When it comes to school work, I’m competitive. I like to work hard, do my best, and of course get the absolute best grades. So when it comes time to do a group project, I’m all in. I do my share plus extra, all to be sure to get the very best grade.

But sometimes, that attitude isn’t always the best. Of course, you should work hard and do well at school. However, sometimes, I work so hard that I forget to rest. I put in so much effort that I wear myself out. And often, I don’t rely enough on God. Instead, I look to myself to make things happen.

“‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord. – Leviticus 23:3 (NIV)

There comes a place in your journey with God that you reach when you realize that sometimes, it’s up to God. It’s up to you to do your part, but a lot of the effort comes from God. And for some of us (myself) that’s hard. It’s hard to trust that God is working and that I can simply rest.

The sabbath that God is talking about in Leviticus is an example of that. Through the sabbath, we see that God has set up a time for us to rest and trust Him. Yes, we can do a lot on our own, but sometimes, there’s power in simply resting and trusting God to do the work for us.

This is especially true when it comes to what Jesus has done for us. There is nothing left for us to do, but to rest in the finished work of Christ. And yes, it would be easier to do something. That’s our human nature, wanting to do something. However, we will really find power in rest.

So if you haven’t before examine your life. Are there areas that God is calling you to rest? To rely on Him and stop working so hard? If so, decide to make any changes necessary to relax, rest and enjoy watching God work on your behalf.

Today’s Truth: I can rest, knowing God is working on my behalf.

Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1 (BSB)

God hasn’t called you to live just for yourself. Rather, God has called you to be a blessing to others. God wants you to use your gifts and talents to point others to Him.

So if you’re good at music, begin to look for ways to use that gift to show others Jesus. If you’re good at baking, make cupcakes, sell them and use the money to give to missions. Don’t let your life be simply about yourself. Instead, look for an opportunity to be a blessing to others.

Today’s Challenge Be Looking For Opportunity

You might not feel like you have anything to give. Perhaps you feel like you’re going through something really hard and can’t help someone else. Don’t let those things be excuses.

Instead, purpose each day to look to opportunities. All around you, there are people who are hurting. You can take two minutes out of your day and pray for someone. God has placed opportunities all around you.

Determine today to refocus and see the opportunities around you. As you begin to look for them, you’ll be surprised how many exist. Pick one and act on it today. See God do something great through you!

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. – Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

What do you think of when you think of self-control? For most of us, it’s a pretty boring topic. Who really likes the idea of controlling yourself and saying no to all the fun things in life?

It’s more fun to lose your temper. To get upset and to yell at your mom when you’re really mad. It’s more fun to eat all the chips you want and watch TV until 3AM.

The problem is, when we lack self-control it can tear our lives down. Self control is important to have because without it we can destroy relationships. We can tear down trust. If we don’t learn to control our actions and words, in the long run it can lead us in a bad direction.

That’s why the Bible tells us about self-control. It’s not because God’s trying to stop us from having fun. Rather, it’s because God wants good things for our lives. He doesn’t want our relationships destroyed. He doesn’t want us doing things we will later regret and pay for in life.

So today, ask yourself if there are areas where you need to develop greater self-control. If you’re prone to lose your temper and say unkind things, ask God for helpful ideas on how you can control yourself. Developing self-control is one of the greatest things you can do for you and for your future.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. – John 16:13 (NLT)

There are so many questions in the world today. You might wonder what to do in the future. It could be that fears over your health or your safety grip your heart, and you wonder what to do.

The truth is, in the world we live in today, we need God. We need His wisdom. We need His answers.

God has all the wisdom and all the answers. So instead of consulting Google about your problem, consider asking God. God wants to lead you into all truth. He wants to show you things to come.

Today’s Truth: We Need God’s Answers

Life gets easier when you go to God for answers. When you don’t understand, don’t know what to do next or how to go on, go to God. He wants to lead you and give you answers in things big and small. So don’t be afraid to ask!

In the town I live in, we have a little store where you can take your old pop cans and bottles to be recycled. The amazing thing about this store is that you can bring them your sticky, smelly old cans and bottles and they will give you money in exchange for your old nasty cans.

That reminds me a lot of today’s verse.

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

The cans in the store get redeemed. They get recycled and changed from worthless sticky junk into something worthwhile.

The same is true for us. In Christ, we have put on a new self. The old sticky habits of sin no longer have to define our lives. We’ve been made new in Christ. Instead of living in sin, we are changed into the image of God, in true righteousness and holiness.

That’s good news. You might feel worthless, like you’re just a sticky gross old can, but Jesus sees you in Him. To Jesus, you’re not worthless trash. But you’re not, you’re a treasure. Your challenge is to walk like the new person you are. Instead of feeling bad about yourself, you can walk with your head held high. You can know that God has good things for you and that your life has purpose and value in Him.

Today’s Truth: Your life has purpose and value in Christ.