Getting It Done

Dream Big, Work Hard, Play Fair, Have Fun, Make a Difference
Scripture Thought for the Week: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10
This week the devotional centers on the second suggested element of getting it done for Christ; working hard. As I frequently consult the dictionary to help with the full meaning of common words, I searched Encarta and found work to mean the physical or mental effort directed at doing or making something. It continued with explaining that working is the function of completing a process through carrying out a task, being effective and/or achieving a desired result which will exert an influence. Moving on to the word, hard, the definition stated firm, stiff, rigid, not easily cut, pierced or bent. When something is deemed as hard, it is difficult to do or achieve and involves a great deal of mental or physical effort or exertion. Then I stepped away from the definitions and began to pray. Lord, what might I write

that will be effective for the cause of Christ? I know there is a good message within these two seemingly simple definitions. How often have these terms been used to describe common occurrences? Please use the following lesson to bring honor and glory to you and bless those who read it to draw closer to the Cross. In Jesus name, Amen!
There have been times in my life when I comment that I have been working hard on a project, paper or a devotional series. It doesnt necessarily mean that I have been sweating in physical labor, but I have tired my mental capacities to the point of needing a break. However, as I garden and work with my plants and flowers I do break out in a glow as I bend, rake, pick up and dispose of unwanted leaves and branches. Often I return to the house with a sore back and knees exclaiming, I have really worked hard today! But have I ever worked so hard for the Lord that I have found myself to the point of physical exertion? What would working hard for Jesus look like for me? Have I recently completed carrying out a task for the Lord that is effective and achieved a desired result which will exert an influence on another? Has that work been unyielding, not allowing the ways of the world to exert influence even though it included a great deal of mental or

physical effort? Working hard for the Lord can come in all shapes, sizes and commitments, but do we step away from those opportunities to be servants of the Almighty regardless of the personal cost? There is no way that I can give a listing of what is needed to be done for the Kingdom. That, my friend, needs to be between you and the Lord. However, pray that He might open your heart and mind to see the need and answer the call to work hard so that we might get it done together!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few
Father, continue to work through us and in us for the glory of the Kingdom. May we work hard until you call us home! In Jesus name, Amen!