The Jewish people, in all their desert wanderings, had forgotten what it meant to live in one place. Or have regular church in a temple, be part of a static community. For generations they had been living on the move! Prophets called for the temple of God to be rebuilt.
This is a sentiment that most of us can identify with. John is talking about his spiritual children, and writing to those who have converted to Christ because they are a part of a church that he planted. But it is a verse that all of us can identify with.
Employers have been dishonest with employees. People were lied to by parents, or other family members. Politicians are not honest about government discussions and decisions. Financiers are involved in wheelings and dealings of their clients affairs. Much of our media is giving us twisted truth. Truth will set you free.
Jesus was saying that doing what He was meant to do in life was as satisfying as eating a good meal. Many of us have that same feeling when we are gripped with something we enjoy. And to enjoy the work we do is really a gift from The Lord.
In these verses today Job is encouraging his companions to think more about all the work that God has done. But later God Himself responds from a whirlwind. Those chapters make good reading as The Creator of Heaven and earth describes some of the things that His hand has made.
This letter is encouraging readers to stick with it and not go back to the old ways. If people know any verses from this letter to the Hebrews it is usually the hall of fame in chapter 11 where the writer names forerunners who have done great things for God.
Samson was the boy referred to here. The beginning of this story is very similar to that of John the Baptist. Both babies were much longed for by infertile parents. Both were born after angelic visitations to the parents. And both babies worked for the Lord in very unusual ways.
I am fairly sure that if I had asked you before you read this page, where in the Bible you would find Tryphena and Tryphosa, you would say that you had no idea. And you probably do not know either, what they did and why their names were included here.
Another verse from Proverbs concerning work. This one is speaking of a person who is exceptionally good at what they do. The encouragement here is to work hard and develop high level skills, and sooner or later you will be recognised and honoured for that. The result will be promotion.
If we consider our verse for today, from Proverbs 18, the writer is saying that those who do not work well are just as bad as destructive people. None of us want to be known as destructive. But rather those who are constructive, positive and able to build others up.
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