I pray to be praising…

What would you do if you lost all your possessions?

Possessions on earth will only weigh one down. Not that we shouldn’t possess anything or that we have to draw a boundary of enough and too much. I believe the most important aspect is our connection to such items. We can enjoy our possessions but to connect oneself to them to the extent that the very thought of losing them brings about fear, or that what is considered life will be drastically altered, turns a possession into an idol. If material owns that much of one’s conscience, who truly possesses who?

There have been, and still may be, times when thinking of losing things made me wonder how my faith would be during the grieving process. These times, the things I thought of losing were pretty drastic, my house or my family. It may be hard to think of praising God through the loss of major possessions but take the time to read the book of Job.

The other aspect of this, that should be taken into consideration, is the mark of the beast. I believe such a connection to our possessions is what will lead ones to receive a cause of their eternal damnation.

“and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation‬ ‭13‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is why I pray that if a day comes where I may lose something of importance, my first and lasting response is to be able to praise God and trust that it is for a reason. I pray to remember that everything is His and humble myself to still look for gratitude in what is left, if only it’s my life alone. Being grateful just to be alive is better than cursed over something that will burn in the fire.

“and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21 KJV

“Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.” Job 41:11 ESV

“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:22-31 KJV

“Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.” Jeremiah 42:6 KJV

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:39 KJV

Malachi 3:2-5

The second verse starts off with two rhetorical questions: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?”. These two are asked to enforce the notion like in Psalms: “Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”and again in Romans: “as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” That in the presence of Jesus and his glory none can stand. “for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:” A refiner’s (to smelt,refine, or test and prove true) fire and a fullers’ soap which washes rags. This symbolism references not only what the coming Messiah will do to the unrepentant Jews but also what Jesus does in our hearts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 KJV. Jesus tests our hearts and brings our impurities to the surface that can then be wiped away.

I heard a saying once “The closer one gets to God, the more sinful they may feel” Learning who Jesus is and how he remained perfect through everything he endured during his earthly ministry makes me feel guilty or ashamed at how I handle comparatively minuscule situations. How has Jesus changed your behavior or how you have dealt with situations differently?

Another possible aspect to these questions, I believe, is: Could this verse be referencing two different events by using the words coming and appeareth? The first question references “the day of his coming”, in Hebrew the word is “bô” which could mean to go in, enter, come in, or to be introduced. This same word was used in the first verse “and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple”. Again in John 1:29 its written: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”. Now in John the Greek word used is erchomai which also means to come or become known. These references could point to the meaning of the first question to be about Jesus’ first coming.

The second question its phrased as “when he appeareth” which in Hebrew is the word rā’â pronounced raw-aw and could mean to see, perceive, to be caused to see or be shown. The same word is used in Psalm 102:16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, He shall appear in his glory.” Also in Hebrews 9:28 its written: “so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” The greek word used for appear is optanomai which means to look at, behold, or to allow one’s self to be seen. Its also interesting to take into account that in Phillipians 2: 8-11 its written: “and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” That after his first coming, Jesus was crucified and exalted his name to which none can stand but that all knees should bow. The same notion is again writing in Revelations 6:17 “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Many references to Jesus second coming seem to refer to his appearance and that none will stand but all will bow.

This interpretation could bring a light to the next three verses. Malachi 3:3 starts off with “And he shall sit” which is the Hebrew word yāšab which means to dwell or remain. In Luke 22 is written: “Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.” The Pharisees ask Jesus if he is the Christ and he replies that after He is crucified He will sit at the right hand of God “as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver,”. During which time He will cleanse the priests and bring about ones that will be able to bring an offering in righteousness. “Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years”. John MacArthur references the days of old as in the days of Solomon( 2 Chronicles 7:8-10)

“Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt. And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.” 2 Chronicles 7:8-10 KJV

Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:26)

“There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.”

These verses referencing the “days of old” brings an aspect that in those days there was joy in offering or service to the Lord. It seems the joy turned into laboring as if the Priests were laboring to offer sacrifice or in service to the Lord. There has been times when I have felt this and I believe that feeling and what actions happen within that mindset are works that are unfruitful. They are forced, contrived, vain attempts to earn salvation or act as if God needs me to do it. I believe this mindset arises from times of stress, anxiety, and when I do not have motivation for anything. Other times that can cause similar emotions are times when I don’t feel worthy or deserving and an attempt is made to earn it back. This is forgetting that: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8 ESV. This ties into what seemed to be the topic of our class this morning. Our focus on Jesus and being aware of opportunities to build up His Kingdom.

Back to the verses following “the days of old”. John MacArthur interprets verse 5 to reveal the result of the refining and purifying process through Jesus: “What is a refining process for the remnant of repentant Jews who acknowledge their Messiah, preparing them to enter the kingdom and worship in the millennial temple, will be for others utter destruction. All the iniquitous behaviors in this verse are evidence that these are people who “do not fear” God. In Malachi 2:17, they asked a question, “Where is the God of justice?”, and here is the answer. “ I will draw near to you for judgement” Occult practices were clearly forbidden by continued into NT times. Adultery also violated God’s law, as did perjury, extortion and oppression.

Father, thank you for the joy that we can find in Jesus, that those who follow after Him will not have to face judgement. That this is a free gift from You. I pray that our joy of following Jesus through our refining and purifying process, which starts from inside and becomes exuberant acts of worship outwardly. I pray to be reminded, in times when it feels laboring, that You don’t need but want my heart, mind, soul and strength. “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” AMEN.

Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:1 KJV

Chapter 2 ended with Malachi telling the Jews that they weary the Lord by condoning evil then asking “Where is the God of Justice?”. Chapter 3 starts off with Malachi informing them that they will soon get their answer. God speaks through Malachi to let the priests know there will be a messenger sent before His coming and we know this messenger to be John the Baptist who proclaims “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” Mark 1:3 ESV. He tells them that after this messenger will come the Lord, that they seek, as the Messenger of the covenant, in whom they delight. (According to John MacArthur, in his commentary Bible he states; “This is likely sarcastic. These sinful people were not delighting in God then, nor would they when he came in judgment on their hypocritical worship and cleaned the temple.” Cf John 2:13-25) After the jab, God again says “behold, he shall come” telling them He’s coming and they are not going to be happy with their request.

If God knows that Jesus is not the Messiah the Jewish leaders are awaiting, what kind of justice were they asking for?

Are we always ready for what we ask or pray for? I remember when I moved down here, after a couple months I started praying to meet my neighbors. It only takes a few weekends of repetitiveness to start looking for change of pace and reason to venture out, like finding a friendly neighbor. So I prayed and prayed, and eventually God answered my prayer, with a category 4 hurricane. With the electricity out and plenty of work outside to do I had the time and excuses to venture around and meet the neighbors.

Can you recall a time when God answered your prayers in a way you didn’t anticipate?

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

We all have desires. We all have needs. But are they focused on gaining what is truly needed first to bring about fulfillment. Instead of focusing on gaining money, we should pray to be more responsible with the money we do have. Instead of focusing gaining influence, pray to be more encouraging of others. When we focus on where we want to be, rather focus on learning the path to get there. Our primary desires should be for the precursors that bring about their fruits.

The Jews of this time of Malachi wanted their Messiah to come but God gave them 400 years, after He said he’s coming, to think about “why hasn’t He arrived yet?”. Priests of the time of Malachi and up til Jesus’ ministry, focused on their works of the law, like sacrifices which were not acceptable, and not on God. (We see this in Matthew 23:23 where Jesus says: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”) Seems that their lives were on their own terms (Malachi 2:8), and to live some for God but more for themselves. For 400 more years the sacrifices must have continued in the hopes they would be purified enough for the Messiah to come. It took 400 years until John the Baptist arrives and tells them to “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.” John prepares the way by baptizing them in water for repentance of their sins which is self sacrifice and the path for the Lord to come into their lives.

Glory be to God, We cannot and do not have to make ourselves good enough for Jesus for HIm to come into our lives. He makes us clean from the inside out. All we must do first is accept Him into our hearts and He will purify us outward. Which is accomplished by us first sacrificing our old selves and then seeking Him, praying for His righteousness, and being aware, or at times prepared, for the answer.

Do you remember your reasons for turning to God? Was it an epiphany or a progression through study and seeking?

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us the way to true life. Thank you for accepting us where we were before and where we are now. Each day extending grace and continually showing us how to live better lives thereby taking the burden off us to know how to do it ourselves. I pray to focus on the qualities and characteristics that You guide to attain. That through Your teaching I learn what matters most and to be grateful for what is gained. I ask to calm my desire for constant improvement that is in excess of what You will for my life and to be content with where I am, knowing that where I have to be will come in time. Thank you for coming into my heart and showing me the path to true life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Praising

What could you do more of?

Gratefulness is a powerful force that can clear a storm. The mindset of being grateful is empowering to focus one’s mind, gain energy, and give clarity to decisions. However, where is the thanks given?

It distressed me today when I looked back at the last year and a half. I thought about how many times I got down on my knees to pray to God and of those times, how many were to give praise.

Humbling myself in front of God and surrendering control when times are hard is more common for me then when everything is going good. Why?

I believe its a quicker thought when times are tough to humble in front of God. It takes me getting to my limit of being overwhelmed to submit control. It feels like only when all my options have failed do I look to the best one I have available. Once God calms the storm, getting back down on my knees in praise isn’t my first thought. I congratulate myself like I should be rewarded for making the choice to submit once more to God. It’s what we should do anyway.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I thank God during the day, before dinner, and before going to bed buts it’s wherever I am. Sitting in a truck or chair, or laying in bed, comfortably throwing up praise but shouldn’t I be setting aside time and going to the same place I was when I needed Him. Pride can remain in such a small amount but has a big impact on how we truly worship and give praise.

Father, I’m sorry for my lack of praise. For not taking the time out of my good days to express my gratitude for all that you have done for me. All praise belongs to You because it is through you that all goodness is in my life. Help me to get over the remaining pride left in my heart and allow my heart to sing forever praises to Your Name. And it is that name that we give honor, glory, and praise. Amen

Precursor to fulfillment

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33 KJV

We all have desires. We all have needs. But are they focused on gaining what is truly needed first to bring about fulfillment. Instead of focusing on gaining money, we should focus on being more responsible of the money we do have. Instead of focusing on influence, focus on encouragement. When we focus on where we want to be, rather focus on learning the path to get there. Our primary desires should be for the precursors that bring about their fruits.

Father, I pray to focus on the qualities and characteristics that You guide to attain. That through Your teaching I learn what matters most and to be grateful for what is gained. I ask to calm my desire for constant improvement that is in excess of what You will for my life and to be content with where I am, knowing that where I have to be will come in time. Thank you for all that has been given to me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Forgiveness

Which topics would you like to be more informed about?

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19 KJV

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the LORD shall reward thee.” Proverbs 25:21-22 KJV

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 KJV

When we are wronged the fleshly impulse is to react with vengeance. We want payback for what we have lost. Time back for the car cutting us off and then going slow in front of us. Want our money back when it is unjustly taken away. We want our respect restored when disrespected.

How many factors are taken into account prior to a response? At times, could our assumptions of intentions of others be wrong? Do we take actions personal when it could’ve been a simple mistake or misunderstanding? Holding others to a standard that ourselves cannot uphold consistently diminishes our justification for reconciliation. Knee jerk reactions are then needing of forgiveness. Only God truly knows the intentions of our hearts thus able to instill true and proper justice.

We want others to feel how we felt when the wrong was committed but if their reaction isn’t what we desire or expected, that sure burns a hole in us. Next step is usually a more severe reaction now in severity exceeding that of the original wrongdoing.

What most likely causes the need for recompense? Pride. If money is a root of all evil, pride is another that supplies nutrients to the vine of thorns. Pride not only inhibits offering forgiveness but also seeking it. Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, is a man that was attached to both roots. He sold the Messiah for 30 shekels or pieces of silver (worth about $265 today) which was eventually used to buy “the field of blood”which his blood spilt upon after his pride caused suicide. Even after betraying Jesus, if Judas asked for forgiveness it would have been given but his pride would not allow him to do so, rather he chose to hang himself. Whether it’s asking for or giving and receiving forgiveness, one must not allow pride to strangle out the chance for peace.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12 KJV

Next time we are wronged, resist the urge for revenge and allow room grace. Grace is extended to us from God through all the wrongs we commit against him. Who are we to not do the same? This way you shall receive payment in the form of a treasure that can never be taken away.

Dear Father, judge of heavens and earth, help me to humble myself and resist the urge to search out justice when I feel wronged. That I do not become a continuance to a broken system of revenge. Give me the strength to fight against my pride and be able to extend forgiveness. Help me to remember, that like myself, we are not perfect and offer grace that You unconditionally give to us. Thank you for your love and mercy. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Our forever home…

What does your ideal home look like?

An ideal home. A journey through materialism and dreams. Thinking about size and aesthetics, fancy furniture, beautiful decor, bountiful amenities, and the like. All these options nestled into an ideal geographical location that completes all the desires of the heart. All in hopes that the new found humble abode brings joy that lasts longer than the time it took to design. In the end, what makes a house a home? The spirit that fills in the space between the walls. If it’s a spirit of materialism which caused the need for all the objects that fill the space, more and more will be needed like a hoarder of non-necessity. With the Spirit a home can be filled with joy, gratefulness, hope, and contentment. Who is in the home should be more of a priority than the what. Invite the Lord into your home until the day comes that He calls you to His.

My ideal home was designed long ago,

Constructed with gold and precious stone.

Illuminated with a steady glow.

By a Father all will know.

He welcomes all into this place,

Where we will see His face.

Where all tears are wiped away,

No pain is felt Day after Day.

No more sense of urgency,

All can be done inside eternity.

There isn’t a thought of wrong,

All malice is forever gone.

All my neighbors are of the same mind,

Loving, joyful, grateful and kind.

I know I’m not alone,

When I say, I can’t wait to be home.

“I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

State of mind…

What do you love about where you live?

What is more important? Where we live or how we live? The geographical location of our existence can be much harder to change then our perspectives of the same matter. The weather conditions of where we live is beyond one’s control but to dwell in the positive or negative determines how much it affects us. The physical landscape is also affected by perspective, we choose what is good or bad and which one we prefer to see. In the end, where we live, first is in our minds and that moves outward into the physical world.

I am often asked this question because I recently moved to Florida from New York. I first explain that I do enjoy the weather more (heat is tough at times but not having the inconvenience of snow is worth it) and the area (being close to beautiful beaches and the paradise-resembling landscape) is better than NY. However, NY was also a physically beautiful place and had advantages to its weather. The temperate spring and fall, the beauty in the changing of seasons, and the diversity of its landscapes were all advantages of living in the Northeast. However, the biggest change from NY to Fl is not out in the physical world that makes the difference but first in my own mind.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God doesn’t so much change our circumstances as He does our minds. By changing our regret to acceptance and/or understanding, complaints to gratefulness, frustrations to calmness, and worries to hope, He begins to mold our perspective of the world around us. Sheltered in his love and promises, we can endure any harsh conditions the world has in store.

If there is something I don’t love about my life, I will first ask myself why I have this feeling? Is there something I can do to change it? Does the subject of my frustration need to change or does my perspective? There is a very limited amount of the world that I can personally change but more can change inside my own mind. Where I live now, firstly and mentally, is in the shelter of the Lord and that has greatly transformed the landscape of my life. Glory be to the God who saves and transforms lives.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

By the next choice…

How do you plan your goals?

If the next moment, if I make the right choice, could be the next step toward my goal, what would I do? My goal would have to be defined first. What is my goal? My goal is to live for Jesus Christ, who gave me this life. If He gave me this life, then would a goal for my future be my goal?

Goal: the end toward which effort is directed

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lord, I pray to direct all my effort towards you. In each decision, every conversation, and every moment. I pray to be focused on you and your love each time. My goal is to do this every moment so that I can enjoy what your path is for me. Glory be Your name and it’s is in His name that we pray, Amen.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Glory to God

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

I blog the thoughts and experiences I receive along my walk with Jesus. I don’t claim to be correct, I’m learning as I go, but I write what I feel inspired to share hoping others can relate and gain something from it. I hope some feel inspired to provide feedback, be it affirming, would like to further some aspect, or even discuss one presented. In the end, I pray my blog brings glory to God by inspiring thought and spreading the good news.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬