God's Work Is Worth It

Have you had a verse of Scripture jump out at you when you needed encouragement?

This verse spoke to me this week during my morning quiet time.

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless (1 Corinthians 15:58b NLT).

This same verse in The Message says, And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

There’s much involved to get a book published. Writers join critique groups (or in my case start one) to receive constructive feedback from other writers. We attend conferences to learn, grow, and meet with agents or publishers. We write query letters or book proposals. After rejections, we send out more query letters and proposals with the hope someone falls in love with our idea or book. 

In addition, a writer needs a tribe—a following. We blog, post on social media, manage a website, build our email lists, and write newsletters to keep our subscribers informed.

We have a lot to do. Is it worth it?

According to the above Scripture, God says, yes.

Nothing we do for the Lord is useless.

And because I not only write to honor God, but live my life for Him, I believe He is pleased that I am a writer. I want those who read my words to understand who God is and grow in their faith. To encourage them in their brokenness. To inspire them to be their best each day and shine for Jesus. The people whose lives are blessed by my words are worth my time.

To my fellow bloggers, writers, and authors, keep doing what you’re doing. Throw yourselves into the work of the Lord. Your work is not a waste of time. Many people need what you share—faith, hope, and love.

To everyone else, give God your best. Don’t hold back. 

Colossians 3:23 says it this way, Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (NLT). God’s work is worth it.

Please share a verse of Scripture in the comments section below that brought you encouragement this week.

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God's Creation Makes Me Smile

For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” 1 Corinthians 10:26. I’m in awe of God’s creation and all He has given us to enjoy.

There’s something about trees. I smile when I see twisted branches, varied colors and textures of bark, above-the-ground root systems, and leaves of many sizes and shapes. My favorites include palm, aspen, banyan, maple, and baobab (Africa).

My husband and I vacationed in Florida last week where I enjoyed both palm and banyan trees.

I smiled as sandhill cranes, fox squirrels, and various water birds gripped my attention at Moss Park in Orlando. A white ibis and alligators fascinated me at Trimble Park in Mount Dora.

We visited Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg where pelicans entertained us. At Myakka River State Park, alligators, birds, and lizards wowed me.

Two stunning sunsets dazzled us on the Gulf Coast: Fort Myers Beach and Sarasota’s Lido Key Beach.

At Lido Key, hundreds of black skimmers, in their protected nesting grounds, barked their call. We watched in amazement as they swooped with opened bills, skimmed along the top of the water, and snatched their prey.

Bayfront Park in Sarasota offered a relaxed setting where we enjoyed the bay, squirrels, lizards, and banyans. 

I smile at the beauty of God’s creation. Which of God’s wonders makes you smile?

Ready or Not?

While practicing my Toastmasters speech in my hotel room this past week, the fire alarm blasted a warning. I shut off my laptop, grabbed my cell and room key, and stepped into the hallway—thankful my room was at the end of the hall next to the stairs. I felt the door before I opened it and descended five flights to safety outdoors.

Within minutes fire fighters arrived to assess the situation. A fireman later told the hotel guests a sprinkler on the fourth floor malfunctioned. We needed to prepare ourselves for the possibility the alarm could go off during the night because of testing the system. But, since we wouldn’t know for sure whether the alarm was a test or an actual fire, we should be ready to exit the building.

Leave my room in my pajamas? I prepared to sleep fully clothed with my shoes nearby.

We must be mindful of emergencies that may arise and prepare for them. We also need to know what Scripture teaches us about being ready.

Study God’s Word

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To be prepared, we must read the readiness manual—God’s Word.

Serve Others

God calls us to love others and put their interests before our own. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them (Romans 12:13a).

Share Our Eternal Hope

. . . you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it (1 Peter 3:15). We must live our lives to honor Christ and bring Him glory, share His love and hope with others, and tell how He’s changed our lives.

Suffer for Christ

Whether you are insulted for your beliefs or attacked physically, persecution is here. We need to stand firm in our faith. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News (2 Timothy 1:8b).

Expect the Lord’s Return

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected (Matthew 24:44). We not only need to expect His return but live as though He may arrive today.

These are only a few verses which call us to be ready, prepared, and equipped. If you have others you’d like to share, please do so.

A Change of Heart

“. . . a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people” (Romans 2:29 NLT).

Have you thought or said, Look at me? I won most likely to succeed in high school. I graduated college with honors and three degrees. I received a promotion over five other people being considered. I own a successful business. 

Are these comments about ourselves wrong?

Sounds like the “I” syndrome. Who blessed or gifted us? We’ve been told we should toot our own horn and brag about ourselves. Should we? Is that what God’s Word teaches? To seek praise and admiration from others?

I’m guilty. A few months ago, I posted a photo on Facebook holding a trophy for the best impromptu speech at Toastmasters. I’ll admit. It felt good to be recognized for an accomplishment, but the verse above says I need to seek praise from God. Not people.

Why do we leave Him out? Only through God can we achieve anything. Without Him, we are nothing.

Should we instead take on the attitude, I’m not that good, or I’m no one special? God in you makes you special and good if you’re his child.

Either way, the problem lies in us. We may need a change of heart to understand every good gift is from God. James 1:17 says, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father . . .” (NLT). We shouldn’t brag about or condemn ourselves.

To seek God’s praise and give Him credit for any accomplishments in my life, I need a heart change to recognize He performs His giftings through me.

“For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36 NLT).

There is one exception to bragging rights, however—grandchildren. I do have three of the best. Although, I understand they are a gift from the Lord.