Dear Father,

As we approach this new week, help us to have a discerning spirit. Guard us against false teachers. The world tries to tell us there is no ultimate truth and that all opinions are equally valid. So, there is no danger of being led astray, so there is no need for caution and vigilance. Others will tell us our salvation depends on our good works. We can easily make our jobs, our careers, our generosity, and our accomplishments ways to gain God’s favor. Paul reminds us, all of those things are garbage, empty, void of righteousness. What matters is “knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. In Christ, I have a righteousness that is not my own and that does not come from the Law but rather from the faithfulness of Christ. It is the righteousness of God that is based on faith. 10 The righteousness that I have comes from knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the participation in his sufferings.” Philippians 3. Encourage us in our race to keep straining for the prize. Lord lay hold of us with the strong, unbreakable grip of the risen, sovereign Lord and point us to the Divine purpose you have called us to accomplish for You and Your Kingdom. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.