Happy New Year! We begin 2015 with a good reminder of the blessing it is to work hard for the Lord. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and let Shirley's words encourage you today...

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the writer, Solomon, penned these words;

"Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is for one to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun all the days which God has given him-- for this is his (allotted) part.
Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and the power to enjoy them and to accept his appointed lot and to rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God (to him).". Eccles.5:18-19 (Amplified Bible)

In God's plan for mankind (and womankind), blessing and responsibility go hand in hand. How often what God means for blessing, by our attitudes, we turn into drudgery. Like children, we long to throw off responsibility and play--doing absolutely nothing sounds glorious to us. However, God, in His wisdom has other plans.

Before sin entered the garden of Eden, God instructed Adam and Eve to tend, guard and keep it.

They were given the responsibility of maintaining the perfect home He had created for them. We aren't told exactly the size of the garden, but I'm sure it was just the right size for a man and his wife to care for without working up a sweat. We all know the rest of the story; part of the curse brought on Adam was this...

"the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat ( of the fruits) of it all the days of your life. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you shall return." Gen.3:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

God, in His love, has also provided a place for us--most of us, that is.

Are you grateful for this blessing?

Do you realize what a privilege it is to have a roof over your head when most in our world do not?

Are you grateful for the job He has provided for you or your husband so you have money for rent or mortgage payments?

Are you aware that you or your husband only have jobs to go to each day because He has given you favor and opened doors for you?

Do you rejoice that you have dishes to wash in payment for a full tummy?

Without food, dishes don't need washing. How about clothes to wash and a washer to keep them clean? All of these things are gifts from a kind and loving God.

Even in the Kingdom of God an evil, called "entitlement", has reared it's head. An evil, called "materialism", is spreading like a cancer. People have forgotten what the scriptures say about adopting the ways of our world. It is so easy to give in to the enemy's plan for you--to fall prey to his lies.

What does a grateful woman look like?

You don't have to go any further than Proverbs 31 to see a godly example. I used to dislike this woman because she made me look bad in comparison. However, I have come to see her as the role model I need. Notice, she isn't tooting her own horn, but others admire her. She is taking care of her responsibilities. She has her priorities in proper order, and she looks good while she does it! She is a blessing to her husband, her children and to her maids. I used to say to the Lord that if I had maids I could do what she did. He reminded me I indeed did have maids. Their names were dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, washer and dryer, crockpot, and others.

A grateful woman who takes seriously her appointed responsibilities is a great joy to our Lord. She is the kind of woman He blesses in her going out and coming in. Take some time to let our Lord teach you who He designed you to be and instruct you in your responsibilities. Make sure you show gratitude for His material blessings by taking excellent care of all with which He has gifted you.

This scripture sums up what the Lord's attitude is concerning work:

"Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!"
Eccles.9:10

With love from my chair at the Harvest Table,

Shirley

Book recommendation:
"The Gentle Ways of the Beautiful Woman"
Three bestselling Works Complete in One Volume
Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman
Disciplines of the Heart
Disciplines of the Home
Author: Anne Ortlund

Photo Credit: by kai4107 via FreeDigitalPhotos.net