Be Kind to One Another by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).

In our busy schedule of life it is easy to get caught up in work or activities so much that we get worn out. It is at this time when it is easy to snap at our loved ones. I think we have a tendency to treat our own family worse then strangers, thinking they live with us so they will still love us. I think Satan is involved in all this so there will be conflict in our families. We need to stand firm in Christ and treat everyone the way we would want to be treated; with kindness and a compassion. We need to take time every day just to be quiet and pray for wisdom to handle difficulties with our families, co-workers, or friends.
Forgiving each other can be very difficult, especially when you have been hurt unfairly. But the Bible is very clear on forgiveness: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).
So when other people hurt us in any way, we must forgive them as this is a command from Jesus. It is a struggle sometimes to do this, but if we surrender the person who has caused us pain to the Lord and let Him deal with it, we will find peace. After all, if Jesus could forgive the men who beat Him, spat upon Him, scourged Him, and crucified Him, we can do the same to those who cause us pain. When we behave in this manner: treating others with compassion and with kindness and forgiveness, it is a tremendous witness to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. Ask God to help you with this and you will see a difference in your attitude towards everyone.
Dear Lord,
Help us to have compassion for others at all times. Help us to view others as you would. Help us to forgive those who sin against just the way you did. We know we can do this through your help.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Work At It With All Your Heart by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

As we start the work week, I think it is important to remember who you are really serving. Sometimes it is easy to forget that what you do isn’t just another job, but that you have been guided by God to be where you are for a specific reason. God has a purpose for you where you are, and it is up to you, through prayer, to use the talents God has given you to work for Him. He knows that you have the abilities to fulfill this purpose or you wouldn’t be in this position. Where you are weak, He will give you the strength to carry on if you ask Him for it. See each challenge as a way to serve Him and gain wisdom from Him to handle the problem. Someone is in need of you and your specific ability where you work. They need to hear your encouraging words. Be in tune with God so He will guide you to assist those who need your love, guidance, and encouragement.
I recently finished reading a great book called “One In A Million” by Priscilla Shirer. It is such a good book about how as a Christian it is so important for you to step out in faith and do what God has shown you to do. Sometimes it takes courage to do this at work. This may mean that you may have to step out of your comfort zone. But always remember the Lord is with you. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Remember the Lord is always with you.
During this week, remember to seek out God to help you through the rough times at your job, and step out in faith if He wants you to accept a challenge.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please help me as I start another week doing your service that you handpicked me to do. Keep me on track, knowing that you are the one I must ultimately answer to. Help me to do my best for you. Help me to imagine that you have a hand on my shoulder and are guiding all of my decisions.
In Jesus name,
Amen