Tag: Work

Devotionals

Your Labor in the Lord is not in Vain

Loring Schultz

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

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Happy Labor Day 2024! The day we officially honor the American worker. The U.S. Dept of Labor states the following, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” (1)

Over the last one hundred years the recognition and honoring of the American worker has faded. It has become a day of picnics and a chance for a final summer get-a-way weekend. Nothing against a weekend vacation or a Labor Day picnic, I plan to grill a few Hot Dogs myself, but the purpose of the day has been lost to our pleasures.

How much more tragic when we overlook or take for granted the work being done for the Lord and those who perform the work. Christians should not look for recognition in doing the Lord’s work, but discouragement often arises when there is no response to the work for the efforts put into it. Paul encourages us to always give 100% to the Lord’s work, “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1Cor.15:58 nlt)

This Labor Day may we not get discouraged if we do not see fruit from our labor in the Lord but continue to ‘give ourselves fully’ to the work He has given us. The Lord guarantees our labor is not vain. It will pay off in His timing. And may we give a word of encouragement to all who are in the service of the Lord, and that is all of us, no matter our occupation.

(1) https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

Devotionals

You are a manager

Loring Schultz

“Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT

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We often think of the business world, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions of employing managers to oversee their operations. There needs to be a responsible person who can be relied on to ensure what has been entrusted to them will run smoothly. I, for one, understand completely the role of management from my forty-five years in retailing. Even though I am no longer in retail management, I am still a manager. This website ministry needs to be managed to see it remains organized, true to the Word of God, relevant to the needs of the subscribers, and continually bring glory to God. A huge responsibility and privilege the Lord has given me in overseeing His work. But my forty-five years in retailing was also a privilege He had given me to oversee His work as well. And He has entrusted me in managing my own life with His help.

Whatever position God had placed you in, you have a responsibility to manage what has been entrusted to you. You may be a manager of a large corporation, or a team leader in your place of employment, or the head of your neighbor watch group, whatever it is Paul encourages you to be faithful, in fact he says, ‘you must be faithful.’

Perhaps you are saying to yourself, ‘I am not a manager’ but you are. The Lord has entrusted every Christian with the responsibility of the gospel and how we live our lives. We are to manage our lives in a way that pleases and brings glory to Him. Opportunities to share the gospel should not slip by due to neglect. When you are managing your affairs with your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, strangers you meet every day, and yourself, you are a manager who has God given responsibilities entrusted to you. Remember Paul’s words, “Now, a person who is put n charge as a manager must be faithful.” (1Cor.4:2 nlt)

Devotionals

Two Heavens

Loring Schultz

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

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The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting, a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’

Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and I think he’s right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something’s wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss out on the present one.

(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg.223.

Devotionals

Be happy in your work

Loring Schultz

“When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you.” Psalm 128:2 NASB

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The average person spends about one-third of their life working at a job. Some less and some maybe more. I’ve fallen into the ‘more’ category but I’m not complaining. Much of it was time well spent and some of it not so much, but it was where the Lord placed me. I can’t say I was always happy, but I was content most of my working days. Most of my enjoyment can be summed up in Psalm 128:2, “When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you.” (nasb) One of my favorite verses especially during long hard days has always been from the book of Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” (Ec.2:24 nasb) That verse got me through a lot of difficult days as I anticipated the meal that was waiting for me at home my wife had prepared.

Being happy in your work is a lot more than looking forward to an evening meal. It encompasses all the fruits of your labor. Providing for yourself and your family, using your resources to help others in need and supporting measures to spread the Gospel are some of the many reasons to be happy in your work. Not all workplaces have a positive environment, but if you are going to spend eight hours a day there, you might as well make the best of it. One of the most important benefits you can receive that is not part of your employer’s benefit package is the benefit of building friendships and relationships with those you toil and sweat with sharing bits and pieces of your lives. If done right, they last a lifetime.

The bottom line is, are you happy in your work? No, we are not always going to be, but when you add up the benefits of your labor you will find joy and contentment in the fruit that has been produced knowing that the Lord’s Hand was in it. As the song goes, ‘Be happy.’

Read: Psalm 128 NASB – Blessedness of the Fear of the LORD. – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Irritating God

Loring Schultz

“Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26 NLT

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The book of Proverbs is not only a book of wisdom, but it is also a true picture of life. Take Proverbs 10:26 for example, “Lazy people irritate their employers.” (10:2a nlt) A picture that comes to life I’m sure we have all seen. Hopefully, you’re not in the picture. I can testify that the Proverb is true from experience in my retail management days. Much too often I had become irritated by someone who had not finished a job due to laziness. The effects of the unfinished job created extra work either for me or other associates taking us away from our responsibilities and limiting the overall effectiveness of the business. Laziness affects more than one person, or the job that was assigned to them.

Lazy people across the working landscape can create devastating disruption of services and work products. Delays, inefficient quality, and poor business reviews just to name a few. If not corrected and left to continue it will lead to a toxic environment threating employee moral that will spread and erode the current reputation of the business.

As Christians we are co-workers with God in the world He has created. We have a responsibility to be effective in whatever job we may have and not be lazy. God’s reputation is on the line with our on-the-job performance. He is the one who created work and who supplied us with our jobs. Our God is entrusting us to be His representative in the workplace wherever that may be. He places us where He has for a reason, His reason. Christians are to live their lives for Christ in the workplace in a way that will draw others to Him. Any activity or non-activity, such as laziness, that causes inefficient quality or a poor Christian review from our co-workers just might irritate God, and we would not want to do that.

Devotionals

Watching through Serving     

Loring Schultz

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.” Matthew 25:14 NLT

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In our current year 2024 there has been a great emphasis put on the return of Christ by Christians and the coming of the apocalypse, or end of the world as they see it, by non-Christians. Fueling this are current events as the Israel-Hamas war, the war in Ukraine, increasing government corruption in many nations around the world including the United States, the never-ending stream of violence, the recent solar eclipse, and now the dual event of the 13- and 17-year cicadas emerging at the same time in few short weeks. No doubt these are troubling times and the Lord’s return would be pleasant welcome but are we, as Christians, watching for His return through serving Him or are we serving the interests of the prognosticators of our day.

In Matthew 25 we find another one of Jesus’ many parables concerning the kingdom of heaven. The parable of the Three Servants, or more commonly known as the parable of the Talents, is a story of three employees given responsibilities to be carried out in their boss’s absence. He entrusted them with his investments so his work would continue to carry on. Upon his return, which he did not specify when that would be, he expected those assignments to be completed and for his employees to be at work. Returning home the boss did find two of them faithful in their assignments, doubling the investments. The third employee neglected his responsibility of investing in his boss’s work only to give him back what he was entrusted with. He failed to bring in further investments in his boss’s business.

The boss or ‘master’ in this parable is a representation of Jesus. The employees or servants of Jesus is us. He has given each of us assignments according to our ability to serve Him, bringing others into the kingdom and increasing His investment. Serving the Lord wholeheartedly focuses our minds on His return. Charles R. Erdman says, “Those who are faithful in their work are in a true sense watching for the coming of the King.” When we truly serve Jesus, the King, we acknowledge His return and anticipate it. Let us be careful not to neglect our work by hiding the truth of the gospel while investing our time with the prophets of the apocalypse. Jesus is coming back unexpectedly so keep watching through serving.

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025%3A14-30&version=NLT

Devotionals

Long Days

Loring Schultz

“Man goes out to his work, and to his labor until the evening.” Psalm 104:23 ESV

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Some workdays seem extremely long. Occasionally during my days in retailing I would joke with my associates that I’m only working a half day, after all twelve hours is literally a half day. We have grown accustomed to an eight hour work day and five day work week in the United States. But it hasn’t always been that way and in some countries a forty-hour work week is unheard of. As fortunate as we are in the United States to have such employment guidelines, there are many people who work long hours resulting in long days that tap into their strength and energy.

The Psalmist writes “Man goes out to his work, and to his labor until the evening.” The point is; we are to be working in the world God has created. God has gifted each of us with certain skills and abilities to contribute to the work of maintaining and managing His creation and to ensure that our basic needs are met and those of our neighbor.

Your work may be exhausting and time consuming, but take heart, Jesus also became weary (Jn. 4:6), and so He understands. At times His disciples were tired and exhausted, and Jesus told them to rest awhile (Mk. 6:31). And the Old Testament prophet Isaiah writes, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Is. 40:31 esv) So, during your long days wait on the Lord, rest in Him, and you might just mount up with wings like an eagle and finish that twelve-hour day.

Devotionals

Your work will never be forgotten by the Lord

Loring Schultz

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10 NLT

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            The following is from the Barna Group, April 27, 2022, “As of March 2022, the percentage of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year sits at 42 percent. Over half of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry (56%) say ‘the immense stress of the job’ has factored into their thoughts on leaving. Beyond these general stressors, two in five pastors (43%) say ‘I feel lonely and isolated,’ while 38 percent name ‘current political divisions’ as reasons they’ve considered stepping away.” (1)

            No doubt, being a pastor is no easy job. It’s not a profession to pursue seeking to become rich, for most anyway, but is a calling to preach the gospel and minister to the church family. Pastors today encounter a host of problems and concerns that their predecessors never dealt with or even thought possible. With that being said God called them both in their time to minster to their generation.

            Of the many reasons given by pastors who have considered leaving the ministry, the most disturbing may be the feeling of loneliness and isolation. It is hard to imagine that those who care for so many by personal contact would feel this way. But that is the case for 43% who answered the survey. Perhaps some of these feelings come from a sense of ingratitude and/or of being taken for granted, after all it is the pastor’s job. This should be an eyeopener for all us in the church to be more supportive of our local pastors.  

            A word of encouragement for all pastors from the writer of the book of Hebrews, which I’m sure you are familiar with, “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” (Heb. 6:10 NLT) And when Christ returns, he will bring with Him your crown of glory to lay at His feet. “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Pt. 5:4 ESV) Yes, your work will never be forgotten by the Lord.

(1) Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year – Barna Group

Devotionals

What has God Assigned You to Do?

Loring Schultz

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” John 9:4 NLT

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            Every believer in Christ has been given a specific assignment by God when we became a Christian. The problem is many Christians, me included, have a hard time figuring out what that assignment is. I retired a year ago after forty-five years in retailing, most of them in management. That was God’s assignment for me although there were times it felt like God made a mistake, or somehow, I missed his direction. Several times throughout my career, mostly during times of pressure and stress, I tried to get out from under God’s assignment only to be brought back in to where he had placed me. I regret not realizing it earlier during my retail days, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. But the Lord made it clear to me during my final years in the job it was where He had assigned me and wanted me to be for all forty-five years.

            Jesus says, “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” (Jn. 9:4 NLT) Forty-five years is a long time, but for us in retirement age, it seems like yesterday, therefore one needs to work quickly for there will be a day you will work no more. We must not squander any of the opportunities God assigns for us during our vocational years or in retirement, for a Christian never really retires. God continues to assign certain tasks and responsibilities to each of us. Those assignments are specifically designed for you. Only you can carry out these tasks as God has equipped you to reach those only you can reach.

            So, what has God assigned you to do? You may be struggling with not knowing what God’s assignment is for you, or you may feel as I have that God made a mistake. Start at the beginning, where you are right now is God’s assignment for you, it’s no mistake. Pray, read, and study God’s Word and He will direct you. Live your life as a Christian, loving God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Be a shining light in this dark world to all outside of Christ. Be sensitive to open doors and opportunities for new assignments the Lord may be leading you to. And be careful to quickly carry out those assigned tasks for we do not know when ‘the night is coming, and then no one can work.’

Devotionals

Unfinished Business

Loring Schultz

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom……..…..Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:12, 17 ESV

            “This too shall pass” is a familiar comment used by many in referring to circumstances that are mostly undesirable, although not always. As we come to a close of another year, yes this too shall pass. Most of us cannot wait until this year is over with all its turmoil. A New Year brings with it a ray of hope for a better year and a brighter future. But what about any unfinished business for this year that is on our agenda, and we all have some. If you are like me, you pass it on to the next year for there is not enough time left to finish it in the current year. It is fine to continue on with projects, goals, and the fulfilment of desires pushing them into the following year, but none of us are guaranteed another year to complete our projects or to reach our goals. It is time for us to realize the importance of each day in doing our work, the work the Lord God has given us to do.

            I remember many years ago my grandfather telling me how fast time flies and the fastest time for him was between the ages of 60 and 80. As I find myself now in that bracket I realize what he meant. A few years ago while discussing matters of the church with a colleague of mine, he asked me if I had an “exit plan.” I had never given that any thought until then. But the fact is, the Lord has assigned each of us work and given us opportunity to perform that work where He has placed us. The Lord has placed each of us strategically where we live, work, and Worship Him for His purposes, and He has given us the time in which to accomplished those tasks.

            How are you using the time He has given you? We know for certain when one calendar year ends and another begins, however there is not one of who knows the amount of time God has given on this earth to do His work. Let us not leave any Unfinished Business, for this too shall pass.