Matthew 6:28-34 NIV — “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What consumes your attention and your thoughts? Do you spend your time worrying about circumstances and situations? Worrying disrupts our peace and robs us of joy. In fact, most of our worries are out of our control. Today’s scripture reminds us to not worry. Easier said than done, right?

In his book, Draw the Circle, Mark Batterson writes, “We tend to view the goal as the goal, but in God’s economy the process is the goal. It’s not about what we are doing at all; it’s about who we are becoming in the process.” Today I encourage you to focus on the process your struggles may be taking you through. Don’t focus on worry. Focus on who you are becoming in this process.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. Instead of worrying, help me to focus on who I am becoming in the process of my struggles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV — Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Today’s verse reminds us to be content and to remember God is always with us. When we stay focused on this promise we can focus our attention on all we are grateful for and have joy. For who or what are you thankful? Last week Julie reminded us of the practice of making a daily gratitude list. I encourage you to not only make your gratitude list but to choose one of those to focus on today. Explore why that is a gratitude for you. What about it brings you joy? Is this something that helps to change your focus? Is it something that matters most? An attitude of gratitude is pleasing to God and allows you to positively affect those around you. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. Help me to have an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Philippians 4:4-9 NIV — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Today’s scripture encourages us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or praiseworthy. My challenge for you today is that whenever you find your mind focusing on worry to turn your worry into a prayer or praise. For example, if I am worried about the health of a loved one I will turn that worry into a prayer of thanksgiving for that person and ask God for His healing touch. I have learned I must then let it go and trust God. 

How have you learned to change your thoughts around to focus on what matters most?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. May I learn to turn my worries into prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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James 4:13-17 NIV — Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Last week Julie encouraged us to live for today. This week I will go a step further and encourage you to focus on what matters most as you live for today. Today’s key verse says, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The Message version says it like this, “You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.” The point is, our lives are short and we must make the most of what we do with our time. What is your focus? Are you consumed by the circumstances around you? What do you do to intentionally stay focused on Christ and His call on your life?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. Forgive me when my focus is on earthly matters instead of being focused on You and Your call on my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

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Read over and meditate on this week’s featured scriptures.

James 4:13-17 NIV — Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV 

Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV — Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Matthew 6:28-34 NIV 

Philippians 4:13 NKJV — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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This week we will focus on what matters most. Let’s start our time with a country song by Cody Johnson titled ‘Til You Can’t.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV — Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This week we have explored our purpose, as a child of God, to make disciples and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. On this Savor Saturday I am praising God for the opportunity to share the word of God with you through Water Walkers, as well as the bond and friendships I have with Julie and Ray as a result. While we may have been friends outside of our work on Water Walkers, our shared purpose to spread the Gospel and make disciples has strengthened our bond and blessed me with strength and comfort. Ray and Julie, affectionately known as Ju Ju, continue to show me what it means to be a Christian friend as they share my joys and burdens of life. They are two of the cheerleaders I call to tell about the blessings of life as well as two of the prayer warriors I call on to help in times of trouble. I savor our shared mission to obey Christ’s command to make disciples and I savor the bond we have as friends. 

Who have you formed a bond of friendship with as a result of a shared desire to serve others and make disciples of Christ? Take time today to let them know how much you savor your relationship. Intentionally thank God for the blessings of friendship you have as a result of fulfilling your purpose. 

Let’s pray. Thank You God for the bonds of friendship You have blessed me with as a result of responding to Your call to spread the Gospel and make disciples. May I always savor our times of service together and never take for granted the opportunities to fulfill my Christian purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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