The wicked … earns deceptive wages. PROVERBS 11 :18

If you want to succeed in life practice honesty! One poll cited by Paul Harvey stated that 40 percent of American workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20 percent felt justified! Their rationalizing includes: “Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?” “The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it.” “It’s only small stuff,

it won’t make any difference.” “The company owes me, I’m just taking what’s mine.” “I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.” What does God’s Word say about this? “The wicked … earns deceptive wages. ” God says deceiving your employer by stealing time and materials, or delivering

an inferior product and service, is “wicked.” That’s strong Ianuage! Of all people, employers and customers should be able to trust followers of Christ to be honest, work for their wages and provide the highest quality service.

And for the record, it’s not smart to steal, even if you don’t get caught. “Ill-gotten gains do not profit” (Pr 10:2 NAS). You may take it but you won’t benefit by it. “Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles” (Pr 13:11 NAS). You can’t do the wrong thing and get the right result. Not only will you have trouble, you’ll bring trouble on those who love and need you most. “He who profits illicitly troubles his own house” (Pr 15:27 NAS). The job loss, damaged reputation, humiliation, legal costs and consequences are a “bill” the whole family pays for, often ending in shame and divorce and affecting several generations. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve a role model they can emulate, confident the path you walk is safe for them to follow.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Resume Blunders

“I am a motivated self-igniting person”.

“I would like to come by and show you my work in hopes of making something of my life so I can move out of my parents’ basement”.

“I’m looking for work because even though my company was profitable last year, but this year they are expecting a large defecate.”

Go to the ant … consider its ways and be wise. PROVERBS 6:6 NIV

When it comes to having a work ethic, “Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise.” These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them:

(1) The ant “has no commander, no overseer or ruler” (Pr 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day,

pulls its weight and doesn’t quit early. It’s self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired. (2) It “stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Pr 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy,

politics, etc.), the hard-working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labor. “Watch and learn,” is God’s counsel. (3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganized drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he’s there for and where and how to do it. He’s goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can’t keep a good ant down! “Consider … and be wise.”

“But my job’s a dead end,” you say. As long as you’re in this job do it “heartily, as to the Lord” (Col 3:23). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better things.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

I was working from home, interviewing a famous neurologist for an article, when my three-year0ol announced she had to go potty and waddled into the bathroom. After some loud moans, she yelled, “I did it Mom! I pooped in the toilet! I pooped on the floor too! But I’ll clean it! Oh, I stepped in it!”

There was an uncomfortable silence as I realized the doctor had hear every work. “Ha, ha,” I laughed nervously. “Do you have kids?”

“No,” he said, “and I never will.”  – Charlotte Andersen

He who is slothful in his work, is a brother to … a great destroyer. PROVERBS 18:9 NKJV

God’s interested in what you do for work; He’s also interested in how you do it. The truth is, your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic. For the next few days let’s look at some work habits from the book of Proverbs to avoid or acquire if you want God’s blessing.

Laziness. “I went past the field of the sluggard … the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins, … I … learned a lesson … A little sleep .. .folding of the hands … and poverty will come on you like a bandit” (Pr 24:30-34 NIV).

Laziness produces lack just as surely as a thief will rob you. The Bible says lazy people are: (a) Procrastinators. “A little sleep … folding of the hands.” They say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but tomorrow never comes. (b) Expensive to maintain. “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to … a great destroyer.” They complain, cut corners, cripple businesses and cause hardship. (c) Quitters. They quit before the job’s finished. “The lazy man does not roast his game” (Pr 12:27 NIV). He hunts the deer but

he won’t clean it. Unfinished projects fill his life: Half-built cupboards, half-painted rooms, half-tidied garages. Sound familiar? (d) Masters of excuses. “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside!’ or; ‘I will be murdered in the streets!'” (Pr 22:13 NIV). When he runs out of credible excuses he goes for ridiculous ones. He “will not plow by reason of the cold” (Pr 20:4). “You want me to get sick, going to work in this weather?” Or if it’s warm, “It’s way too nice for work!” Whatever your work, do it conscientiously. Don’t let laziness rob you of success.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Worker Status

My job as a maintenance engineer required a wide range of skills. One day I might have to fix the furnace, while the next day could see me painting the CEO’s office. When I described it to a coworker as “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.” I was amused, yet slightly offended when she offered a less than complimentary interpretation from her native Cantonese: “Equipped with knives all over, yet not are very sharp.” – Charles Goetzinger

Four weeks into a job, you’ve seen everybody’s shirts. – Anna Drezen

FEBRUARY 17

I must leave everything I gain to people who haven’t worked to earn it. ECCLESIASTES 2:21 NLT

In business we talk about the “take away.” It’s your net profit, your bottom line reward.

Here’s a truth you need to know before they tag your toe, arrange your funeral service and lay flowers on your grave: when you live for yourself and fail to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, the “take away” is not worth the investment. Solomon writes, “So I turned in despair from hard work. It was not the answer to my search for satisfaction in this life. For though I do my work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, I must leave everything I gain to people who haven’t worked to earn it. This is not only foolish, but highly unfair” (Ecc 2: 18-21 NIV). Or as author John Capozzi puts it, “The executive who works from 7 a.m, till 7 p.m. every day will be very successful. He will also be fondly remembered by his wife’s next husband. ”

The day is coming when all the stuff you’ve striven, strained and stressed out to acquire will make no difference. Your resume and job title will no longer impress anyone. No one will care what clothes you wore or what cars you drove, except your relatives who plan to wear them, drive them or sell them. If you’re wise you’ll plan to exit this life with a “take away” that involves these three things: (a) satisfaction, that comes from having fulfilled your God-given assignment here on earth. (b) Success, that’s measured in terms of eternal rewards, not temporal ones. (c) Security, that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, These are the only “take away” worth living for!

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Restaurant Bloopers

A table ordered a Dr. Pepper and a Coke. The Server brought their drinks over, then in front of the, took a sip from each drink to see which was which.

A customer asked that his lamb did not taste like lamb.

The manager kept reminding waitresses to encourage customers to order dessert. At the end of an especially exhausting day. I walked over to a couple who had just sat down, gave them each a menu and as glass of water, and asked, “Would you care for anything else!”

Then Isaac sowed in that land; and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. GENESIS 26:12 NKJV

Where money is concerned, the Bible teaches us that we are to:

(1) Save for a rainy day. “There is … treasure .. .in the dwelling of the wise. But a foolish man squanders it” (Pr 21:20 NKJV). Learn to live within your means and teach your children to do the same. Instead of maxing out your credit cards remind yourself that you can live happily without most of the stuff advertisers are peddling. Before you make another purchase, pray. Just because your banker approves the loan doesn’t mean it’s wise, or that God approves the expenditure. All boats rise with the tide; they also go down with it. Joseph instructed Pharaoh to “gather all the food of those good years … Then that food shall be as a reserve for … seven years of famine” (Ge 41:35-36 NKJV). Live by “the Joseph principle,” and save.

(2) Sow in the time of famine. The Bible says, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2Co 9:6 NIV). You say, “But things are tight for me right now.” Don’t withhold because you are afraid of not having enough. Give God a seed to work with and He’ll make sure you have a harvest when you need it. God’s ability to provide is not limited by the world’s economy. Do what Isaac did: “There was a famine in the land … Then Isaac sowed … and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him” (Ge 26:1, 12-13 NK]V). Who blessed Isaac? The Lord! When God tells you to give, give in faith, confident that at the right time, in the right way, and in exactly the right places, you’ll receive!

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Kids On Love and Marriage

 HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? 

“You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.” Alan, age 10

“No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.” Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED? 

“Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.” Camille, age 10

  “No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.” Freddie, age 6

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

“Married people usually look happy to talk to other people.”  Eddie, age 6

“You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.” Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

“Both don’t want no more kids.” Lori, age 8

Your Father who sees in secret will … reward you openly. MATTHEW 6:4 NKJV

Tony Campolo writes: “J know a man who loves to use money to help people who will never know it was him. When I told him about a student who was hoping to become a minister but was going to have to drop out of school for financial reasons, he contacted the college and arranged to have the student’s bills paid. That student became one of the best preachers in my denomination. Hundreds have become Christians under his leadership. Thousands have been influenced by his sermons-and he never did find out who put up the money! Behind it all was a person with resources, and the desire to do something that would live on. It surprises me more people don’t do this. Many keep their money tucked away, and when they die they leave it to people who don’t really need it. What a waste, when they could make a difference in so many lives.”

A lost opportunity to give is a lost opportunity to receive, because “Your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Imagine what it will be like on Judgment Day when God tells somebody you helped anonymously that it was you. There will be rewards handed out to people who don’t even remember doing the things they’re being honored for, like making a phone call that landed somebody a job, paying their light bill, encouraging them when they’re down, or leaving a bag of groceries on their doorstep. Even when those who’ve benefited from your kindness forget, God remembers, records and rewards. Jesus said if all you can do is give somebody “a cup of cold water. .. you will ..be rewarded” (Mt 10:42 NLT).

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY

While getting married, most of the guys say to girl’s parents,

“I will keep your daughter happy for the rest of her life”.

Have you ever heard a girl saying something like this to the boy’s parents ?

like “I will keep your son happy for the rest of his life”

Nooo…. because women don’t tell lies.

If wife wants husband’s attention, she just has to look sad and uncomfortable.

If husband wants wife’s attention, he just has to look comfortable & happy.

Remember:

The FEMALE always makes the rules.

The RULES are subject to change at any time without prior notification…by the FEMALE.

No MALE can possibly know all the RULES.

If the FEMALE suspects the MALE knows all the RULES, she must immediately change some or all of them.

Learn from me … and you will find rest for your souls. MATTHEW 11:29 NIV

You’ll notice that unlike us, Jesus didn’t suffer from the fear of failure. That’s because He never entertained the thought that He couldn’t do something His Father had already assured Him He could. And He didn’t suffer from a fear of lack either. Even though He lived a simple life He was responsible

for supporting Himself and a team of others. How did He do it? He prayed a lot, and stayed in sync with His heavenly Father. Consequently He knew how to catch fish when they weren’t biting, or find tax money in a fish’s mouth when He needed it. (Yes, Jesus paid His taxes!) Now God may not provide for you in similar fashion, but He’s promised to take care of you (See 1 Pe 5:7). Today Jesus is saying to you, “Come to me .. .learn from me … and you will find rest for your souls [emotions and mind].”

Stress is brought on by our need to know everything ahead of time-to be in control. Even after we pray and supposedly turn the situation over to God, we develop a “backup plan” in case He doesn’t handle things the way we think He should. Do you do that? You don’t put your money into a bank then stay

awake all night worrying about it, do you? Have at least that much confidence in God. Each time you begin the downward spiral of “How? What? When? Where?” stop and give it back to God. Not the little God of your understanding, but the big God whose track record speaks for itself, whose faithfulness

never fails, and who has earned the right to ask you, “Is any thing too hard for [me]?” (Ge 18:14), In other words-learn how to live like Jesus.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Man outside phone booth: “Excuse me you are holding phone since 29 minutes and you haven’t spoken a word”.

Man inside: “i am talking to my wife”.

What is the thinnest book in the world?

“What Men Know About Women”

How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?

We don’t know… it has never happened

FEBRUARY 10

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. PROVERBS 24:3 NKJV

You say, “I raised all my children the same way, how come this one is a problem?” (1) Congratulations on succeeding with your other kids! You’re ahead of the curve. A good family rule is: Pray about your shortcomings; focus on your successes. Don’t obsess over one particular child, shortchanging the others of your time and attention. Though it doesn’t feel natural, reduce your intense concentration on your problem child. Stop “fixing” them, enjoy all your children, and watch things improve. (2) Children develop at different rates and in different ways. Many problem children are just late arrivers; give them the time they need. (3) Most families have a “black sheep.” They make us uncomfortable by not doing life like the rest of us. Accept what you don’t like about them till God either changes them or teaches the family mature, unconditional, non-controlling love through them. (4) You do your best as an imperfect but loving parent, then your children, not you, make their own choices. The prophet Samuel’s sons “did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice” (l Sa 8:3 NIV). Embarrassing and disappointing, yes! But no charge of spiritual or parental failure is laid on Samuel’s doorstep. As godly a man as ever lived, he “walked the talk.” But when push came to shove, his sons had their options and chose not to do likewise. (5) However dysfunctional your child may be, under God their greatest asset is a parent who responds by faith not by fixing, by praying not prying, and who gets out of God’s way and lets Him work.

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Actual Reasons for missing Church

“I couldn’t get the lid off the peanut butter.”

“The church is too close to drive and too far to walk.”

“Both of my girlfriends attend that church.”

“The pastor stays in the Bible too much.”

“The pastor is too attractive. When I see him preaching, I have impure thoughts and I am distracted.”

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. PROVERBS 24:3 NKJV

You say, “I raised all my children the same way, how come this one is a problem?” (1) Congratulations on succeeding with your other kids! You’re ahead of the curve. A good family rule is: Pray about your shortcomings; focus on your successes. Don’t obsess over one particular child, shortchanging the others of your time and attention. Though it doesn’t feel natural, reduce your intense concentration on your problem child. Stop “fixing” them, enjoy all your children, and watch things improve. (2) Children develop at different rates and in different ways. Many problem children are just late arrivers; give them

the time they need. (3) Most families have a “black sheep.” They make us uncomfortable by not doing life like the rest of us. Accept what you don’t like about them till God either changes them or teaches the family mature, unconditional, noncontrolling love through them. (4) You do your best as an

imperfect but loving parent, then your children, not you, make their own choices. The prophet Samuel’s sons “did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice” (l Sa 8:3 NIV). Embarrassing and disappointing, yes! But no charge of spiritual or parental failure is laid on Samuel’s doorstep. As godly a man as ever lived, he “walked the talk.” But when push came to shove, his sons had their options and chose not to do likewise. (5) However dysfunctional your child may be, under God their greatest asset is a parent who responds by faith not by fixing, by praying not prying, and who gets out of God’s way and lets Him work.

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Actual Reasons for missing Church

“I couldn’t get the lid off the peanut butter.”

“The church is too close to drive and too far to walk.”

“Both of my girlfriends attend that church.”

“The pastor stays in the Bible too much.”

“The pastor is too attractive. When I see him preaching, I have impure thoughts and I am distracted.”

FEBRUARY 7

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons. 1 SAMUEL 16:5 NKJV

David’s seven brothers were each circumcised: a mark of divine ownership. Yet not one of them would fight Goliath. Why? Because:

(1) They allowed the fears of those around them to erode their faith. Fear is contagious; if you listen to it long enough you’ll get infected. Now, you shouldn’t be isolated from the world, but you must be insulated against its negative influences. Listening to Goliath wore David’s brothers down, so who are

you listening to? Get God’s opinion and build your life around it. Allow His Word to settle every issue.

(2) They had no personal track record with God to fall back on. There are no insignificant battles in life. The little battles equip us for the big battles which shape our destiny. The lion he killed as a boy was

big, the bear was bigger, and Goliath was bigger yet. But David wasn’t intimidated. “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and … the bear … will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (l Sa 17:37 NKJV). Stand on your “God moments.” What you believe in a crisis will be determined by the experiences you’ve had with God in the past.

(3) They had looks that impressed but not hearts that sought God. So He disqualified them, saying, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the

heart” (lSa 16:7 NKJV). David’s spiritual core was formed while observing creation and having fellowship with his Creator. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, 0 God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Ps 42:1-2 NKJV). Can you say that?

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

One day a man goes to a pet shop to buy a parrot. The assistant takes the man to the parrot section and asks the man to choose one.

The man asks, ”How much is the yellow one?” The assistant says, ”$2000.” The man is shocked and asks the assistant why it’s so expensive. The assistant explains, ”This parrot is a very special one. He knows typewriting and can type really fast.”

”What about the green one?” the man asks. The assistant says, ”He costs $5000 because he knows typewriting and can answer incoming telephone calls and takes notes.”

”What about the red one?” the man asks. The assistant says, ”That one’s $10,000.” The man says, ”What does HE do?”

​The assistant says, ”I don’t know, but the other two call him boss.”