Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

In order to have a grateful heart you must learn to be grateful for flawed people and imperfect gifts. Be grateful when your child attempts to make the bed, even though they make it imperfectly. Be grateful when your spouse expresses affection, even if they do it awkwardly. Be grateful that your body still moves around, even if it’s more wrinkled and lumpy. Don’t wait to feel thankful. The thinking and the doing – leads to the feeling. “Give thanks in all circumstances” calls for a decision and an act of your win, not an emotional response. It’s why Americans call their annual holiday Thanksgiving-not thanks feeling.

James Dodson wrote a moving book called Final Rounds, in which he talks about the last months of his father’s life. They were both avid golfers, and when his father had been diagnosed with a terminal illness James took him to Scotland so they could play golf together at some of the world’s most celebrated courses. At one point James’s dad asked him about his marriage and family. James’s answer was evasive; he was so consumed by his work that there was little time left oven These were the words of a dying father to his son: “I wish I could slow you both down … The danger of great ambition is that you work so hard, you may some day wake up and find that the things you really wanted, were the things you had all along.” Paul writes, “Wake up, 0 sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph 5:14 NIV). Every once in a while we do wake up. And when we do, what we wake up to is gratitude for the things we take for granted.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

In church the lady in the pew next to me was saying a prayer. It was so innocent and sincere that I just had to share it with you.

​Dear Lord: The last few years have been very tough: You have taken from me my favorite actor – Paul Newman, my favorite actress – Elizabeth Taylor, my favorite singer – Andy Williams, my favorite author – Tom Clancy, and my favorite comedian – Robin Williams.

 I just want you to know that my favorite politicians are Adam Schiff; Barack Obama; Joe Biden; Hillary Clinton; Nancy Pelosi; Chuck Schumer; Maxine Waters; Elizabeth Warren; and Bernie Sanders.

  And I also have a special place in my heart for that shoe salesman Colin Kaepernick.

FEBRUARY 25

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings. PROVERBS 22:29 IIIIV

Nothing contributes more to job success than skillfulness. Skilled workers excel by study, practice and hard work. Second best is unacceptable. Such people are “always in demand … they don’t take a back seat to anyone” (Pr 22:29 TM). Skillfulness isn’t genetic; you don’t inherit it, you work for it. You burn the midnight oil, stretch to your limits and refuse to “settle.” Watch a skilled craftsman; your esteem rises at their attention to detail, refusal to cut comers, patience, dedication and pride of product. They inspire confidence, respect and trust. There’s no more practical demonstration of genuine Christianity than being a skilled worker. When they speak people listen. If you doubt that try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy and careless. Better to be silent till you earn the right to be heard!

Whatever your work, “Do it .. .in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (CoI3:17 NIV). We should be “raising the bar” because we’re Christ’s representatives. We should set the industry standard for excellence. Knowing we follow Christ should give employers and customers confidence they’ll get nothing but the best. The skillful worker can’t lose, because God promises that

their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who’ll promote them and reward them. “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings” (Pr 22:29 NIV). They may start at the bottom of the ladder, but their destination is a rung higher up.

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY.

​Fred: “How’s your father’s dairy farm doing?”

Rick: “Great! He’s teaching his cows to sleep on their backs.”

Fred: “What for?”

Rick: “So in the morning the cream will be up on top.” …

Q: Ever wonder about people who pay $2 for a bottle of Evian water?

A: Just spell “Evian” backwards!  .

He who looks after his master will be honored. PROVERBS 21:18 IIIIV

Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That’s so, whether you’re a general in the army or a “GI Joe,” the company president or the nightshift janitor. Character is not class-conscious. You don’t demand respect; you earn it every day. If you’re in a leadership role, the Bible says: “Know well the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds” (Pr 27:23 NAS). Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn’t always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator. The old “kick them in the pants” philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Respect and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody.

If you’re an employee God promises, “He who looks after his master will be honored.” It’s not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you’ll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honor him

or her and submit to their authority (See Ro 13:1-7). If you can’t, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you’ll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss’s interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honor you for respecting even a difficult boss!

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Teacher: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have ten years ago.

Winnie: Me!

Teacher: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?

Glen: Well, I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are.

Teacher: Millie, give me a sentence starting with “I.”

Millie: “I is . . .”

Teacher: No, Millie . . . Always say, “I am.”

Millie: All right . . . “I am the ninth letter in the alphabet.” …

The hand of the diligent makes rich. PROVERBS 10:4 NRS

If you want to succeed on the job here’s a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, “What’s your biggest challenge?” employers usually say, “Finding and keeping good people.” It makes or breaks any business. “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Diligence calls for being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and entails following through. The Bible says, “Diligence is … precious” (Pr 12:27 NKJV) because it’s so hard to find.

Diligent workers are worth their wages: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Pr 21:5 NIV). In God’s system the boss should profit by you and you should profit by him. Indeed, diligent people plan to be profitable employees. Do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Diligent workers

rejoice in this, lazy workers resent it. Diligence, not politics and manipulation, will get you promoted. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (Pr 12:24 NIV). In God’s economy you determine whether you become “ruler” or “slave” by how hard you’re willing to work. Lazy employees complain about the unfair boss, the stacked system, the “company men” who look out for the boss and the boss who looks out for them. They want the privileges others get but they’re not willing to

work for them. “The sluggard craves and gets nothing” (Pr 13:4 NIV) because “his hands refuse to work” (Pr 21:25 NIV). “But the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Pr 13:4 N1V). They get it all: the satisfaction of a job well done, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, the Master’s “Well done.”

Resume Blunders (cont’d)

“I’m not intimated by your internship, want to be a part of your fun atmosphere.”

“Strong writing abilities. Able to analysis data and problem solve.”

“I am getting to my goal, slowly but surly.”

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.