TGIF - Today God Is First

Brothers,

Great seeing you at the reunion on Saturday. It was exciting to hear how your re-entry went since the your walk. One common theme that seemed to pop up was how things went when we got back to our jobs. There is no doubt the work place can be very trying place for Christians.

I would like to share with you a resource that has really helped me with my faith while I work. It is a devotional called TGIF - Today God Is First. I have been amazed that many of the devotions speak right to my situation and really helps me focus on being God's servant while working. The link is http:www.TodayGodIsFirst.com. The devotion comes from Market Place Ministries written by Oz Hillman. The following is an example of one of these devotional and also speaks to the Blog topic below on how we should treat other Christians when difficulties arise.
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The Root of Bitterness
by Os Hillman, November 3, 2005

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. - Hebrews 12:15

The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.

When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.

Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.

The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow
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Brothers, God has called each of us to be "fishers of men". The fishing is pretty good in the work place and is a place where God is greatly needed.

GLYASDI - Cam