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One Thing to Do Before Starting a Fight–1 Kings 22:5

June 12, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Conflict, Obedience, righteous living, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 20:23-22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8

Have you ever just wanted to go out and have a good fight with someone?

Oh, I know that doesn’t sound very Christ-like, but if you are as human as I am then you’ve at least wanted to verbally give someone a “piece of your mind” at some point in your life.

In today’s reading King Jehoshaphat gave us some great pre-fight advice…

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.  Then during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel.  During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, “Do you realize that the town of Ramoth-gilead belongs to us? And yet we’ve done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram!”

Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, “Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-gilead?”

Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.” Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”

What if…

we “found out what the Lord said” before we started our next fight. serious discussion, or heart-to-heart with our spouse, children, parents, in-laws, co-workers, neighbors, or enemies?

It might sound like this…

“God, I’m really mad at my _________ right now.  I really want to hurt him/her as much as he/she’s hurt me.  What do you think?  Should I start a fight?”

Do you think God would ever say, “yes”?

I do.

There’s a time to get the “stuff” of life out on the table

but

there’s also a time to be silent.

So, if we only started fights when the Lord told us to

There would probably be

  • Less fights
  • More understanding
  • More self-control
  • More peace
  • More people wanting to know Jesus because of our testimony…

What do you say?

From now on let’s ask our Heavenly Father’s permission to start a fight and if He says “no,” let’s say that sounds good to me Lord!

Heavenly Father, help us to go to You with our anger, frustration, and desire to fight.  You alone know what we should do.  Give us Your wisdom.  Give us Your self-control. Help us to fight–only– when You say to go to battle!

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 22:10-28; 2 Chronicles 18:9-27; 1 Kings 22:29-35; 2 Chronicle 18:28-34; 1 Kings 22:36-40, 51-53; 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:30

Would You Attend Solomon’s Conference? — Proverbs 22:17 – 23:22

June 3, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Goals, leadership, Proverbs, Success, The Power of Words, Word of God, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 22:17 through Proverbs 24:34

A one-sheet is a single page document which is designed to provide a summary of information about the expertise of a professional speaker to prospective clients.  If Solomon had a “One-Sheet” it would have possibly looked like this.  I’m sure he could have preached a sermon or developed a seminar on each of these topics; now that’s a speaking portfolio!

*************************

Solomon’s Thirty Wise Sayings

Proverbs 22:17 – 24:22
Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.  For it is good to keep these sayings in your hearts and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the Lord.  I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.  In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you:

  1. Don’t rob the poor; don’t exploit the needy in court.
  2. Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people.
  3. Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
  4. Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
  5. Do you see any truly competent workers?  They will serve kings rather than work for ordinary people.
  6. While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.  If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.
  7. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.  Be wise enough to know when to quit.
  8. Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.
  9. Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
  10. Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
  11. Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.
  12. Don’t fail to discipline your children.
  13. My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.
  14. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.
  15. My child, listen and be wise; keep your heart on the right course. Don’t carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons.
  16. Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Get the truth, and never sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. So give your father and mother joy!
  17. My son, give me your heart; may your eyes take delight in following my ways. A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
  18. Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.  Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
  19.  Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.
  20. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with sorts of precious riches and valuables.
  21. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.  So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
  22. Wisdom is too lofty for fools.
  23. A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.  The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.
  24. If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
  25. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “look, we didn’t know.”
  26. My son, eat honey, for it is good and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.  In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.  If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
  27. Don’t wait in ambush as the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live.
  28. Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
  29. Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
  30. My son, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly.

I know some of these sayings sound a little foolish, but if you read all of today’s scriptures Solomon explained the “why” of each one.  I could definitely see Solomon speaking at a mega church or leadership conference on one of these topics!

Would you travel to hear him speak?

We’re moving into Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon; we’ll pick up the rest of the Proverbs in a few days.  Can you believe we’re in our sixth month of this journey…amazing!

Blessings!

 

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Song of Solomon 1:1 through Song of Solomon 8: 14

Are You Like Vinegar and Smoke to Your Boss? –Proverbs 10:26

May 29, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Failure, Finances, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, leadership, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-10:32

Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes. –Proverbs 10:26

The Bible has a lot to say about lazy people and none of it is good.  One of the worst things a professing Christian can do for the cause of Christ is to be lazy in the workplace.

You may be seen as lazy by your boss if…

    • You are often late for work or walk in the door at the exact minute you are supposed to be starting your day
    • You overlook things like picking up a piece paper in the parking lot or filling the copier with paper because “that’s not your job”
    • You stop working an hour before your day’s over so that you can watch the clock and walk out the door exactly at 5 o’clock
    • You have to be told what to do; you have no initiative
    • All you care about is your paycheck and never think about the success of the business
    • Your boss sees you standing around doing “nothing” when he/she comes into your area
    • You don’t work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)

What would you add to this list?

If you said, “Yep, that’s me” to more than one or two of these statements your boss may see you as lazy.  You may be irritating her/him like vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eyes.

The day-to-day, routine, and mundane things in life are where we show our character and integrity.  Excellence in the workplace is one of the ways we worship God…

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  –Colossians 3:23

Heavenly Father, in this world of mediocrity teach us to stand out above the crowd as a child of the One, True, God who does everything with excellence!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:1-13:25

Things God Hates…It May Surprise You–Proverbs 6:16-19

May 28, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Divorce, Family, Forgiveness, Friendship, Holy Spirit, leadership, Parenting, Proverbs, Workplace with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 5:1 through Proverbs 7:27

When my kids were little I was a fanatic about teaching them to respect other people.  I literally had them thinking words like dumb, stupid and shut up were curse words.  Another biggie was the word, “hate.”  They would definitely get in trouble if they said they hated another person.

In today’s reading God used the word “hate.”

God didn’t say He hated a person or a people group, but there are some things people do that really irritate Him.

So, if we are Christ followers and He hates “stuff,” we should probably hate it too.

Here are seven things God hates in Proverbs 6: 16-19

  • Haughty eyes
  • A lying tongue
  • Hands that kill the innocent
  • A heart that plots evil
  • Feet that race to do  wrong
  • A false witness who pours out lies
  • A person who sows discord in a family

In verse 16, Solomon said there are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests.  The commentaries I read said this pattern of writing (six…seven) was to let the reader know that this wasn’t an exhaustive list.  In other words, there are more things the Lord hates.  But I think this list deserves our attention.

The last one struck a chord with me.

  “A person who sows discord in a family”

This says a lot about the importance God places on the family. We all know that the biblically created family unit is under tremendous attack. From this scripture it should be clear we need to fight to protect it. But before we get our signs and head to Washington, we need to sweep around our own front door.

Do you know of any mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters who refuse to speak to one another?

Do you know family members who gossip back and forth to stir up trouble?

How about adult brothers and sisters whose hearts are filled with jealousy?

Do you know divorced moms and dads who make life miserable for their children because they’re too selfish to “let it go?”

God hates this; we must stop it!

If you have been divorced make every effort to let the past go; your kids have suffered enough.  Let their weddings, children’s’ births, and birthdays be joyous occasions that aren’t about you and your ex’s “stuff.”  Get over it!

Let’s make a pack that we will guard our families at all costs and work with everything we have to create peace.  Don’t major on minors and ask God for grace and guidance to keep discord from growing like a cancer in our families.

Holy Spirit, illuminate the areas in our lives that you hate.  Show us, then help us to overcome it.  Jesus, I especially pray for families; help us as Christians to realize our family is our first mission field.

Help us to love like you love!

In Your Holy Name.  Amen and Amen!

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 8:1 through Proverbs 10:32

Are You too Tired to Read This? 8 Things You Need to Know

May 26, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2013 Journey, leadership, Parenting, Prayer, Psalms, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 4: 1-34; Psalm 72; Psalm 127

I put the words “tired all the time” in my Google search box and got 33,800,000 links (that’s up 15,000,000 from 2 years ago).

I’d say they’re a lot of tired people out there!

If you ask someone how they’re doing, how often do you get the answers—tired or busy?

As I read today’s scripture reading I became tired just from reading  Solomon’s achievements.

How did he do it all?

He had the same number of hours in his day that  you and I have.

Solomon knew how to work hard and rest well.  There seemed to be a degree of balance in his life, which was amazing considering all that he accomplished.  Let’s once again learn from his example today…

  • Am I the ONLY one who can do this?

Solomon didn’t do ANYTHING someone else could do.  I know, we don’t have nine high officials and twelve district governors to manage our affairs and prepare our food.  But we do have kids, family members, spouses, church families, team members, friends, and co-workers who have strengths that we don’t have.  Most of us will not be able to fulfill the plans God has for us without learning to delegate and ask for help.

AND, if we don’t delegate to others we may be keeping them from growing (especially our children).

  •  Can’t we all just get along?

There was more peace in Israel and the surrounding kingdoms during Solomon’s reign than at any other time in history. Constant conflict sucks the energy and life out of people–peace makes life easier–be a peace-maker.

  • What can I create today?

Solomon composed 3000 proverbs and wrote 1005 songs, in addition to all his other accomplishments.  He made the time to create. Find 30 minutes in your day, release those creative juices and put your mark on the world.

  • What can I learn today?

Solomon was the poster child for life-long learning.  Because of constantly learning new things in many areas he became  the authority on all kinds of plants and an expert on animals, birds, small creatures, and fish.  Never stop learning–your hobby may turn into a new career or ministry!

  • What does the Lord have to say to me today?

Solomon constantly sought the Lord’s guidance and direction.  Psalm 72 is a record of one of those times.  God will speak to you–wait on Him.

  • Who can I help today?

Every family in Israel lived in safety and had their own home and garden. Everything Solomon did was to make life easier for the Israelites.  The poor were always on his mind: Let the poor always be treated fairly (Ps 72:2).  You will encounter someone today who needs something that you have to give–take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit and reach out to help?

  •  Where does my success come from?

Solomon continually reminded himself that God has the final say in his life  (Ps 127: 1).  When God makes you successful, no man can take it away.

  • Am I enjoying the gifts and blessings God has given me?

Solomon knew rest was a gift from God that had to be opened and enjoyed daily.  Solomon’s wisdom led him to measure his blessings through his true legacy, his children (Ps. 127: 3-5)  Don’t miss God’s best!

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to look to you to “build our lives.” Thank You for loving us so much that you gave us rest!  Use us for Your Glory today.

In Jesus Name.  Amen and amen!


 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 1:1 through Proverbs 4: 27

Are We “Doin’ it for the Fame?”–1 Kings 10:1

May 25, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Goals, leadership, Pride, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Chronicles 8: 1-18; 1 Kings 9: 15 through 1 Kings 10: 13; 2 Chronicles 9: 1-12, 1 Kings 10: 14-29; 2 Chronicles 9: 13-28; 2 Chronicles 1: 14-17

What comes to mind when you see the word “fame?”  It probably depends on your age.  The first thing I thought of was the title song to “Fame, the Musical,” but when I typed the word in my Google search box I was introduced to another fame song by Lady Gaga.  What better person to talk about fame in 2013 than the self-proclaimed fame monster herself!

Here are eight lines of “The Fame” by Lady Gaga:

I can’t help myself

I’m addicted to a life of material

It’s some kind of joke

I’m obsessively opposed to the typical

 Fame doin’ it for the fame

’cause we wanna live the life of the rich and famous

Fame doin’ it for the fame

’cause we gotta taste for champagne and endless fortune

 

Unfortunately, for many this is a description of the American dream, and yes, they’re “doing it for the fame.”

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition defines fame as public estimation.

Is seeking public opinion a bad thing?

Is fame something we should run away from like a dreaded addiction?

The word fame occurs 24 times in the Bible (KJV).  It was used to describe God, Jesus, David, Joshua, Solomon and a handful of others.  A true hall of “fame!”  Just for fun do a Google search on “the top 5 most famous people of 2013″ and see how they stand up the biblical hall of fame.  It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

It took a lot to be famous in the Bible; very few could read or write. There were no T.V.s, phones, email, or internet.  It was strictly word of mouth.  The queen of Sheba lived over a thousand miles from King Solomon and she had heard of his fame.  Wow, that was some game of gossip!

I think the answer to our fame questions lie in this verse:

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, which brought honor to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.    –1 Kings 10: 1

The type of fame that Solomon had was a good thing because it brought honor to the name of the Lord.  In everything we’ve read so far Solomon wasn’t seeking fame, he was doing the job he was called to do—building the Temple of the Lord.

From Solomon’s example running to fame is not what wise people do. Fame should have to search for us and it should always find us bringing honor to the Lord.

We’re going to find later in the life of Solomon that fame is part of the “success test” and it is something that few can handle.

But for now, here’s the last word on fame:

  • Be about God’s purpose and calling for your life
  • Bring honor to the name of the Lord in everything you do
  • If fame finds you make him ride in the trunk  :-)

 

Blessings in Jesus!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 4: 1-34; Psalm 72; Psalm 127

Is Your Work a Gift? –1 Kings 7:1

May 22, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Ecclesiastes, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 7:1-51; 2 Chronicles 3:15-4:22

Solomon was a builder, not a warrior.  God chose him to build His temple, not fight His battles, like his father.  This is a great example of the uniqueness of God’s calling.  Our Creator doesn’t use the cookie-cutter approach.

Once Solomon finished building the Temple of the Lord, be began working on his palace.  He spent 21 years building.  Building is hard work.  I know Solomon didn’t actually do the manual labor, but overseeing, planning, and designing can be more stressful than manual labor.

I wonder if Solomon was counting the days until his building projects were finished?

I wonder if Solomon was looking forward to the days when he could just be the King?

He probably was, but at the end of his life, when Solomon shared his wisdom, I think he was longing for those days of building.

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! –Ecclesiastes 3:22

The wisest man on the earth is telling us to enjoy our work.

Today’s culture tells us that work is the thing we do so that we can play on the weekends and retire as soon as possible.

There’s nothing better than being happy in our work…  

What do you think?

Do you enjoy your work?

Is work a gift from God to you?

Heavenly Father, help us to find joy in our work.  Help us to”be” where we are and stop wishing our lives away!  We want to honor You in everything we do.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chronicles 5:1-14; 1 Kings 8:12-21; 2 Chronicles 6:1-11; 1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42

10 Ways to Network Like a King–1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2

May 21, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Goals, My story, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 3: 16-28; 1 Kings 5: 1-18; 2 Chronicles 2: 1-18; 1 Kings 6: 1-13; 2 Chronicles 3: 1-14; 1 Kings 6: 14-38

In my 30’s I owned a business.  Networking and connecting with others was a huge part of everyday life for me.  In the world of small business networking there’s a cardinal rule, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.”  This connecting for mutual benefit was and is critical to the success of the small business model.

You are not going to believe this but networking dates all the way back to Solomon’s day!

In today’s reading we see Solomon as a young king building a relationship with king Hiram of Tyre.  King Hiram was instrumental in the building the Temple, a place of beauty for the Presence of God to dwell.  Without his timber and craftsmen the Temple would not have been so magnificent.

From our reading so far, it is very unusual for two kings to work together; just more evidence that Solomon has supernatural wisdom from the Lord! Since Solomon was this wisest person who was or ever will be (1 Kings 3: 12); he was probably the president of his local networking chapter. I think we can learn something about networking and connecting with people as we look at today’s reading.

Below is a great list of  guidelines for networking and connecting straight from the Word of God!

  1. If possible use a family member or friend’s endorsement to make the initial connection. (1 Kings 5:1)
  2. Immediately respond to phone calls, emails or letters; follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! (1 Kings 5:2)
  3. Share your passion, purpose and goals, not a sales pitch about your product or service.  (1 Chronicles 2: 5)
  4. Partner on a project that would benefit both parties.  (1 Kings 5:5)
  5. Do business together as soon as possible. (1 Kings 5:6)
  6. Encourage and build up by pointing out what they’re doing well. (1 Kings 5: 6b)
  7. Do what you say you’re going to do. (1 Kings 5: 10)
  8. When you find someone you work well with; form an alliance. (1 Kings 5: 12)
  9. Allow each person to work within in their strengths. (2 Chronicles 2: 8 )
  10. Always be clear in your agreements. (2 Chronicles 2: 1-18)

 

You may not own a business but these three-thousand year old relationship principles will work in the church, in a corporation, in private business, in our schools, and in our homes.

The Bible is the number one business book in the world.  It’s holds the keys to success in heaven AND on earth!

Go out and Network like a king!


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:Saturday-1 Kings 7: 1-51, 2 Chronicles 3:15 through 4: 22

How to Get Your Prayers Answered—Psalm 79:9

May 19, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Family, Finances, Health, leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer, Spiritual Disciplines, Tough Times, Trials, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalms 79 through 82

Do you struggle in knowing how to pray?

Do you question the discipline of prayer when your prayers aren’t answered?

Then I would encourage you to read Psalm 79 out loud.

As you read this imagine Asaph as a mediator between the Israelites and God. His way of talking to God in this psalm reminds me of Moses.

Asaph gives God the gory details of everything that is going on in “His” (God’s) land.  It’s the same old story:  complaint, prayer, and promise to be good next time (Does this sound familiar?)

But in verse nine it takes an interesting turn.  Here’s the prayer we can learn from Asaph—

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

For the honor of Your Name.

Psalm 78:9

What could happen–

–if–

the only thing we cared about was making sure our life glorified and honored the name of Jesus?

I know Asaph wanted God to go in and kill their enemies, so his motive may not have been entirely pure, but there’s still a lesson for us to learn.

This life is not about our glory.

It’s not about our leaders’ glory.

It’s not about our country’s glory.

It’s about pointing EVERYTHING and EVERYONE to Jesus so that He receives the glory and the honor.

What if our prayers sounded something like this…

  • when we prayed for finances– we prayed for God to intervene so that He would receive glory and honor
  • when we prayed for a spouse– we prayed for God to divinely place us with the person in whom He could get the most glory
  • when we prayed for a career change– we believed God for His Glory and Honor to be noticed is His career choice for us
  • when we prayed for our healing –we first asked God what we needed to do to facilitate the healing process and then we asked him to intervene in our health in a way that would bring His Kingdom the most glory

Friends, make no mistake, I am not here yet!

But I want to be; I’m moving toward this goal by “Knowing Him More.”

The bottom line: 

If every prayer we prayed asked God to work the circumstances so that He received the glory and the honor, ALL of our prayers would be answered!

 

To God Be The Glory!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2: 13 through 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1: 2-6; 1 Kings 3: 5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

How to be Fulfilled in Your Work– 1 Chronicles 28:20

May 4, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Giving Our Best to God, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”   –1 Chronicles 28: 20

Wow!

In this one verse David gave us all we need to be fulfilled in our work!

I’ve mentioned the Truth Project a couple of times during our journey. One of the most powerful lessons in that series was on our heavenly Father’s view of work.  Today’s culture thinks work is just something you do so that you can get money.  Most people endure their work so they can enjoy their week-ends.  We mistakenly quote Genesis 3:17 and say work is a curse; when in fact it was the ground that was cursed, not work.  As Dr. Tackett says, “creative labor is a glorious privilege.  The creativity of man, while subject to the effects of the fall, is a mirror-image of the creativity of God.”

In Exodus 34:21, we are told that we are to work for six days and rest for one.  I believe we are suppose to enjoy our work so much that we’re tempted to do it seven days a week, hence the need to command us to rest one day a week!

And guess what?

There’s no mention of retirement in the Bible!

You’re probably thinking, “Dianne, you are crazy!  There’s no way I could feel that way about my job!”

Let’s think about today’s scripture passage; here are a few of the jobs these folks were given by God through Moses: Gatekeepers, treasurers, administrators, the King’s army and tribal leaders.  None of these jobs sound particularly exciting to me, but David didn’t ask if it sounded fun; he said, just do it!   But David did tell them how to do it…it’s interesting that most of his instructions dealt with attitude rather than aptitude.

Attitude                                                                 

  • Be Strong
  • Be Courageous
  • Don’t procrastinate, do the work
  • Don’t be afraid
  • Don’t be discouraged
  • Don’t worry about God failing you
  • Do not fear being abandoned by God

Aptitude

  • God will give you the skills and the ability to do the job correctly.  Yes, God provides supernatural ability to do secular jobs; this “anointing” isn’t just for preachers!

There is one more thing we need to remember that isn’t mentioned in this verse, but it’s critical to understanding how the Israelites did this difficult work with the right attitude—they saw great value in what they were doing; they were building the Living God’s temple!

I think this is the key to having the attitude about our work that is pleasing to God.

I know we don’t have the opportunity to build the temple for the Lord but

there is eternal value in everything we do

if we look for it.

If you don’t see it in your work ask the Holy Spirit to show you.

 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. –1 Corinthians 10:31

 May you be blessed in your work!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 29: 1-22, 1 Kings 1: 1-53

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