An unashamed worker–that’s a worthy goal:
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Typical me, I start thinking, “am I ashamed of my work?” I make it about me.
The better question is “does God approve?” It’s all about God. 
“Fear God and work hard.”
Wise advice from a guy who started working at age 10, earned enough to pay for college, completed medical school, practiced his own brand of medicine in the remotest of places, explored the rivers of Africa, wrote prolifically on tropical diseases and sought to end the slave trade.
Who? Dr. Livingstone, I presume.
Indeed.
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.
Surprise! My work isn’t all about me. It isn’t even about my employer.
My work is all about God.
Why work?
Our culture sends the message that not having to work is great—retiring early, inheriting a fortune, winning the lottery, paying someone else to do our work. God has a different take:
Genesis 2:25 (ESV)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
We are created to work.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.
We are created to work enthusiastically.
Happy Labor Day.
Which spiritual discipline goes with gather together?
Hospitality! Let them gather together in your own home.
2 Peter 4:3 (ESV)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Yep, I grumble about it:
The house is a mess.
What am I going to feed them?
Put your stuff away! Don’t you know we have company coming!
How about this instead:
Lord, thank you for the home and food you have given me, I’m happy to share it with your people. Bless our fellowship. Amen.
Spurgeon says what I should have figured out all by myself (that happens a lot):
Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Count me in. Ewe coming along?
I listen to the news reports, and I think the end of the world is fast approaching. Makes me want to run to my home, close the door and hide.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
God says, “If you really think the end is nigh, reach out and connect with others more than ever.”
I wonder . . .
. . . were there people who got on Jesus’ nerves? Other than the Pharisees and religious leaders? Out of the thousands of hangers-on, not even one who constantly interrupted, or one with a whiney voice, or one who had to have the last word who brought Jesus to the edge: “Sheesh! Give me some space already!”
Dear Lord, grant me eyes to see the beautiful humans behind the annoying behaviors–and the heart to include them in our gatherings. Amen.
What’s your social calendar look like?
Note the social calendar of the early Christians:
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Our to-do lists and our calendars reveal our priorities. Does yours prove your devotion to prayer, study and fellowship?
Our culture says random sex is good and unwanted babies are disposable.
Seems to me that abortion hardens the heart and random sex corrodes the soul. This is a subtle war on women’s hearts and souls.
Lord God, preserve their mother-hearts and restore their helpmate-souls. Amen.
