“Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:9-10)

Work is good. God called man to be a steward and tend the garden which He created. Tending a garden is work. It is the task of a steward. And since this command to work in the garden was given before the fall, we can assume man was created to labor, and this labor was good.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Whether you are a supportee or a supporter, endeavor to support those who are serving in the church and in other ministries as you would want to be supported if you were in their position.

When you are living for Jesus, all that you do is for God’s glory. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, as long as you are doing it unto the Lord. In the divine economy, work was created by God and is therefore good. Even before the fall of Adam, he was still given the task of tending the garden. Yes, “sweat” and “toil” are added to work as a result of the curse, but work is good (more on this in another lesson). May God set us free from the lie that some jobs are secular and others are sacred.

Thanksgiving is a special holiday set apart to give thanks. Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day which are one day events, we are subsequently reminded to honor our parents throughout the year. Similarly, Thanksgiving is a gentle reminder to be thankful every day.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Part two of a joint podcast with Heidi St. John. I have had the privilege of spending time with Jay and Heidi St. John at conferences over the years. She is a true kindred spirit and advocate for the Christian family.

Part one of a two part podcast I did with Heidi St John. Heidi is a popular speaker at conferences and has been a friend for may years. During this broadcast she interviews me as we discuss the good news of God’s liking us.

There is unmistakable teaching in scripture that God sometimes blesses his people with material things. For those that do have wealth and have been blessed with material possessions, it is wise to remember Deuteronomy 8:18, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.”

But never mistake a lack of material “blessings” as some kind of indication that God is not blessing you or doesn’t care for you. That is clearly not taught in scripture.

The word heart, as used in scripture, does not represent the organ responsible for distributing blood throughout the body. Neither is it to be interpreted as a passion or emotion. Rather, it is the very essence of who we are. It is the inner man.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)

I believe the best defense is a good offense and if we focus on the positives we can ward off the negatives. Instead of examining ourselves regularly to see if we are coveting, I suggest we take the opposite tack and pray to be content. The character trait of a Christian who is free from coveting, is contentment.

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)