Friday, June 17, 2011

A must read…my devotional today…

CAN YOU RELATE?
I drive into work listening to gospel music or a pre-recorded sermon on the
radio. I get out of the car and walk to the building entrance.
As I open the building door I leave just enough room for me to get in and I
leave Jesus standing outside as the door closes behind me. He's standing
with His palms on the door glass and watches me as I get on the elevator.
His eyes are sad and He turns and goes to sit on the stone bench. There
He'll sit patiently and wait for me for the next 9 hours.
First two hours of work - I fuss and complain about things not going right.
Jesus, sitting with his chin in His hand looks upward toward the building
wishing He could help me.
By lunch time - I'm flustered, regretting I work in this place and
sputtering bitterness all over folks.
Jesus comes around to the side of the building where my cubicle is located.
He looks up from the ground trying to get my attention but I can't hear him;
my focus is on my problems.
Jesus goes back to the front of the building, sits down and continues to
wait for me. He thinks to Himself as He looks up to the third floor, "She
went in there defenseless. If only she had taken me in there with her. When
will she learn?"
End of the day - I'm pooped, run down, no energy, irritable & frustrated. I
leave the building & Jesus gets up happily to greet me but I'm in no mood
for Him now. I've just been to hell and back and the last thing I want to do
is be bothered with anyone.
God just actually showed me this is how I'VE been acting. He showed me each
act and worst of all, He let Me feel a small portion of how grieved he was
because of my actions and attitude. I left Jesus standing outside, almost
let the door smack him in His face.
From time to time our jobs overwhelm us and we completely forget to "take
Jesus with us". We may not go around cursing anyone out or punching anyone
in the face (hopefully not) but what are our actions saying about us and
about who or whose we are?
We are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world. A city on a hill
cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. Matt. 5:13-15.
We should be bringing peace to our jobs and not be the cause of confusion.
We should be the ones to bring our gifts & talents to the table to help in
WHATEVER area God has chosen for us to work in.
Col.3:23-24-"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 Lord Christ you are serving."

Think material……….especially with all that’s been happening this week. It is amazing how the Lord leads when we get lost.

Take care my friends and have a blessed afternoon.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Amen Julie! Thanks for sharing.

Carolyn said...

Beautiful!! TFS!

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I definitely know what you mean..There is a reason for everything we go thru, isn;t it? What a lesson we are learning... Remember how you were somewhat discouraged w/the progress of your diet? and u made it over that hurdle... To me that was a message he was sending you.. See, u do have the power to endure!.

Princess Dieter aka Mir said...

Back when I worked (before I got all immune system freako and had to quit), I had this small illustrated card with that Colossians verse on it taped to my computer. I had other verses around my station, but that was the one to remind me that there is no separation between sacred and secular...when we work, talk, eat...it's all for Him. It helped me be gracious to rude and bigotted coworkers. I repaid cruelty with kindness (gave one of my "enemies"--didn't like Hispanic people--flowers one day, and it softened her, I can tellyou).

I do forget sometimes now. Get lazy. Get proud. Get..well...flawed old human. But it's true. We should stay beside Him...at work, at home, in sleep, in the shower, at play, in the gym...everywhere.

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

I LOVE that! I need to remember that. Thanks so much for posting. :)

~Margene

Michele said...

This post will resonate with a lot of people, Julie.

Of One Heart said...

This feels like another sign from God, today. It's amazing how connected our lives are.

downsizers said...

Thank you for the kind words over at my place. There is an email going around with a prayer in it that goes something like this, "Lord, I haven't lost my temper today nor have I neglected to do my work as best I could or spoken harsh words but now I am going to get out of bed and I'll need Your help." It's cute but also has a lesson for us all.

Stephanie said...

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So I checked and I just wanted to know if you were interested in the Blog you Name Out Challenge? Visit my blog and see what others have posted. It's neverlate to start, so if you are still interested visit my blog and scroll down until you find the rules and such.
Thank you:)

Debsdailylife said...

I can so relate!! Why do I call on Him so desperately when Im in trouble and then forget to take Him with me when things are good. OR, I call on Him for help, then proceed to take control and do it my own way rather than rely on Him.!
Still praying for your family!!

JB said...

If we are living according to our own beliefs, we are living in alignment with our True Selves and in the flow of life. A belief is meaningless unless we live by it and let it transform our thoughts and actions. Grace. It's a great lesson to learn (and relearn). :) Have a great weekend!!

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

The bible says that God should guide our thoughts always. Every decision should have him in mind, I believe this and try my best to live like this. Jesus gave glory to God while on earth and gave praise to Him for what he was able to accomplish. I use Jesus as the example and give God the glory He deserves for any accomplishments. It is only through HIM that we can endure and get through this world. Good post!