Welcome!
Today: Work, Worship and righteousness
Passage: Psalm 34, Prov 11
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; (Ps 34, NIV 84)
Righteous people receive favor from the Lord
When someone who is very good in their work has a problem, the work place will be considerate and helpful to them as opposed to someone who is not committed
Once a centurion came to Jesus, begging to save his faithful servant who became very sick; Jesus healed him instantaneously, by His word
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men. (Prov 22, NIV 84)
Today, there are so many methods and principles people use, to develop various companies, firms and organizations
But the basic requirement is a straightforward, transparent, sincere attitude
The crooked ways in which many agencies and banks functioned, has been exposed; they paid “big time” for that
If someone uses wrong ways to reach the right place, one day they will loose all they gained, and will be exposed; they will “shine” only for a short time
Those who are righteous and have a broken heart, those who have a humble spirit, will receive favor from the Lord
Many people sacrifice righteousness, to make money and be wealthy
But in the day of trouble, none of that will help; even the best and greatest technology will not help, but there is one thing that will help
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Prov 11, NIV 84)
Not only in work, but even in worship, God expects a sincere heart. God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice because his heart/intentions were not right
Once a couple, Ananias and Saphira brought wealth to the Apostle, but they died instantly because their “offering’ was not from a righteous heart
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. (Col 3, NIV 84) Also, Ref: Eph 6:5-8
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1Cor 10, NIV 84)
Whether it is about work, worship or witnessing, God is only interested in that which comes from a pure, sincere, righteous heart
God bless your week and the labor of your hands
BG
Prayer: Thank God for all His blessings; ask forgiveness for not being sincere, committed, righteous and for not having a broken heart
Proverbs for today: Prov 11 (verses below from NIV 84)
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.