Saturday, October 21, 2023 - GOD WANTS YOU TO WORK

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Saturday, October 21, 2023 - Day 294

GOD WANTS YOU TO WORK

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10b ESV) 

We have all seen individuals standing at the side of the road with signs similar to the one attached here. While we react with some degree of skepticism, the basic message is in line with our verse for today. Work is a godly thing, something God has designed for us to engage in.

As you perhaps concluded another week of work yesterday, do so knowing that you are operating within the will of God. And remember to do your work to the glory of God and for the good of those around you, as the following Bible verses direct us:

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.  Ephesians 4:28

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 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

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - ESV

3. Give me a faithful heart, Likeness to thee,

    That each departing day Henceforth may see

    Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done,

    Some wand'rer sought and won, Something for thee.

    (“Savior, Thy Dying Love,”  Lutheran Worship, CPH #374 -3)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work. Above all, thank You for the work of redemption that Jesus undertook on Calvary’s cross for me. May all that I do bring glory to You in thanksgiving for Jesus’ good work for me. 

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape