How to Get the Most Out of Your Work..... Dr. Charles Stanley

How to Get the Most Out of Your Work

Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 20:25-28 

According to Scripture, work is to be part of the believer's life. We all have daily tasks, and many Christians hold jobs outside the home. Some people view these as drudgery. Others wake up excited to face the day's challenges. What is your outlook?

There is an important biblical principle to follow if you are going to enjoy your work: View yourself as a servant. This might be hard if you feel unappreciated or your coworkers are difficult. But consider the example that the Lord set for us. He was rejected, tortured, and crucified. Yet Jesus was willing to serve even His tormentors with His attitude and, ultimately, with His life. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men . . . It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."

When I was in college, this proved to be a valuable perspective. I worked in the bleachery, which was the hottest and most uncomfortable job at the local textile mill. At first, I focused on how much I disliked this position. But I decided to change my attitude and look for opportunities to serve Jesus through my work. For the first time, the heat did not bother me. In fact, I was eager to share my faith with those around me. People listened and responded because they noticed my demeanor.

No job is perfect; each position has negative aspects. But we can find joy and excitement even in the most menial task when we decide to work for God. Choose to serve Christ in all you do. After all, why face each day with dread when you could experience excitement and anticipation?

God Longs to Share His Will..... Craig Denison

God Longs to Share His Will

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

One of the most scandalous truths of the gospel is that our Creator longs to be encountered by his creation. God longs to meet with us. His greatest desire is for relationship with us. I can’t fathom why God in all his holiness and goodness makes himself available to us, but it is the powerful truth of Scripture. God is pursuing each of us with his relentless love, seeking out those who might respond to his open invitation by opening the door of their hearts to him. My prayer is that in response to God’s desire to meet with his people we would be those who say yes to centering our lives around his nearness. May your week be marked by the reality of God’s presence and love.

Scripture:“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Devotional:           

One of the most peaceful truths of Scripture is that God longs to share his will with his people. God is not one who leaves us to our own devices. He’s not even one who leaves us with the Bible and says, “Good luck. I hope you figure it out.” He’s the God who dwells within us, longing to speak into our lives and guide us into his perfect, pleasing plans.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 is an often quoted passage in Christian circles. But I pray that the powerful promise contained in its words will be revealed to you today in a fresh, transformative way. Scripture says,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

We can place our hope in the revealed will of our heavenly Father. We can trust that we are not sheep without a shepherd, but rather those in the flock of a perfect, loving God who came to lay down his life for us. Through the Holy Spirit, God is perfectly capable of guiding us into his plans for “welfare and not for evil.” Behind his leading is always a more abundant, presence-filled life. Behind his leading is always more of him and more of who we are in him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God longs to make straight our paths. But in order to follow his leading, we must assess where our trust is and who we are acknowledging with our lives. We will never follow that which we don’t fully trust. If we are to be led by the Spirit we must trust that everything he tells us to do is absolutely the best thing for us.

Trust is meant to be the fruit of relationship. It’s meant to be birthed out of an experiential knowledge of God’s trustworthiness. If you haven’t given God much of a chance to prove himself trustworthy in your life, today is the day. We as the people of God must place our hope in him alone if we are to experience all the wealth of life his promises have to offer. We must place our trust in him if we are to receive a full knowledge of his will.

Take time to meditate on the trustworthiness of your God. Meditate on his desire to share with you his will. Take time to place your trust in him alone and commit yourself to following his leading. May your day be marked by all the fruit of God’s perfect, pleasing plans for your life.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s trustworthiness and desire to share his will with you.

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14

2. Where do you have a hard time trusting God? Where is your life not marked by his perfect, pleasing plans?

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

3. Ask God to reveal his will to you in those areas. Align your heart with his desires for you that you might experience the fruit of truly following his will. Place your trust in God alone for every area of your life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Oftentimes God’s perfect, pleasing plans don’t conform to the desires and wants of the world. But we have to place our trust in him that his ways are higher than ours. His desires and wants for us are better than anything we can imagine. He has eternity in mind when he leads us along with our present circumstances and desires. Trust that as you align your heart with him and place your hope in him alone, his leading will perfectly satisfy the deep desires of your heart.

Extended Reading: Isaiah 58

 

How Jesus’ Empathy Changes Everything..... AMY CARROLL

 How Jesus’ Empathy Changes Everything

AMY CARROLL

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Her listening ear instantly released my flood of tears.

As I poured out an old church wound, my friend murmured sentences of heartfelt connection. “That must have hurt … It’s OK to say that you were wronged.” Finally, she uttered a statement that unleashed all the unhealed hurt and began a long-delayed healing.

“Jesus empathizes with you.”

Jesus empathizes with me? That’s a thought I’d never had before, but my friend assured me it’s true. In response to my skepticism, she began to list stories from Jesus’ life that confirmed her statement.

The definition of “empathize” is to “understand and share the feelings of another” (emphasis added). Empathy is a deeper feeling than sympathy because empathy involves standing in the other person’s shoes, understanding the emotion from their perspective.

When Jesus came to earth to live as God in human skin, He suffered as we suffer. He experienced every little pain we have as well as significant traumas. He hurt like we hurt, so He truly empathizes with us. As I processed that transforming thought, I realized I wanted to dive deeper into understanding Jesus’ suffering. I desired to both absorb His empathy for me and develop a stronger empathy of my own for Him.

The Gospel of John was my textbook, and I spent weeks studying and listing His sufferings — both large and small — from beginning to end. This is an abbreviated list of what I found.

• Jesus suffered relationally. He was unwelcome, heaped with unfair expectations, mislabeled, underestimated, gossiped about, plotted against and abandoned.
• Jesus suffered emotionally. He was misunderstood, criticized, mocked, belittled, constantly questioned, betrayed and sentenced despite His innocence.
• Jesus suffered physically. He was pursued by crowds when He was trying to be alone, and He was fatigued, stripped, beaten, spit on, made to carry the instrument of His death and crucified.

When we experience any of these sufferings, we can be assured of this rock-solid truth: Jesus empathizes with us.

Knowing that Jesus is with me in my pain changes every little thing. Not only that, but Jesus’ empathy, which comes through pain, holds great power. Philippians 3:10-11 says, “I want to know Christ‒yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” The ESV version replaces “participation in his sufferings” with “may share his sufferings” (emphasis added).

When we participate, or share in, Jesus’ sufferings, feeling the pain of earthly human existence as He did, we attain resurrection power. New life and healing in Him is how we experience it here. When we die physically, we’ll receive an eternal life beyond what we can imagine.

If you’re suffering today, you are not alone. Jesus is standing with you, empathizing with you. He has felt the pain you feel and is connected with you in it. And if you are suffering from ongoing trauma or abuse, you can trust Jesus to guide you into a place of safety. As you share His suffering, no matter what that looks like, He extends a gift to sustain you: the power of His resurrection.

I think it’s fair to say that we’d choose comfort over suffering every time, but a correct view of suffering brings comfort in our present pain. Suffering can be a beautiful place where we connect with Jesus, feeling His empathy and experiencing His power.

Jesus, in my place of suffering, I find healing in knowing that You understand my pain. It brings me comfort to know that You empathize with me, and it’s a privilege to understand You more deeply in this pain. I thank You for the resurrection power that You share with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Dropping Our Nets..... By Jennifer Waddle

 Dropping Our Nets 

By Jennifer Waddle

Today's Bible Verse: And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Mark 1:16-18 NKJV)

For a career fisherman, his net represents his livelihood. Every “catch of the day" equates to compensation for his efforts. A missed opportunity to fill the net might mean losing out on much-needed income. So when think of Simon and Andrew, the first disciples Jesus called, dropping their nets immediately, we must see their action for what it was: an extraordinary example of obedience.

“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Whatever thoughts were going through the minds of Simon and Andrew at that moment, there’s no doubt something life-changing was about to happen. There was a holy pull from the man called “Jesus” they didn’t want to miss out on.

In our lives, we struggle to immediately follow the voice of the Lord. Often, we white-knuckle our own nets of livelihood, striving to fill them as full as possible. And each day we fail to bring in the day’s catch, is a day we fall further behind. It’s a constant cycle of casting our nets and hoping for the best.

Unlike those first disciples, we are hesitant to drop what we’re so invested in. We are uncertain and doubtful. Many questions fill our minds:

Is it really God’s voice I’m hearing?

What does following Christ really mean?

Does the Lord really want me to drop everything for Him?

As doubt replaces instant obedience, we talk ourselves out of dropping our nets—our goals, dreams, and desires. We hear His voice in the distance, but continue on our way, working even harder to be successful. So, what is the answer?

Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work with our “whole heart as unto the Lord and not man.” No matter what career field we’re in, our focus should be on serving God (not self or others). Then, as He calls us to something new or different or challenging, we’ll be open and ready to go.

Fortunately, we have a patient, loving Savior, who never tires of calling us to Himself. He pursues us with an everlasting love. He reminds us of what lies beyond our comfortable shores. And when we finally loosen our grip, we are one step closer to dropping everything for Jesus.

If you’re wondering how you can serve God right where you are, and be willing to follow Him at a moment’s notice, here are a few things to consider:

View your work environment as a God-given mission field.

Seek God daily to know what He has in mind for you.

Commit your efforts and success to the Lord with praise and thanksgiving.

Ask for wisdom in everything you set out to do.

Each day is an opportunity for us to drop our nets and follow Jesus. As we mentally prepare ourselves to let go of our endless strivings and spiritually prepare ourselves to go where He leads, we’ll find ourselves on the exciting shores of God’s purpose through us - and who knows where that might lead!

How Are Your Thoughts?..... by Anna Kuta

 How Are Your Thoughts?

by Anna Kuta

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

We’ve all heard the phrase “Garbage in, garbage out” – it’s a statement that originated in reference to computer input and output but is now often applied to other areas of life. I, for one, heard it countless times growing up when it came to healthy food versus junk food, and I’m sure you’ve heard it used to refer to something along similar lines.

And as I was reading today’s verse a few days ago, I realized Paul is using the same principle here in reference to our minds. In instructing the Philippians about how to live godly lives, he includes this verse about what they should be thinking about and focusing on. Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, praiseworthy – this is what he tells them to meditate on. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you,” he goes on in verse 9.

As Christians, our aim is to live a life pleasing and obedient to God. Our Christian lives should show a pattern of growth and sanctification – becoming more like Jesus and less like the sinful people we were before. But before our actions can line up with Jesus, our minds and hearts have to. Do we expect to live lives reflecting of Him if our minds are focused elsewhere, on sinful things? No, our minds should focus on godly things – things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy. Godliness in, godliness out.

Obviously, there are many terrible things in the world that we cannot escape – and indeed we as Christians are called to be in the world but not of it – but that just means it’s especially crucial to keep our minds focused on things that mirror and reflect God’s nature and goodness. It actually goes further than just our thoughts – it means guarding our thoughts as well: being careful just what we willingly let in to our minds and hearts. As Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

No, I may not have any control over things I see and hear in the world on a daily basis, but I can choose what I decide to fill my mind with on my own time. The music I listen to, the books I read, the conversations I take part in, the movies and TV shows I choose to watch – are they things that will help my thoughts have the characteristics Paul talks about in today’s verse? If not, I truly need to reevaluate what I am feeding my mind.

And, of course, when in doubt, we all should remember that there is no better true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy thing to meditate on than the word of God itself.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Where do your thoughts go when your mind wanders? How have your thoughts today lined up with Paul’s description of what we should think about – things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy? Pray that God will reveal areas in your life that are not producing godly thoughts, and pray that He will help you desire to focus on things that are pleasing to Him.

Further Reading:

1 Peter 2:12
Romans 12:1-2
Proverbs 4:23

A Prayer for When Life’s Burdens Are Heavy..... By: Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for When Life’s Burdens Are Heavy

By: Kristine Brown

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” - Matthew 11:28 NLT

It had been a rough week. My husband spent an entire day in the emergency room, trying to identify the source of a medical issue. Two days later we received a call from our adult son, who was admitted to another emergency room. Later that week, I had a draining follow-up visit with my oncologist. And to top everything off, we were dealing with frustrating issues at work. By the week’s end, I just felt weary.

Between three people in my family, we had 11 doctor’s appointments scheduled in the upcoming month and many unknowns. I tried to put the pieces together in neat little compartments, but it was all too much to handle. Thankfully, God offers supernatural comfort when we are beyond weary.

Sometimes we find ourselves in that place, battle-weak from carrying a heavy load. Each one of us will experience the weight of life’s struggles. The load we carry may come from the sins of our past, constraints placed upon us, or even overwhelming daily responsibilities. But whatever the cause of the heaviness we feel, Jesus Christ provides the only reliable source of relief. He lifts that unbearable load from our shoulders and provides refreshment for our souls.

Matthew 11:28 shares this promise in Jesus’ own words, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”

If you’re weary today, let’s pray this prayer together. Through Jesus, we have hope for relief and rest.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I’m beyond weary. Lately, I’ve been hit with one wave after another, without a reprieve. I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. Help me find relief and rest for my weariness. I need you, Lord. I need your strength, comfort, and peace.

I know my Savior Jesus invites anyone who is weary and feeling buried under the weight of life’s burdens to come to him. I accept that invitation right now. I am running to Jesus with my cares and worries, ready to enjoy his peace and rest. Thank you for the freedom we have through your son Jesus.

Let the words of Psalm 68:19 be my prayer, “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” Thank you, Lord, for reaching out to me with open arms and beckoning me to find comfort in you! You are a good Father, gracious and faithful.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Season of Thanks This devotional was written..... by Kelly McFadden

 A Season of Thanks

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. —Psalms 119:160

This holiday season, you will most likely hear the song “My Favorite Things” from the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. To me this song has always felt out of place during the holidays, until recently. I have begun to hear it in a new light, recognizing the famous list of “favorite things” as a list of reasons to be thankful. The character Maria, who sings this song, thinks about her list of favorite things when she seeks comfort.

Christians have a list as well. Found in the Bible are promises from our Lord – keepsakes we can cling to at all times including periods of worry, trouble, or despair. These promises urge Christ-followers not to be troubled or to feel alone. They are words offering great hope because they are not the words of mere men. They are inspired, never-changing words given to us from our Savior and Lord. Read through a few of these promises below:

The Lord will give His people strength. Psalm 29:11

The Lord hears our cries. Psalm 34:17

The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

The Lord will answer when you call to Him. Jeremiah 33:3

You need not be afraid. God is with you. Isaiah 41:13

The Lord will give rest to your burdened soul. Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord will comfort you. John 14:27

The Lord has given us His Spirit to guide us. Acts 1:8

You will have everlasting life when you believe. John 3:16

The list can go on and on. The Lord promises us mercy, protection, strength, eternity, love, and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and His word is truth (John 17:1). We cannot look at God’s promises like we do those of our friends and family. As people, we often promise, but don’t follow through, even when we have the best of intentions. God’s Word is binding and true. These promises hold fast. We do not have to wonder if they will happen. Rather, we ought to wait in expectation. So “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling sad,” I encourage you to remember all God has promised you. It is in these promises you will find great strength.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, in addition to thinking through all you are thankful for, take time to thank God for His many promises.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend some time today reflecting on some of God’s amazing promises.

2. Say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all He has given you as His adopted child.

FURTHER READING: Isaiah 40:31; John 16:15; Mark 11:23-26