04/04/2025
I am a writer and I write many things, but my morning devotional message is the first thing I write each day. Then there are the scriptural references I leave behind in nearly every other thing I write. For the most part they are hidden there to subtly implant a thought of Jesus, and God's heart song in the unsuspecting subconscious of a lost soul until at last their faith reveals these holy gems to them. Do you include the Word of God in your day-to-day work? Do you leave the Lord's mark on all those who see you at work, or within a subtle message that someone will find, and which will touch their heart in the fullness of God’s time?
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
A stonemason leaves his mark on the stones that he cuts, a builder leaves a plaque that bears his name on the buildings he constructs, an author or songwriter will place their names on all they write because they want everyone to know who received this inspiration. But our accomplishments and all we do in life, whether we are farmers, musicians, singers, writers, carpenters, brick layers, or care givers; no matter what we do in life, everything should be done for the glory of God, and bear at very least a touch of God's character, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have you thought about doing this before? How I should do this was brought to the forefront of my mind today by a very good cabinetmaker, friend, and craftsman, named Danny Greer.
Over the last few weeks Danny has been working in my home installing a beautiful new set of kitchen cabinets he made for us. Today my wife suggested that he have some small golden plaques made that would bear his name and which he could put on each set of cabinets he made. It was then that Danny revealed a secret. He said that somewhere in most everything he builds he leaves a small bible, and/or a scripture verse. I was listening from the adjoining room, and my eyes filled with tears. I knew that Danny was a godly man, but the thought of him leaving gems of faith behind for some future seeker to find moved me deeply. Just the knowledge of the fact that somewhere in our new kitchen cabinets there was a bible and a scripture, and that it was placed there by our good friend to bless Ann, our family, and me, was more than comforting; it led me to praise God. The cabinets are beautiful and I see Danny's skill in them, but the bible and scripture he placed there will forever make me think about his faith, and how God tells all of us to write His Word on the doorposts of our houses. Danny was glorifying God with his workmanship, and through his obedience.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6:5-6,9 ESV
You are probably wondering what hidden passage of scripture Danny leaves behind, well I was curious too so I asked him and he said it was one that made him remember and honor his earthly father... Listen…
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Danny leaves the mark of his faith on the work he does every day? Are we glorifying the Lord in similar fashion? Are we glorifying God in all we do?
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17 ESV
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving me the skills and inspiration I need to do the things I do for you every day, and thank you for reminding me that all I do is meant to be done for your glory. Help me Abba to not only love and obey you, but to long for your presence as I go about my day. Still my heart and calm my mind as I prepare to write each morning, and bless my good friend Danny Greer as you inspire him in the creative work that he performs for you each day. Bless all those who deliver the gospel of Jesus and quote your Holy Word in their daily work, but bless me too as I pray for others in secret and hide a bit of you for a seeker to find when your Holy Spirit leads them to it. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who was and is, and is to come. Holy are you who I long to honor and glorify every day and in everything I do. Blessed and praised be your name Lord and may all I do throughout my life be pleasing to you. This I pray in the name of your Son Jesus, and I ask that your will be done in me, and in all I do for you.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Jeremiah 33:11 ESV
"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
Mark 16:15 ESV
Supporting scripture:
“9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:9-11 ESV
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Rich Forbes