Tag: Life Coaching

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CONDEMNED BY FAMILY

Take a minute and make a list of those you have disappointed and sinned against over the years. My personal list is extensive. Some relationships remain broken, despite my best efforts for reconciliation. A grudge can be held for years. It hurts to be condemned in someone’s eyes. God doesn’t feel the same way regarding those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

DEATH SENTENCE IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

The Greek word translated as “condemn” in John 3:17 means “to declare guilty; to pronounce guilt and a punitive sentence on someone in a legal sense; to judge.”  Condemnation can be a death sentence in human relationships.  

MOTHER RACHEL’S STORY

“Mother Rachel” came from a family in which she assumed the role of peacemaker. If there was discord in the family, it was her duty to calm the waters. Rachel’s family assumed that Mother could heal all their brokenness. They didn’t have to apologize; Mother would do it. Over time, Rachel embraced the identity of the perceived transgressor, regardless of the perpetrator’s identity. If something went wrong, they all looked at Rachel, waiting for her to apologize.

PERMANENTLY WORTHLESS

Yet, Rachel’s apologies never seemed enough. Her family extended no forgiveness. Rachel began to believe that she was permanently worthless and could not be forgiven. She was a believer but failed to grasp “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”.

NO LONGER CONDEMNED

“In Romans 3:21–31, the apostle Paul teaches that Jesus Christ took the punishment for our sin upon Himself when He sacrificed His life on the cross. He died so that we could be ‘made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.’ Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ is restored to fellowship with God. Those who belong to Christ Jesus are no longer condemned because ‘the power of the life-giving Spirit’ frees them ‘from the power of sin that leads to death’” (Romans 8:1-2) (Gotquestions.org).

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONSE OF OTHERS

Maybe like Rachel and me, you have failed in relationships. If you have any part (even 1%) in a failed relationship, confess it and ask forgiveness. This is God’s command. However, we are not responsible for how others respond.

THE ANTIDOTE

As an antidote, memorize Romans 8:31-39. “ What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?…For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

CHOOSE TO LIVE IN FREEDOM

Rachel, regardless of what mud is slung against you, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. Choose to live in freedom.

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REDEEMER OF THE BROKEN

I’m always amazed when I read Joseph’s words for his brothers who tried to kill him: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). Redemption: to rescue or ransom from a life-threatening situation. I love a good redemption story!

WHERE WAS THE REDEEMER OF THE BROKEN?

I once had a boss who had no filter on his anger. Every time an opportunity arrived, he erupted in anger. Yet for years, I clung to working in that job because my finances were tight and I carried the medical insurance. What was the kicker was that I loved my previous career as a music educator. For months, every day as I drove to my new job, I wept because I missed teaching. Life was brutal. Was I just kindling, on its path to the furnace? I forgot that God is the Redeemer of the Broken. He is the Rescuer.

THE REDEEMER’S HAND AT WORK

Do you think that Joseph sometimes forgot that God is the Redeemer of the Broken? Betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph’s brothers hated him. Later, while serving faithfully in Egypt, Potiphar’s wife falsified charged against Joseph. He ended up in prison. Yet God still worked in Joseph’s story. In God’s perfect timing, He raised Joseph to become the second-in-command under Pharaoh. The Redeemer’s hand was at work.

REDEEMING EVEN THE MOST PAINFUL CHAPTERS

Take a minute and reflect. God was at work all the time. What others meant for evil, God used for good. Joseph’s story reminds us that God can redeem even the most painful chapters of our lives. God is the Redeemer.

TERRIFIED BY FEAR

When life throws us painful curveballs, I know how easy it is to forget Who God is. During that season, I lived in fear. Terrified of my boss, terrified of our finances, terrified of losing the job I hated, and terrified of trusting God. God can redeem even the worst. He redeemed me.

“SECURITY” AT WHAT PRICE?

One Friday, I came home from that job and realized I had no more to give. My health was suffering, depression was constant, and I absolutely dreaded Mondays because that was the beginning of the work week. What price was I paying for my dream of “security”? Was this even God’s definition of security?

CUTTING THE CORD

After praying with Bill, I cut the cord. I wrote my letter of resignation and sent it in before I could second-guess myself. It was one of the best things I have ever done. Within two weeks of leaving that job, COVID hit. The place where I had worked erupted in chaos (as many financial institutions found themselves). Yet I was now at home, safely removed from the tumult. God redeemed my life.

Redemption doesn’t always happen on our timeline, and it doesn’t always look the way we imagined. But God has a way of bringing beauty from brokenness, hope from sorrow, and purpose from pain.

REDEEMER OF THE BROKEN AND GIVER OF THE FUTURE

Have you let God redeem your story? Remember Joseph’s words: “Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good…” (Genesis 50:20). God is the Redeemer of the Broken and gave me a future.

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WHO IS THIS?

Have you ever asked Jesus a dumb question? As a young person, I asked God for a famous singing career. I’m so glad God slammed the door on that one. God also knows that I don’t have the thick skin needed for an industry that delights in shattering self-worth. He has given me a life that is so much more satisfying. Sometimes we become anxious and ask Jesus questions, but He has already demonstrated His wonderful character. The problem is, I don’t always listen. Many times in my life, I have conveniently ignored God’s voice and Who He is.

FEAR AND DOUBT REPLACED THEIR FAITH

Some of the disciples asked Jesus dumb questions, ones they should have already known the answers to. During a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee, their boat was being covered with the waves, and they began to be swamped and were in danger. At this point, Jesus was asleep and had to be awakened. The disciples were unnerved to see Jesus sleeping through all of this. Fear and doubt had replaced their faith.`

TEACHER, DON’T YOU CARE?

Of course, Jesus could keep them safe. This was the time to trust in His presence to bring them through any storm that could arise, no matter how violent or how turbulent. In Mark 4:35-41, they asked: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Isn’t Jesus the same person who left the beauty of heaven to come to this dirty, sinful planet to rescue these same disciples from the pit of hell? Of course, Jesus cared if they drowned!

WHO IS THIS?

After the calming of the storm, the disciples asked, “ Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” They wondered who Jesus is. Is it so hard to believe that the God who spoke things into existence also controls the weather?

MY MEMORABLE TRIP HOME

Why am I usually mystified when God changes events and saves me from my trainwreck decisions and circumstances? During these past months of Bill’s illness, there were times the storms threatened to overwhelm me. I was scared and thought the boat was sinking fast. One memorable moment was the evening of his first emergency trip to the ER. Bill’s health was in crisis. By the time he was moved up to a hospital room, I was physically and emotionally wiped out.

The hour was really late, and outside, the rain was torrential. I just wanted to get home to sleep for a few hours. Due to my eye condition, I have very little night vision. I was terrified of facing the drive home alone in the blinding rain. (My sons later asked me why I didn’t call an UBER, but that didn’t even occur to me.) Then I realized God was in charge. I would have preferred He sponsor a chariot of fire to transport me from LGH to our apartment, but instead, He sent His angels to guide my journey. I followed the taillights of the car in front of me and gloriously only hit one curb on my journey. He transported me home. He cared. Even the driving force of the storm obeyed Him.

DO WE TRUST ONLY WHEN THE SEAS ARE CALM?

It is easy to join the disciples in asking, “Don’t you care?” But that is foolish because I know He cares. He has and will bring us through this. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). So, do we trust him just when the seas are calm? When everything is going smoothly? Or do we trust him when the dark clouds of fear and depression surround us, and life is overwhelming? Who is this? He is God!

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ZIGZAGS WITH GOD

Zigzags are normal in walking with God. David endured years of persecution from King Saul while on the journey to David’s divinely appointed inauguration. The Apostle Paul bore the hardship of at least nine plots against his life and spent at least four years as a prisoner. Yet, he is one of the most influential writers of the New Testament. Some of Paul’s most famous letters were written from a jail cell. Were David and Saul out of God’s will because their paths were not easy? No! Walking with God is rarely convenient or simple. Yet, each season of life is to prepare a believer for the next season.

IS THIS WHERE GOD WANTS US?

Years back, we pastored a challenging church. The years progressively became more difficult and painful. Bill’s health suffered due to the stress. Yet we persevered. Often, we came home from church and asked, “Is this where God wants us?” Then we would agree God had not shown us it was time to leave. Looking back, I think God earlier did show us loud and clear, but we didn’t want to pull the trigger. We kept hoping the situation would turn around.

GOD PULLED THE TRIGGER

God suddenly pulled the trigger in a way we never anticipated. The Board came across a retired pastor they could use for free. They informed Bill that he was to announce his resignation to the congregation the following Sunday. And that was the end.

WHERE WAS GOD?

What followed was a season of loss greater than we had ever known. Bill was out of his calling/vocation, our home went into foreclosure during a time of upside-down mortgages, and the loss of friendships and resources was incalculable. Our daily pain was major surgery without anesthesia. I kept slogging away at a full-time job I detested. So confusing! Where was God? It’s more difficult when “religious” people administer a great deal of the pain.

SLOW ROAD TO HEALING

My road to healing progressed at a snail’s pace. During lunch breaks, I would walk in downtown Lancaster and repeatedly whisper, “Lord, I choose to trust in You.” I memorized Psalm 34:17-20, Psalm 10:14, Psalm 40:2, & Psalm 33:6-9. This gradually changed the trajectory of my heart. That journey prepared me for this past November 2025, when Bill began the first of his five hospital stays.

“LORD, I CHOOSE TO TRUST YOU”

During the past months of repeat hospitalizations, my commute to the hospital has often been unnerving because of the number of unknowns. I would not know what the doctors would say that day, what testing would be accomplished, or how awful that day might be for Bill. Yet, I consistently opened my palms to God, saying, “Lord, I choose to trust in You.” This season has often been brutal for both of us.

We are especially grateful right now. The doctors finally think they have arrived at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Bill has stayed out of the hospital for a straight seven weeks and is regaining strength. I’m slowly recovering from all those months of exhaustion in trying to take care of Bill.

OUR ZIGZAGS PREPARED US

I thank God for that agonizing season with that church all those years ago. It gave us a firm foundation for these past seven months. Zigzags are normal in walking with God. Often, I think we are zagging more than zigging. Walking with God is rarely convenient or simple. We are blessed that the earlier season prepared us for this current season. How is God preparing you?

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SPREADING GOD’S SEED

“I ordered 100 books,” I told Bill as he lay in his hospital bed. My dear husband didn’t get irritated (even though money was tight); he just kept his mouth shut and prayed a lot. This was during Bill’s first hospital stay last November. At that point, we had no idea he would endure 5 more hospital stays.

Where did the 100 books come from? I love listening to the Compelled Podcast. I heard about the miraculous printing of a 7 of their favorite Christian testimony interviews. People rarely turn down a good story. That’s how we ended up with 100 copies of “Compelled” delivered to our front door.

I don’t think our supply lasted even past Bill’s third hospital stay. I regularly restocked books near his hospital bed. Nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and visitors were gifted copies of. Bill is a rather quiet and shy guy. Amazingly, he found no difficulty in gifting a person a free book.

SCATTERING SEEDS RIGHT AND LEFT

Like the farmer in Mark 4:21-34, we scattered seeds right and left. Our spiel went, “I love the stories in this book. Can I give you a copy?” “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.”  We knew we were to spread the seed but didn’t know how God would use it.

MYSTERIOUS POWER OF THE SEED

The parable in Mark emphasizes the mysterious power of the seed to produce a crop. All the farmer can do is plant the seed. He does not necessarily know the soil’s quality or its history. We handed out the books with love and conversation, but like the farmer, we had a lot of unknowns. Neither the farmer nor we could make the seed grow. But by the power of God, we know the seed grows and produces a harvest.

FEAR OF CASTING SEEDS

Sometimes people are afraid of casting seeds.  “Susie” dwelt on all the verses of the Bible that she couldn’t remember or didn’t understand. Jesus transformed her life, but fear kept her from opening her mouth and sharing the Gospel. I told her, “Just share your story, how Jesus has impacted your life and changed you for eternity. The verses you do know, combined with your story, are your seed. God works the soil. His seed is powerful.

THE SMALLEST SEED GREW THE LARGEST PLANT

Jesus compares the seed to “a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” David Platt writes: “Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes. This small, ragtag group of disciples heard Jesus say these words. They had no idea that 2,000 years later, billions of people would be brought into the Kingdom that started with that small seed of the gospel.” Platt continues, “Together, we’re a part of a Kingdom that will one day, according to Revelation 7:9-10, include people from every nation, tribe and language, nestled under the branches of this King and this Kingdom.” What a crop!

Trust God to give you a field. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you disperse His seed, whether it is via 100 books delivered to your door, conversations with medical personnel at 3 AM, or talking with a stranger in a checkout line. Obey, stretch out your arm and spread the seed!

Click to listen to the story of the 10ofthem book launch of “Compelled”.

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MY CALLING

It was Youth Sunday in our church. As a teenager, I was either asked (or volunteered) to give the morning message. At this point in my life, I definitely knew Christ, but had a long, painful journey ahead of me in learning the basics of teaching the Bible. As clarification, I grew up in a mainline church. The pastor told some nice stories, but Bible teaching was kept in the rear-view mirror. Then came that fateful Sunday morning. I assumed that just because I read the Scripture and spoke confidently, hearts would change. Wow! Did I have a lot to learn!

GOD CALLED ME

There is one thing I remember distinctly from that experience. Teaching and communicating Bible was where God wanted me. No, not in that specific pulpit or possibly in no pulpit whatsoever, but I heard God was calling me. It may as well have been written on the back balcony wall (the place where most congregants say to snooze). I felt a major door open in my heart, but what was I to do with it? What exactly was my calling?

WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?

In Beth Moore’s autobiography “All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir,” she writes, “I envied the boys who could confidently say, ‘God called me to preach!’ What on earth was less credible in my world than a girl obsessed with mascara, lip gloss, and hot rollers saying she’d received a vocational calling from God and no clue what to? I hadn’t the least notion what a woman in my denomination could do. I supposed I would become a missionary, but even that seemed so far-fetched at the time; I couldn’t picture it.”

MY BIGGEST ALLY

I’ve never belonged to Beth’s denomination, but I’ve lived for years with a vocational calling from God without knowing what to call it. My husband, the wonderful man that he is, has always encouraged me to grow spiritually and to mature others in the faith. He has gone to bat for me in congregations where women have been expected to be seen and not heard. Bill has traveled through deep valleys with me and never run from engaging with me regarding the spiritual hard questions. My dear husband is my greatest cheerleader, even when I’m the only one in the room who blurts out the obvious. We have way different skill sets in helping individuals grow in Christ, but Bill has never ever put me down because of my gender.

“THE MEN’S ONLY CLUB”

Years ago, in Bible college. I received top marks in theology. At graduation, I assumed I would walk down the aisle with the special tassel honoring those who distinguished themselves in theology. I was dumbstruck when I found out that I would not receive that honor. Of course, I asked the professor. He replied, “We only give that out to the men who have distinguished themselves.” Naïve little me was crushed.

WHAT MATTERS

Today, as I look back, does it really matter? Through the years, God has given me hundreds of opportunities to teach Bible and to disciple women for Christ. Achieving a tassel didn’t make a difference in the spiritual outcomes of these women (and men).

WHAT GOD HAS DONE

As I write this, I am honored to be able to write weekly devotionals and encourage others to develop their skills in writing for Christ. I have a special list of women near to my heart that I pray for, encourage, and regularly check in with regarding their spiritual health. No, I don’t have any big title next to my name. You can’t find me in a church staff directory. But God definitely called me and has never let go.

To what has God called you? Don’t let titles (or the lack thereof) get in the way for moving full throttle for God.

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HEAVEN’S HEART SOIL

Remember that wonderful moving worship service where, all of a sudden, a wave of humanity rose? They flowed forward to confess their faith in Christ. Sadly, studies show that six months later, the majority of these people return to their old ways and show no evidence of conversion whatsoever. They “tube it”. The expression comes from kids arriving at camp, singing songs around the bonfire, creating great memories, but soon falling away from their profession of faith. They go down the tubes. What happened?

WHAT LIES ON THE SURFACE OF YOUR HEART?

The heart’s soil is the golden link as to whether a conversion is genuine or not. What lies on the surface of your heart? Read Mark 4:1-20.

#1 ROCK HARD SOIL

In the Parable of the Soils, the seed is dispersed all over the field. Sadly, seeds fall on the footpaths running through the field where the ground is as hard as iron. No good seed can take root. Many of Jesus’ words fell on rock-hard hearts. Bottom line, the hearers obstinately refused to repent and obey.

#2 THOSE WHO QUICKLY WHITHER

Then there are the hearers who receive the word with joy. This is excellent, except that they have no deep convictions, but “they suddenly leap into Christ, and profess an instantaneous faith in him, and that faith has all the appearance of being genuine. The self-same cause which hastened their reception of the seed also causes them, when the sun is risen with its fervent heat, to wither away” (Charles Spurgeon). Nice people, but spiritually flaky. Maybe they receive an answered prayer, a rescue from a difficult situation, but when they realize the cost of discipleship, they quickly exit. They are like King Saul. He was among the prophets, enjoyed the notoriety, yet planned evil against the Most High as soon as things did not go his way.

#3 THOSE WHO AMOUNT TO NOTHING

Next, we have the hearers whose seed appears to land on good soil. Charles Spurgeon writes that the farmer is happy to see the crop growing, but notices that after the seed has sprung up “there’s a suspicious little plant down there of about the same size as the wheat. ‘Oh!’ the farmer thinks, ‘that’s not much; the harvest will outgrow that. When it is stronger, it will choke these few thistles that have unfortunately mixed with it.’ The farmer does not understand the force of evil! He comes again, and the seed has grown, but the thistles, the thorns, and the briars are intertwined with one another. The poor wheat can hardly get a ray of sunshine and is starved. Still, it perseveres in growing, and it appears it may bring forth a little fruit. Alas, it never comes to anything”.

The Apostle Paul wrote this about his co-worker Demas, who deserted his calling because he loved the things of this life. Some get sidetracked, and because of perceived needs, “have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

#4 DEEPLY PLOWED, RICH SOIL

Thankfully, there is the heart whose soil has been deeply plowed. This heart’s soil is soft, raked, and cleared of weeds. The seed of the Word falls on it, and soon, with the right conditions, it yields a full harvest. Is this the condition of your heart’s soil?

REAL CONVERSION TURNS YOUR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN

“Anybody can say they believe and have their hearts tingling for a moment. But real conversion turns your life upside down. Regeneration is not something that happens gradually, nor is anybody ever partially reborn. You are either regenerated or not. That being said, your conversion experience, your intellectual awareness of what has taken place, may take years to realize” (R.C. Sproul). Do you daily let God nourish, support, and prune your heart? What kind of soil surrounds your heart?

Click to hear the astounding transformation of Oscar Navarro

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ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

Of course, someone eventually noticed my bright red Kia parked in the small forbidden parking lot and stuck the bright orange notice under my windshield wiper. Due to construction, the regular lot for substitute teachers was filled with temporary classroom trailers. Substitute teachers must park in the lots at the rear of the school, regardless of the long hike and weather conditions. This may be easy, but both my knees and feet are old and decrepit. And so, it was with great irritation that I read the notice. Surely it didn’t apply to me?!

Did you ever receive a rule and think that it must not apply to you? My husband is much better at following rules than I am. In contrast, I tend to ask “Why”? Do I really need to obey yet another stupid rule?”

THOSE NASTY CRETANS

An experience like this sheds light on one’s attitude toward authority. My attitude needs readjustment, just like the Cretans. I Titus 1, we learn that the Cretan believers are an unruly group described as “arrogant, quick-tempered, violent, dishonest, a rebellious people”. Sources called the people of Crete “liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons”. What a reputation! It sounds like a social media post.

ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE

However, these Cretans are slowly growing in Christ. What does Titus further instruct them on? Titus 3:1-11 addresses their attitudes about their rulers. How do we behave toward those in authority, regardless of how rulers got into power? Do we want to be called “foolish, disobedient, spending and wasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another”? Or do we choose “to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good, to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone”? That is quite a contrast in attitude.

COURTESY TOWARD EVERYONE?

Paul wrote this not only for the Cretans, but also for me. Did he write it for you? Believers are not to be hurling sarcastic, derogatory, and foul-mouthed words at those with whom we disagree. God’s children must show “unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone”, obey the law (as long as it does not directly violate God’s law) and “be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, ready and willing to do good.” Doesn’t matter whether we like the ruler or how they rule. Notice, God does not ask how we feel about those in charge.

SWALLOWING MY PRIDE

I am to swallow my pride, be respectful, and obey the rules. My personal convenience or preference doesn’t enter the equation. I must adjust my attitude.

BE SUBJECT

And so, I dutifully park my Kia in one of the designated parking lots at the rear of the building and trudge to the front of the school. All because God says, “Be subject to rulers and authorities, be obedient, and be ready and willing to do good.”

Are you God’s ambassador in all matters of obedience? My attitude often needs readjustment. Does yours?

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LIFE OF A BONDSERVANT

I’m a slave. Would you feel better if I wrote, “I’m a bondservant”? Both terms are translations of the Greek word doúlos. Used in I Timothy 6:1-16, the word refers to“someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own. This term is used with the highest dignity in the New Testament – namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ’s authority as His devoted followers.”

A DOULOS

You are in good company if you consider yourself a doulos. “The Apostle Paul, in the salutation of Romans 1:1, refers to himself as “a bondservant of Christ Jesus”. Paul lays his will on the line in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE

We are instructed to have the Eternal Bondservant’s attitude in Philippians 2:5-7. “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bondservant and being born in the likeness of men.” Scholars estimate that about 10% (but possibly up to 20%) of the Roman Empire’s population was enslaved (as noted by the British Museum). Have to confess, some jobs I’ve held have felt like slavery. My attitude has been lacking.

GOD’S VIEW OF WORK

What do bondservants do? They work. The first concept of man’s relationship to work is presented in Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Man was assigned work before the Fall. “Work is not a result of the curse, but God’s creative design for the fulfillment of man. For the believer, work is a sacred duty” (John MacArthur). Really, a “sacred duty”???

Gallup’s State of the American Workforce finds that “about 70% of U.S. employees are simply ‘checking out’ mentally, doing the bare minimum, or actively working against their company’s goals.” I can relate to that. So, how does a believer’s attitude toward work relate to Paul’s instructions in I Timothy 6:1-2?

BILL AND THE MACHINE SHOP

My husband spent nine long, grueling years working third shift in a foundry under a boss who had a vicious temper. Once, the manager became infuriated and threw a hammer across the machine shop, just missing Bill’s head. Yet, Bill faithfully and diligently went to work every night. Regarding working carefully, it didn’t seem to bother his co-workers if parts were to be milled to exact measurements. They calibrated the first but didn’t go the extra mile by calibrating the remainder.

THE STORY OF DALE

Why did Bill keep his nose to the grindstone? Because his boss loved him to death? No. He did it because he considered Jesus his Boss. One of Bill’s co-workers noticed Bill’s attitude was poles apart from the majority. Dale, the co-worker, became curious and began asking Bill questions. Over the course of a year, a friendship blossomed, and Bill began to explain to his co-worker who Jesus is. Dale was religious but had never seen Christ lived out in someone’s life, especially in one’s work life. He eventually came to know Jesus as His own Lord and Savior. Little did Bill know that within a few short years, Dale would suffer a heart attack and be ushered into Heaven. Dale’s spiritual quest began because Bill’s attitude about work centered on God.

WORK HEARTILY

“Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.” Dale asked Bill questions because of his attitude at work. The mandate for Bill’s obedience was “Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:22-23)

WHO IS YOUR BOSS?

How about you? Are you the bond-slave who works “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord…heartily, as for the Lord and not for people”? And who is your boss?

For a fascinating series of broadcasts regarding work, click here.

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PUSHING THROUGH THE DAY

My friend Wendy recently reminded me about how God heals. I needed to hear that. Bill has gone through seven traumatic months requiring serious physical healing. I have not been the patient in the hospital, but I was the other half of the equation, barely holding it together on the home front. Our days consist of countless clinical assessments, hospitalizations, and interactions with medical staff. In the background, I always feel a constant hum of exhaustion. Normal life often grinds to a halt, and all I can think of is pushing through the next day.

GOD WANTS TO DRAW CLOSE

Wendy reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.”  Verse three includes, “a time to heal.”  Modern technology can assess broken body parts, but broken spiritual hearts are more difficult to diagnose and to heal. God wants to draw close. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). I have felt beyond crushed, and it is just catching up to me how deep the wounds are. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow]” (Psalm 147:3).

HE KNOWS ALL OUR DAMAGED PLACES

God is present when brokenness occurs, and He knows all our damaged and painful places. Pouring out my pent-up emotions, frustrations, and disappointments in prayer can cleanse even the deepest wounds. “O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me.” (Psalm 30:2) God makes a healing balm available for recovery: a daily prescription of reading Scripture lets God’s promises settle deep into m soul. “The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-25)

HE IS NEAR

We are not alone. God is near, He hears our cries and faithfully responds. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18) Our circumstances may change, and progress can feel slow, but healing comes one way or another. I must lean on Jesus daily. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. (Psalm 28:7) To what degree God provides healing on this earth, I do not know. However, He will carry us through.

Don’t just push through the next day. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” I sometimes whisper and sometimes scream His name. Jesus always promises to be near.