September 30, 2014

September 30, 2014

Thought For Today

Holy Spirit, I desire the peace that comes from being led by You!  As I pray, lead me by Your Spirit.  There is nothing I desire more than coming to know Your ways.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You…”  (Isaiah 26:3).

September 29, 2014

September 29, 2014

Thought For Today

You are a diversified God and have given many gifts to your children.  Dear Lord, show me how to best use what You have given to me and how I can better serve in Your Kingdom.  Let me always be led by your Holy Spirit.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

September 28, 2014

September 28, 2014

Thought For Today

Dear Jesus, starting today, let me reach many people for Your Kingdom by extending an open hand to those in need.  You have commanded us to love our neighbors and to always be charitable.  I ask You for the chance to do so.

“Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

September 27, 2014

September 27, 2014

Thought For Today

Help me to always share my love with my children and to be a godly example to them.  It is my prayer today that I remember that not only my actions, but also my reactions are important to their growth and development as Christians. “Her children rise up and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28 RSV).

September 26, 2014

September 26, 2014

Thought For Today

Dear God, thank you for the revelation of how to pray according to Your will.  As I come into Your awesome Presence I know You are there waiting.  

September 25, 2014

September 25, 2014

Thought For Today

Remind me to be quiet before You.  While praying for Your will, I am constantly doing the talking and asking.  It is what You have to say that I need to hear.  Prepare me to be a sanctuary You will be pleased to dwell in.

“Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine upon Your sanctuary…” (Daniel 9:17).

September 24, 2014

September 24, 2014

Thought For Today

You are bigger than all our circumstances.  I know Your hand is always moving on my behalf and I have nothing to fear.  Your Word promises me that I am covered by Your protection and love.  Help me, I pray, to always listen to Your leading and to fear not! 

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

September 23, 2014.

September 23, 2014.

Thought For Today

As I begin to list the responsibilities I have for today, give me clear directions and put me in exactly the proper position to accomplish what You have for me to do.  Prioritize my day according to Your schedule and give me the insight to perceive any reroutes as detours to destiny.

September 22, 2014.

Thought For Today

Be present in all my times, large and small.  You are such a great God.  The universe fits the span of Your thumb and Your little finger, yet You not only know my name, but also hear my prayers!  Prevent me from becoming busy: Being Under Satan’s Yoke!

September 21, 2014.

Thought For Today

Your Word tells me in Jeremiah 33:3 to, “Call upon Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”  When I pray, I am crying out to You for encouragement, guidance and direction.  I trust You to show me the way to walk as we spend time together.

September 20, 2014

Thought For Today

Teach me how to always live by faith.  Dear Heavenly Father, plant me and help my roots grow strong, so my faith will not waver when difficult circumstances arise.  I seek You early so that I may hear Your voice and know Your clear direction. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree…” (Matthew 13:31-32 RSV).

September 19, 2014

Father, choosing to serve You and adhere to Your Word has changed my life for all eternity.  Keep my eyes on You and Your plan for my life.  I desire to be Your special treasure and to always walk in Your statutes, Your judgments and Your commandments.

September 18, 2014. A BLUEPRINT FOR PRAYER

Thursday, September 18, 2014.

A Blueprint for Prayer

'After this manner...pray...' Matthew 6:9 KJV

Jesus taught us to pray: 'Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: For Yours is the kingdom...the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.' (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV) When it comes to praying, Jesus gave us a blueprint:

'Our Father' establishes the basis of your relationship with God. It reminds you that you're not just part of His creation, you're His child! Think about it; you can create something without being related to it, but once you father it, it's always part of you. 'In Heaven' affirms your connection to the God of the universe. 'The Lord...made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.' (Psalm 103:19 NLT) You are acknowledging God's power and His unique qualifications to answer your prayers. 'Hallowed be Your name' reminds you that God is holy; that being His child doesn't give you the right to disobey or take Him for granted. When you 'Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise' (Psalm 100:4 NIV), it gets His attention, because by exalting His name you're recognizing His character. 'Your will be done in earth' is reminiscent of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane: '...Your will...be done, not mine.' (Matthew 26:39 NLT) Christ taught us to seek God's agenda, not our own; to have the same mind as our heavenly Father; to walk with Him by praying in agreement with Him.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 17, 2014. YOU CAN CONQUER WORRY

Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

You Can Conquer Worry

'...do not...be anxious about tomorrow...' Matthew 6:34 AMP

Most of the stuff we worry about never happens, or turns out better than we anticipate. Worry, like faith, is a spiritual force. Like a magnet, it attracts the very things we fear, clouds our judgment and distorts our perspective. God never intended us to carry tomorrow's burdens along with today's. So, here are three steps to help you conquer worry: (1) Replace it. Telling somebody not to worry doesn't work. Worry is like an emotional spasm; the only way to break it is to replace it. '...whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praise worthy think about such things.' (Philippians 4:8 NIV) In other words, switch the channel! (2) Dissect it. '...fear involves torment...' (1 John 4:18 NKJV) Worry torments you; your imagination runs amok, conjuring up all kinds of scary scenarios. But it's also illogical; when you take it apart rationally and systemically, it loses its power to control you. (3) Rise above it. A well-known pastor was flying over the Mississippi River one day when the sky grew dark. 'We can't see where we're going!' he exclaimed. Calmly the pilot replied, 'We just need to rise above the ground heat, dust and smoke.' After climbing another 300 meters they emerged into a clear, beautiful world. Corrie Ten Boom called faith 'the radar that pierces through the fog.' When worry tries to fog you in, you can rise above it by placing your trust in the Lord. '...those who trust in the Lord...will soar...like eagles...' (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 16, 2014. PUT AWAY YOUR OLD MEASURING ROD!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014.

Put Away Your Old Measuring Rod!

'...it was a river...' Ezekiel 47:5 NKJV

Paul writes, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) You say, 'With my lack of education, limited income, poor health and past mistakes, I don't see how I can succeed.' When you're dealing with God, put away your old measuring rod! Ezekiel had a vision. He saw a river flowing from the temple: 'When the man went out...with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim...Then he said to me...it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live...Along the bank of the river...will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary...' (Ezekiel 47:3-12 NKJV) Notice, this river flows from God. He is the One who determines your future and decides your abundance. No matter who sows or who reaps, '...God...gives the increase.' (1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV) Who determines the extent of your blessing? God! So put away your old measuring rod!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 12, 2014. IN SPITE OF THE ODDS AND THE OPPOSITION

Friday September 12, 2014.

'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' Psalm 23:5 NKJV

In Spite of the Odds and the Opposition

If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...' (Psalm 23. 5-6 NKJV). Underline the word 'surely'. It's God's guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you. 'But I'm really struggling,' you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His Spirit to guide you, His Word to illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will see that your problem is just a platform for Him to 'show Himself strong on your behalf.' (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV) You'll also discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Finally, you'll be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your future, God does - so look to Him!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 11, 2014. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY (3)

Thursday September 11, 2014.

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Be Careful What You Say (3)

A World War II poster reads, 'Careless words cost lives'. So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself four questions. First, is it true? 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' (Exodus 20:16 NKJV) That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions! Until you're certain it's true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth. Secondly, is it confidential? Did you hear it as a result of someone else's having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember, 'Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.' (Proverbs 11:13 ESV) Your usefulness to God requires that you don't sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust. Thirdly, is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating; don't be his accomplice. 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.' (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? Finally, is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself, 'What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?' Always keep this in mind: you're more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't. 'A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.' (Proverbs 29:11 NKJV) Be wise; be careful what you say.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 10, 2014. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY (2)

Wednesday September 10, 2014

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Be Careful What You Say (2)

Your words can bring two things. First, encouragement. Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, 'A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the seat of the pants, but is miles ahead in results.' Solomon said, 'Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.' (Proverbs 15:4 GNT) When life is hard, '...a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!' (Proverbs 15:23 AMP) Hope pierces the despair, and people begin to believe that they really have a chance to make it. Many a wounded soul has got through their deepest valley on the strength of a word of encouragement. 'Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.' (Proverbs 16:24 NIV) People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement. Just a card, an email, a phone call-the Bible calls them '...apples of gold in settings of silver.' (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV) Secondly, your words can bring salvation. 'The fruit of the...righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men-he gathers and receives them for eternity].' (Proverbs 11:30 AMP) The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. 'The words of a good person give life, like a fountain of water...' (Proverbs 10:11 NCV) You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost, and help change their past, their present and their future. Your words can also help people to mature and grow in their relationship with God. Yes, 'The lips of the righteous feed many...' (Proverbs 10:21 NAS)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 9, 2014. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY (1)

Tuesday September 9, 2014.

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Be Careful What You Say (1)

Your tongue can be a source of great blessing because it can provide people with two things they need. First, it gives wisdom. 'The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice... The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' (Proverbs 31-32 NLT) Paul told Timothy, 'You have heard me teach [many] things... teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.' (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT) Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge. Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you. If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime. Secondly, your tongue can give correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected. But if you '...listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise... reject discipline, you only harm yourself... listen to correction... grow in understanding... humility precedes honor.' (Proverbs 15:31-33 NLT) Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth-teller, but: 'You can trust a friend who corrects you...' (Proverbs 27:6 CEV) Three important principles apply here. First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship. If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth-telling to someone who has. You have to earn that right. Secondly, truth-telling isn't a license to go hunting. A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Thirdly, appreciation will come-but be prepared, it may be delayed! 'In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.' (Proverbs 28:23 NLT)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 8, 2014. WALKING BY FAITH

Monday September 8, 2014.

'I will instruct you...in the way you should go...' Psalm 32:8 NIV

Walking by Faith

Paul writes, '...I go...not knowing the things that will happen to me...except that the Holy Spirit testifies...saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me...' (Acts 20:22-24 NKJV) It's only human to want to know where you're going and what you're getting into. But God will inform you on a 'need to know' basis. Like Abraham, when you follow Him, you do it 'not knowing' where the Lord leads, but believing what He promised, confident that no matter how He does it nor how long it takes, He will keep His word to you (Hebrews 11:8). Being in God's will doesn't exempt you from problems. God doesn't promise a carpet on the race track or a bed of roses on the battlefield. But you can be '...confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...' (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Jon Walker says, 'God knows every step of the journey...the blessings and dangers...where you've been...where you're going, and...the best path to take... He never intended you to figure out the steps without Him. How you get on mission and succeed...are God's responsibilities. Your responsibility is to seek His guidance and obey His instructions. He said, I will instruct you...in the way you should go...and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV) Your job is to trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. His job is to set your path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). There's no requirement for you to figure it all out.'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 7, 2014. 'IN THE YEAR OF DROUGHT'

Sunday September 7, 2014.

'...He...will not be anxious in the year of drought...' Jeremiah 17:8 NKJV

'In the Year of Drought'

The mother of eight children came home one afternoon and noticed it was quieter than usual. She looked in the living-room and five of her little darlings were sitting in a circle, playing with five of the cutest skunks you've ever seen. Instantly she began to scream, 'Run, children, run!' Each child grabbed a skunk and ran in different directions. Instead of helping, her screams scared the children so much that they each squeezed their skunk... That day she learned-it's always too soon to panic! In tough economic times the difference between peace and panic depends on who you are trusting in. When you've done all you know, give it to God-and don't take it back! We live in a fear-filled world. If you read the headlines and not the Scriptures, or listen to the 'shock jocks' instead of those who strengthen your faith, you'll experience what Jesus described as 'men's hearts failing them for fear...' (Luke 21:26 KJV) As a redeemed child of God you live by His rules, under His protection, supplied by '...His riches...' (Philippians 4:19 KJV) Here's a promise you need to stand on: 'Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord... For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.' (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV) 'In the year of drought', don't panic. Instead, trust God to come through for you.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 6, 2014. JOSEPH'S COATS

Saturday September 6, 2014.

'Then Pharaoh...clothed him in garments of fine linen...' Genesis 41:42 NKJV

Joseph's Coats

To be used by God, you must wear the two coats Joseph wore-namely, those of favor and integrity.

First, the coat of favor. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph...and he made him a coat of many colors.' (Genesis 37:3 KJV) Like Joseph's multicolored coat, the favor of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV) Secondly, the coat of integrity. Joseph left his physical coat in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances but not his coat of integrity. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me. But he left his garment in her hand, and fled...' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV) Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV)

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 5, 2014. WHEN A CHILD DIES

Friday September 5, 2014.

'...I shall go to him...' 2 Samuel 12:23 NKJV

When a Child Dies

The first child David had with Bathsheba lived only a week, then died. Heartbroken, with his thoughts towards Heaven, David said, '...I shall go to him...'

When a child dies, numerous questions arise. For example, first, will I see them in Heaven? Yes, David's story confirms it. Picture a shepherd leading his flock to greener pastures. The journey requires crossing a river. The sheep stare at it, paralyzed with fear. So the shepherd picks up a lamb, carries it over and sets it on the other side. At first its parents are upset, but eventually they overcome their fear and become willing to follow the shepherd through the waters to a glorious reunion on the other side. Think: when what you value most is in the next world, the appeal of this one diminishes with each passing day. Secondly, we may ask, will I know them in Heaven? Yes, on the Mount of Transfiguration the disciples knew Moses and Elijah even though they'd died centuries before. Would we know less in Heaven than we know on earth? Paul writes, '...Then I shall know just as I also am known.' (1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV) Finally, we may ask, what will they do in Heaven? The Bible says that in Heaven, '...His servants shall serve Him.' (Revelation 22:3 NKJV) Have you ever said to yourself, 'I wish I could do better'? In Heaven, you will. You'll be at your best-forever.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 4, 2014. AIM, SHOOT, AND KEEP SHOOTING!

Thursday September 4, 2014.

'...Strike the ground...' 2 Kings 13:18 NKJV

Aim, Shoot, and Keep Shooting!

When the king of Israel needed a strategy for defeating the Syrians he turned to the prophet Elisha, who told him: 'Take a bow and some arrows.' 'So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow. So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, Open the east window, and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot, and he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them. Then he said, Take the arrows, so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, Strike the ground, so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times.' (2 Kings 15-19 NKJV)

What are you asking God to do? To save someone you love? To provide finances? To help you break a habit? To succeed in your career? Find out what He has promised you in His Word, and use those promises like arrows. Aim them at your problem, shoot, and keep shooting until God moves on your behalf. If this story teaches you anything, it's this: there are situations in life when faith and persistence not only determine your victory, but also the extent to which you win. So aim, shoot, and keep shooting!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 3, 2014. BY GOD'S GRACE YOU CAN OVERCOME

Wednesday September 3, 2014.

'...If God is for us, who can be against us?' Romans 8:31 NKJV

By God's Grace You Can Overcome

Some of the world's greatest people have faced the world's greatest challenges, but have overcome them. Cripple a man with polio, and you have Sir Walter Scott. Lock a man in prison, and you have John Bunyan. Raise a man in abject poverty, and you have Abraham Lincoln. Subject a man to bitter religious prejudice, and you have Benjamin Disraeli. Strike a man down with paralysis, and you have Franklin Roosevelt. Have someone born black in a society filled with racial discrimination, and you have Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson and George Washington Carver. Make a man the first child to survive in an impoverished Italian family of 18, and you have Enrico Caruso. Have a man born to parents who survived a Nazi concentration camp, paralyze him from the waist down when he's four years old, and you have the incomparable violinist Itzhak Perlman. Call a man a slow learner and mentally challenged, write him off as beyond education, and you have Albert Einstein. Helen Keller was born blind and deaf, yet she graduated from college with highest honors and impacted the world. Margaret Thatcher, England's first and only woman Prime Minister, lived upstairs over her father's grocery store. For a while her childhood home had no running water and no indoor plumbing. Golda Meir, Israel's first and only woman Prime Minister, was a divorced grandmother from Milwaukee. What do these people teach us? That success doesn't depend on our circumstances, but on overcoming our circumstances. And with God on our side we can do it! Paul, one of the world's great overcomers, wrote, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

September 2, 2014. RESPONDING TO FAILURE

Tuesday September 2, 2014

'A righteous person may fall...but he gets up again...' Proverbs 24:16 GWT

Responding to Failure

You can tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Wallace says: 'Failure teaches us things we can't learn any other way... Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don't let it take up residence... All failures are not equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first runner-up in a Beauty Pageant, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a national competition. It's a matter of perspective... [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things...I once received a 'D' at college... it's ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health center with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what's important. I have a friend who was downsized out of a job... It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. "I tended to be full of pride," she says. "I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job...humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It's a heavy yoke...and I don't wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect."'

Taken from the Word for you Today Devotional

September 1, 2014. WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (3)

Monday September 1, 2014

'The father [or mother] of a righteous man has great joy...' Proverbs 23:24 NIV

Working in the Kingdom (3)

The hardest work is sometimes the most overlooked work. A husband came home from work one day and the house was an absolute mess. Clothes were strewn all over the floor, dirty dishes filled the sink, the kids were crying, the beds were unmade, the bathroom smelled badly and the TV set was blaring. When he asked his wife what was going on, she replied, 'You know how you ask me every night what I did all day? Well, today I didn't do it.' If you're a stay-at-home mum or dad, God considers your work to be important. It's more important to the future than just about any other profession - because you're determining the quality of the next generation. Martin Luther said, 'What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in Heaven for our Lord.' One day God will say, 'Well done,' to parents who cared for children - bathing them, feeding them, cleaning up after them - when they were tired and thought nobody was looking. Somebody is looking. Somebody is keeping track. It is worth it! You are the one who makes your work significant - not the other way round. When you discover the gifts God has given you and the passions He has placed within you, and put them to work in the service of values you deeply believe in - you are 'working for God' in the truest sense. So each day ask God to make your work go well. And try to identify the larger picture in your work that makes it a 'calling'.

Taken from the Word for you Today Devotional