Colossians 3:23

 

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,"

Colossians 3:23 (NKJ)

    It's great to do a job with genuine joy! Heart makes art, for one. When a person cares about something a lot and puts their heart into working on it, the result is usually spectacular and special--which is important since our work as well as our lives reflect God. And not only that, but being passionate about the work makes it wonderful all the way. Rather than it being just a task, it's something one can enjoy thoroughly; a blessing!
    The fact that the Lord wants us to be blessed in working is so wonderful, isn't it? God is good!

Church Is Awesome!

     Hopefully everyone's heard at least once that the church is a family, not a business. A place where we can learn more about God and see fellow believers.
    And it's not just wonderful to go to church, but it's vital. There are so many ways a person is blessed and strengthened by coming. For example . . .
    God's Word! Private Bible studies at home are fantastic, but there's also something special about coming to a place and hearing someone else read and discuss the Word in depth. Pastors/clergymen have special training to do so, and often know special information (like in-depth definitions of Hebrew/Greek words used in the Bible, related historical events, and scientific/archeological facts that support the Word).
    Worship. Not only is worship beautiful and good for us, but it's wonderful for God. "Because He is your Lord, worship Him." says the psalmist in Psalm 45:11 (NKJ). Being created and redeemed by the Lord, it's only right that we give Him service in return. And music is a fantastic gift! Worshipping before the study is a perfect opportunity to give back to the One who has given us so much.
    Prayer support. Particularly in specialized groups (like youth group or a women's study group) there are sturdy "nets" of prayer. We can ask for prayer from fellow believers, and help brothers and sisters in Christ by praying for them. In Matthew 18:20 (NKJ), Christ says: "'For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.'" At least one other person would be at church, completing the minimal twosome needed in this promise!
    Fellowship. Hanging out with fellow believers and  freely talking about God, the Bible, the spiritual walk, and other like matters. Being able to relate with someone on these matters is refreshing! It makes deeper friendships, and it strengthens our family bond.
    Church events. Worship concerts, retreats, evangelizing excursions, missions, Bible camp, prayer meetings, volunteering in the community. Lots of churches have at least one of these sort of activities. And they're wonderful opportunities to grow in the faith, to interact with fellow believers (see: Fellowship), to serve others, and to spread the Gospel.
    Isn't the church, our family in God, wonderful? What's your favorite thing about your church?

Writing Games: Occupation

    What if my protagonist worked in a grocery store? Has anyone ever wondered that? Daydreamed about a particular character in their current project having an ordinary modern-day job?
    What sort of job would they have with their abilities (handiness with tools, superpowers, finely toned charisma)? What sort of environment would they prefer; a busy shopping mall or a little shop with a very small staff? Would they work just to make a living, or because they love their career? What time of the day (or night?) would they work during?
    How would they interact with coworkers, their boss, the customers? Or would they work a job that gives them complete solitude? What kind of ovation (or trouble) do they get in their work? What do they accomplish? How do they get to and from work?
    This writing prompt asks all of these questions and places your character (protagonist, antagonist, sidekick, mentor, etc.) in a place they might never be in the story. It can be fun and a nice way to develop the character more.
    Here are a few examples of places to work:
    -Fast Food     -Restaurant     -Grocery Store     -Library
    -Beach     -Amusement Park     -Thrift Store     -Shoe Store
    -Bookstore     -Car Wash     -Doughnut Shop     -Pet Store
    -Café     -Flower Shop     -Barber Shop     -Electronics Store
    Do you enjoy writing prompts like this?

Numbers 6:24-26

 

"'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."'"

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJ)

    This is the way that God told Moses to bless the people of Israel: a prayer-like blessing that gives them His protection, grace, and peace. What a wonderful way to be blessed!
    And awesomely, we also receive blessings such as these in our salvation through Jesus Christ. God's protection (2 Timothy 4:17), His grace (2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 2:8, ), His peace (John 14:27, Ephesians 2:14), and His undeniable love.
    It's so good to be members of God's great family, isn't it?

Following the Leader

    There's a verse in the Word that says we as believers are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJ). An ambassador is a representative of something--usually a nation. Our being called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ means that we're supposed to be living representatives of Him, showing the world what God's character is like and how He leads us.
    Man, can saying that be a lot easier than doing it.
    It's not impossible. But hasn't everyone had one of those moments when they've wanted to give a rudely sarcastic person a piece of their own medicine? Or just frown--dare I say glare?--at someone when they're behaving disrespectfully and obnoxiously? It's not righteous to do those things, but the temptation's like a massive itch on the inside. And the fact that lots of other people around us and characters in books and movies lash back at offenders doesn't really help either.
    But the fact is, Jesus Christ didn't do those kind of things. He lived a completely righteous life, speaking and behaving peaceably. He selflessly healed countless people when He had to have been getting tired, had patience with His disciples when they made mistakes, and at His crucifixion . . . He let people insult Him, slander Him, and even hit Him, but He never hit back. He never got bitter. He didn't get into arguments with every person who hurled an insult at Him. He held back His power and never lost His temper. And that takes an immeasurable amount of strength to do.
    Along with His pure words, His conduct speaks volumes of righteousness, forgiveness, and genuine love for humanity. So in conclusion, as representatives of Him, it'd be extremely wise to look at Him and follow His example. To do as Paul suggested in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJ): "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

Jules Renard: No Interruptions!

"Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted."

~Jules Renard

    Okay, so who else aside from me has a particular dislike for being interrupted while speaking?
    Probably most people, right? It's frustrating--particularly when you're saying something really cool and interesting. A moment when one's sentences are well-crafted and not awkwardly worded in the slightest (which, for some of us, doesn't happen every day) . . . but then someone--the listener or a conversation-hijacker--interrupts to say their own thing. Less interesting, but nevertheless attention is pulled to it, and the awesome moment is ruined.
    That. Stinks.
    And it's such a fantastic thing that we get to avoid it when writing. Alone, with total (well, most) control over what comes out on the paper/screen, no one can cut us off mid-sentence and squander the awesome dialogue. We can say the fabulous things we want to say and have it complete its course (and then proceed to alter it almost completely in the editing process, but that's another topic).
    Isn't it great to write uninterrupted? Does your story have at least one scene where an interruption would spoil something important?

Psalm 95:2

 

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."

Psalm 95:2 (NKJ)

    The Lord has blessed us so much! He has given us very many good things. Salvation, a relationship with Him, His undying love, the ability to talk with Him, His Word, family, and the ability to observe the beautiful things He's made, like flowers and sunsets. These things are all wonderful, beautiful blessings! And it's good to thank the Lord for them. Not only is it right, but it pleases Him. Who doesn't want to do that?
    I hope you have a wonderful week! :)