Keep working

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Labor day is over and work begins again.

The hard work you do, the sacrifices you make, the constant giving of yourself and your skills, aren’t noticed. The accolades don’t come, your passed over for the promotion, the family doesn’t seem to care, and no one appears to understand how hard you work. Even God seems distant. Working. Is. Hard. Shouldn’t they, and shouldn’t He, reward you? Shouldn’t you at least get a “thank you” or a pat on the back? It’s hard to keep working when no one seems to notice. It’s hard when the reward we thought we would get never comes to fruition.

When those questions and doubts attack, I wonder am I working for the praise of man or for God? Pleasing people is a trap, a snare. Working for the praise of man is an empty void that can never be filled, like trying to fill a cup with holes in the bottom. If I work to satisfy my fleshly desires, to please others, to attain earthly treasure or earthly praise, all I’ve accomplished is temporary. Only Kingdom treasures are eternal treasures.

When I feel like giving up, I need to get my mindset back on God, on His purposes and His Kingdom. When I work for Him, keep my eyes on Him, then work is pleasure. Then, work becomes a blessing as I work to bless The One who has eternally blessed me.

To keep my thoughts on the right track, to get back on my feet, and my hands steady to stay at the work I believe the Lord has called me to complete, I run to God’s Word. The Bible gives truth to replenish the weary soul and courage to continue.

Even when no one notices, remember God sees what is done in secret and will reward you. When it’s hard, keep working, don’t grow weary in doing good and remember even those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting (Matthew 6:4, Psalm 126:5, Galatians 6:9).

Even when you are under attack from the enemy, remember God is faithful, He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Stop paying attention to people and working to please others, don’t fear them, listen to God, He provides comfort, protection, and is faithful to help you complete the work He has given you. Don’t work for selfish reasons and empty conceit, work for God’s interests and the interests of others. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling, keep your hand on the plow and run the race to win the prize (Isaiah 2:22, John 12:43, Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 51:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:1, Luke 9:62, 1 Corinthians 9:24).

Remember, you are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand. You are seated in the heavenly places, therefore, work for the kingdom of God. Work for God’s glory shining your light for His glory to please Him. Work with God, work for The Eternal for eternal purposes and eternal reward (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:5-7, Matthew 5:16, 2 Corinthians 5:5-6, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 3:13-14).

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. God gives us victory through Jesus Christ. Don’t be moved. Always be outstanding in your work for God. Remember always, your labor for the Lord is never in vain. Keep working, friends. Keep working! (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

“Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, ‘I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help.’ Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. … I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:5-13 (MSG)

Adapted from We Were Meant for Paradise, https://amzn.to/2PC9f7L

Emphasis added on scripture.
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Treasure hunt

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A missionary mentioned in her writings that she had an “object service” for children. The kids were to bring an object (or make an object) that had been mentioned in the Bible and also bring the corresponding verse. Such as…

Bread — John 6:35 – Jesus is the Bread of Life.
Grapes – Numbers 13:23 –The Israelite spies carried a cluster of grapes between two poles because the grapes were so big.
Thorns – Mark 15:17 – Jesus wore the crown of thorns.
Grass — Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Stones — Luke 19:39-40 When the Pharisees told Jesus to quiet the people who were praising Him, “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you, if these stop speaking, the stones will cry out!’”
Seeds – Matthew 13 — The parables of Christ about seeds.

Wonderful object lessons are found throughout the Bible. What if we started thinking of verses that correspond with what we see? Every day, every moment, would be a treasure hunt for our eyes and a treasure hunt to feed our souls.

An old hymn by Clara Scott gives voice to my prayer… “Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!”

The post, Treasure Hunt, first appeared on lisabuffaloe.com

 

 

 

Owed and offended

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The devil wants people to believe the world, and God, owes them something, and therefore, they have the right to be offended. Satan wants people to think God is uncaring, insensitive, unaware, distant and is holding out on them. The more the enemy can keep people feeling owed and offended, the more people are provoked. Negativity and offenses spread like wildfire by the pit of hell to send as many as possible to the pit of hell.

The enemy spends his time wreaking havoc in the world, abusing, terrorizing, putting out negative news about the terrible things the devil does, then pointing to God that it’s all His fault.

Anything that causes you to feel owed and offended, did not come from God. If you are a Christian, you are safe from hell, but the enemy can make you think you live in hell on earth if you don’t keep a heavenly perspective. If you are going to think about anything, share anything, ponder anything, let it be God’s truth. Stand on the solid foundation of God’s truth. God’s Word is truth and His truth sets you free.

Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, trust that God knows and will repay evil. Everything done in the dark will be exposed in the light. “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” ~ Romans 12:19 (NASB)

Forgive. Forgiveness is a gift for yourself, take it, accept it, use it, and live free! “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.” ~ Matthew 6:14-15 (NET Bible) “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Don’t allow being offended ruin you or anyone else around you. “Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it.“ ~ Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC)

Drop your offenses at the foot of the Cross where your debt was paid and all your offenses were forgiven. Live free, unoffended, knowing the Lord is generous, kind, compassionate, loving, and eternally takes care of His children.

Remember, whatever your need God “will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19 (NASB) And, what you sow for God’s kingdom will be eternally rewarded in God’s kingdom. Don’t grow weary in doing good, your reward will come.

Therefore, “live lives [of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity] worthy of the God who [saves you and] calls you into His own kingdom and glory. As Jesus said, “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (AMP), John 13:34-35 (NLT)

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)

(Emphasis added on scripture)

Adapted from Present in His Presence, https://amzn.to/3QInS9G

 

 

 

Bluebird photo credit