Working 9 to 5

During the past few life groups, we've had quite a few discussion on work: people unhappy in their job, people applying for new jobs, other people loving their jobs, as well as discussions on how our employment related to the purpose for our lives.

I've been doing a little bit of reading lately, and have stumbled across some encouraging words re: jobs and work, so I thought I'd share :)

I loved this verse from Ecclesiastes:

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for people to eat, to

drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labour under the sun during the few days

of life God has given them - for this is their lot.

Moreover, when God gives people wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy with their toil - this is a gift from God." (Ecc 5: 18-20)

I've been reading a book called "Guidance and the Voice of God" by Phillip D Jensen and Tony Payne, that a girl from work lent me. Here are a couple of excerpts from this book:

"...All the same, for all work's frustrations and imperfections, we can be positive and enthusiastic about it, knowing that out daily labour is one more avenue in which we can act 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'. Work remains a good part of God's creation, which Chrisitans are urged to be engaged in out of love for others. The results of our work may pass away, but the love never passes away." (p.121)

We all struggle with reading the Bible, and I thought this paragraph was a good reminder that instead of continually contemplating whether we are on the right track or not, we should be going back to the "light for our path"...

"How is God going to guide me? By talking to me.
How do I hear his voice? By reading the scriptures.

Do they show me the way I should go? They most certainly do, for they teach me how God wants me to live. They rebuke me when I depart from the way. They correct me to show the way back. They train me in the right way to go. They guide me every step of the way to the great destination that God has for me - to be conformed to the image of Jeses, and live in God's glorious presence for ever". (p.75)

I thought this was great:

"In all normal circumstances, Christans should seek to be usefully and gainfully employed. We should avoid laziness and idleness. Even if we are unemployed, and are having difficulty finding work, we should use our time well, and do what work we can to contribute to others". (p.130)

Well I hope that a few of you were able to gain some encouragement from this post. I am certainly trying to change my attitude about work at the moment!

I'll see you all tomorrow, hopefully it won't be as hot as today!!

Love Sal

Passage of the Day

"...pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

and health to one's whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the path for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil."

Proverbs 4: 20-27. (TNIV)

Know The Word

""Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?""

Jeremiah, 23:29.

Passage of the Day

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
(A message from Paul, Philippians 4:8-9)

Passage of the Day

I mentioned in Life Group a couple of weeks ago about letting me know any of your favourite passages you wanted posted on the blog...well this is one of my favs:

"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all of the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3: 17-19. (TNIV)

Feel free to email me (sal_wml@hotmail.com) with any you'd like to share :)

Love Sal