Labor Day was created as a way to acknowledge and pay tribute to the workforce for all they have done to make our country prosperous and strong.

Remember:

• We were created to work.

 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work,  ….. (Exodus 20:9-10 ESV)

… aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV)

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 ESV)

• Hard work is profitable

 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. (Proverbs 12:11 ESV)

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23 ESV)

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24 ESV)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

• We should be working for the Lord.

 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 90:17 ESV)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!  You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. (Psalm 128:1-2 ESV)

• Our work should benefit others.

 You yourselves know that these (Paul’s) hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:34-35 ESV)

• Our labor should be enjoyable.

 ….  also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. (Ecclesiastes 3:13 ESV)

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 ESV)

Summary:

• We were created to work.
• Hard work is profitable
• We should be working for the Lord.
• Our work should benefit others.
• Our labor should be enjoyable.

Happy Labor Day

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O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
    In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24 NLT)

May the glory of the Lord continue forever!
The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!  (Psalm 104:31 NLT)

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.

I will praise my God to my last breath! (Psalm 104:33 NLT)

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord. (Psalm 104:34 NLT)

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
(Psalm 150:6 NLT)

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Recently I heard the comment, “The sun is always shining”.

If it is a cloudy day or if it is the middle of the night we are not thinking about the sun giving off light.  However, just because the clouds are blocking the sun or the part of the earth where we live has rotated away from the sun, it doesn’t mean that the sun has stopped shining.

Light and energy are constantly coming to the Earth from the sun.  Every living thing on the Earth depends on sunlight for survival.  Without the radiant energy emitted by the sun there would be no life on Earth.

The Son is always shining.

Just because we are going through hard times doesn’t mean that the Son has stopped shining.

As Christians we don’t have to stumble around in darkness.  We can live in the light 24/7.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”  (John 8:12 NLT)

God’s light shines 24/7.

… our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. … This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.  (1 John 1:3 & 5 NLT)

Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.  We have access to God’s love and light 24/7.

… overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:37-39 NLT)

The Son offers abundant life.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  (John 10:10 ESV)

Since the light is shining 24/7 we need to live as people of light 24/7!

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.   Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.  Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; ….  (Ephesians 5:8-11 NLT)

The Son is always shining.

Live as people of light!

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?  (Psalm 27:1 ESV)

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The stock market is unstable and unpredictable.  Many 401K plans are losing money. Job security is a thing of the past.  Many churches no longer adhere to Biblical truths. Health care costs are going through the roof.  Numerous government officials seem to think that it is o.k. to tell lies.  Marriage vows are frequently broken.  This list could go on and on.

Something we need to know is that we can’t put our trust in people.

This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
who rely on human strength …  (Jeremiah 17:5 NLT)

Who can we trust?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Our help comes from the Lord.

From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 ESV)

God loves us and cares about us.

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. … So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 NLT)

The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:19 NLT)

Ask God for help.

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!
Defend me with your might.
Listen to my prayer, O God.
Pay attention to my plea.  (Psalm 54:1-2 NLT)

Now may the Lord value my life…  May he rescue me from all my troubles.”  (1 Samuel 26:24 NLT)

Summary:

• We can’t put our trust in people.
• Our help comes from the Lord.
• God loves us and cares about us.
• We can ask God for help.

Where does our (real) help come from?  Our help comes from the Lord.

^… the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.  (2 Timothy 4:18 NLT)

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“It is written” is a phrase that occurs nearly 100 times in scripture (depending on the translation used). Many times it is a phrase used by Jesus Christ.

And Jesus answered him, “It is written …” (Luke 4:8 ESV)

Jesus’ frequent use of the written scripture is a clear affirmation that the written scripture is, in fact, the infallible Word of God. Jesus would not refer to something that is not absolute truth.

Jesus affirms the written Word as a guide for our lives.

 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,  but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God … 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

When Jesus quotes scripture there is no doubt that He expects us to do as it says.

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” (Luke 4:8 ESV)

Christ’s life here on earth clearly demonstrated that scripture accurately foretold these events.

… and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, … (Luke 24:46 ESV)

Christ affirms the fact that scripture is historically accurate.

 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” (John 6:31 ESV)

The written word foretells events that are still to come.

^… for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11 ESV)

Conclusion:

We need to spend quality time reading and studying the “written Word” and accept it as God’s infallible word being communicated to us.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 ESV)

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This post is addressed to teachers.  In addition to “school teachers” there are parents, grandparents, coaches, pastors, employers, coworkers, siblings, friends, acquaintances, etc. who are all teachers in some capacity.  In reality, most of us are teachers.

Over the past four decades I’ve taken part in thousands of parent-teacher conferences.  Time after time I was reminded that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  Children are like their parents (the primary teachers in their lives), “a chip off the old block” or “like father, like son”.  The facial expressions I saw from the student, I received from the parent.  A unique phrase I heard from the student was repeated by the parent.   Mannerisms practiced by the student were exhibited by the parent.   These insights aren’t profound.  Children are like their parents.  Students are like their teachers.  This is just the way it is.

Scripture teaches this principle.

Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.  Luke 6:40 (NLT)

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.  Matthew 10:24 (NLT)

Conclusion:

Don’t try to teach a value or belief that you don’t practice.  If you use inappropriate language, expect your “student” to use inappropriate language.  If you habitually tell lies, don’t be surprised when your “student” tells lies.  If you do not show respect to others, don’t expect your “student” to be respectful.

If you want to teach respect, be respectful.  If you want to teach honesty, be honest.  If you want to teach good communication skills, practice good communication skills.  If you want to teach fairness, be fair.  If you want to teach a work ethic, practice a work ethic.

If you want to teach a love for scripture, let others see your love for the scriptures.

If you want to teach a love for the Lord, love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Model the behaviors that you are trying to teach.

 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine (the apostle Paul), and learn from those who follow our example.  (Philippians 3:17 NLT)

Great teachers practice what they teach.

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What words do others hear coming from your mouth?   Are your words good and helpful?  Are your words an encouragement to those who hear them?

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)

Do your words express appreciation or complaints?

Do everything without complaining and arguing … (Philippians 2:14 NLT)

Are your words and thoughts pleasing to the LORD?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

What thoughts are filling your mind?

… For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  (Matthew 12:34 NLT)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

Challenge:

For the next 24 hours let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another … (Colossians 3:8-9 ESV)

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You eat three good meals each day and are still not satisfied.  Something is missing.

Just had a big dinner

and still not satisfied?

We were designed, by God, with an inner hunger that will not be satisfied by only eating three meals a day.  Scripture tells us that we need more than food to live the life that God has planned for us to live.

“It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

We need to be passionate about learning God’s will for our lives.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”. (Matthew 5:6 ESV)

True satisfaction comes from abiding in Christ and filling our thoughts and minds with His Word.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8 ESV)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV)

God’s Word is powerful and life changing.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Have you spent time reading your Bible today?

Are you filling your mind with scripture?

Is prayer included in your daily activities?

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 ESV)

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Most of us know the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting the right amount of sleep, and going to the doctor for physical checkups.  We do these activities because we are concerned about our physical well-being.

What about our spiritual well-being?  Are we concerned about our spiritual well-being?

Are you growing spiritually or is your spiritual growth stunted?

What does it take to be spiritually healthy?

Acts 2:42 lists several activities necessary for good spiritual health.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NLT)

• Teaching – Good spiritual health requires knowledge of the scripture.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16- 17 NIV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

But he (Jesus) answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

• Fellowship- Good spiritual health is stimulated by interacting with other Christians.     Worshiping with other believers in church provides opportunities for spiritual growth.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)

…  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-21 ESV)

As iron sharpens iron,    so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

• Sharing in meals-Mealtime with other believers can create an atmosphere for spiritual growth.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 NLT)

 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

• Prayer- Communication with the LORD is essential for good spiritual health.

Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 ESV)

Prescription for good spiritual health

• Expose yourself to good Biblical Teaching – Good spiritual health requires knowledge of the scripture.
• Fellowship with other believers- Good spiritual health is stimulated by interacting with other Christians. Worshiping with other believers in church provides opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Share meals with other Christians-Mealtime with other believers can create an atmosphere for spiritual growth
• Pray- Communication with the LORD is essential for good spiritual health.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.                                                  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

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At times it appears that government policies, educational reforms, and the culture in general are against everything that Christians value.  Some of these attacks are subtle and some are outright hostile.  Christian beliefs and values are being mocked and Christians are labeled as the “bad guys”.

Jesus addressed this matter when He was here on earth.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

Christians are members of God’s family.

… you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:15-17 NLT)

Christians need to remember that “… the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; (Psalm 94:14 ESV)

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Read what the LORD says.

“People will make weapons to fight against you, but their weapons will not defeat you. Some people will say things against you, but anyone who speaks against you will be proved wrong.”
The Lord says, “That is what my servants get! They get the good things that come from me, their Lord.  (Isaiah 54:17 ERV)

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me.
I, the Lord, have spoken!  (Isaiah 54:17 NLT)

Sing praises to God, sing praises!
  Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
  sing praises with a psalm!
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
                      (Psalm 47:6-8 ESV)

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