WORK IS A BLESSING...SAY WHAT?

A few days ago I heard a lady complaining about her job. Someone asked her how things were going and she replied something to the effect that everything but her work was great. Granted I know there are situations with impossible bosses, bad work conditions, or harsh treatment of employees, but to be able to have employment in this day and age is a blessing. Even probably the greatest job in the world has its' downside.

The attitude we should have as a believer is "how can I impact my workplace for Christ. How can I overlook the hurtful co workers or back biting that may occur." Realize God is instrumental in where you are and ask Him to make you a light in a dark place.

One of my favorite verses about work or life in general is found in Colossians 3:23(NIV) and it says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.' You may have to pray for God to give you the strength and ability to love impossible bosses or co workers. Pray also for a good attitude.

Work is necessary in order to provide for yourself and your family. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10(ESV) it says 'For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.' Those who get constant handouts lose the desire to contribute to society and work but think it is the government who needs to take care of them.

Consider your job a blessing. If you are a stay home mom be grateful as you are being able to be a full time leadership developer and impact the next generation. I always hate it to hear stay home moms say they are "just" a mom.

No matter what your job is do it just as if Jesus were right there beside you. Ask Him for opportunities to be a light in a dark world.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me whatever I do to be an example for you whether in my home or in the work place. Help me shine your light out into the world around me which desperately needs you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GRATITUDE AND ATTITUDE

It sure is easy to complain about our "lot" in life but have you ever stopped for a moment, especially for my United States readers, and really think about your blessings? We take so much for granted, which saddens me.

This subject came up as a writing topic as I reflected on our healthcare we "currently" enjoy in America and how grateful with my recent snow ski injury, I was able to quickly be seen by top notch medical doctors and physical therapists with little or no wait. In my case am grateful I have pretty much the same mobility as I know for many that is not always the case. Indeed it made me grateful first for mobility, having legs, being able to be seen by a doctor quickly and so much more.

Philippians 2:14-15(NLT) says 'Do all things without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean innocent lives as children of God shining as bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' This would mean do not complain about the things you don't have but thank Him for what you are blessed with.

Nick Vujivic, who I have written about before, has no limbs. None. No arms, no legs. His ministry is "Life Without Limbs". Here is a young man who initially may have been depressed but he overcame an immense disability and turned it into an ability and a ministry reaching out to millions. Check out his website at www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. It is truly inspiring to hear him. Today he is on the last ten minutes of "Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer". Check www.joycemeyer.org for times in your area.

Do a gratitude exercise today. Get paper and start listing all the things you are grateful for. Not all the things you are "entitled" to as we are not entitled to anything. Just start writing down all the blessings in your life from the smallest things such as being able to hear chirping birds sing or being able to eat without a feeding tube. Let your mind rest and be able to think. I hope you come up with pages and pages.

Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV) are two of my favorite verses and they say 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.' When you are praying why not repeat that verse as part of your prayer. Psalm 68:19(NIV) says 'Bless the Lord who daily loads us with benefits.' I say to that "Hallelujah!"

He indeed loads us with blessings that we so often fail to say thank you. Take time today and give God the glory for all the great things he has done.

PRAYER: Today Lord I am overwhelmed by your goodness to me. I often times am humanly undeserving of your mercies and abundance you pour out on me. Material things are nice but your love and kindness to me is worth so much more. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click the link below and praise the Lord for His goodness to you.

http://youtu.be/heRHeX23r70