A Daily Devotional Bible Reading
Based on Sunday's Sermon: The Spirit-Filled Work Place, Ephesians 6:5-9
Day 1: Serving Christ in All We Do
Reading: Colossians 3:23-24
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as if working for the Lord. This echoes the sermon's emphasis on doing our work as unto Christ, not just our earthly bosses. Reflect on how your attitude might change if you viewed every task - whether at work, home, or in your community - as service to Christ. How might this perspective transform your daily activities? Consider one area where you can improve your effort or attitude, remembering that you are ultimately serving the Lord.
Day 2: The Dignity of Work
Reading: Genesis 2:15, Ephesians 4:28
Devotional: God instituted work before the fall, giving Adam the task of tending the garden. Even after sin entered the world, work remained a part of God's plan for humanity. The New Testament reinforces this, encouraging believers to work so they can help others. This contrasts sharply with the Roman view of slaves as "ineffective tools" mentioned in the sermon. How does knowing that work is part of God's design change your view of your daily tasks? Pray for eyes to see the dignity in all forms of honest work, both in your life and in others'.
Day 3: Submitting to Authority
Reading: Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17
Devotional: These passages teach us about submitting to authority, even when it's difficult. The sermon highlighted how early Christians were called to obey even harsh masters, as long as they weren't commanded to sin. This can be challenging in our modern context too. Reflect on your attitude towards those in authority over you - at work, in government, or elsewhere. Are there areas where you struggle to submit? Ask God for the grace to honor Him through your obedience, while always keeping Him as your ultimate authority.
Day 4: Treating Others with Respect
Reading: James 2:1-9
Devotional: James warns against showing favoritism, echoing Paul's instruction to employers not to show partiality. This principle applies beyond the workplace - we're called to treat all people with equal respect as image-bearers of God. Consider your own life: are there people you tend to favor or others you might unconsciously discriminate against? Pray for God to reveal any biases in your heart and for the courage to treat everyone with Christ-like love and respect.
Day 5: Working for an Eternal Reward
Reading: Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Devotional: The sermon reminded us that our true reward comes from the Lord, not just earthly paychecks or recognition. These passages reinforce that eternal perspective, encouraging us to store up treasures in heaven. As you go about your daily work and responsibilities, how can you keep an eternal perspective? What does it look like to build with "gold, silver, and precious stones" rather than "wood, hay, and straw" in your current role or season of life? Ask God to help you see your daily tasks through the lens of eternity.
Day 1: Serving Christ in All We Do
Reading: Colossians 3:23-24
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as if working for the Lord. This echoes the sermon's emphasis on doing our work as unto Christ, not just our earthly bosses. Reflect on how your attitude might change if you viewed every task - whether at work, home, or in your community - as service to Christ. How might this perspective transform your daily activities? Consider one area where you can improve your effort or attitude, remembering that you are ultimately serving the Lord.
Day 2: The Dignity of Work
Reading: Genesis 2:15, Ephesians 4:28
Devotional: God instituted work before the fall, giving Adam the task of tending the garden. Even after sin entered the world, work remained a part of God's plan for humanity. The New Testament reinforces this, encouraging believers to work so they can help others. This contrasts sharply with the Roman view of slaves as "ineffective tools" mentioned in the sermon. How does knowing that work is part of God's design change your view of your daily tasks? Pray for eyes to see the dignity in all forms of honest work, both in your life and in others'.
Day 3: Submitting to Authority
Reading: Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17
Devotional: These passages teach us about submitting to authority, even when it's difficult. The sermon highlighted how early Christians were called to obey even harsh masters, as long as they weren't commanded to sin. This can be challenging in our modern context too. Reflect on your attitude towards those in authority over you - at work, in government, or elsewhere. Are there areas where you struggle to submit? Ask God for the grace to honor Him through your obedience, while always keeping Him as your ultimate authority.
Day 4: Treating Others with Respect
Reading: James 2:1-9
Devotional: James warns against showing favoritism, echoing Paul's instruction to employers not to show partiality. This principle applies beyond the workplace - we're called to treat all people with equal respect as image-bearers of God. Consider your own life: are there people you tend to favor or others you might unconsciously discriminate against? Pray for God to reveal any biases in your heart and for the courage to treat everyone with Christ-like love and respect.
Day 5: Working for an Eternal Reward
Reading: Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Devotional: The sermon reminded us that our true reward comes from the Lord, not just earthly paychecks or recognition. These passages reinforce that eternal perspective, encouraging us to store up treasures in heaven. As you go about your daily work and responsibilities, how can you keep an eternal perspective? What does it look like to build with "gold, silver, and precious stones" rather than "wood, hay, and straw" in your current role or season of life? Ask God to help you see your daily tasks through the lens of eternity.