Category: Work - Jethro TOOLS

Resting in God

11/26/2025

Psalm 92
What is rest? Often when we think of rest we think a day off work equals rest. In the musical world there is a musical symbol for rest that tells the musician to stop playing the instrument and be silent for a specific musical measurement of time. We also think of rest as taking a nap or sleeping longer, and hopefully waking up feeling rested, and not tired. On another level, the Bible speaks of a sabbath rest. We are to imitate God and His work at creation. As He worked for six days and then rested, we are to do the same. Biblical rest involves ceasing from work, but it also involves also involves a trust in God to supply. When we come to the place of realizing that our effort is not sufficient it is then that we can fully rest in God to abundantly supply. The author of Psalm 92 invites his audience to praise God. The praise of God is to be natural, but how does the praise of God lead us to rest in God? If you notice the heading in your Bible, this Psalm was written for the Sabbath day. What is to happen on the Sabbath day? This is the day that God’s people are to rest. In Psalm 92 the author exhorts his audience to praise God for His care and deliverance. Praise declares God’s greatness (1-4) and delights in Him and His work (10-15). When we rest in God, as described in the Bible, it is to be a time not only of ceasing work but also praising God for how He cares for us and delivers us each day. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says that He will give rest to those that come to Him. Have we ceased our work and come to Jesus for true refreshing rest? If that is true then we can truly praise Him as described in Psalm 92.

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Faith and Resting

7/13/2025

Matthew 11:28-30
Musicians and carpenters understand the importance of a rest. In woodworking, a lathe is used to turn rough timber into round cylindrical shapes, perhaps making table legs or bowls. A rest is a steady braced arm on the lathe that allows the carpenter to continue working by using the cutting knives from a position of safety and control. Like wise, musicians also utilize a rest within a piece of music. A musical rest is a symbol that indicates silence and its duration. The utilization of a musical rest helps create the structure, rhythm and the melodic flow of words within a song. A rest for a carpenter and a musician is important for them to continue in their work. A rest for us as people is important to redirect us and reframe our work. In Matthew 11 Jesus addresses the people who have rejected Him and His message (20-24). He then turns and calls to His audience to come to Him and find their rest in Him (28). This kind of rest is spiritual salvation in which God gives rest to the soul (29). This then changes the work focus of the believer from self to serving Christ (30). Rest is found in Christ in the midst of living life for Him and under His leading. Like a carpenter or a musician the disciple of Jesus finds rest in Him alone in the midst of life. It is through this rest that Christ directs His followers in His ways to create His works of beauty through them. For the believer in Jesus, rest is a spiritual process that believes Him and practices dependence on Him at all times. This rest for the soul, that is found in Christ, changes our eternal hope, our view of physical work, and even our perspective of finances. We can find true rest in Jesus, who not only saves us but promises to walk with us and guide us.

For More See MATTHEW

Faith and Earning

6/22/2025

Colossians 3:22-4:1
Labor Day… We know it as a holiday, a day off work, a time for a vacation and the last weekend to get away before school activities take off. Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor all the workers and their influence on our country and society. It is nice that workers have a day off and are recognized for their efforts, but most only look at the vacation not at the reason for the day off. Work is hard regardless of the job. It may not be physically tasking but a job can be mentally draining. Often you may hear someone stating how hard their job is or how bad the boss is. Did you ever stop to think that your work is one way to display your faith in God? In the book of Colossians, Paul seeks to apply the truth of Christ ruling as supreme in the believers life. Christ has changed the believers relationship to God, therefore all other relationships change because of Christ. Even in the work environment, the believer is to be a true image bearer of God who loves them, made them and saved them. At the time of this letter Paul addressed slaves (3:22-25) and owners (4:1). Each group was part of society, and people from each group were also believing members in the church. God desires that all Christians, who have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, live differently. A worker is often self reliant, trusting in their abilities to perform. An employer is hoping that they can get a lot of work out of a cheap employee. Both are trusting themselves for their security through their abilities and management. However, Paul challenges the church in Colossae to trust God for their future, to work diligently and be fair in compensation. They were to live by faith, even in their work. May we do the same.

For More See COLOSSIANS

Faith and Work

6/8/2025

Hebrews 11:7
Work involves thought and analysis tied to physical effort in order to see a desired result. The pay that is given when a job is finished is the result of completed work. When we are hired to do a job we work toward its completion with the resources that the employer provides. Hammers and saws may be provided for the contractor building a house, or pots and pans for a chef in a restaurant. Each worker gains more than just a paycheck, they gain a sense of purpose as they work toward the goal of finishing the house or feeding hungry customers. Employee trusts the employer to continue to manage the business in such a way that their work and its results matter. The same is true of our faith and relationship with God. In Hebrews 11:7 Noah’s faith moved him to work and build a boat because believed God. He believed that God was worthy of his loyal obedience and responded to God instruction to build the ark (Genesis 6:14). Not only did God provide the instruction, He also provided Noah the ability to work because had found favor with God (Genesis 6:8). Faith was the difference between Noah’s life and everyone else. He believed God’s message of judgment (Genesis 6:13) and he worked by faith with unquestioning obedience. Noah could have listened to the voices of reason, reality and reputation. Reason says, Why build a boat when there is not enough water? Reality says, Why start a seemingly impossible task that will take years to complete? Reputation says, What will everyone else say? Faith does not listen to the voices of distraction. Instead, faith listens to the reliable voice of God, and works to do the seemingly impossible. Our life of faith finds its purpose in honoring God and working to finish His task through His strength. Like Noah, our work of faith matters to God.

For More See HEBREWS

Faith and Worship

5/18/2025

Hebrews 11:4
A simple search of a dictionary or on line sources will often define worship by its elements or activities. For example worship is prayer or it is led by a worship leader. These and other elements simply describe parts of worship. So how are we as people to respond to God? How should we respond to all that God has done for us? In the first chapters of Romans, Paul addresses what God has done for sinful humanity to provide salvation through Jesus Christ. Then, in Romans 12 Paul shifts His approach by addressing the believers response. Because of all that has previously been said Paul urges his audience to give themselves fully to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is an act of worship that impacts and directs all of life. Paul uses the wording of living sacrifice to describe the ongoing daily practice of giving ourselves in obedient service to God through a life that is changed (Romans 12:2). This is what is good and acceptable to God. Worship is not a single event one day a week where we go to church to experience a worship service. Worship is a changed life that is directed by faith each and everyday. That is Paul’s message in Romans 12 and that was the practice of Abel in Genesis 4. Able, in faith, offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain (Hebrews 11:4). He lived his life by faith believing that God was worthy of all his work. Therefore, everything that he did was done in worship and honor of God. All his work with his flocks was done in faith, in preparation for the day of sacrifice. Everything was done to present God with his very best as worship. Able’s offering was accepted by God because of his faith in God and desire for a righteous life. His faith changed his life, his work, his service and his worship. May the same faith be found in us.

For More See HEBREWS

Ministry Measured

10/27/2024

1 Timothy 6:1-10
Everything is life is measured. Lumber is measured and cut to build a house. Flour and other ingredients are carefully measured to make a cake. What happens if the measurements are not followed? The house may end up being structurally unsafe to live in. The cake may be bland, dry or even inedible. But let's dig a little deeper into our own lives. How do we measure our life? As kids we complain loudly if someone gets more cookies or ice cream than us. Then, in our twisted human thinking, we carry the same ideas into adulthood. We often find ourselves discontent as we look at others, their life and the things they have. However, the temporary nature of things is not a permanent source of satisfaction. We need a renewed perspective of that which will not fade and tarnish. In 1 Timothy 6 Paul addresses how our lives and ministries are to be measured. First, he challenges us to view our work as a reflection of our faith and our relationship to Jesus Christ (1-2). We are to have an eternal focus, even in very difficult work environments, so as not to bring discredit to our Savior. Second, Paul challenges our motivations in life to reflect accurate beliefs about Jesus and our relationship with Him (3-5). The problem is that we like to measure our life by our standards, possessions and positions which proves that we are less interested in following God’s. Finally, we are challenged by the measurement of contentment (6-10). We need to find our contentment in a life devoted to God that is fully satisfied with His provision. Therein lies the problem with someone else getting a bigger piece of cake. We have a hard time believing that God missed giving us the same amount. God has provided all that we need in Jesus. Will He find that our life is measured by His standard or ours?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Walk at Work

6/2/2024

Ephesians 6:5-9
If you are coasting through life that means you have found an easy path with little to no effort. If you are coasting through work it means that you are doing a little work without much effort. The problem is, working with the coaster. Those that actual put effort into their work get frustrated with having to carry the extra burden from an underperforming coworker. Perhaps you have had to do that, I know I have, and it is not a fun. The term coasting has recently been updated to quiet quitting. This new term began to be used during the covid pandemic when many worked from home. Quiet quitting describes a person who does as little as possible without getting fired. They are coasting. The stated reason that many quiet quit is that they do not feel appreciated and valued. This was also an issue as Paul wrote to the Ephesian church. To put it simply, if you have experienced God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ and trusted Him to save you from sin, then you also need to imitate that grace toward others in your work place. Paul first addresses slaves, explaining that obedience to the master is to be done with respect and sincerity thus showing God’s grace (5). The purpose of this obedience is found in doing what God wants (6). Work place difficulties are exaggerated by people who work half heartedly. Paul challenges the believing slaves, in the Ephesian church, to do their work well because, in essence, they are working for the Lord (7) and He is the one that will reward their effort (8). However, Paul does not make this a one sided conversation. He challenges the masters as well to serve and honor their slaves so they understand how God values them (9). As we have seen though out Ephesians, God’s grace brings about a transformation in our life. God’s grace should also change everything about our work.

For more see EPHESIANS

The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

3/5/2023

Deuteronomy 31:1-8
One of the greatest paintings of all time is the work of Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. This enormous piece of art literally pictures much of the Old Testament from Genesis to the kings and even several prophets. The central part of the ceiling illustrates scenes from creation to the flood, with the central pieces showing God creating Adam and Eve, followed by their fall into sin. The main character is God, and Michelangelo depicts the human response to God. This is best illustrated by God reaching out to create Adam. This enormous project was commissioned in 1508 and finished in 1512. The contract, in today’s money, paid him approximately $600,000 in gold coins. Today when we think of a commission, we think of a sales person who earns a commission from selling a car; or an artist, like Michelangelo, who is commissioned to paint a picture. However, a commission is more than that. When used in the Bible the giving of a commission involves authority, communication, action, and completion. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses challenges the people (1-6), and commissions Joshua (7-8). Moses wants the people to experience God’s promised land, and Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the land under God’s authority. A commission is where someone is given the authority by someone greater to complete a task. Joshua is reminded by Moses, that God will go before him and be with him (8). That is God on a mission with His servant. God’s commission for our lives begins with His authority over our lives. We must listen to His Word and respond obediently by seeking to complete His desires. Are we on our own mission? Are we under God’s commission? Are we living a life of omission, refusing to follow? A disciple responds to God’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

For more see DEUTERONOMY or DISCIPLESHIP

Harvest Time

8/14/2022

John 4:1-42
During the cool days of spring I get out and turn over the soil in the garden, add fertilizer, and imagine the crops that will be grown. There are the standard sweet carrots, luscious green lettuce, deep red tomatoes, as well as beans, onions, peppers, herbs, and squash. All of these will add special flavors to the dinner table in the months to come. However, between turning the soil over in the spring, and harvesting in the fall, there is quite a bit of work. Seeds need to be planted, then transplanted and protected. For the plants to flourish and produce a crop weeds must be pulled plus fertilizer and water added at the right time. The beginning of a garden always starts with the end in mind, the harvest. The gardener will always work to see the crops produce. In John 4 Jesus spends time in anticipation of a spiritual harvest and then calls on his disciples to respond. John records that it begins at a well (6) while the disciples went into the city for food. As Jesus waited, a woman came to get water (7). In the process of talking, Jesus turned the conversation from the daily physical need of water to the woman’s deep spiritual need of salvation (13-14). In doing so Jesus was willing to cross cultural barriers in order to communicate the message of salvation. He helped her to see her needs and challenged her spiritually, which she found uncomfortable (17-20). As the disciples returned (27), the woman then left her water jar, to go back to the city and tell others of Jesus (28-29). Jesus challenged the disciples to see the people as a spiritual harvest (34). The end result is that the community was changed (41-42). The same can happen today as we serve our Savior in the spiritual harvest in our communities.

For more see JOHN

Submission to God

8/22/2021

Exodus 4:18-31
Wrestling is a technical sport that seeks to combine the wrestlers strength and physics to overcome the opponent or at least score more points for a technical win. Within the various forms of wrestling there is a submission move called the tap out. This is simply where one opponent sees that they are trapped and unable to overpower or out maneuver their opponent so they tap the other wrestler with their hand. The stronger wrestler then releases their hold once the opponent has submitted and taped out. In Exodus 4 God reminds Moses of His power and Moses learns to submit. Moses still had concerns and fears for his life but God displayed His power and calmed those fears by telling Moses that it was safe to return to Egypt (19). However, Moses had not fully submitted and was forced to learn that submission to God must be complete (24-26). Moses had not obeyed God and instead compromised by not acting on what God had required of the nation as a physical sign marking them as His (see Genesis 17:10). It was only after Moses learned to listen to God (18-23) and completely obey God (24-26) that he was able to freely speak for God (27-31). The lessons of submission to God’s word and God’s way had to be learned first before Moses could see God work among the people. Moses again learns that his work for God must be done God’s way under the direction of God’s word. Do you feel the squeeze of pain in your life? Sometimes God may use that to draw us to Him. Perhaps it is time to tap out and submit to God completely. He will help you live life by His strength as you follow Him in faith.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Call to Faith

8/8/2021

Exodus 3
A single deer crossed the trail followed shortly by a fawn. Rounding the bend in the trail we were able to have a better view. There, on the side was another fawn trying to cross the trail, but it faced a predicament. We were on one side and a biker was on the other. In typical deer fashion the fawn panicked and tried to run away from the bike. Eventually it darted directly in front of the bike to join mom and its sibling. In the course of about an hour we had the pleasure of observing twenty deer with a number of them being the babies with spots. If you watch closely, a mother deer will call the baby to come toward her. That is exactly what God did with Moses in Exodus 3. Moses was doing his regular job watching over sheep when God called him (1-4). However, this was very different from a deer calling its baby. God called Moses from a bush that did not burn up. As Moses turned to see why the bush did not burn up God spoke and gave him directions (5-10). Like Moses, God still directs our work. We may think that we are forgotten and neglected but God knows exactly where we are and what we are doing. God has a way of gaining our attention to show Himself to us and call us to Himself. Like Moses in verses 11-13, we may struggle with the change. Remember, God directed Moses to the desert, to the bush and to a new way of living by faith. Today, God still calls us to Himself and to a life of faith in Him. All He wants us to do is follow Him. When God calls will we follow or come up with excuses why it is not possible?

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Provision of Hope

11/1/2020

Ruth 2
As I grew up my parents started giving me a weekly allowance. I do not recall exactly how much it was, but it was small and less than a dollar. There were the days when the snow piled high and I was bored so I just picked up a shovel and went to work clearing the driveway. That evening or the next day my father would give me a couple extra coins for the work I completed. It was very easy for me to slip into the mindset that what I gain in this life is all a result of my hard work. If this is our thinking we miss the point that God provides what we need, withholds what we do not need and at times blesses us with more than we need. Through this we hopefully learn to depend on God to provide as we submit to His plan for our life. In Ruth chapter 2 we see Ruth head out to work as a poor person seeking to gather food to eat. Ruth submissively sought permission for the freedom to work. In His sovereignty, God provided an abundant blessing in the present that brought hope to Ruth and Naomi. Today we must be cautious that we do not confuse our present reality for the plan that God is working out through our life. In big or in small ways God wants our submission to Him and His purposes worked out in our life. Submission to God and His plans may not be easy, but it is beneficial as God provides for today and provides through us a blessing for others tomorrow.

For more see Ruth

Be Still

6/16/2020

1 Kings 19:1-18
Work smarter not harder. When I was young I did not completely understand the value of that statement. However, the older I get the more I understand the importance of those words and wisdom behind them. When we work harder we often push ourselves to the limits of our capabilities which often finds its root in the fear of not being able to survive and the need to perform. These actions often end up hurting us. For example a weight lifter that does not properly warm up the muscles can damage and tear the very muscles that were being developed by overworking them and not giving them time to rest and recover. In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah being confronted with his own fear of survival at the hands of the wicked queen (1 Kings 19:3). Fear clouded Elijah’s perspective of who God is and what God can do so instead of faith he chose to run. God met with Elijah in his darkest moment and redirected him away from his fear to a simple faith in Him. The change began as Elijah heard the quiet voice of God. Similar to Elijah, we often deal with life’s problems and fears by working on them harder or running away. Like Elijah, we can only find rest as we listen to God and in faith act on His word. We just need to take the first step and listen for His voice.