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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our lives, futures, and plans are in God's hands. This inescapable reality is the basis of our existence. Remember what James, the brother of Jesus, taught us?

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" (James 4:13-15).

Living in God's will and being led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18-25) are the foundation of our joy and refreshment when we are together. Think about it: our meetings with each other, and our ministry to each other, are not chance happenings. They are acts of God's grace that invite us to share in God's blessing, joy, and refreshment.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for your direct involvement in my life. Thank you for your Spirit's leading, your Word's guidance, and the wisdom of older Christians. These have all deepened the meaning of my life and empowered my service to your Kingdom. Please give me a more profound sense of grace and joy when I can be with Christians whenever possible. I know these precious members of your family are not chance acquaintances I made along the way but are reminders of your desire to bless me and refresh your children with your presence. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.