HIDDEN TREASURES

Chipmunks and squirrels.

I love these guys, they are so much fun to watch.

They're always up to something – nature's purveyors of antics, hijinks, and shenanigans!

Endless entertainment on the mountain.

I have spent many days watching them scurry around, chase each other, challenge each other to be king of the boulder, and dig holes.

Cute.

The other day, I happened to catch some movement in my peripheral vision. I looked up just in time to see a chipmunk run like crazy into a gap between two boulders.

How funny, I thought to myself.

Then "The Hub" said, "There's a bobcat on our porch."

What…really?!

Sure enough, a bobcat was prowling around our back door.  No wonder Mr. Munk scampered away so quickly!

Never a dull moment around these parts!

One of my favorite things to do is watch the squirrels and chipmunks in the Fall.

In the Fall, it's rather amazing to see them hard at work, finding and storing nuts for the winter.

They are industrious and tireless.

Sometimes our trees shed lots of acorns, and the food source is readily available.  Other times, there aren't so many, and yet, my friendly little *neighbors* manage to find some sort of food to hide away.

But it is during the Winter when I am most fascinated by their work.

I don't know how, despite freezing temperatures and multiple snowfalls, these little creatures still manage to find their hidey-holes.

They seem to know exactly where they've stashed their edible goodies.

And I love watching them dig up the dirt, scrounge around, and then hold their food in those cute little hands (paws!), and chew away.

How do they know where they've buried their food?

Do they detect it again by memory, or smell, or some other instinctual method that I'm not aware of?

It's incredible.


And it's a good lesson for all of us to apply in our own lives.

Sometimes life just takes us into a wilderness time, a winter season of dryness or discouragement or trial or suffering.

It's easy to lose sight of what we know to be true.

I don't know what's going on with me lately, but I've just been blah.

No particularly big "triggering" event, just the ongoing ebb and flow of life "stuff."

So today, when I went to church, I asked the Lord to meet me there with something that I really needed to hear.

Of course, He did.

Our pastor is doing a series on the promises of God – and this morning's message was entitled, "The Promise of Answered Prayer."

The message was powerful and timely.

But, it was one verse that caught my heart.

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)


I immediately thought of my little furry friends.

And their hidden things.

Several years ago, when I was going through a particularly rough time, I had a friend encourage me with these words:

"When you can't find your way in the dark, go back to what you knew and believed in the light."

I found it most helpful.

The chipmunks and squirrels spend warm sunshine days finding and hiding food, so that during the cold winter months, they'll have nourishment.

Do they hibernate like bears?

Nope!

Though they sleep a lot, they don't sleep all the way through the season.

They retreat to their burrows and dens but wake every few days or weeks, raise their body temperatures to normal, and feed on stored food rather than fat reserves!

(I'd personally like to be like a bear.  I've got some pesky *fat reserves* I'd like to feed on…just sayin').

When it's cold outside, they still know where to go to sustain themselves.


This is so true about faith, too.

What we store away will bring us through the wilderness times, through the winter seasons.

So, what are four things, four truths I can hide in my heart for those times when I am discouraged?


One, I can be assured of God's presence.

"'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.'" (Joshua 1:5, AMP)

"…for He [God] Himself has said, 'I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!  [Assuredly not!]'" (Hebrews 13:5, AMP)


Two, I can be assured of God's power.

"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it – the LORD is His name." (Jeremiah 33:2, ESV)

"'Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.  Is anything too hard for Me?'" (Jeremiah 32:27, ESV)


Three, I can be assured of God's purpose.

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…" (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)


Four, I can be assured of God's promises.

"God is not a man, so he does not lie.  He is not human, so he does not change his mind.  Has he ever spoken and failed to act?  Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19, NLT)

"'Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.'" (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT)


Hiding the Word of God provides much-needed nourishment when we're full of doubts and fears, or struggling with trials and tribulations.

It is a hidden treasure of great worth.

But, there's one other thing I want to mention.

It's how God sometimes takes these wilderness, winter seasons and uses them to reveal to us something really special.

The photo accompanying this post is part of a fallen log that sits alongside the drive up to our house.

It's full of woodpecker holes.

But would you take a moment to notice something else?

Inside those holes are acorns!!

Evidently, chipmunks and squirrels are not the only ones to store away some goodies!

From a distance, those holes just look like holes.

But since this branch has broken off, we can see the treasures that are hidden there.

Again, a wonderful faith lesson.

Sometimes it takes some breaking for God to show us something really special – a revelation that we might never have known in good times.

"'I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD…who summons you by name.'" (Isaiah 45:3, NIV)


Yes.

Hidden treasures, secret riches.

God has a way of carving us deeper, enriching and growing our faith when we feel weakest.

When we feel broken, and hungry, and cold.

I go back to Jeremiah 33:3 – what were the great and hidden things that God revealed to His prophet?

Two pretty awesome things.

This message came around the time of the Babylonian Conquest – a terrible time when the Jews were defeated and led into captivity.

Here God reveals that they will be rescued, returned to their homeland, once they repent and return to Him.

But, He also issues a prophecy about the coming Messiah:

"The day will come, says the LORD, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.  'In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line.  He will do what is just and right throughout the land.  In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.  And this will be its name: 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'"
(Jeremiah 33:14-16, NLT)


WOW!

Can you imagine receiving that revelation?!

(Me either!)


So, if we're willing, God can reveal new aspects about Himself, new revelations from His Word, new depths of faith, and new purposes when we least expect it…

...right in the middle of a dry or cold spell in our hearts.

Great and hidden things.

Treasure and secret riches.


Hide them in your heart.

Remember them.

Let God reveal them.


Never go hungry again…




What is a hidden treasure that you have discovered about God?

Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.



("Be Thou My Vision" - ancient Irish hymn)

"'You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it?  From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known.'" (Isaiah 48:6, ESV)

"'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

"It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22, NASB)

"He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom." (Job 12:22, NLT)

"'It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit.  It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.'" (Isaiah 55:11, NLT)

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11, NASB)

"The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip." 
(Psalm 37:31, NIV)

"…the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God – his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began." (1 Corinthians 2:7, NLT)

"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed." (1 Corinthians 4:1, NIV)

"…making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ…" (Ephesians 1:9, ESV)

"'Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.  And because they love me, my Father will love them.  And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.'" (John 14:21, NLT)



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

GARAGE SALE BONANZA

Labor Day weekend.

Every year our little town has a community-wide garage sale extravaganza.  And on this weekend, cars and people go a little crazy!

Necks craned, lookie-loos converge, and the streets are not safe for driving! 

It's a bit like being in a demolition derby – as one has to be extremely alert not to hit or get hit while negotiating sudden stops, willy-nilly changes of direction, and abrupt u-turns – by us and other drivers!

Garage sales are best negotiated by a team of two – a driver and a navigator/lookout.

This is why "The Hub" and I are really good at this whole garage sale thing.  He drives, I look out for hazards – he decides where to go and when, I look out for bargains!

But before I tell you about our adventure, I've got to share a bit of trivia.

Do you say garage sale, yard sale, tag sale, or rummage sale?  

Practically speaking, there is no real difference.  

Some of it has to do with where you live.  (For instance, on the East Coast the phrase "tag sale" is more often used.  I've also noticed this regional difference when people interchangeably use the terms, drywall or sheetrock, lightning bug or firefly, submarine sandwich, hoagie, grinder, or poor boy!).   


OK, so, I have to begin my garage sale ruminations by telling you about our *only-once-and-probably-never-again* experience with our own garage sale.

We held one a few months before we put our previous home on the market.  

Deciding to rid ourselves of some of the mountainous amount of stuff I had accumulated in almost 29 years, trying to downsize before having to move it all, we decided to venture into the wild and woolly waters of a weekend garage sale.

I'm not sure I've ever worked harder in my life!


Here's some of what I learned:


The pre-organizing is tiresome and stressful.

Especially when one of you is a packrat, and the other loves to wean and winnow.  One person is saying, "When's the last time you used/wore that?" – and the other person is saying, "I can't give that away.  It has sentimental meaning."  (Bonus points if you can figure out who's who...)

So, the *deciding on what to sell* can be a tedious process.

Mr. Give-It-All-Away and Mrs. Keep-Everything-Forever worked very hard to come to an acceptable compromise – (which meant a lot less went on the "chopping block" than "The Hub" would have liked to see!).


OK, then there comes the staging time.

This is when you put prices on everything.  Some people use tags – which is fine.  But, they're more expensive and time-consuming than stickers.  We used stickers.  But honestly, then comes the challenge of deciding where to put the sticker so it doesn't ruin the item.

I worked hard to find stickers that wouldn't stick too much.  Because one of my biggest pet peeves is stickers that won't unstick, or the ones that leave a gummy residue, or discolor or tear the item in the process of removal.  GRR!


Deciding on prices is also difficult.  

You expect bargaining, so you want to set your initial price at a good starting point.

Too high?  Too low?  

Endless second thoughts.


Second, it's a good idea to make signs and place them in strategic locations.

Up here in our little town, the local paper publishes ads and a map to aid in searching for participating homes.  When we did it ourselves, we didn't place an ad.  But we did make signs.  I used neon-colored poster board, with VERY LARGE (and legible) letters to advertise our location and time.

Visible and eye-catching – that's the objective.

Because I don't know about you, but little signs with little lettering in lightly-written ink are extremely hard to read.  And, slowing down to figure out where the heck you're going – well, it can lead to those sudden stops, willy-nilly changes of direction, and abrupt u-turns that I mentioned before!


Finally, the day for the sale comes.  

Hold on to your hat!

The actual day of the garage sale is like one big sociology/psychology experiment.  You'll find that you will observe the most unlikely and surprising human behavior.

First, people will show up early.

This is one reason why I learned that it's a good idea, if you can, to lay out the stuff IN your garage before putting it out.  This prevents people bothering and pestering you before your preparations are complete.

Because, sure as the sun will rise, scavengers people will be out and about way before your posted time.  Like circling vultures, they'll pounce long before you're ready.  You can make some good sales at this time, but if you're not prepared, you'll just find yourself saying, "We're not open yet" – which is ridiculous when the "store" is your driveway!


Most people are pretty normal and really nice.  

Others defy the laws of explanation!

I vividly remember one guy who sped down our street, came to a screeching halt, and left his car running while he jumped out and ran around our driveway.  After a muttering five-second perusal, he ran to his car and peeled off to another destination.

Hmmm.

Another guy threw me (in my opinion) a very low-ball offer for a set of glass, brass, and mirrored display cases.  I had picked what I thought was a quite reasonable price for each, and he proposed the same price for all three!  I counter-offered, and he started to walk away.  (Yes, I know this can be a tactic).  I was feeling stubborn, and refusing to cave in, until "The Hub" gave me *The Look* – you know, the one that says, "When are you going to use these, I don't want to move them, he seems like a nice guy, some money is better than no money at all...").

Sigh...sold.

Then there was the couple who looked through a box of books.  In very good shape.  Which we had priced dirt cheap.  And then, complaining that our prices were too high, they offered a bargaining price that was laughable. Because I didn't like their rather haughty attitude, I chose not to bargain.  Then smugly watched as they drove off in their ironically expensive car.

Yes.

(I guess I'm not a good garage-salesperson at heart.  For though my objective should have been to get rid of stuff, I found myself personally insulted at peoples' attitudes.  Harumph!)


Which brings me to another point.

I wasn't prepared for being offended.

Some people were unreasonable, some were rude, some were downright dismissive.

I found myself experiencing old insecure feelings.

It brought back memories of not being chosen for a team, or not being invited to a birthday party, or left out of the popular circle of cheerleaders and song girls in high school.

You see, though I had determined that this stuff was stuff I was willing to part with, I wasn't prepared for people not liking my stuff!  

Ya know?!

So, my advice is to detach yourself from your stuff.  (Which is very difficult for me, which is why we STILL have a lot of stuff!)  For instance, don't expect someone else to appreciate the nostalgic value of your old VHS movies and cassettes…ahem.


One last thing that I learned is this – when the sale is over, almost anything and everything that you put out on the curb with a *FREE* sign will magically disappear overnight.  

POOF!


When all was said and done, we made over $400.  Which was great – except for the emotional roller coaster of that weekend!  Harassed, haggled, and harried.  That would sum it up for me!

I have discovered that it's much more fun to be a buyer than a seller!!

Which brings me back to our Labor Day weekend garage sale bonanza.

Yes, we were successful in our searching!

We found some old western frames and pillows, a cute western mirror, a wooden toilet paper holder shaped like an outhouse, some porcelain figurines for my animal collection, a book about ghost towns, an electric sander, a miniature tea set, and a slew of other little things.

What fun!  

But honestly, can I finish this post without bringing in some sort of spiritual application?

Of course not!

So, here's what I want to say...


Looking for stuff is fun, but we must never confuse stuff with treasure.  Earthly things can enhance our comfort and convenience.  They can help grace our homes with a personal touch.  But, we must never become overly attached to temporal things.

For our treasure does not lie in this world.

"Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.  But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 
(Matthew 6:19-21, AMP)

"'Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.'" Luke 12:21, NLT)


Second, searching for things can be fun.  Purchasing things can be fun.  But these things are not the first things.

Only God must hold this place.

And we must seek Him before and above everything else.

"'…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.'" (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

"'I am the Lord your God, who has brought you...out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.'" (Exodus 20:2-3, AMP)

"…if riches increase, set not your heart on them." (Psalm 62:10, AMP)


And finally, let us never forget that we are a redeemed people.

The enemy of our souls would gladly discard us as worthless rubbish and meaningless junk.  He would gleefully have us wear the filthy rags of guilt and shame.  He would enthusiastically celebrate a life lived in the wasted ravages of sin.

And yet, destined for the trash heap, we were instead purchased by our Savior!

Worth nothing in our own right, we were chosen by the Lord God Almighty Himself!

Somehow in the rubble and rabble aftermath of the Fall, He still saw people that He loved.  People that desperately needed salvation.  

And just like that *garage sale treasure* – He saw something worth saving.

Greatly cherished, He sought us and bought us.  And one day, He will bring us home to a place of honor.

Oh, what joy!

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.  This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us…" (1 John 4:9-10, NLT)

"You are not your own, you were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, AMP)


So, our garage sale adventure is done.  And I can't wait to do it again next year.  

But, in the meantime, I'll leave you with this one last thought…

Oh, the lessons to be learned…if we only go looking for them!!

One man's trash
is another man's treasure...

...or in my case,
every man's trash
is this woman's treasure?!

Go on your own treasure hunt adventure – look for the *gold nuggets* in these Scriptures!



R  "O Lord, You have pleaded my soul's cause; You have REDEEMED my life." (Lamentations 3:58, NASB)

E  "EVERY good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17, NIV)

D  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will DWELL in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6, KJV)

E  "'I have loved you, my people, with an EVERLASTING love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.'" (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)

E  "'I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the END,' says the Lord God.  'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.'"(Revelation 1:8, NLT)

M  "[He] said…'Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your MASTER.'" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)

E  "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have ETERNAL life." (John 3:16, NLT)

D  "And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, 'DEATH is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?'" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, AMP)




Have you ever held a garage sale?  What did you learn in the process?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, SHINE, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LOOKING UP LINKUP, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Pruning

"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: pruning

What does the word pruning mean to you?

What makes spiritual pruning such a difficult process?

In what ways is God pruning you at this time in your faith journey?

What do you think He's trying to accomplish with His pruning?


Let me know what you think!!


"'I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.  Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.'" (John 15:1-5, NLT)

"...planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'" (Psalm 92:13-15, NIV)

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart." (Proverbs 17:3, NIV)



DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


The picture of a life-giving connection between a vine and its branches would sustain [the disciples] in the time to come...Jesus began his teaching on the vine and the branches by identifying the vine...The picture of remaining or abiding in the vine sets up the process of seasons of pruning...an ongoing process tended to by the Gardener...Submit yourself to God, the Gardener, for whatever pruning he sees fit.  But ask him to help you be aware of the work he is doing in your life, so that you may benefit fully from the "trimming," for your good and his glory.


*The evidence of abiding lies in fruitfulness now, in the present.


(Devotional from: "Life Application Study Bible Devotional - The Gospels" by Dave Veerman and Neil Wilson, c. 2011, Livingstone Corporation)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LABOR "OF LOVE" DAY

What do you think about when you hear the word labor?

If you're female, and you've had kids, your mind probably goes to those fun moments leading up to birth.

Others might think about work – and labor means hard work by definition – (physical or mental exertion, especially when difficult or exhausting).  Synonyms include toil, exertion, drudgery, effort.

No matter what, the word labor doesn't seem to conjure up the *fun stuff*, does it?  

So, today is Labor Day.

According to Wikipedia, "Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.  It was first nationally recognized in 1894 to placate unionists following the Pullman Strike (a nationwide railroad strike)."

OK, that makes sense.

But this was the extra part that I loved:

"With the decline in union membership, the holiday is generally viewed as a time for barbeques and the end of summer vacations."

Sounds so **American** huh???  

Mom, apple pie, and barbeque!!  ☺

So, I hope that most of you are not experiencing labor pains or working too hard on this Labor Day 2013.  I hope you're relaxing, having fun, eating too much, and enjoying some fun in the sun.

That's what I'm going to be doing.


But…

Might you just take a few moments and consider this?

What does the Bible say about labor?

Well, it says quite a bit actually.  But I'd like to focus on three things.


First, when we work, we should work hard.

We should look at whatever *work* we do as something that we are really doing for the Lord.  We should treat it as a mission, a calling, a God-ordained purpose.  Whatever we do, whether we work in or outside the home, I think He wants us to be industrious.

And, we should be conscious of setting a good example for the "cloud of witnesses" that watches what we do as believers.  To be honest, I don't wake up every morning remembering that I am an ambassador for Christ.  But I think I should.

So, let's represent our heavenly home well, and be diligent agents for the cause of our King.


"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…" (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living…" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, ESV)

(I just picked two verses – there are countless others applauding the necessity and virtue of hard work)


Second, no task is considered small in the Kingdom of God.

Oh, how we humans love to compare and contrast.  It seems we rarely ever do anything just for the inherent value of the work itself.  We're continually looking at the "other guy."

Even the disciples were prone to this cursed game.  

Remember this?

"About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?'" (Matthew 18:1, NLT)

Or this?

"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we want you to do us a favor.'
'What is your request?' he asked.
They replied, 'When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.'" 
(Mark 10:35-37, NLT)


Ouch.

Frankly, I'd be embarrassed for James and John if I hadn't asked the Lord my own version of those questions a time or two (or hundred).

Sometimes I get discouraged thinking that I'm not doing enough.  Some of it is motivated by a true desire to serve God.  But often, I’m driven by the compare/contrast trap.  And, if I'm completely honest, I often want to do bigger things because I want to be more noticed.

Ah, the quicksand of seeking the approval of men.

But God does not look at work in this way.  

In fact, He turned it all upside down when He said this:

"But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." 
(Matthew 19:30, NLT)

God looks at what we do through His eyes, His perspective, His purposes. Not a one of us is useless or extraneous to the important work of the Kingdom.

I once blogged about being a big toe in the Body of Christ (here).  I think it's good to remember that ALL of us contribute, and NOTHING is ever too small if done in the name of the Lord, for HIS glory!


"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 
(1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…" (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)


Finally, we will be rewarded for our work.

You know, sometimes I feel guilty when I receive compliments. Why? Because I get this inner thrill inside of me.

I've struggled for many years over this issue.

Is it wrong to be glad when someone recognizes our work and applauds it?

I have suffered terrible angst over the happiness I feel when I am able to connect to someone through either my written or spoken words.  I judge that I am feeling this way only because I'm taking credit for it.

After all, I've been taught all my life that we should not boast except in the Lord Jesus.

So, in sort of a reverse *un-pride* I've dismissed people's reactions and remarks.  I've pushed aside those good feelings I get.  I've squelched the boost to my self-esteem, as I've labeled this response as egotistical.

But, in the end, it seems that all I've really accomplished is getting myself very, very discouraged.

Yup, in an effort to be a good "Christian," all I've succeeded in doing is giving the enemy a mighty stranglehold on my heart.

Think bushel – hiding my light under a bushel.

That's not right either.


So…

I've actually concluded these three things:

1) The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts, and we are told to 
USE them.

2) When we use our gifts for the Lord's sake, and for the sake of His body of believers, and for the advancement of His Kingdom, we will feel JOY.

3) Part of our mission as His disciples is to SHINE.


In an unbelievable act of grace, God also promises us rewards.  He knows how He made us.  He knows we need to feel a sense of accomplishment.  He knows it's important to be recognized and shown approved.

And you know what?

He really likes giving pats on the back!

It's OK to work for a reward.  It's part of our inheritance, it's part of God's promise to us, it's part of what we were made for.

I personally think I'm going to look pretty good in a crown…just sayin'!!


"Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:24, NLT)

"His lord said unto him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'" (Matthew 25:23, KJV)


So, on this Labor Day, may we look at *work* in Biblical terms – considering all we do as a labor of love.

Let's work hard.

Let's always remember that no work is too small.

And let's never forget that we will be well-rewarded for our efforts.


It's all for HIM.

All for HIS GLORY!

From sunrise to sunset,
commit your work to the Lord.

How do you need to change the way you view work?


Linked today with:

Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Value

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: value

What does the word value mean to you?

What is one thing that you value about yourself?  (C'mon - you know there's something...)

What are the things that God places value on?

How might we learn to value ourselves as God values us?


"And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]." 
(2 Corinthians 5:15-16, AMP)

"But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward." (1 Corinthians 3:13-14, NLT)

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24, ESV)

"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7, ESV)


Let me know what you think!!        


DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:

"Sometimes I feel trapped by my insecurities...[Give me] an honest appraisal of my own worth based on who I am in you.  Your Word makes clear that you value me highly because you love me deeply.  Thank you that you are sufficient for me.  I have worth because you place value on me and you have created me for a purpose...May I believe this in my heart, and may it affect the way I live...giving me the confidence to do what you have called me to do."


*Help me become a confident and secure person.


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


(Devotional from: "365 Pocket Prayers for Women" by Ronald A. Beers, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"