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Encouragement for Today - Nov. 29, 2006

 

November 29, 2006

 

Encouragement for Today

 

Principle #1

 

“The Ultimate Benefit Package"

Wendy Pope, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Author, Director of Development

 

Key Verse:
Psalm 103:2, "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (NIV)

 

Devotion:

I have never worked in the world of “corporate America.”  I don’t have stock options …I don't read or even understand the New York stock exchange results.   I’m at a loss for understanding profit and loss sheets. I’m not savy at climbing the ladder of success.  Neither am I a member of prestigious society.  Benefits, however, now that’s something I do know!

 

I have the ultimate job with the ultimate benefit package.  Unfortunately, like many people, I forget and sometimes take for granted the benefits I am entitled to. My position required no previous experience or specific educational background.  I took the position early in my career but did not truly understand the job until I began to really study my training manual.  My boss is awesome to work for.  In addition to the benefits package, He makes sure I have everything I need to complete what He has asked me to do.  He makes Himself available to answer questions and hear my concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

 

What is my job you ask?  Let me refer to my training manual … 2 Corinthians 5:20, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors."

 

My boss inspired one of my co-workers, David, to write a beautiful poem outlining the benefits of being part of this work force.  David did such an incredible job recording our benefits that the Boss included it in our training manual.  Here is a portion:

 

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

You can see by reading these few lines from Psalm 103 why I love my workplace and my Boss so much.  There are more benefits listed in the training manual - God's Holy Word. I happen to know that my Boss is always looking for more workers.  Our task is great and we could use all the help we can get.  So if you are interested, give Him call.  You can reach Him through this network: P-R-A-Y-E-R.  I know He would love to talk to with you. Oh, I did I mention He offers rewards, too?  Just read the manual!

My Prayer for Today:

Lord, help to recognize today that You are my boss.  You have agenda set just for me.  Please be my daytimer, my organizer.  Help me never to forget the benefits I have because of the sacrifice of Your son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Additional Resources:

Do you know Him?

 

Out of the Mouths of Babes  by Wendy Pope

 

Listen to Today's Radio Show

 

Application Steps: 

Read aloud the Psalm 103.  Write the benefits that amaze you the most.  Thank the Lord for His amazing benefits.

 

Reflection Points:   

What is keeping me from enjoying the benefits of being a child of God?

Have I praised Him lately for what He has done for me?

Do I share the great news of His benefits with others?

 

Power Verses: 

1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness." (NIV)

 

Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)

 

Revelation 22:12, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." (NIV)