August 16, 2026
An Invitation to Wisdom
There is a peace that comes when we focus on God’s will and we spend time encouraging others. Reasonable service means we drop what we want to do when we encounter someone with a desperate need to talk, to be seen and heard and we just address those needs out of the Lord’s abundant grace.
When serving others, we need to be patient listeners. Wisdom must be sought. We listen to people’s situation. We listen for God’s answers. He will eventually reveal a solution. Wisdom cannot be purchased with deeds or money. Open your heart to God.
Faith is tricky. We think we believe and then we hear other voices, other ideas and other suggestions. Hold fast. Stay in the Word. Though we are tempted to join in the world’s passion for wealth and cultural recognition, we must keep our focus on God’s advice.
There can be no greater reward in life than to finish our race and hear God say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” No matter the struggles, the trials and tests, we have to run each race He calls us to run.
Submitting our time and prayers to another person is a positive activity. God trusts us to hear Him and give godly advice. If we talk just to be heard, if we don’t listen intently, if we recite the Word robotically, while mentally preparing chores, we need to stop and find a way to engage more deeply in God’s will. Stay tethered to God.
Father God, Help me ignore my own problems when possible. I know from past issues that most challenges are remedied on their own. Or You step in. I often wonder, Father, how people ever get by without You. Whether it is a financial or health need, a wayward child or a much more dreadful incident, I thank You for teaching me about Your love and nurturing care. When I am counseling others, help me stay focused on them. Help me show grace and convey that whatever is tormenting their lives matters to You and You are going to be right beside them until it is resolved.
Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18