praying effectively: Be a Good Employee (Pv.27:18-27)

(Proverbs 27:18-27)

18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who cares for his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.
21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.
22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats will bring the price of a field,
27 And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidens.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we work hard and respect our bosses (27:18)
- that we are attentive to our work (27:23)

Today's prayer:

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for providing us with work and purpose to our lives.  May we always use our time efficiently and effectively so as to respect our bosses and their companies, as well as to respect our family members whom we are supporting.  May our work ethics demonstrate Your faithfulness, strength and wisdom to those around us.  Amen.