Work and work

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 1:5

I work with the youth of our church. I also work in information technology. How does this verse from Paul apply? There is no question that my work with the youth is produced by faith. Although I have been doing it for over 20 years I have little clue about what I'm doing. Week by week I've learned to let go and trust God that what I have to share that week will be meaningful and that it is what suits His purpose. Without question I love these kids, that has been a constant and a source of joy. The endurance I have must come from the holy Spirit as year by year I tell myself I don't have anything left to give and yet God has been faithful. But what about my "real" job?
I love technology. I've always had a knack for understanding it and enjoy that it can be used to help others get their job done more efficiently and effectively. I'm struggling though with the idea that Paul's words would apply here. Is my work here produced by faith, prompted by love and sustained by the Holy Spirit? Can it have the same kind of meaning in God's kingdom that my work with youth has? I'm praying about that.

It Really Makes a Difference

For quite some time now I've been told and have been telling others that it is important to spend time with God. Quiet Time, devotional, whatever you want to call it. It only makes sense of course. If you are in a real relationship with someone then you spend time with them; sharing what's going on in your life and listening to what they have to share.

For the past couple of weeks, God has provided a time for He and I to be alone. I have "started" this process dozens of times in my life. This is the first time I've maintained any consistency. Three weeks!. I'm almost embarrassed to claim some form of victory in that length of time. But it is what it is and it has made a difference. I look back at the end of my days and can reflect on a change in my days. Where they were once scatterred and unfocused, there has developed a purpose. There are moments that God catches me to be obedient in or to stop and pray about. There is fruit, or at least places where the seed for fruit has been planted. Spend time with Him. His promise is to bless it.