In our busy work world we don’t think much of the value or the strength-giving quality of a rest, but that’s just what God intended when He set up the value of rest (Genesis 2:2-3) and in Hebrews 4:9-11 the challenge is given to have a ‘Sabbath-rest’ and gain strength from a planned time of rest finding; Renewal - a Respite from Work, Revival - a Refocus on God, and Rejuvenation - a Realignment to God’s Purposes.

Work for many is a difficult environment and something to endure to get on with life, yet our vocation is a calling of God and our job is find it. Five questions come out of Exodus 35:30-36:7 that will help: Application: Do I have an opportunity?, Affirmation: Am I recognized for it?, Affirmation: Do I love it?, Achievement: Am I succeeding at it?, Ability: Am I good at it?

Work can either be a rat-race of seeking the idols of success, significance, and sufficiency or it can be redeemed by Jesus as we seek the fulfillment of Jesus-centered work as we; Focus on the Goodness of God, Know Jesus More, Believe in a Miraculous God, and Trust in God’s Provision.

Vocation, career, employment, a profession, a calling, a job or as it is called WORK takes up the majority of our lives. This work has been both fulfilling and demoralizing, encouraging and discouraging, enhancing and detracting, some people work to live and some live to work. Work has been seen as both a necessary evil and a place to bring God glory, a place to utilize our God-given skills and talents and yet an opportunity to create idols of success, accomplishment, and productivity, Some also have drawn a bold line between work life and ministry, and yet some see their work (regardless if it is at a church or not) as their ministry. The reality is work is broken and thus the confusion about our labors. However, God created work, He Himself worked and the efforts we lay out is of value to this world and the purposes of The Lord. When man sinned it was not the work that was cursed, but that work would now be toilsome and confusing. The Good News is that Jesus came to redeem our whole life, work included. Faith in Jesus redeems our work for faith makes work live, keeps us focused on Jesus, builds dignity, serves as moral compass, give us vision, and helps us find our calling. Our hope and prayer is that we will all say, \'as iWork my faith in Jesus will redeem my work and allow me to truly enjoy my job\'.