Life Can Be Work

. . . a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18, c, NRS).

Good Morning!

Some friends kept me informed about their progress as they waited for their daughter to be born. As the night hours ticked by, they labored, waiting and wanting their baby to be born. During childbirth, contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together as labor progresses. Comfort reduces and the need for concentration increases as labor intensifies; however, the intensity of labor signifies that delivery is imminent.

The specific principles for a mother to manage labor (work) effectively can be implemented for our daily work, including:
1. Choose to be grateful for the opportunity to co-labor with the Creator of Life.
2. Develop your perception—see the big picture--take time to know why labor is necessary.
3. Think through the goals and steps of labor.
4. Keep the end in mind—birth.
5. Invest time to learn about the most effective tools and techniques available to manage the labor.
6. Implement the tools and techniques.
7. Enter into labor with a can-do attitude.

The Apostle Paul discussed the provision given from the church at Philippi—as his life support--necessary to continue sharing the good news. They worked to provide for the life-giving message to spread. Their work, acceptable and pleasing to God, continues to impact the world--each time the writings of Paul are read, studied, implemented, and shared.

Think through the principles of work.
Surrender your work as an offering to God.
Celebrate the impact of your work—acceptable and pleasing to God.

Learning with you to take time to understand the principles of work,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)