The Lord showed me years ago that all of my work will be more enjoyable, productive, and successful if I will invite Him into it. He reminded me of John 15:5 (NIV), where Jesus says: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." God wants us to be fruitful for His glory, no matter what kind of work we are doing. It starts with surrendering our lives to Christ, and walking closely with Him throughout each day. As we commit each endeavor to Him, and ask for His wisdom and strength, His Spirit infuses us with divine power that enables our efforts to be successful and productive. When Jesus says, "Apart from Me you can do nothing," He means that we can do nothing of eternal value without His help. When we do our work in the name of Christ - even if it's the most mundane work - we will receive earthly and eternal rewards for our efforts.

The other verse that I stand on daily for my endeavors is Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This doesn't mean that I can be a concert pianist through Christ's power, but that I can accomplish everything that He has called me to do, as I rely on His strength. I like the Living Bible translation which says: "I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." I can love unlovable people when I depend on Christ's strength to do it. I can be the wife, mother, and grandmother that God wants me to be when I rely on the Master's power. And I can minister to others as I am called to when I draw on Christ's strength which abides in me through His indwelling Spirit. When I put John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13 together, I can declare with all truthfulness: "Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things!" Hallelujah! Below is a prayer based on the Word of God that I pray every day. I can testify to its power, and I encourage you to pray it, too. God bless you!

Prayer: Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things. So I commit to You this day all of my ways, all of my works, all of my intentions, endeavors, and efforts, and I ask that You direct them, perfect them, bless them, anoint them, and crown them with success, in Jesus' name. And help me to enjoy and profit from every moment and aspect of them! (John 15:5 NIV; Philippians 4:13 NKJV; Proverbs 3:6 TLB; Psalm 138:8 NASB; Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT; Proverbs 14:23 NIV)