Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

Read

Reflect

We all have those times of feeling people in our circle and we admire have not shown us the respect we thought we deserved.  Our Encounter Sunday School lessons for the Summer quarter were about Job.  In the beginning, he was highly respected, then he lost everything.  Some of those “friends” walked away from him; some of them criticized him because they thought he was arrogant.  A small group remained close to him, but even they questioned his attitude.

In Psalm 129 David relates the sense of being attacked and struggling to remain strong.  He hurls accusations back at them.  Don’t we all feel the need to do that at times?  Be honest.  I know I do.  One of the popular sayings currently in my circle of friends is “Ask yourself if this is a hill you are willing to die on.”  In other words, is fighting back worth the effort?

I was asked recently what I would consider as my motto.  I had to think about that for a few minutes because over the years, I have had a few phrases I would frequently repeat when things would get distressing.  Currently, it is “God is in control.”  I think that is the best one I have ever had.  It covers everything.  So, is it my place to try and fight alone, or should I wait for God to direct me in the actions He wants me to take?  I think you know my answer.  I hope and pray it is yours also.

Pray

God, you know the ends from the beginning. Your purposes will stand. Help us to be at the center of your will. Never let us stray and grant us a deep and abiding trust in you. Amen.

Go with God!