Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 106:1 (ESV)
When I was a young man, many, many years ago, most folks hoped to find a good job.
A good job was one that would always be there, which paid a fine salary, and came with a nice retirement plan. At such a job a person might stay his entire working career.
But times have changed. Retirement plans are no longer offered by many companies and very few job-seekers are ready to commit their lives to a company. Yes, times have changed and one of those changes deals with benefits and perks. A benefit and perk are those extra somethings a company may offer so it can get and keep the very best employees possible. According to a recent survey benefits and perks are the most important thing to some job applicants.
And if you're wondering what kind of benefits some companies offer, how about
1. Facebook, which offers healthcare coverage and free housing for its interns, many of whom make more than $7,000 a month;
2. In-N-Out Burger tells employees they can have a free Double-Double burger and fries for each shift they work;
3. Deloitte offers sabbatical programs; the first lasts one month and can be taken for any reason; the second at 44 percent salary, runs 3-6 months;
4. Genentech gives their employees on-site perks such as car washes, haircuts, a childcare center, a mobile spa, and a dentist.
Now I think all that's wonderful, but these companies cannot match the benefits the Lord bestows. No, I'm not talking about heaven, although heaven would be enough. I'm speaking of the many here-and-now blessings the Lord gives us -- such as
• Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
• Isaiah 41:10a - Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
• Isaiah 54:10a - Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor be removed.
• Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope;
• Psalm 9:10 - Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.
No doubt you can list other benefits the Lord has given. If not, it's time to search the Scriptures and try to get just a glimpse of the graciousness of the Triune God.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, each day we live is filled with blessings that come from Your hand. May we see, appreciate and offer praise for these blessings both great and small, temporary and eternal. In the Savior's Name I pray it. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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