You probably think it’s because you like to eat, buy stuff, go places and do things.  Yeah, all of that plays in, but the real reason is that it’s God’s plan.

In Genesis 1 God told man to “Fill the earth and subdue it,” and “Rule over it,” and that takes work.  So, work wasn’t the result of the fall and a curse from God.  God is a worker and you were made in His image.

So, that makes the oldest profession landscaping instead of something else people say.  Work is not a curse.  The curse is hardship, pain, drudgery and the hardness we all see.  Therefore, God wants to bless you through your job, which may be a different perspective.

What’s that look like?

• My job is hard = “what is God trying to teach me through my job?”
• I have needs = “If a man will not work, he should not eat.” 2 Th. 3:10
• I need to grow = “What character qualities do I need to develop?”
• I want to be generous = “How can work allow me to be more generous?”
• I want to be effective = “Is the place I work better because I’m there?”

Here’s a great prayer to pray:  “God use my job on me, and use me through my job.”

Have you ever had someone say, “Don’t make it more difficult that it has to be” or “You’re making this more difficult”?   Often, this expression is used when it comes to doing a task like unscrewing a cap, cleaning out the garage, or over-thinking a problem.

When it comes to being a Christ-follower, I think we make it way more difficult for others and ourselves.  For example, we make it difficult to forgive ourselves, when God offers grace.  We make it hard for others to get to God by strapping on extra burdens, when Jesus said His burden is light.

Sure, there are spiritual battles that will be fought, but we don’t need to make it more difficult than it already is by adding things that shouldn’t be added.  I’m convinced that life is simple:  love your wife as Christ loved the church, honor your husband, discipline your kids, go the second mile, and love God more than anything or anyone else.

Pharisees made it hard to get to God while Jesus made it simple: “follow me”.  Instead of trying to make things more difficult, let’s get back to simple.

Most of us have days or even just moments of greatness.  Days we do something significant, new or challenging that makes us feel alive.  Recently I had the thought, why not strive to do that EVERYDAY?  Instead of getting glimmers of excitement, what would it be like to choose to do something out of the norm, stretching, or thrilling everyday?  Think of it.  This way you could start a new adventure, like working out, praying with your family, or reading to grow rather than settling into the mundane.

Joshua said, “Choose you THIS day, who you will serve…”  (Joshua 24:15)

The Psalmist, “THIS is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Regardless of your circumstances – TODAY – you can choose joy, learning, growing, loving, helping, or sharing.  Strive to make everyday great!

As a church, we always turn up the evangelistic passion during the Easter season because of people being more likely to attend at that time of year.  However, that is not to say that we shouldn’t be open to inviting others to church during the rest of the year.

God has commanded every disciple to go and make disciples.  No believer is exempt from this command, and now true follower would want to escape this command.  So, ask how will you go and make disciples today, this weekend, next week?

People are needing to hear what we know and have experienced, so don’t wait until next Easter or even Christmas to share.  People need Jesus and it’s our job to tell them, sooner than later.