Bake Sale for The Helping Hand
1:41 AM Posted by Unknown
Laziness
1:37 AM Posted by Unknown
Answer: Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. But the Bible is clear that, because the Lord ordained work for man, laziness is sin. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).
The Bible has a great deal to say about laziness. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: “The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (21:25); he loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (26:14); he gives excuses: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets’” (26:13); he wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster” (18:9 KJV); he believes he is wise, but is a fool: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly” (26:16).
Proverbs also tells us the end in store for the lazy: A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4 KJV).
There is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian. A new believer is truthfully taught that “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes God expects no fruit from a transformed life. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18,26). Slothfulness violates God’s purpose—good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old propensity toward laziness—and all other sin—has been replaced by a desire to live godly lives: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). We are convicted of our need to provide for our families through our labors: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8); and for others in the family of God: “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:34-35).
As Christians, we know that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10); “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).
Christians should labor in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple. The apostle Paul is our example: “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). Even in heaven, Christians’ service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Opportunity of Our Words
4:43 AM Posted by Unknown
Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in
someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth
words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come
"out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause
a positive or negative reaction - our word are rarely
neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use
them with great care.
Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only
what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that
it may benefit those who listen."
This means that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to
encourage and minister. With just a few moments of our time and very
little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to
ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God. This
precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; "But I tell you that
men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every
careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:26).
Though our careless words are eternally forgiven, they are also a
reflection of our heart. If we have received Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, our heart ought to be filled with devotion, and our words
should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and
honor. I'm afraid we will one day be deeply ashamed to see how much
damage our words have caused.
We seldom realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be:
"Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who
deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs
26:18-19). Sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are
never useful for "building others up." Over time, this mode of
communication is sure to destroy a relationship.
Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real
question? What are the real needs? "He who answers before listening
- that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13). We may only be
given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every
effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs
its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28).
Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor our Heavenly Father by
effectively using this gift to encourage. Let's speak so those who
listen may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually
encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never
squander the opportunity of our words.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries