The hand of the diligent makes rich. – Proverbs 10:4 NRS

If you want to succeed on the job here’s a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, “What’s your biggest challenge?” employers usually say, “Finding and keeping good people.” It makes or breaks any business. “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Pr 10:4 NRS). Diligence calls for being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and entails following through. The Bible says, “Diligence is… precious” (Pr 12:27 NKJV) because it’s so hard to find.

Diligent workers are worth their wages: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Pr 21:5 NIV). In God’s system the boss should profit by you and you should profit by him. Indeed, diligent people plan to be profitable employees. Do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Diligent workers rejoice in this, lazy workers resent it. Diligence, not politics and manipulation, will get you promoted. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labour” (Pr 12:24 NIV). In God’s economy you determine whether you become “ruler” or “slave” by how hard you’re willing to work. Lazy employees complain about the unfair boss, the biased system, the ‘company men’ who look out for the boss and the boss who looks out for them. They want the privileges others get but they’re not willing to work for them. “The sluggard craves and gets nothing” (Pr 13:4 NIV) because “his hands refuse to work” (Pr 21:25 NIV). “But the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Pr 13:4 NIV). They get it all: the satisfaction of a job well done, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, the Master’s “Well done”.

Soul Food Bible Readings: Lev 26-27, Mark 2:23 – 3:6, Ps 103:13-22, Pr 10:14

The Mighty Men of Celebration UNITED walk in the Lord’s grace and live by the following creed.

1 Corinthians 16: 13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

Are you an Authentic Man? 

There are lots of environments for You to begin or fortify the life-long journey called the Quest for Authentic Manhood. 

S.H.A.P.E. for Men: This class was such a huge success and benefit for the Brothers who participated that it is being offered again in the Spring Semester of WIN Institute.  Brother Eddie Pratt and David Robinson will be facilitating the class on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. beginning April 21, 2009.  If you ever wondered about God’s plan for you and your life, or where you can and should service in the church and God’s Kingdom, or what your particular spiritual gifts are, this is the place to be.  The S.H.A.P.E. class is a safe and secure environment where men can be transparent and transformed in study, reflection, introspection and discovery about themselves. (Even though it starts tonoght, you can still attend starting tonight or next week!)

Church-Wide Spring Cleaning – Celebration Church-Columbia: April 25, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Gardening, General Cleaning, Indoor & Outdoor Painting & Rubbish Removal.  We are looking for not a few but a lot of good Brothers to spruce up the inside and the outside of the church.  Bring you tools (brushes, drop cloths, tape, gardening tools, trucks and vans) and let’s pitch in to make God’s House a thing of beauty.  Let the Church know you are coming; Call Allecia Davis, 410-997-2088 ext 116.

Ushers for Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day is May 10, 2009, and we need men to serve as Ushers at all three services.  The Brothers showed up big time on Women’s Day and made a tremendous impression on the leadership, the congregation and the women at Celebration Church-Columbia.  We are calling on the Brothers at Celebration Church-Columbia and Celebration Church-Monroe Street to step up to the plate again and serve as Ushers and Greeters and honor our women Mother’s Day.  Brothers who can serve at Celebration Church-Columbia, please notify Brother Eric Gudniz, eagle0808@verizon.com, and Brother who can serve at Celebration Church-Monroe Street, please notify Brother Jeff Sanders, sanmanno9@aol.com.

GREAT DADS SEMINAR The 6 Basics of Being a Great Dad, Saturday, June 13, 2009, 8:00 a.m.-12:30  p.m., Grace Community Church 8200 Old Columbia Road (Rt. 216, East of Rt. 29), Fulton, MD 20759.  For details call 240-553 1090 or check the web at www.gcconline.org.  this is a great opportunity to get some basic skills to be a Great Dad.  This workshop is for Fathers, Father-to-be, Fathers waiting to be Fathers, Grandfathers, and any other man who is pouring or wants to pour into the lives of young people.

Men’s Institute: Every Saturday morning; 9:00-10:30 a.m.  This is an opportunity to fellowship with Brothers over the Word and the challenges of life.  The Brothers bring the love and the concerns and the Holy Spirit facilitates the discussion.

Men’s Bible Study: Every Thursday afternoon, 12:15-1:15 p.m.  A special time in the middle of the week to study the Men in the Bible with Brothers and encourage ourselves and each other to life the life that Christ calls us to live – the life of an Authentic Man.