Why work?

Friends,

The economic forecast is starting to brighten. It seems as though we are starting to turn towards a slow recovery, meaning that maybe - just maybe - the worst is behind us. Nevertheless, many are still on the razor's edge of financial stability. And if you've ever spent more than a few weeks in that place, you know just how difficult such a situation can be. Now, then is the time for those of us who are working to remember those who are not.

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Acts 20:35 [NKJV]

It does, indeed, bring great joy and happiness when we are in a position to give. It is why we give gifts on special days. It is an important way that we show love for one another.

So I ask you, just as I ask myself ...
Have you given today?
Have you stepped out in faith to support a brother or sister?

To do so is to open the door to great and wondrous blessing.

Be encouraged, Jose

The measure of our words

Friends,

The next time you are about to let loose a subtle dig at your neighbor, stop.
If you are about to gain a laugh for yourself at the expense of the next to you, stop.
When you have the urge to react to the one who has insulted you with biting sarcasm, stop.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, there is no room - none whatsoever - for destructive words in the Kingdom of God... and His kingdom is indeed at hand. There will be a silence that results from each one of us taking a moment to resist using words that tear down. And into that silence we can pour words that edify, that encourage, that strengthen, that comfort, that forgive, and that bless.

Be encouraged, Jose

All Things Working Together

Yesterday, I read about the comely parts of the body being necessary. That really struck a major cord with me. I am currently suffering through a physical issue where all my comely parts are not working properly. At the end of the day, I have a massive headache and am very tired. I realize that my body has to work much harder to care for the parts that are not functioning properly. We have all had some condition in our life where we have had to carry the weight of someone else not doing their job. It can be tiring and frustrating while we hope that everyone will eventually pull their weight.

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. I Corinthians 12:23-25 [KJV]

When the body of Christ, which we are all a part, has non-working members, we all who are working have to work harder to compensate. We may have to work out of our zone in order to get the goals that Christ has accomplished. We need to remember that "many hands make light work". While that is not biblical, it does mean that if we all do the jobs (walking worthy in our vocation) that we are assigned, the Kingdom of God has a much larger reach than if we rely on someone else to do our part. So all people working together accomplishes the goal of spreading the Gospel further and more efficiently than just the one with everyone else watching.

Be Encouraged,


Martin