Remember, God is love.

Today I will:

be led by love
take God's peace everywhere I go
look for opportunities to be a blessing

“Let us not grow weary while doing good” Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Most of us are much too busy to add anything more to our already overextended schedules. We cringe at thoughts of taking on additional obligations. We have our hands full with personal responsibilities and the daily demands of our jobs, homes, and family activities. We are ordinary people with limited time and finite abilities.

Yet all of us have experienced the exhilaration of being at the right place at the right time to bless someone unexpectedly. Being "prepared for every good work" does not necessarily require a financial investment or additional time commitment, but a willing heart. The "preparation of the gospel of peace" that Paul speaks of in Ephesians is more of an attitude than a skill. Are we willing vessels, yielded to the lea dings and promptings of the Holy Spirit?

The joy of doing the gospel comes from allowing God's love to be available through us. To "be prepared" is simply to be available-attentive and mindful of those precious moments when a spontaneous kindness can illuminate a soul, bringing God's ever-abundant peace, joy, and light

Remember, details count.

Today I will:

be faithful in the little things
look for God's hand at work in the smallest details
appreciate the nuances of my work, hopes, and goals

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” Luke 16:10 (KJV)

Maybe we can't control the cost of gas, rising interest rates, or falling stock prices, but we can bring some order to the chaos of modern life by staying attentive to the smaller details of living. We can de-clutter our hearts by acknowledging God in everything we do-by being faithful in the very little things of our lives, beginning with every thought we think and every word we speak.

We are commanded to rejoice and be thankful at all times for all things, even the very smallest things. God's creation is majestic in its detailed perfection. God is almighty because He cares about your deepest desires and innermost thoughts. God is a God of the smallest detail.

Don't neglect the small things. Give attention to the details. Be mindful of the process and honor the journey. It is in esteeming the mundane that we give glory to the Majestic.

Remember, every encounter with another is an opportunity to see God at work.

Today I will:

be a nurturing influence to those around me
put aside my agenda and be present for those God brings across my path
take time to listen

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Too often our plans take precedence over people-our personal agendas distract us from the quiet suffering, hopes, and dreams of those around us. In our program-driven world, we forget that the kingdom of God is shared one heart at a time-one loving word, selfless deed, or kind gesture that can give someone a glimpse of the hope we have because of Jesus.

More can be accomplished by a willing ear during a few minutes of mindful attention-a momentary connection extended to meet the need of a searching soul-than by the most organized, publicized, and subsidized evangelistic campaigns. When someone asks if you have a moment to talk today, take the time to not only listen, but genuinely hear. Even if the conversation appears to be only about a mundane subject or office project, realize there may be a deeper need that person is searching to meet.

If we are willing, God will give us a word for the weary-the right word at the right time-a liberating, healing word just when someone needs it most. It is through the Godly words we speak that change can come into our everyday lives. It is the attention that we are willing to render that brings hope to a hurried, inattentive, and careless world.

Remember, promotion comes from the Lord

Today I will:

be God's light in my workplace
show God's love to my supervisors
pray for and honor my leaders

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” Romans 13:1 (KJV)

God called David a man after His own heart, but David was far from perfect. One of the things that set David as a Godly example to us, though, was his attitude towards King Saul. Saul was in the wrong and sought to hurt David in any way that he could, but David refused to rebel against the man God had called to lead Israel. Even though David had chances to end Saul's life on at least two occasions, he refused to harm the one God had called to be his king. In the one instance, he cut Saul's robe to show him that he had been there and could have hurt Saul, but did not; later he repented before God for the disrespect he had shown the anointed king of God's people. (See 1 Samuel 24:3-12.)

Submitting to people whom we don't necessarily agree with can be a pretty taxing experience. Imagine what it was like for David as he holed up in one cave after another trying to stay out of Saul's way. In contrast, it seems unlikely that any of us really have it that bad. However, if we will stand firm in our faith in God, just as David did, God will see us through. Don't forget that, despite his hardships, David also went on to be one of the greatest writers of God's praise in Bible history. That is because he looked to God alone for his salvation.

Remember, all things work for good if you love the Lord

Today I will:

be thankful for the challenge, exhilaration, and growth I gain from my job
let my work fall into its proper place in the priorities of my day
be a light for God's goodness wherever I am and whatever I do

“It is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – That is indeed a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NLT)

Does it seem odd to think of your job as a gift from God or that good, hard work could be a blessing from the Lord?

Perhaps it does, but when the first Christians came to America to find the freedom to worship God as they felt led, their response to the issue of occupation and building wealth could be summed up in one word: "industry." In other words, they felt that being industrious in the time they had set aside to work would help them serve only God and not money. They saw their work-in its proper place-as a blessing and an act of worship. To become a workaholic was as bad as being lazy; there was always a point in the day to lay down your tools to spend time with your family and friends or to pray and fellowship with God.

We need to realize that good, challenging work that stretches us and makes us grow is indeed a gift from God. If the work we are doing now does not fit into that category, then perhaps it is time to start praying about it. Whatever areas of our lives we turn over to God, He will use them to build us up and conform us more to the image of His Son Jesus. The work we are called to is no different. Start letting God teach you from nine to five Monday through Friday, just as He does Sunday morning.

Remember God never regrets the gifts and callings He has given us.

Today I will:

trust God's plan for my life
count my blessings
be part of the good things to which God has called me

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – Plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

The alarm rings after the third time you've hit snooze, The kids need to be woken up for school; the report you were working on until one o'clock last night for today's 10:00 A.M. meeting still needs a conclusion; and if you don't get up right now everyone will miss breakfast again. As it is, your options have already gone from eggs and toast to toaster strudel, so you drag yourself from bed, throw on a robe, yell down the hall for the kids to get up, and go brave the jungle oflast night's dishes in search of the coffee machine. It appears it will be another chaotic day of busyness-rushing to get everything done before you crash your head back onto your pillow tonight.

You know what? God didn't create you because He wanted to be amused by someone struggling through their existence. God created you so that He could share the joy of living and the thrill of accomplishment with you. He created you for a unique purpose that would bring fulfillment to your life and to the lives of your loved ones-as well as bring a blessing to your world.

So how do you plug in to that? Perhaps the best way is to set your "To Do" list aside for a moment and pick up God's "To Be" list. If you are ready to get more out of life, this is a good place to start. Knowing God h~s a plan and calling for your life-a unique, divine, special, specific purpose-is the first step. As you sip your first cup of coffee this morning and you hear the first pattering of feet down the hallway, close your eyes for a moment and commit to God that if He will reveal His plan for your life, you will rise up to walk in it.

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