Worship

Scripture

In the days of social media we often find ourselves with an overwhelming source of information-some good, some bad. I would argue there is far more bad than good. With all of the articles to read, self help courses/books, and podcasts it can be challenging to focus and instead can leave our heads spinning. 

I remember reading a popular self help book a few years back and the author presents 10 things throughout the course of his writing that I could do to improve my productivity. Towards the end of the book there was a strong emphasis put on choosing only one or two things to implement to avoid getting distracted. I thought to myself, “then why give me 10 things to work on in the book?”. So much of life is this way. We have so many different inputs in our lives that are vying for our attention. Friends, family, co-workers, and various sources of media often make choosing what to focus on a challenge. We can narrow that down and make things much simpler by listening to the wise words in scripture. 

In Ecclesiastes chapter 12 we find Solomon encouraging us to focus on the words of the wise and a warning to beware of anything beyond this. Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 says, “The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these.” 

One shepherd. One source. Anything beyond the words of God in scripture should be taken with a grain of salt. If you’re looking for help, look no further than the one true source-God in heaven. Allow God to focus your thoughts on the greatest self help book in the world-the Bible.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be a permanent covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Ezekiel 37:26-27

What an honor it is that we are permanently at peace with God and that He has chosen us as His people and His dwelling place.

ASK GOD

Give us today our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

Picture God extending His hands towards you.

What are you concerned about that needs to be placed in His hands? What is the “bread” you need from Him? Ask Him.

SUBMIT TO GOD

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:12-13

Imagine yourself entering a dark room, with a person in front of you, holding a flashlight, leading you. That’s what God does. As He leads you, tell Him how you desire to follow Him.

CLOSING PRAYER 

God, thank You for speaking to me! I will trust what You ask me to do, even when I don’t understand the reasons why. I don’t always need the answers, I just need You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.