Ecclesiastes 5:18 (NCV) I have seen what is best for people here on earth. They should eat and drink and enjoy their work…
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 (ESV) What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation…
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Colossians 3:23 (NJB) Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as done for the Lord and not for human beings…
Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG) Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
See S.H.A.P.E. Class, Core Class 301
Genesis 3:17-18 (NASB) “…Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field.”
Ephesians 5:15 (Phillips NT) “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days.”
Romans 5:3-4 (TLB) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.
John 8:54 (NIV) Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.”
John 12:27-28 (NASB) But for this purpose I came to this hour. “Father, glorify Your name.”
Galatians 3:13 (NASB) Christ redeemed us from the curse…having become a curse for us.
Read Ecclesiastes 2:22-23. Why do you work? When do you most feel like not working? Do you see your work as a gift from God, as drudgery, or both? Does that make you grateful, even for the drudgery, or hateful? Why?
Under Point 4, Shane gives some things to remember about giving your work a fair shot. Do you agree with them? Have you ever thought of your work being a place where God can teach you about responsibility, relationships, and character? Ask God to help you become more aware of these teaching moments this week and discuss with your small group.
What is your biggest takeaway from the message today?
Core values are defined as the guiding principles that dictate behavior and action. What core values has God placed in your heart and life? Is your work in harmony with your core values? Discuss with your small group.
Memorize Ephesians 2:10 and Colossians 3:23. Put them on an index card or post-it note in your car or somewhere you will see them often. Discuss with your small group how these verses have helped you or encouraged you in your workplace.
Parents, elementary kids heard the story of Daniel’s Dilemma in Daniel 6. A new law had been put into place that said the people could pray to the king and no one else or they would be thrown to a bunch of hungry lions. Daniel trusted that God would take care of him so he continued to pray to God three times a day as was his habit. Ask kids if Daniel faced any trouble for praying? Did the lions enjoy dinner as a result? Could you have prayed knowing that you could face some hungry lions?
With a passion for Christ that is undeniable, Shane directly involves his listeners in each message. He speaks with high energy and delivers powerful teaching that is relevant to current life issues.
NorthPointe Community Church
Meets every Sunday
8:00am 9:30am 11:15am 5:30pm
Celebrate Recovery
Wednesdays at 6:30pm
