A New Year's Message

This is a sharing from a fellow sister-in-Christ!

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Here i would like to share with you some practical ways to live out the Christian life at work which i got from attending OCF Convention 'o6. THank you to Mr Paul Coyle who hosted the "Worship GOd at work" workshop.

Why in the world do we work?

Let's rewind from 2007 back to Genesis. What was the first task that God assigned Adam to do?

No it wasnt sex , nor eat and be merry. It was WORK!

The Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Gen 2:15)

Now, does that tell us how important is work?

What does it mean for me to worship God at work?

God is totally at home at our workplace as he is at our church.

I've heard of this term once. A man can be a tiger at church yet desize to as small as a mice at work, not influential nor victorious at all. Let us not fall into that trap and be deceived.

For me, it is the challenge to treat and serve everyone equally, be it an arrogant doctor, a lesbian couple, a customer who's a thief or supernice customers. I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -----the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:24) At the end of the day, only what's done for CHrist will last. Thus this verse will be my NY resolution for 07, what's yours?

Lessons from a wise King - King Solomon

1. Motivate yourself (Prov 6:6-7)

2. Work is a calling (Col 3:23)

3. Get started (Prov 6:9-11)

4. Be useful (Prov 10:26)

5. Face the facts (Prov 12:11)

6. Complete what you start (Prov 12:27)

7 Embrace hard work (Prov 14:23)

8. Face your problems (Prov 22:13)

I like this prayer very much that he gave us in the handout:

Lord Jesus, as I enter this workplace,

I bring Your presence with me.

I speak Your peace, Your grace and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.

I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplised within these walls.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have deposited in me.

I do not take them lightly, but commit to using them responsibly and well.

Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty, on which i draw as i do my job.

Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy so that even the smallest task may bring You honour.

Lord when i am confused, guide me. When i am weary, energize me.

Lord, when i am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.

May the work that i do and the way i do it, bring hope, life and courage to all that i come in contact with today.

Oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may i rest in You.

In the name of the Big Boss of the Universe whom i serve,

In the name that is above all names, my Lord and Saviour Jesus I pray,

Amen.

I hope u're encouraged by what Mr Paul Coyle have inspired in this workshop as much as i did. Since i'm in a burned out state now, i'll leave you with this beautiful picture taken at Mt Cootha on New Year's day 07. Like the sun that rises everyday, so is our GOd who is so FAITHFUL. Praise the Lord.

In Christ's abundant luv + my limited luv,

judy