🤗RU Returning or Ru Not 🥱

It is impossible to say enough or be grateful enough for God’s amazing love.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV) For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Those that we have read about in veres 7 “ensamples” that sounded out the Word of the Lord. 

“how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” Turning to God from idols may cause problems sometimes.  It could cause contention from others, maybe persecutions, could they endure? Oh yeah for we read in verse 9 “how ye turned to God” not only did they turn, we read that they “serve the living and true God” but wait don’t miss the very first part of verse 9 “they themselves shew” One can talk all day but showing is putting your feet to what your mouth is saying. First there was a turning to God but then there was a waiting for Jesus Christ God Son they were grateful and returned. Yes they returned, they told others of Jesus which had delivered them from (hell) the wrath to come. That my friend is something to talk about once I was lost, then I was found, now I am serving and I looking for His return. You know what? They kept looking but He never came and still today those who serve the true and living God are still looking. Many say He will never come. I do agree that every day it looks more grim than it did the day before. I think many are like those in Noah’s day as he built a giant ship and talked of water that would fall from the sky. I'm sure they talked of the man with crazy ideas of water that would fall from the sky. They had never seen such for the earth was watered from coming up from the ground not falling to the ground. 

Genesis 2:5 (KJV) And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Genesis 2:6 (KJV) But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

Jesus went up from the earth but very soon He will be coming down to get His children. Don’t be fooled like those of Noah’s day there Salvation from the rain to come was simply get on the boat. Our day is just as simple: trust Jesus Christ the Savior of our soul.

❓Can I Be Happy🤗

 Don't worry about what you can't do; focus instead on what you can do... and then do it.

~ Billy Graham ~

1 Thessalonians 1:8 (KJV) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

That’s what “ensamples” do: they sound out what they believe to be the truth. In this case it’s God's truth about salvation. These Thessalonians sounded out the truth in Macedonia and then in Achaea then in every place. They watched as the effects of God's wonderful salvation for mankind took its effects on those that believed “so that we need not to speak any thing.” 

Wouldn’t that be great to see in our day? God’s Holy Word spreading upon our land like a fresh cleansing rain. I have only seen that happen once and then it was only in the community I lived in. It started out as a revival meeting at my Church. The Pastor was Raymond Gray and the Evangelist was Mike Hendon. The meeting started off on Monday night with plenty of room to find a seat. By Friday night the church was full and people were standing everywhere to hear God's Word preached. Altars were so full that people were spread out everywhere. There’s no telling how many were saved during that meeting but God’s Word swept through like a fresh cleaning rain and many lives were changed for eternity. Oh in the day and hour we live with so many looking for happiness and joy but they are looking in the wrong places. Some look to religion but there’s little happiness to be found there. Others look to excitement in drugs, alcohol, gambling thinking all this will for sure bring happiness only to find too late it only brings misery. Then if I could just find that one person I could talk with that would understand. They soon do and before long their home, marriage and family is destroyed and they are no closer to their goal than before. Just remember the grass that looks so green on the other side of the fence will also turn brown. Remember this, life has its ups  and downs. I remember these words my father n law spoke to me one day as we rode down the road. I was so depressed because our work had been almost nothing for a while. I needed a paycheck, I had a family to support. My father n law was acting like he had a boat load of cash to draw from, but I knew he didn’t. Then in a soft voice he said these words I have never forgotten “the sun will shine again.” You know what? He was right the clouds will come and many have but the sun also returns and there are more sunny days than rainy days. The truth of God’s Word never fails. The truth of salvation for those who place their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The promise, He will never leave us no matter the storms this life brings. Our future home in heaven for all the redeemed. I hope you, like me, rejoice in the day that someone told you about the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you like me discover the goodness of our Heavenly Father? Oh my what a day, so much so I’m still rejoicing in the goodness of God. 

👩‍🏫Examples✍️

Faith grows when it is planted in the

fertile soil of God's Word. ~Billy Graham~

1 Thessalonians 1:7 (KJV) So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

ENSAMPLE “to shew by example”  you became followers of the Lord, having received the word with joy of the Holy Ghost: That’s what happened after you received the Word of God you became followers of Jesus Christ. Remember the joy that the Holy Ghost brought. Remember, you now wanted everyone you knew to have the joy of salvation. Man, how simple this is surely once everyone sees what Christ has done and how this salvation has changed your life completely they too will want it. Oh but that’s not what happened did it? Oh you were an ensample and others were happy for you but they didn’t want what you have, or not at this time anyways. It has been a few days since the day I got saved and what friends of long ago that haven’t died I’m still wanting to reach. I love the way that verse reads “ye were ensamples to all that believe” The clock on the wall is ticking, time is running out and sooner than you think time will be up. The word came to my friend. The doctor said you have cancer and a year to live. When he told me, this is what he said. I have bad news and good news. Bad news: I have cancer and I’m dying. Good news is it’s not today. He slowly began to get weaker, he stopped walking, then he went to a recliner then to a bed and then he died. A year they told him but that wasn’t the case it turned out to be a year and a half. In that year and a half he kept telling others of Christ and many believed. Like Carl in the ER when he helped do an awful job with an enema, need I say more? After all was done Carl was asked where he went to Church? Carl told him then Carl was asked was he going to heaven? Carl said yes to which my friend smiled and said that’s great Carl. Carl's face beamed with joy. Then Carl was asked how he knew that for sure? Carl, still beaming with joy said “because I treat people with respect, I also help others, I have never cheated on my wife and I’m not too bad of a person. All those things are admirable without doubt, but if that is what it takes for us to go to heaven then Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was not needed. Then Carl was told about what Jesus really did for him and right there in that ER Carl asked Christ to come into his heart and forgive him of his sin. I wrote all that to say that my friend was a great example of what Christ has done in his life. He never quit telling others until time stopped for him and he opened his eyes in the land he had told so many about. 

😷Joy in Affliction🌤️

No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life's journey can be different. With God's help you can begin again.

~ Billy Graham ~

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Not always but sometimes “affliction” brings people to Christ. God forbid that I would wish any type of affliction on anyone but oftentimes it changes mindsets. In Mark chapter 5 we see that in the life of a man named Jairus. His daughter is at the point of death and he comes to Jesus asking Him to come to his home. This affliction in Jairus life has caused him to do something he would not have done months earlier.  Why? Jairus was a ruler of the  synagogue. That would be like an atheist going to a Baptist Pastor asking for Godly guidance. When afflictions come things change. Jairus came to Jesus and asked for help and Jesus went with him. Mark 5:24 (KJV) And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. All was going well until a woman who had been sick for 12 years stopped them. Time is of the essence couldn’t this lady wait. I mean she has been sick for 12 years. What's a few more hours? That’s the way we think our problems seem to be of greater importance. Then the word came to Jairus

Mark 5:35 (KJV) While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? It now looks as if there is no hope.  But wait. Mark 5:36 (KJV) As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

Never give up, believe in the hopeless, believe when others give up, keep trusting in the Lord. That’s what Jairus did not at hopelessness, not at his religion, not in his church or synagogue, not at those laughing at him but in Christ Jesus. Jairus could have given up and buried his daughter and received what little comfort his friends and loved ones could have given him but he didn’t. Too many times we give up too soon and we believe it can’t be done. Oh no, sometimes God uses affliction in our lives to draw us closer to Him. That’s what God used in my life and I’m so glad He did. Sometimes affliction is a good thing “much affliction, with joy”

💗Our Heart 🫀

The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. How will our loved ones remember us? How will others remember us?

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (KJV) For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Look at the words that jump out as that verse is read. Gospel, Power, Holy Ghost, Assurance. What is the “gospel” It is the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ. The revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles. When we read the word “gospel” it comes with a great meaning. When the Apostle Paul writes he writes about the “gospel” and how it came “not unto you in word only” “but also in power” There’s a lot of things we talk about and tell others about that we just heard others say. We might say something like this “I don’t know if this is true but this is what I heard.” “In my opinion this is what I think.” This is not what Paul is saying about the “gospel” No he is saying the “gospel” came with “power” the “gospel” is not just talk or hearsay there is real proof. Was Jesus Christ born? Did Jesus Christ live a real life? Was the life of Jesus Christ an active life? Did Jesus Christ die? Did Jesus Christ come back to life by way of resurrection? Did Jesus Christ ascend back to heaven? That has been questioned by many. What separates words and shows proof? Power! A lightbulb is nothing without the power of electricity then it becomes light. How? By the power of the electric current. The Gospel and the name of Jesus Christ is nothing without the Power of the Holy Spirit which is in you once you have trusted in what Jesus Christ has done for you. 

Colossians 1:27 (KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: There’s the Power “Christ in you” Christ can only be seen in you by how we have greatly changed on the outside. 

Matthew 12:34 (KJV) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

What is in our heart will come out our mouth. What is coming out as we talk? When we mention God’s name how is it coming out of our mouths? That’s because that’s the way it is in our heart. 

🌄Every Day?🙏

The Bible is the only book that reads the reader.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 (KJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; How would that make you feel if someone came up to you with great zeal and said to you  “I want you know that I give thanks to God always for you making mention of you in my prayers regularly. His name is Danny and he is more than a good friend to me. Almost without fail every morning he will text me a 7. You might say “what’s that all about?” That means nothing; I can’t help it but I’m going to use this little phrase to explain. To the untrained eye,👀 I’m sorry I just don’t get to use that phrase. Here is what that seven means to me with the trained eye.🔍Danny is saying with that number 7 I prayed for you this day or I gave thanks to God for you making mention of you in my prayer. He will never know what that does for me. If I am a little discouraged here it comes, at the right time for it’s never the same time of the day.  Boom, I'm motivated to go another mile. I wish I could do the same for him. That’s his ministry, the ministry that God gave him, the burden God laid upon his heart and mind and he does it with great zeal. Thanks Danny for you faithfulness.  

👨🏻‍🍳Let’s Getter Done👨‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓

On our knees we are the most

powerful force on earth

~ Billy Graham ~

As we come to the close of this book of Colossians after reading about the Apostles Pauls Telling them about The Lord Jesus Christ and Teaching them about the Lord, Paul now leaves final instruction. Paul closes his letter naming three men Tychicus, Onesimus who is one of you and Aristarchus. Then adds a fourth, Marcus if he comes, receive him. Too many times those who have come to know the Lord as their personal savior are left to themselves in hope that they learn. What a mistake that is. Peter say this 

1 Peter 2:2 (KJV) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

What do babies need? Milk!  And we don’t go off and leave them to defend for themselves; do you know what will happen if we do? They will not grow and mature. Many have come to know the Lord and have been left to themselves to find a good Church and to grow spiritually. Hey, they don’t know what a good Church looks like, how in the world will they be able to find one? We must first be told about the Lord and then we should be taught and then trained. The company you work for does that but we at the Church house fail to do just that. Know what the Bible says??

Luke 16:8 (KJV) And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

This world does put a person on a 950 John Deere Dozer and tell them to clear this property. Neither should a Christian organization put a person in a position they know nothing about. Teach then Train then help them after they are in a position to become one that will be able to teach others.  

2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV) And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

That is what Paul is doing; but Paul also incorporates Epaphras. Why? “who is one of you, a servant of Christ” I think Paul was wise to have placed another man that is one of them. To do such is like saying we need you to help grow the Church here in Colosse. Here is another reason, Onesimus and Epaphras know the culture and if there was any language barrier they know that too. One other thing that Paul said about Epaphras is that he had  a great zeal. Colossians 4:13 (KJV) For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.  Know what great zeal does? It motivates others. Have you ever heard of a Motivational Speaker? What do they do? That’s right, they motivate others. Sometimes we need to be motivated and what is the best way to get motivated? Get around someone who has great zeal. The Apostle Paul closed his letter out to the Colossians by saying let’s getter done.

🦹‍♀️Somebody Needs You👩🏻‍💼

 My hope does not rest in the affairs of this world. It rests in Christ who is coming again.  

~ Billy Graham ~

Colossians 4:5 (KJV) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Paul just asked for prayer that doors would be opened up so he could speak about Christ Jesus. Then in verse 4 that he may know how to speak. In verse 5 his request was to “Walk in wisdom”. Wow if we could learn that it would be a great day. What am I saying? Well are you secure in what you believe?  If you said yes then what makes you so secure? To be secure means you will move forward “Walk” but the Apostle Paul didn’t want to just move forward he wanted to move forward in wisdom (knowledge.) You see moving forward is moving toward something. We don’t understand how everyone thinks, we don’t understand different cultures. Therefore we can’t have the attitude of it my way or the highway. Paul is going into different cities where he will meet and talk to people with different ideas. You know what? All those Paul will be talking too will think they are right in what they believe. Therefore Paul can’t just go up to them and start talking expecting them to throw away what they have been taught. So he says pray that God would work through me and give me the wisdom to tell everyone about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Is that not what Paul is saying?  

Colossians 4:6 (KJV) Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Remember Steve? One night in Lawrenceville Georgia in a Kroger parking lot there were a bunch of college students hanging out. Steve goes up to where they were all just hanging around. He said these words “my pastor has sent me out to find some that would be able to sing in our choir.” Before anyone had an opportunity to say anything Steve said this “I know you all know this song Amazing Grace.” Without waiting for them to answer he just started singing. Know what they did? They started singing. Before Steve left there that night 4 of those college students had asked the Lord to come into their heart. Paul asked those to pray that God would give him wisdom and grace. So that his secure faith would help others become secure in what Jesus Christ has done for them. Don’t say I’m shy, you may very well be but instead of saying I’m shy do like the Apostle Paul ask for others to pray that God would give you wisdom and grace to speak with those around you. Everyone should be able to lead one person a year to the Lord. It’s not you, it's Christ within you. 

Colossians 1:27 (KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Somebody out there needs you to tell them why you trusted Christ Jesus as your savior. 

👂Have You Heard?👂

There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men.

                              ~ Billy Graham ~

Colossians 4:3 (KJV) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Verse 2 The Apostle Paul said to continue in prayer. Here in verse 3 he is saying pray for us. What do you want us to pray for Paul? Have you ever heard someone ask others to pray for them? Yet they never say for what? I understand that maybe they don’t want the whole world to know. Yet on the other hand we all need a group of people that we can trust to pray for us. Paul didn’t just say pray for us, oh no he told them what he needed them to pray about. “that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ” Paul said we need doors opened that we may tell others about what Christ has already done for them. We should all want those kinds of doors opened up to us. Just a few days ago a good friend of mine went to heaven. I met him back in 1992. He was pastor of a church here in town. I quickly noticed something about him. When he talked to me about those he had talked to about their souls, tears filled his eyes to the point that they ran down his cheeks.  As time went on we became good friends. One day I asked him if I could go with him as he knocked on doors and talked to others about Jesus, he said yes. I had read book after book about talking to others about Christ but seeing him do it did more for me than any book I have ever read. Here is what I learned. I couldn’t be like my friend Steve but I could learn from him and I did. I have a pasión for souls and I want to be real in this world. So real that when others' lives are falling apart they will remember I told them about Jesus, who loves them more than they could ever imagine. Jesus really lived and died for our sin problem. Salvation is a gift from God to mankind and all you and I have to do is accept it. Death is real and we all will die! What do you think will happen afterwards? I wonder what she was seeing? My mother n law died  a few weeks ago but before she died she did something. She had quit talking the afternoon before she died, that afternoon she did this. She lifted out her arms as if she was reaching for someone to grab her hand as if to help her; no sounds just a reaching out. She did that about 2 times and then she put her arms down beside her and never moved again. The next morning a little after sunrise she took her last breath, no struggle no fighting she just quietly left this world. Wonder what she saw? She was looking into the next world, hands outreached ready to leave. Paul said “Pray for us that God would open doors so that we may tell others of this good news.” Have you Heard?

🙇‍♀️Continue In🙇

 No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life’s journey can be different. With God’s help you can begin again.  ~Billy Graham~

Colossians 4:2 (KJV) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

“Continue” To remain in a state, or place; to abide for any time indefinitely. I once again would like for us to think about the battle we are in. One of the greatest weapons as Christians we have is prayer. The enemy wants us not to pray. Have you ever decided to pray and set a time to do so? All goes well until you begin your prayer. Then you start remembering things that need to be done, remembering those you promised to call but didn’t. The things that flood our minds when we begin to pray. It’s the enemy bombarding our mind to get us to stop praying. The Apostle Paul says “Continue in prayer” but then he says “watch” for what? Remember the soldier that does watch puts himself in great danger of being overtaken. Remember that when you pray. Whatever comes to mind that you didn’t do can wait another few minutes. Remember Gideon? He has over 32,000 soldiers. Gideon asked are there any of you afraid? If so you can go home, and 22,000 left. Only 10,000 left and out of those only 300 men were ready for battle. What made the difference? The way they drink water. Yes they realized that even though they were thirsty they must still be alert and watch less the enemy overtake them. So it is with our prayer life we must understand how important it is to pray. Jesus did it and one night to the point of bleeding..that’s what the Doctor said.

Dr Luke said this about Jesus’s prayer before His crucifixion  Luke 22:44 (KJV) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. What’s interesting was what Jesus told His disciples as they went with Him. Luke 22:40 (KJV) And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Jesus was saying pray men and watch that you don’t fall into temptation. But we know they didn't. This should be a learning point for each of us. Pray and watch so we won’t fall into some type of temptation that will wreck our prayers. Then we will have something to be thankful about and we can rejoice with “thanksgiving.” 

🗣️How Were You Treated🗑️

God does not change - and neither does His love. He loved you before you were born... He loves you now...and He will love you forever.   ~ Billy Graham ~

Colossians 4:1 (KJV) Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

How do you want to be treated? Would we not all hold up our hand and say I would like to be treated with respect. So the question we must ask ourselves are we treating others with respect?  In Matthew 6:12 (KJV) we read this little phrase “And forgive us ” those words are in what is called the Lord’s Prayer. One day, one of Jesus' disciples asked Jesus to teach them something. They had been walking with Him and being around Him on a daily basis. As these men listened to Jesus they also noticed something else, that Jesus spent time talking to His Heavenly Father. They also wanted to learn how to pray, so they asked.

Luke 11:1 (KJV) And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Lord teach us to pray! Notice how the verse reads. “as he was praying in a certain place” Jesus had a certain place He went to pray. One day  one of His disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Now as we read on there are something’s to pick up on. Jesus never told His disciples they needed to have a special place or time for prayer. Read what Jesus did say”When ye pray” whatever time whatever place, whatever schedule you have to pray “When ye pray” Luke 11:2 (KJV) And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

The first thing we must ask ourselves is, are we praying? If we aren’t praying, if we are not asking, Lord “forgive us” then how are we going to be able to forgive others? We are good at saying “that’s not what I meant, I should have used different words.” “Oh I’m sorry it was just a misunderstanding, that’s not at all what I was talking about.” 

I wrote all that to say this: If we are not willing to realize we ourselves need forgiveness then we may not be willing to forgive others. We are all leaders of others. No we may not be speaking about leadership abilities in front of 100’s or 1000’s but we are all leaders to someone. Maybe it’s just your husband or wife. Maybe your children or maybe you are the supervisor over others. What you do and say is very important because you are either building up or tearing down. What did you do when you let your temper speak this morning to your wife or husband? Your children may have heard, what are you going to do about that? What about that person that’s under your supervision? Yes problems need to be addressed but how they are addressed and handled is very important. We may need to ask ourselves’ have I ever made a mistake? How would I like to be spoken to? “Masters, give unto your servants” give, build, strengthen. Telling someone they are dumb and what in the world were you thinking? That may not be the correct way to address or handle the matter. Why shouldn’t we lead like that? ”knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” Is that the way we want our Heavenly Father to treat us? I wouldn’t think so. 

😳Including Joe👨‍💻

God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.'       ~ Billy Graham ~

Respect for instruction is what the rest of the chapter is teaching. 

Colossians 3:22 (KJV) Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: Don’t get upset at the word “Servants” pride may jump up within us and say “I’m not anybody's servant. The truth be known we are! Webster says this about the word SERVANT “A person, male or female, that attends another for the purpose of performing menial offices for him,who is employed by another” Well I guess we can all fit into this meaning. If you are employed there is someone over you, your boss, supervisor someone telling you we have to get this done today. Like it or not you do it. We are told what type of attitude we should have. Attitude is everything, our attitude mirrors out toward others that work with us and look up to us. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“And whatsoever ye do” doesn’t matter what we are doing or who we are doing it for “do it heartily” With zeal; actively; vigorously.  Eagerly; freely; largely; not for your boss nor your company but “as to the Lord” that type of attitude will change our perspective. If our supervisor were to say “we need to get this project done in the next 8 days and if we do there will be a nice bonus added to your check.” Wow, now we work harder to get it done, weekends, all the sudden didn’t matter, getting it done is what mattered. Well that's good but it’s doing it for men and that’s fine but it’s when we aren’t doing it for men that matters.  

Colossians 3:24 (KJV) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Our attitude should be with zeal and eagerly that what we should be working toward. Yes it’s great to please men but our goal should be that we are doing things in a manner that will be pleasing unto the Lord. Why? Because  verse 25 closes with these words “there is no respect of persons.” The place you work for may have a nice meal after the project thanking everyone for their hard work. Most of the time the one thanking everyone will say something like this “I want to thank everyone for their hard work, for their sacrifice and long hours which without we could have never accomplished this project. Then that group of hard working employees may hear the speaker say “and I want to give a special thanks to Joe Miller for keeping this project on track for without his input we might have never completed it.” Now this is the time it will show who you were really doing it for. How that part of the speech affects you will determine who. If we are not careful we will let the respect of a special person affect our attitude. What’s the correct answer and how should you or I respond to that? Who we were doing it for in the first place. If we were doing it for men, respect toward another will affect our attitude; you might say something like this “Joe Miller is a nice guy but without us Joe i nothing.” On the other hand if you are doing it for the Lord your attitude shouldn’t change, bonus, dinner, and speech won’t matter. Why? Because God ”is no respect of persons.” Including Joe!