Devotion for the Work Place

Looking Up with Gratitude

by

Charles Ligon

As we walked through the woods, my Bluetick-Beagle (whom we recently rescued from a local shelter) was at work…doing what she loves and was created to do.  Her nose was flat on the ground, and she was sniffing and snorting…100% focused on tracking something, probably a deer.  Then all of a sudden, she stopped in her tracks. She sat down…looked up and stared at me.  Those sweet eyes seemed to say, “thank you so much for rescuing me…I was lost and you found me…I was headed for death but you saved me and made me yours”. If a dog can be grateful, I believe Gracie was at that very moment! Then, just as quickly, her nose went down and she was back to work.   

This was a teachable moment for me. I paused briefly and thought…how often do I stop during my work day, look up and thank God for rescuing me? I confess…not nearly enough! I was once dead in my sin yet God rescued me…making me His own. Thank you Lord!!

The Bible says, “Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death” (Psalm 68:20), “…you were dead in trespasses and sins…But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us…made us alive again…by grace you have been saved ”(Eph 2:1-5). “…God rescued me…led me to a place of safety” (Psalm 18:17&19 NLT).

What should be my response? “I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me” (Psalm 30:1). “…give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). I wonder…as we go about our work day, do we take the time to stop…look up…and express our heartfelt gratitude to God?

Workplace Challenge: During your work day, decide to be more intentional expressing gratitude for what God has done in your life. Thank Him often for saving you, adopting you as His child and preparing for you an eternal home. If necessary, create reminders for yourself. Use sticky notes, alarms on your Outlook or find an accountability partner. God deserves our continual gratitude! So, as you begin your day doing what God has created you to do, be sure to stop, look up and tell Him of your deep gratitude for what He has done in your life.  

 

Devotion for the Work Place

Loving Gracie

by

Charles Ligon

It had been five years since we’d owned a dog and, honestly, I was enjoying the break. But, as recent empty-nesters, my wife and I both knew that she needed something to nurture. So we set out to find a dog…and we did. When we arrived at the shelter I was attracted to a small, spry and playful chow mix. She jumped onto my lap with joyful assurance…she seemed to own the world. It was easy…I would pick her.

My wife’s eyes were immediately drawn to a medium sized blue-tick beagle mix. She had very sweet and alluring eyes but was frail in appearance and displayed a shy, sheepish and dejected temperament. At my first glance, this dog was not very appealing. But, for my wife, she was the one! It was obvious that this dog desperately needed someone to love her and to care for her. We took her home and named her Gracie because she reminded us of the grace that God had shown us…and, the grace He has called us to show others…especially the unlovable.

There are “Gracies” all around us in the workplace who need someone to love them…to care for them…to pick them as a friend…to include them. But, too often, we avoid them. Why is it that we avoid the hard to love and gravitate to people who are attractive, charismatic, or who we find appealing in some way?

Jesus taught us two very important truths. First, everyone is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and because God created us, everyone is worthy of love. Second, because of sin, we're all really unlovable. But, Christ offered us love, grace and forgiveness (Romans 5:8) and if God can love us, surely we can love the unlovable around us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:46, “If you love only those who love you what reward is there for that?”

Workplace Challenge: Identify the “Gracie” in your workplace that is hard to love. Ask God to change your heart and mind toward them so that you can extend the same love, grace and mercy that God extended toward us. Be intentional today and show then compassion, kindness and love to the glory of the Lord.

Being God's Child

     As I was reflecting back on Sunday School this morning my thoughts were not only the teachings of God's Word but the learners of God's Word.  As I listened and observed, I couldn't help think that in our Sunday School class, Crucial Conversations at Faith Baptist Church, is a group of ordinary people who for the most part have put their faith and trust in Christ Jesus.  Each one of us who have trusted Christ has been called by God  We are part of God's plan.  The God who created the universe, rhe heavens, the earth, and all that it contains which includes us human beings.  God has a vested interest in us.  You may be reading this and not a part of our Sunday School class at Faith, but may be in another small group someplace else.  What a privelege to be part of a group of other believers.

Relationships are
                              gifts,
                                        priceless,
                                                        to be nurtured,
                                                                             to be cherished,
                                                                                                      respected,
                                                                                                                   part of God's plan.

     Let's help each other grow.  Let's encourage and help stregthen each other's faith.  There is enough junk in the world to pull us down.  Let's show the world that we really are different.  Not because of who we are, but because of who HE is.  Encourage someone miles away, or maybe next door.  Love them, honor them, pray for them.  Let them know someones cares.  That someone is Jesus.

I challenge each one of us this week to allow

                      vulnerability,
                                Holy Spirit interruptions,
                                             prayer,
                                                      boldness,
                                                                   reading His Word,
                                                                                    being ready to be used.

     One day we will all stand alone before God.  The one thing we will hear is Jesus say is,"this one is with me.  This is your child".  We will meet our heavenly Father face to face when Jesus introduces us.  When times get tough this week, remember who stand next to you......Jesus.  When you want to through in the towel in exasperation, remember who loves you..........Jesus.  Have an attitude of gratitude this week to the Lord.

          Without Him NOTHING is possible.      
                With Him EVERYTHING is possible,
               
     I will leave you with this verse in Ephesians 4:1 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called".

by Deb Paradis
2.10.13