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Reaching In, Reaching Up, Reaching Out: The Spiritual Work of Overcoming Racism
“And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what Read More
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Douglas L. Carver | Read 1 Samuel 15:34-35
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Sign Up TodayA key military leadership principle is the commander’s intent, whose primary purpose is to focus subordinate units on actions that must be accomplished to ensure mission success. The commander’s intent is nonnegotiable, requiring unwavering trust from subordinate units in the commander’s strategy, even when faced with unexpected events or temporary...
Loving God, lead us daily into your glorious presence. May we trust and follow your plan for our lives. Amen.
From a human perspective, we tend to judge people by appearances: how attractive they are, how wealthy they seem to be. God’s standard, however, is not outward appearance but the attitude of the heart. David was the youngest brother in his family, yet God knew his mighty heart and chose him as the next king of Israel. The psalmist declares that God gives victory to those who put their trust in God, not in the outward appearance of might. Jesus reinforces this truth with the parable of the mustard seed. Though the seed appears small, it grows into a robust plant. Paul tells the Corinthians that we should no longer judge people by what we see on the outside, for God changes what really matters—what is on the inside.
• Read 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13. What clear guidance has the Lord given you regarding an area of obedience in your life?
• Read Psalm 20. How has the Lord answered you when you called out during a critical moment in time?
• Read Mark 4:26-34. What prevents you from trusting God to use your testimony to lead others to Jesus Christ?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-17. How does your trust in and obedience to God affect your personal conduct and your attitude toward others?
Respond by posting a prayer.
"Thank you for the creative teams [of The Upper Room] who are working together to share the power of prayer around the world. You have collaborated with everyone working from our homes to share the gifts of hope, love, grace, and peace." (Written in response to The Upper Room COVID-19 response efforts). View Jaqui's video contribution to the initiative, helping us create space and time for God in these anxious times.
