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Give her the reward of her labor, 
and let her works praise her at the city gates. - Proverbs 31:31 Last time, we walked our way through a most important Kingdom principle brought down from Heaven. We learned that there are only two ‘ways’ on earth - two paths from which we choose. One might be quick to recall that those are ‘the narrow and the broad ways’. And one would be absolutely correct. But, let us dive a little deeper into what that really means for our walks, i.e. works. Our lives are being led in either one of two ways: Kingdom Productive OR Self-Destructive. Consider our ideal model - a woman so near the heart and mind of God that not only do her works praise her, but her God does as well! Paul reminded the Corinthians that ‘each one’s praise will come from God’ (1 Corinthians 4:5). He is our Master. He is the One we will render our accounts to for all the works we have done on earth. Only by HIS grace will we be found faithful stewards of that grace. The Hebrew word for works, ma’aseh, is ‘an action (good or bad) that results in a finished product (good or bad)’. This brings to my mind the Proverb that teaches ‘even a child is known by his deeds’ (Proverbs 20:11). Can I ask what are you known for? Do you believe our Great and Holy God would praise you presently in your works (present responses to trying situations)? What does your fruit-ometer reveal - is it on E or F? Which kind of seed are you sowing into your future harvest? I heard a man once say that there are only two types of Kingdom workers - those who build up (Builders) and those who tear down (Destroyers). I used to mistakenly believe that there was a third group - those who do nothing. But, the Proverb (18:9) revealed that ‘the lazy man is brother to the destroyer’. Oh My! There really are only TWO WAYS in life! Which worker are you? Do your words, thoughts and deeds build up or do they tear down? I make it a point to remind my(sheepish)self that BOTH kinds are workers, indeed. Both the Builder and Destroyer do their WORK...but only one’s work will escape the fire (2 Peter 3:11-12). Remember, we have no permanent city here (Hebrews 13:14)! With the gift of each new day He brings, I pray - for His Name’s sake - that we each learn to carefully examine our works (Galatians 6:4). Moreover, I pray that the God of shalom - Who raised that Great Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ, from the dead, by the blood of the New Covenant - equip you with every good thing you need to do His will; and may He do in us whatever pleases Him through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory forever and ever. And may you each receive glorious praise from all your works (seed-sowing) but, especially, may those praises ring from our Great God. Amen! (Hebrews 13:20-21).

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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