 12:22 am
Last Updated:Sep 1, 2008 3:56 am 2233 Views
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Heart Whispers
Tracie Miles
"A word was secretly brought to me, my ears caught a whisper of it." Job 4:12 (NIV)
Devotion:
If only I had called her.
If only I had listened to that little voice in my head that nudged me to call her several times over the past few months. Although we were casual acquaintances whose paths did not cross very often, I still considered her a friend and a dear sister in Christ. She had been fighting cancer for years, but had recently been in remission and in good health. More than a year had passed since we had spoken, but we would still smile and wave at each other at church.
For several weeks recently, this friend kept coming to mind. I had felt God laying her on my heart, and I kept intending to call her, but would get busy and forget. Then I arrived at church one Sunday morning, only to read the shocking news that she had passed away. I was stunned. I had seen her fairly recently, buzzing around the sanctuary, and she looked great, but now she was gone. Now it was too late to call her. The door of opportunity to hear her kind voice had slammed shut.
If only I had listened to that inner voice of the Holy Spirit prompting me to pick up the phone to call and check on her. I was unaware that she was sick again, but God knew.
If only I had stopped whatever I was doing, and taken just a few minutes to let her know I was thinking of her. I was unaware of her need to be remembered, but God knew.
If only I had called her, and let her know how her unshakable joy had impacted my walk with God. I was unaware of her need for encouragement, but God knew.
Tears filled my eyes as I considered not only the loss of this sweet, precious woman, but my own remorse for not listening to God's whispers to my heart. God's ways are not our ways, as we are told in Isaiah 55:8, and I have learned through this experience to always listen to the quietest of voices, and recognize that this voice is holy.
I now understand that when I suddenly feel the need to call someone whom I haven't thought of, spoken to, or seen in months or even years, that it may be God Himself whispering to my heart. When I have an urge to tell someone I love them, even though I am sure they already know it, God is whispering to my heart. When I find myself dropping by to visit someone in the hospital that I don't know well or possibly do not them at all, God is whispering to my heart.
God knows what His need, and He uses each of us to meet those needs. Just because we don't have all the answers yet, or do not know why God is prompting us to do a certain thing, doesn't mean we should ignore the whisper. His ways are not our ways... but His way is the best way... and the necessary way.
When I learned of my friend's passing, I made a commitment to myself and to God that I will never again ignore even the tiniest, quietest whisper from the Holy Spirit. I will pray for discernment and whether He tells me to make a big sacrifice, or simply make a phone call, my hope is that I will step out in faith and obey, without delay.
If God has been whispering to you about someone or something, listen to those whispers. Don't discount them. Pray for discernment and be willing to take action, even if you don't fully understand the reason yet. Unfortunately, the consequence of not listening to those whispers, could result in you having to say, "If only ..." just like me.
Have you heard His whisper?
Dear Lord, forgive me for not listening to Your voice. Help me to recognize your activity in my heart, and act promptly on the commands you speak to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
If you have heard a whisper to your spirit lately, did you consider that it could be God speaking?
Reflections:
Has God whispered the name of someone for you to call today?
Has He prompted you to be obedient in a small way, or even a big way, that you have yet to act on?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (NIV)
***************
Not too long ago, I had this desire to stop by a friend that I lost contact with. But got too busy and a week went by, every day thinking that I have to get to her. One morning I decided to give her a call and arrange coffee.
I took her some flowers and when I walked in, she started crying. She has been feeling so alone and has been praying to the Lord to send someone her way.
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Testing Testing
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Posted:Aug 21, 2008 4:17 am
Last Updated:Aug 22, 2008 1:23 pm 3045 Views
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Lol, I take it that there is something wrong because nobody is posting new blogs, so I thought I would post a testing blog 
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If.........
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Posted:Aug 19, 2008 9:41 am
Last Updated:Aug 21, 2008 7:59 pm 2484 Views
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When you meet someone, and you feel that the Lord brought you together:
DO YOU TREAT EACH OTHER AS SUCH?
As a gift....
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I surrender......
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Posted:Aug 19, 2008 5:32 am
Last Updated:Aug 21, 2008 7:59 pm 2834 Views
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This is one of my favorite songs and is sung by Peter Coffee and friends. In my search for the words, I came upon a blog that speaks to my heart, I am sharing an extract, it is below the song. WATCH THE LAMB, not people, not pastors, not other christians..... WATCH THE LAMB!!!!!
I surrender all
With every thought and every word,
with every breath and all that I am
I want to love you as long as I live
for you are my God
I surrender, I surrender all
With every step and every plan
with every thing thats in my heart
I want to serve You as long as I live
For you are my King
I surrender, I surrender all
All my life and all my needs
All my ways and all my deeds
I want to follow You everyday
For you are my Lord
I surrender, I surrender all
All my life and all my needs
All my ways and all my deeds
I want to follow You everyday
For you are my Lord
I surrender, I surrender all
I surrender, I surrender all
FOLLOWing Christ. Not like a puppy or robot..but to follow ...as in "to persue".....to always be near Him to seek HIM
My friend...are YOU persueing Jesus? Are you seeking HIM? Are your eyes only upon HIM or are they on the cares of this world?
Do we sing:
I surrender all (but my lottery ticket)
I surrender all (but my anger)
All to Thee my Blessed Saviour
I surrender all but (add the sin that so easily besets you here)
I surrender all.
In closing...are you having problems living the Victory Jesus already has paid for? Are you living as a Christian should one moment,and like the devil the next? Are you looking at other Christians and as they do things a Christian should not, you are ready to give up on YOUR relationship with the LORD? My friend, it is time to STOP watching them.....and to start watching the LAMB.
Search ME oh GOD
and know my hear today
try me oh Saviour
know my heart I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Clease me from EVERY sin
and set me free.
Lord you brought me out of Eygpt, now please take Eygpt out of me. I pray according to Your word.. by the mercies of God, that I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto YOU, which is my reasonable service. Help me not to be conformed to this world: but transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Right now My LORD...I DO surrender ALL.
I surrender ALL
I surrender ALL
All to Thee my Blessed Saviour
I surrender ALL
I surrender ALL
My precious friend, if you have prayed this prayer with me, in order to keep growing in the LORD....WATCH THE LAMB!
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Weekly prayer focus
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Posted:Aug 18, 2008 10:27 pm
Last Updated:Sep 29, 2008 6:39 am 2570 Views
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“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Christ in us, the hope of glory.” Traditional religion says that we must just try harder to be good. True Christianity says that, when we accept Christ as our Savior, Jesus Christ comes to live in our hearts and lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is HIM living in us that produces goodness – and love – and joy – and peace – and happiness. When we try to live the Christian life in our own strength, we are doomed to failure.
Jesus said His Father would send the Holy Spirit to teach us and live within us. So when you feel lonely and apart from God – know that if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, He lives within you by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” God is powerful...just ask Him to live His life through you!
So this week, let us join in praying that
* God will release His power in your life
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