Happy Labor Day!

As followers of Jesus, we should always be aware of our witness to the unbelievers. This also includes the workplace. And in the spirit of Labor Day, I figured, why not?! I had originally planned to not do a Labor Day post. But, yesterday while in service, Pastor Jack was going over 7 visions to envision while putting forth your labor in your place of employment. Now i'm not going to get into all of them, but there were a few that stood out to me. I feel like these are important for Christians to follow and apply in our daily lives!

1) Seeing God will change you. Isaiah 6:1

"I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple."

As I continued to read this passage, it describes the mighty Seraphims, and how they were calling out to one another. "holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heavens Armies," (Isaiah 6:3) Then Isaiah said, 

"it's over! I am doomed, for I m a sinful man, I have filthy lips, and I live among people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heavens Armies."

Once you encounter God's presence, He changes you. Once God changes you, you will then be able to change the atmosphere at your job. Be the thermostat in your workplace, not the thermometer. 

2) Envision yourself working together with God. Isaiah 40:31

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

When working in a secular job, it can sometimes be tough or stressful. Especially when some are not saved and everyone has an opinion about you, or their job. But you have to know who you are, and whose you are. You are a child of the one true King! That's who you have to represent. 

"So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires, You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy." 

(1 Peter 1:14-15)

3) See yourself as God's source for the needy, and stop seeing yourself as the one in need. Ephesians 4:28

"If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need." 

This was one of my favorites! I feel like if the church was being the "church" then our world wouldn't be in such a state of poverty, like it is. The Bible says, to take care of the orphans and the widows." (James 1:27)  But then it also says, "If you don't work, you don't eat." (2 Thes. 3:10) If you look around your church on any given Sunday, chances are, there will be someone in need. whether its an elderly couple, and single mom, or a widower. You may not be able to help everyone, you may not be able to give money, but there if something that can be done. So be willing to help. Be the church.

4) See yourself happy and full of joy! 2 Tim. 2:6.

"Hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruits of their labor." 

If you've put in the hard work and sweat, why shouldn't you enjoy it? There is nothing wrong with enjoying what the Lord has given to you. You should celebrate the fact that you have a job, and can provide for your family!

So I want to encourage you, as you go back to work tomorrow, to remember who you are, and whose you are! Be sure to represent Jesus. You may be the only Bible that someone reads! Love you guys, I hope you've had an awesome weekend with your family! I know we did! Stephen was off so after saying bye to some of our new friends we went to lunch at El Agave in Hope, then went home and just had some family time!

Stephen, Me, Audy, and Pastor Jack