Ecclesiastes 1:3  In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon shared his struggles to find meaning in life.  He even asked, “What do people gain from all their labors under the sun?”  Both the Old and New Testaments help us to find the present and eternal value of good honest work.

• You gain the ability to provide the necessities of life for yourself and your family, and to help others in need.  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
• You gain a commendation from God for a job well done.  Matthew 25:21
• You gain a way to invest in eternity. Revelation 14:13

 

Luke 10:38-42 The sisters, Martha and Mary, play a relatively important role in John’s gospel record, but this short passage in Luke is the only other mention of them.  When Jesus visited their home, Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, while Mary sat at his feet hanging on his every word.  Both were acts of love and respect, but in that sacred moment, Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the better choice.

• Mary’s choice was the best for her own spiritual enrichment.
• Mary’s choice set the best example for others.
• Mary’s choice was most pleasing to Jesus.

Luke 1:26-38  &  Matthew 1:18-25 After delivering good news to Zechariah the priest, the angel Gabriel was also sent by God to a young woman named Mary, and to her fiancé Joseph.  In separate encounters, he told them both not to be afraid.  His messages of instruction and encouragement still speak to us today!

• You don’t have to fear God’s plan for your life.
• Where God is at work, you don’t have to fear the impossible.
• You never need to fear being obedient to God.

Mark 5:1-20 The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record an encounter Jesus had with a demon-possessed man after disembarking on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.  The man clearly exhibited the awful affects of evil upon his life.  But by the time Jesus left the area, everything had changed for him.   By casting out the demons, Jesus clearly illustrated his power to overcome evil with good!

• Evil is that which separates us from ourselves.
• Evil is that which separates us from others.
• Evil is that which separates us from God.

Is there some part of your life that is suffering because of the influence of evil?  Jesus offers you restoration through the power of his goodness!

Mark 4:35-41 When Jesus instructed his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee in a boat, they  encountered an anxiety-producing squall.  Their hearts were filled with fear and doubt.  But Jesus used the occasion to teach them a lesson of faith, and to demonstrate to them the power of his peace over the chaos of the world.

• In the presence of Christ, there will still be times of chaos.
• In the presence of Christ, there may still be moments of doubt.
• In the presence of Christ, you will discover the power of his peace.