GPS - Grow, Pray, Study Weekly Guide: Saturday, September 11

Personal Application: “Work” is different for a young mother, a hard-driving sales person, an executive, or a retired person living alone. List the work you do, paid and unpaid. For each item on your list, ask God “Are you calling me to keep doing this?” Next ask “How could I do this better?” Then ask “Lord, what shall we celebrate about this work?” Finally, ask God to help you to set your work aside regularly and rest.
Family Activity: As a family, list different ways people work including household chores, mission projects and careers. Using your own criteria, categorize these jobs into “big” and “small.” Read Colossians 3:23. Does God distinguish between “big” and “small” jobs or is all work important to God? How does our attitude and the quality of our work matter to God? Choose a volunteer job to do as a family. Consider sponsoring a litter removal area, planting a neighborhood garden or helping your school or workplace recycle. Be aware of your spirit and attitude as you serve others, fulfill household duties or complete tasks at school or your workplace. Would God be pleased? Thank God for the opportunity to work and ask God for a servant’s heart.
Prayer: God, many days I need both energy and purpose. Help me to remember to turn to you, the source of both and so much more. Keep me from activities that drain me and turn my focus away from you. Thank you for the always-open door into your presence. Amen.