Title: The Reward Of Hard Work
Memorize: In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 (Nkjv)
[10] Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
[11] I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.
[12] For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.
Message:
Today’s Bible reading explains that time is fleeting and we must make the most of every opportunity by giving our best in all we do. Many teenagers dream of success and often talk about their ambitions; they confess them in faith and pray earnestly. However, without hard work, those dreams will remain unfulfilled. Confession and prayer must be accompanied by hard work to yield tangible results.
The reward of hard work goes beyond material wealth; it builds character, sharpens skills, and creates opportunities for greater achievements. Diligent people not only gain external success; they also gain inner satisfaction from knowing that they have done their best.
My dear child, whatever task you find yourself doing, whether in academics, learning a skill, or serving others, please do it wholeheartedly, as if you’re working for God Himself. He sees your efforts and values your diligence, and He will reward you at the right time.
Key Point:
God rewards hard work.
Hymn 4: Revive Thy Work, O Lord
1 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
and make Thy people hear.
Refrain:
Revive Thy work, O Lord,
while here to Thee we bow;
descend, O gracious Lord, descend!
O come and bless us now.
2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
now let us thirst for Thee;
and hung’ring for the bread of life
may all our spirits be. [Refrain]
3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
exalt Thy precious name;
and, by the Holy Ghost, our love
for Thee and Thine inflame. [Refrain]
4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
give pow’r unto Thy word;
grant that Thy blessed gospel may
in living faith be heard. [Refrain]
5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
and give refreshing show’rs;
the glory shall be all Thine own,
the blessing, Lord, be ours. [Refrain]
Bible In One Year: Matthew 27:1-31, Leviticus 15-17
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye