There Is A Reward

We may be disappointed by our paycheck at the end of the pay period, feeling we were not fairly compensated for the work that we did. We may be disappointed when we try to help someone and they don’t respond as we think they should. We may also be disappointed in a relationship when our love is not returned in a manner that we expect.

Jeremiah 31:16 says, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is reward for you work.'” Walking with God and serving Him offers joy, peace, and celebration. The rewards are many and are eternal. We will never be disappointed by God’s everlasting and abundant love and grace.

Learning New Things

If we examine our lives carefully, we will find that we are learning new ways to do things almost every day. Technology requires that we learn new things, as the former ways of doing things become obsolete and no longer available to us. These new processes require new and different ways of thinking.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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.” Change is a part of life. God is doing a new work in us each day, helping us conform more to His image, if we allow Him to do so. And He has new and even better things for us to do with each new day. So let’s rejoice in this new day!

Talk to Someone Who Can Help

Sometimes a product or service turns out to not provide the benefit that we were seeking. So we go to the store or call the company, seeking to return the item or some other resolution that will satisfy our needs. But often, we cannot get the help from the first person we talk with, not because they don’t want to help us, but rather they don’t have the authority to do what we need. So we must seek a conversation with someone who has the authority and can make the changes we need.

Philippians 4:5-7 says, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot control. Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things He can change. The next time you are worrying, just change the conversation and speak to the One who can do something about the situation and, perhaps, your thoughts.

Grand Parade

When I was much younger and lived in Southern California, I would often go to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. The floats were covered with flowers, giving off a fantastic aroma. Majestic horse teams demonstrated their glory in fancy coverings and precision marches. The tradition called for the bands of the teams participating in the Rose Bowl to march the parade route, drawing attention to their school’s successful season.

II Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” When we trust in Jesus, God gives us victory along with all believers. Our victory over sin and death is commerated by the grand parade of life that Jesus leads all believers in. And we become more like Jesus, giving others the aroma of Jesus so that they can know what life in Jesus is really about. This fragrance is more aromatic and lasts for eternity.

Craftsmanship

A good craftsman takes pride in his/her work. From the overall appearance to the smallest detail, the good craftsman offers the best work possible. After all, his/her name will be on each part of the work. God has done the same with His creation, doing His best work in every detail, including  specifically designing and forming you and me.

Psalm 8:3-5 says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” The same God who created the beauty and majesty of the heavens gives us life and bestows glory and honor upon us. He made us in His image, and we were created to bring Him glory.