Thursday July 13, 2023

Today is Thursday, July 13 and we are studying what the Bible says about Christian work.

In the morning, I seek the presence of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I pause to rest, quiet my mind, close my eyes and slow my breathing. I breathe in and out, in and out and center myself on the One who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, walk with me on this daily pilgrimage. Show me how to follow in your footsteps, persevere in faithfulness and progress in holiness through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice in his goodness with the words of Psalm 127, a Psalm of Ascent.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-2

Pause and Pray

Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae while imprisoned in Rome, he concludes the letter with practical suggestions on Christian living that flow from the new life we have in Christ. It is a helpful guide for households, families and Christian relationships. Jesus has something to say about all of our relationships and cares about every aspect of our lives. Everyday Christian living involves loving and serving others and letting the power of the Holy Spirit work through us to accomplish goodness in every interaction every day.

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for humans. Colossians 3:17-23

The power to live life well comes from the resurrected Jesus. His death covered my sins and his resurrection promised me new life. I want to live a life in which I grow more and more like him through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. A life characterized by an increase in love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, joy, and thanksgiving. In all my relationships I can practice these virtues and pray that God will help me to grow in them. In addition to family members, Paul addresses the relationship of first century household slaves to their masters. Although slavery was commonplace in the ancient Roman world, it was a cruel, evil, abhorrent practice and repugnant to God. Paul’s mention of slavery should by no means imply condonement. For our First 15 devotional purposes, it may help to consider the relationship an employee has to an employer, or a relationship one has to someone in authority.

Ask: What are the relationships in my life to which this scripture applies? How does my work bring honor and glory to God?

Pause and Pray

Dear God, I thank you for the many things I have the opportunity to do today, let me do all of them in the name of Jesus. Show me what it truly means to love and serve others – my spouse, my parents, my children, my employer and coworkers. Give me a sincere heart that is motivated to humbly serve out of reverence for you. I will work at my tasks with all my heart committing my labor to you. May it bring you glory. I read the words from Colossians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for humans. Colossians 3:17-23

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I begin a new day on my pilgrim journey, I name all the people I anticipate to encounter in today’s activity. How might God use the work that I will do today to bless them? How might my attitude toward them bear fruit in our relationship? Maybe God wants me to see how my daily tasks, however small they might seem to me, are an avenue for blessing when it is done in the name of Jesus. Perhaps God wants me to recognize the true motivation behind the work I do. Maybe God wants to help me understand that all my work has potential for good.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and shine your light upon my heart and reveal my intentions and motivations. Show me where I am working from a place that is negative – preferring idleness, harboring resentment, seeking approval, lacking humility, or serving myself. Show me what it means to honor and glorify God with all the work that I do. Amen.
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 leave this time of prayer to labor in the Lord and give myself fully to his work.

Amen