Diligence

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15

Do you work whole heartedly at what you do? If you represent Christ you should want to do your work in an honorable manner being trustworthy and diligent. In other words, you keep at it and go beyond the call of duty. Don't just do enough to get by but go beyond what is expected on your 'job description'. Our job should be to work hard for the Lord whatever our task is. (See Colossians 3:23). 

Do you suppose people see you as a go getter, mediocre, or a slacker? A good rule of thumb would be to work hard as if Jesus was right there or better yet that you were doing it for Him. Set an example for believers and non believers alike.

Today whatever you find yourself doing whether anyone sees you or not, know this, that Jesus' always see you so be diligent and charge on with a good attitude.

PRAYER: Lord I want to please you in all that I do. I choose to not be lazy but to work hard and set an example. I want to shine for you. In Jesus' name.Amen. 

MOVING ON

What do you do when things do not go your way? Bad news from work. A family member or friend dies. You are rejected by a friend. You do not get that promotion you expected.

Setbacks are not supposed to make us just shrivel up and quit. In the Olympics there were many who rose to the occasion and made the podium and earned one of the three medals in their sport. Then  there were those who were expected to win Gold and did not even medal. Imagine how they feel after years of training only to be defeated. What can we learn from this in our own life? US Figure Skater Jeremy Abbot fell and hit the boards like a hockey player during his program and just laid there for what seems a couple minutes but then he got up and continued his program almost flawlessly. It was awesome. 

No doubt there has to be someone reading who can identify with what I am talking about. I can so I write for myself. To keep going when you would rather just crawl in a hole and mope is sometimes hard to do. The enemy, satan, is in the business of making us feel defeated,hurt, and useless. Rise up!!

'You are from God little children, and have overcome them. Because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.' (1 John 4:4)

PRAYER: Each and every day Lord I need to remember to get up out of bed and say thanks for another day have given me on planet Earth. My life has as reason and purpose and I am here to shine the light of Jesus on a hurting world. Help me not forgot that and run my race to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHARGE ON!!

I have enjoyed watching the Winter Olympic games both the set backs and the glory. It is agonizing to see a defending champion lose their crown and have to eat a bit of humble pie. Snow conditions were not ideal during the Half Pipe competition on 11 February and many stumbled. What a let down for athletes who have trained for this moment and on international television do not rise to the occasion.

Life is like an athletic competition in some ways. We lose or fall and have to get back up and keep on going. Struggles may overwhelm but in Gods word it says to press on, run the race to win, keep looking up. Persevere knowing who is there to help and what the prize is going to be.

Are you weighed down by something right now and sometimes feel like giving up? Keep looking straight ahead as if the finish line was right there and Jesus was waving at you. I guarantee you would run with all your might towards his open arms.

1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.'

PRAYER: Lord I look to you Lord as my ultimate prize. Things in life may get me down but I know my hope is in you and not in people or situations. I choose to run to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LEARNING AND GROWING

The other day I was testing my knowledge and skills on an new app on my IPAD. Typically when people start to get older they often do not want to embrace technology and stay stuck in a rut of sorts. In the ever changing world it is good to keep up with things so you can relate to the world and to future grandchildren you might have.

It is God who gifts us with the capacity to learn and think. He has given us a wonderful gift. That is our brain. Each person is gifted in different ways. Even those who some feel the world "short changed" due to mental deficiencies have a plan and purpose in God's kingdom.

God does not want us to fear things and that includes learning new things. Often in life those over 60 may feel their days of learning are over. To stay young keep reaching ahead and keep trying new things. Make positive thoughts a part of each day. Do not awaken and start "confessing" how sick you are or how old you are but instead get up and start the day by saying Philippians 4:13(NIV) which says 'I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."

PRAYER: The opportunity to learn and achieve and grow is never ending. I thank you that at any age there are many things to enjoy and try. I thank you Lord for those people you place in my path, both young and older, to teach me new things. I choose to be positive and seek to look to you for help in moving up and moving on. In Jesus' name. Amen.

KEEP WORKING HARD FOR JESUS

If you have a job be thankful. It is a gift from God. God never
intended people to be lazy and "suck on the government baby bottle" as
I call it. He intended for man to work hard as if working for Him.
Colossians 3:23 is a verse I like to call the Christians' work ethic
and it says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as
working for the Lord and not for human masters.'

1 Thessalonians 3:19(NIV) reminds us '..the one who is unwilling to
work should not eat.' Pretty clear and straight forward.

Here today in America we celebrate Labor Day. There are plenty of
people in our country today that like to let the government give them
everything and never lift a finger to earn it. They feel entitled to
it. There indeed are legitimate cases of those who are unable to
work, but if you can then you need to be. Working is a way a person
can feel good about providing for himself and/or a family. It builds
self esteem when you are contributing something.

Even the concept of just "shutting down shop" to retire is not in the
Bible. I have seen many older citizens who love working or
volunteering and contributing to society and not feeling like life
was over. It helps them to be around the younger generations too. If
you are retired and reading this I am not trying to guilt you but if a
person is in good health and able to work they should be allowed.

Stay home moms, your job is extremely important so please do not put
yourself down thinking you need to be in some office tower somewhere.

Today on this Labor Day be sure to give thanks for the gift of
employment and an income. Thank The Lord for the skills He has blessed
you with.

Proverbs 14:23 says 'All hard works brings a profit but mere talk
leads only to poverty.'

Both Ben Carson, MD and Star Parker, President of C.U.R.E. began life
in dire poverty and they were determined to make a good life for
themselves. It can be done. Never quit trying.

PRAYER: We celebrate the labor force today Lord and we thank you for
the blessing and gift of a hard earned income. I pray for those
needing jobs that you will encourage them to keep on and not give up.
In Jesus' name. Amen!

KEEP SETTING GOALS

There have been times when I have heard people over 60 say 'I would like to work but I will never get hired as I am too old." Excuse me, but age is a state of mind. If you talk like that if you happen to be 60 or over you will convince yourself you are washed up and no use to anyone in society. You can always keep learning, keep growing, keep reaching for a dream or a goal no matter what age you happen to be as long as there are not health limitations. I have met workers in stores who are into the empty nest years having fun rediscovering themselves, setting goals, and starting a new adventure or hobby. In my travels I have met flight attendants who took the job after the children had grown and left home. There have been inventors and authors who got ideas later in life. Satan would love you to believe this lie as then he can get you sitting in a rocker not using your creative abilities. God can and will always use you!

Someone over 60 should not be ashamed of their age. They have many experiences in life and much to contribute to the world around them. If not a paid job then they can volunteer. It is not just the young that are important but the "young at heart" as well. So no more excuses. Keep setting goals and looking to contribute to society around you in a positive way.

The Foundation For a Better Life has the greatest billboards. Check out their website at www.values.com. These superb series of billboards bring hope and encouragement to a discouraged world. Our world could always use a good dose of hope. Our hope as believers is in Lord Jesus Christ, not a government or a mere individual.One of the billboards showed a 97 year old woman and the caption was something like 'Oldest Graduate', Perseverance, Pass it On.'

There is a verse in Psalm 92:14 (TLB) which says 'Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.' My friend, set your mind on good things and 'God things' and prepare to have an outstanding journey in life. Do not listen to the worldly voices around you saying fifty is old. That is nutty in my humble opinion. And stay home moms out there, your job is vitally important and should not be demeaned as saying 'they just stay at home'. You are contributing to the formation of the future of that wonderful blessing God has given you. Hold your head up high and be thankful you get to stay home and raise your children.

From here on out just remember that whatever you do you are working for the Lord. he has created you for His purposes. Shine for Him no matter what your age.

PRAYER: I am grateful Lord for the life you have given me. Thank you for where you have placed me. Help me not to ever be discouraged and know whatever my age I am important to you. In Jesus' name.Amen.