Daily Companion  | 21 August

 WORKING, NOT SLOTHFUL

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. - Hebrews 6:12

A number of illnesses, including obesity, heart disease including coronary artery disease and heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, diabetes, and several malignancies, including uterine, breast, and intestine cancers, have been related to idleness and laziness. An inactive sedentary life is not healthy. God designed your body to be constantly at work though without prejudice to its resting moment.

 Our God is a hardworking God. As His image and likeness, nothing less than a conscientious life is expected from you. His first message to Adam was work: “Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work and keep it. (Genesis 2:15). God did not create any room for weakness or laziness. The world is full of activities to keep us strong and healthy. 

 Active people are less prone to depression because they are constantly motivated. Lack of motivation leads to idleness and invariable depression. The flesh will often tend to push the mind towards pleasures that endanger active and healthy living. Slothfulness is negativity. You are to resist this fatal urge. Discouragement may come to dissuade you from moving and working towards your targets, but you must rather be motivated. The Lord told Joshua, “Be strong”. (Joshua 1:5-7). To Zerubbabel and all the people of the land, He said, “Be strong” (Haggai 2:4).     

Dear friend, there is a striking consistency in the admonition from the Lord in that He assures us of His presence when we are active. God is always with those who are hardworking to strengthen, protect and bless the work of their hands. He told Joshua, “No man shall be able to stand before you...” To Zerubbabel, “I am with you”. The Lord looked upon Gideon, and said, “Go in this thy might (Judges 6:14). Paul said, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). 

Are you weak, unmotivated, or do you lack interest in working for yourself or for God? Then, you need Christ in your life. Christ is a life Motivator. With Christ, you can do anything. Let God be your strength, courage and motivation. Ask Christ to come into your life and strengthen you today.

Today’s Recite: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets. (Zechariah 8:9)

Today’s Morning Prayer: O Lord, my God, I thank You for making me in Your image and likeness. I come to You today for strength and courage. Remove every trait of laziness, procrastination and sluggishness far from me. You promise me of Your constant presence. Be with me always. Bless my hustle. Bless the work of my hands. I pray for a long healthy life as I work for You in Jesus' mighty name. Amen

Today’s Hymn: The Last Mile of The Way

Today’s ReadMe:  Ezekiel 1 - 3