Commit Your Work To The Lord

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Psalm 16:3

I have always attempted to teach young people; whether they were my own or others whom I was responsible for teaching, to enjoy the work that they do. Work is inevitable. We must work to eat, to have shelter, to have warm clothing, and if you really must want a lot of nice things; you must really put a lot of effort into earning that "stuff." We spend a huge portion of our lives working so we may as well enjoy the work that we do. Making a game of doing house or yard chores and doing it together helps it to me more fun. Getting along with co-workers and your supervisors helps to keep stress out of the position you hold.

As young people begin planning for what kind of life-long career they would like to pursue, they ought to consider what it is that they will actually enjoy doing. Do you enjoy helping people? How about computers or working with animals? There are so many career choices in the world today, it is impossible to comprehend them all. Whatever it is you love to do; whatever talents that God has gifted you with; follow that path.

God has a plan for you. He calls you to serve him according to the gifts He gifts you. Whether it is a talent and desire to be a doctor or a hostess; God provides the opportunities to be trained in the way He would have you go. And... don't forget to commit your work to the Lord. Do all things well that they might glorify your Father in heaven. And... quit complaining! Learn to enjoy the work that the Lord has provided for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Is The Stranger Welcome?

And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:2

I grew up in an area steeped in the Finnish-American culture. Finns like to feed people. One never went for coffee anywhere without having the table heaped with goodies, if not a full meal. My mother was an awesome hostess. She was a great cook. She often invited friends and strangers into our home. She and my dad would meet strangers as they wandered the countryside. She would invite them to come and visit. When they came, she would welcome them like they were royalty.

Whenever I travel, I try to find a place to worship; a house of God where my brothers and sisters in Christ will welcome me as well as all strangers. There is usually a multitude of choices. Maybe because of the culture I grew up in, I am acutely aware of whether or not I am really welcome to eat at the Lord's Table. Many congregations do not provide this meal to nourish the traveler or stranger. Others make it painfully obvious that strangers are not welcome at their table. They appear to be afraid that our sins are too great to allow us to partake of the food which will nourish our souls. They would keep us from the very Body of Christ that was given for our salvation.

May God help us to welcome both neighbor and stranger to receive the good gifts that God has provided us in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J