WORKING FOR THE LORD!

Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

It's Sunday evening and almost time for bed. The weekend is over, a new work week starts tomorrow morning, and it's going to be a busy one! Clients to meet with, employees to lead and encourage, meetings to attend, other meetings to conduct, paperwork to take care of--you know how it goes.

Some of the work I really enjoy, and find stimulating and challenging. Some not so much. And sometimes I find myself wishing I could just work for God instead of being a business owner. This week He reminded me that I already do work for Him. In everything I do, with every client and every project, as well as every Bible study, prayer, writing assignment and ministry action, I work for Him. He's the Boss, the Lord, the King. What a privilege it is to be in His employ--forever!

Thinking about that, I find myself actually looking forward to Monday morning, with the intention of doing my work for my Lord.

God bless you in your work this week. I pray that you find joy and satisfaction in working for Him.
Deborah

AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS

While driving home from my office tonight I was enjoying the longer days, with more daylight left after working hours. Looking up into the sky I noticed streaks of clouds way up in the heavens, like the tails of lost kites. Behind the gray and white streaks, way beyond and much higher, the pink of the sky faded softly away into clear white.

It struck me that I was looking into infinity, way up there beyond the wispy clouds, past the sky. The sky looked bigger and deeper than I can remember noticing before, and the immensity of it was awesome and thrilling. A scripture from yesterday's Bible study popped into my head, and the thrill became shivers of delight.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him." Psalm 103:11 (NIV)

Really, Lord? That's how big Your love for us really is? AMAZING LOVE!

In Jeremiah 31:3 God told His people, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Love as big as the heavens, and without end. Love that wraps around us, holds us up, helps us out, provides for and protects us, knows us by heart and calls us by name. Love that sent His Son Jesus to die in our place. It's there for you. Have you claimed it for your own?

Love,
Deborah

PEACE INSTEAD OF PANIC

If you're like me, I'm guessing at sometime or another you have experienced that feeling of panic that can strike when circumstances feel totally out of control. When your chest feels like it's being squeezed so you can't breathe, and you break out in a cold sweat, and fear grabs your heart. Have you ever felt that way? Well I have, and unfortunately it has happened more times than I would like to admit. The reaction can come in response to all kinds of things--medical emergencies, financial pressures, family issues, or time worries--like when I suddenly realize I am way overcommitted and I can't see a way out without looking foolish.

But lately, as I've been more intentional about looking for the abundant life Jesus came to give me, I realize this panic reaction does not please Him. What pleases Him in those situations is for me to "cast all my anxiety on Him" (1 Peter 5:7), and "don't be anxious about anything, but in everything present my requests to God with thanksgiving" (Philippians 4:6), and "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God really does know all about our troubles, He loves us with an amazing never-ending love, and He has the power to work in our circumstances. But sometimes it seems like He's standing back waiting for us to ask Him for His help before He steps in.

When we do give Him our anxieties, and learn to rejoice in Him in spite of circumstances, here is the promise: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 Wow! What an amazing, wonderful promise!

This peace He promised is one part of that full, abundant, joyful life God wants for us. I'm ready to turn my panic over to Him, and exchange it for the peace He offers. Are you ready?

God bless you with peace--
Deborah