For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3

Have you ever been in a place where you felt overwhelmed and anxious? Have you ever felt that if God doesn’t save you, life is going to overcome you? This is precisely the place where David found God surrounding him, for he knew God is in the now. He knew God as being ever-present and the very presence he needed to carry him through.

Friends, we don’t have to live in fear and be overcome with the world's cares and concerns. We don’t have to be overwhelmed with fear of the what-if's of life. We are invited every moment to live in the knowledge of God, who is, as David describes, a strong tower.

God is always available, and when we call out, He is there. God is the One constant that is still present. We don’t have to wait to find our strong tower if we humble ourselves and admit our need. When the enemy comes our way, we have a way of escape. God is always our strength.

Today in the Workplace

What is your refuge?

Breaktime Bible Study: Higher Ground

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3

3.Answer These Questions:

What is the meaning of refuge? What is David’s refuge?

How do you/we make God your refuge?

Where do you go when overcome with fear?

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1

The Lord is listening to our prayers; He can hear each word we cry. David’s need for God to listen to him came in the tune of a shrill cry before the Lord. He holds nothing back of the need He has of God in his life. David’s humility teaches us to vent our feelings before God.

Spurgeon says it this way,

Pharisees may rest in their prayers; true believers are eager for an answer to them: ritualists may be satisfied when they have ‘said or sung’ their litanies and collects, but living children of God will never rest till their supplications have entered the ears of the Lord God of Sabaoth.

As a child of God, we stay at rest, knowing that our prayers are being heard and answered. We stay in a place of unceasing language before God with all of life. We have come to realize prayer is the avenue for growth. We travel through life dependent and surrendered to the need of our Father’s intervention. We continue to move forward in faith, knowing God has bent His ear our way.

Prayer is the force behind our confidence in God. We have learned our ego will fail us, but God’s love never fails. Our ego trips are short roads of failure, but with God, all things are possible. We forgo our journey on the ego street to find our success is waiting for us in prayer. Therefore, we can boldly face life and run in the promises God is providing. Enjoy!

Today in the Workplace

Do you enjoy knowing God is listening to your life?

Breaktime Bible Study: God is Listening to Your Life

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David asking for in this passage?

What emotion is he facing?

How are you at sharing your emotions before God?

How has God shown you that prayer is the avenue?

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 60:12

With God is where David found the gain of victory. He identified where his win truly was and where it wasn't. He understood that triumph over the enemy was going to be all because of God. His praise for success wasn’t found in his strength or knowledge but in His Lord. He was confident that the courage he maintained was in the Lord.

Could David be called a hero? “A true hero is the man who rises above the base cowardice of his own nature to do a noble and courageous deed when shaken by the dread of its consequences. (Rimmer, 95). Where are the heroes today−The Ones that deny being a coward and walk-in courage despite the results?

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Could it be the hero is the one who is obedient and willing to follow even if no one else will go? The one who will be bold and run the race and not compromise values even if it means a loss of financial gain. The heroes are the ones who will consider the needs of others above their own. They are the ones who will be genuinely concerned about the needs of others, and heroes are the ones who will go despite what they have to lose or gain; they will be obedient.

Today in the Workplace

Are you a hero?

Breaktime Bible Study: Hereos

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 60:12

3.Answer These Questions:

How is David confident? What does He expect God to do?

Where is your confidence?

How would you define a hero?

What is God calling you into?

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. Psalm 60:11

I wonder when David penned this if he was thinking about Goliath. How he walked out on the battlefield and if he knew the weapons that would bring him down. He also knew people thought of him as worthless and felt sorry for him because they knew he would be defeated. His aid was God’s strength and presence. David knew and experienced first-hand how to win on God’s battlefield.

Like David, we all have a battlefield, and it could be our work, home, marriage, finances, church, children, or anywhere there are relationships. But understanding the help we need is the first step to victory. If we are failing in any area, and we don’t change, we will continue to strive. David knew that God’s aid was priceless; for him, with Goliath, it was a sling and a stone and a heart of faith.

We need to begin asking for aid if we want to find success. We need to understand if we continue to run to the latest guru instead of God, we may have worthless help. David states it pretty harshly when he says – human help is worthless. But some humans are trusting God and can be the aid God sends our way. It could be God has a word from His Word that he wants to send as an aid. It could be He’s calling you into a deeper fellowship of experiencing His presence, and the aid is prayer. God has given us assistance to fight with, but are we picking it up? Allow God to be the first aid you reach to.

Today in the Workplace

Ask God for His aid!

Breaktime Bible Study: First Aid

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. Psalm 60:11

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David asking God for? What is his conclusion about human help?

Where do you go for aid against the enemy?

What tools does the enemy use to deter your victory?

What can God bring to you?

Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Psalm 60:10

David knew if God didn’t go, there was going to be no victory. Often, we have to be brought to a place to see our weakness before we can see the success. Suppose the battle is too big; it's not a depressing thing but often the very place for courage. When David fought Goliath, he knew the win was in the position of confidence in his God. David also knew where not to place his courage.

Friends, we can be in the same predicament in life- the place where the goliath before us is over us. There may seem to be no human reasoning to go forward into the battle because you already see the defeat. You’ve already calculated the risk and have lost.

One thing about David is he could see the victory before he went forward. Imagine what God could do with you being over your battle. Step back and calculate what God can do with you if He had access. Faith isn't blind; it just knows who to trust and why. Faith can see and imagine what God can do and what He has already done. Then we walk with confidence into the battle.

Today in the Workplace

How do you see God in your battle?

Breaktime Bible Study: Faith

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Psalm 60:10

3.Answer These Questions:

Who is David relying on for victories?

What do your battles look like?

How do you calculate the risk?

Imagine what God can do?

There is no height God will lead, that he won’t give us the grace to go. But if we don’t go, we can’t experience the grace that awaits the victory. We often forgo climbing the mountain before us because we have turned to self-reliance and have grown weary. The truly great leaders are not self- assured, for they are confident of the One they are following.

David could lead others because he knew how and who to follow. He was humble, reliant and confident all in the strength of who God said He is. Following can lead us into some of the greatest victories of life. We may have given up because we have grown weary of the trial, but let us follow God into the battles of life clothed in His strength. What battles are you facing today that God is calling you into? Are you willing to follow?

Today in the Workplace

What battle is God calling you into?

Breaktime Bible Study: Following

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Psalm 60:9

3.Answer These Questions:

Who is David relying on? Who leads David?

What battle are you facing right now?

How do you face your battles? Do you rely upon yourself?

Are you willing to follow God into your battles? Do you see Him before you?

8 Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Psalm 60:8

David is shouting out his God victory, for he knew this victory is only because of the hands of God. David, like other kings after him, could have turned towards the strength of numbers and shouted their success to their warriors. But instead, David’s victory isn't found in the numbers of warriors, but in God who reigns.

David and his warriors are choosing to place their strength in God. David’s faith in God’s power is where the victory lies. David took his battle to the Lord and found the army of God fighting for him.

Friends, we have the same resource for all our battles. Every trouble we face can be met head-on with the courage that only God gives. The temptation is to look at all the ways we will be conquered and live in despair. We can focus on the lack of resources we have and fall into defeat. But God is the One who says to us,

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

David shouted victory when the battle was won. What battle can you shout out today in triumph?

Today in the Workplace

What battle do you need a victory over?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Battle is Won

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Psalm 60:8

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David doing in this passage?

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

How are you being described in this passage?

What are the truths about living in victory?

What does your battle look like? Do you see God’s involvement?

What is God doing?

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Psalm 60:7

The nations belong to God for His divine purposes. God is defending the nations just as He has promised. Even when nations try to fight against Him, God will prevail.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. Proverbs 14:34

A nation that turns its back on God will be corrupt from within. It may even appear that it may be prospering but, in the end, will be condemned. David is pleased with living in the promises of God. A Nation that turns its back on God no longer lives in the promise.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:16,17

When we look at all God has given, we can set our hearts on gratefulness. We can see what God has given us when our eyes are enlightened with his provision. According to this passage, every good and perfect gift comes from God. God is the giver of all that is good; may our eyes be open and take notice. Seeing the good of life keeps our hearts filled with promises. There is always some good that comes out of every situation.

Today in the Workplace

What has God given to you?

Breaktime Bible Study: All that is Good

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Psalm 60:7

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David saying God has given him? Why?

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:16,17

Where do good gifts come from?

What do the good gifts look like in your life?

Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 60:5

Imagine the hand of God reaching down, helping, and saving His people. David is in a place where the enemy is surrounding him with threats, but his answer is to strike back with faith. His faith showed up in the way he communicated with God. David is pouring out and asking God to save and help them, and he knew God's love would not fail.

Do you have troubles of any kind? Are you struggling with uncertainties and doubts? Has the image of God and His overcoming strength begun to fade away in your mind and heart? We all go through seasons of troubles and hardships, but it is right there when God desires to reveal His right hand.

Do you need a right hand delivering you amid the troubles? Friends David cried out to God. It's always the right time to call out for God’s right hand to come to the rescue. The only excuse we can have is we still think we are strong enough; we can do it alone. But allow faith to increase as you call out. How can you see God’s right hand working in your life?

Today in the Workplace

What are you asking God to do?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Right Hand

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 60:5

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David asking God to do?

How does God describe who He delivers?

What do you need God to do in your life?

Do you ask for His help? Why or why not?

But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Psalm 60:4

A banner lifted over us is symbolic of the truth that we stand for. When we know God as our truth, He raises a banner over us. David is a man who knew God and lived his life standing under His cause. He not only positioned but practiced living the truth every day.

We all are under a banner of truth. It is the banner of truth we have adopted as our truth. We all believe in something as a way of life, even if we have no faith. We can tell what banner we are under by the way we do life. If the banner lifted up is self, then life’s truth becomes about what pleases us. The kind of philosophy that way, I will do what I want when I want to. Under this banner, the only truth is what satisfies self.

When we turn to God and follow His ways, He raises the banner over us. This banner represents the truth we have decided to follow. God’s truth brings deliverance from self and the cravings of the flesh. Look up and see the banner you have chosen to follow. What is your banner stating?

Today in the Workplace

What have you accepted as truth in your life?

Breaktime Bible Study: A Banner

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Psalm 60:4

3.Answer These Questions:

What is happening to those who fear God?

What does it look like to fear God?

What banner of truth is over you?

Who are you serving?

You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. Psalm 60:3

It's been said you have to hit rock bottom before you can genuinely be prepared for the next step up. Often we have to get to the lowest place before we become desperate enough to ask for help. We come to the site of desperation as a gift, as it could be the greatest gift is humility. Becoming desperate isn't failing unless we let it take over us.

We could choose to sit in the place of desperation and feel sorry for ourselves and let it overtake us. We all know there is no way out of a pity party unless we come to the place of realization; there is a way out. We all need help out, but will we take the opportunity?

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:13,14

Need is only a sign of weakness when we do nothing about it. It is time for God to use the place of desperation as a call to return to his fulness. He has more for us as we turn towards God as the prodigal and go home. Don’t allow yourself one more day of sitting in desperation without asking God to show you His way. Pride will keep you in denial of God’s need. Has God shown you a place of despair?

Today in the Workplace

Are you desperate?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Place of Desperation

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. Psalm 60:3

3.Answer These Questions:

What did God do in this passage?

Has God shown you desperation?

What does it look like?

Are you willing to let God show you?

The Mending Process
You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. Psalm 60:2

God has shaken the land and is reminding them of their sin. When a shaking comes from God, it begins to expose the germs that are infecting the nation. God is not a mean or distant God, but He is choosing to reveal what is hidden. 

It is through the difficulties of life that we find ourselves reaching out more for the hand of God to rescue us. We all have places that are fractured through life’s pains. If the wound isn’t revealed, it can become infected and be a filter through life. Wounds that speak are often hurtful and cold. We all respond differently to places of pain in our life. But the Good news is God can heal the broken, but we have to admit the pain.

There is a process in healing, but the first step is recognizing when it hurts. We can often tell when we hurt by the way we respond to others. If we treat others with contempt, it could be we have places of fracture in our life. We don’t have to carry these fractures around unattended. God is a healer, and when the wound is attended, God can administer to the need. We no longer have to keep our wound concealed; we can bring them to God and ask God to mend the fracture.

Today in the Workplace

Do you have a fracture?

Breaktime Bible Study:  The Mending Process

1.   Read Today’s Breaktime

2.   Review Scripture

You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. Psalm 60:2

    3.Answer These Questions:

What is God doing in this passage?

How can you tell when you have a fracture?

How do you treat others when your heart is hurting?

What can God step into today?

The Mending Process

You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. Psalm 60:2

God has shaken the land and is reminding them of their sin. When a shaking comes from God, it begins to expose the germs that are infecting the nation. God is not a mean or distant God, but He is choosing to reveal what is hidden.

It is through the difficulties of life that we find ourselves reaching out more for the hand of God to rescue us. We all have places that are fractured through life’s pains. If the wound isn’t revealed, it can become infected and be a filter through life. Wounds that speak are often hurtful and cold. We all respond differently to places of pain in our life. But the Good news is God can heal the broken, but we have to admit the pain.

There is a process in healing, but the first step is recognizing when it hurts. We can often tell when we hurt by the way we respond to others. If we treat others with contempt, it could be we have places of fracture in our life. We don’t have to carry these fractures around unattended. God is a healer, and when the wound is attended, God can administer to the need. We no longer have to keep our wound concealed; we can bring them to God and ask God to mend the fracture.

Today in the Workplace

Do you have a fracture?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Mending Process

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. Psalm 60:2

3.Answer These Questions:

What is God doing in this passage?

How can you tell when you have a fracture?

How do you treat others when your heart is hurting?

What can God step into today?

You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! Psalm 60:1

David knew God wouldn’t tolerate a nation that turned their backs on Him.

David understood there would be consequences to our actions when we seek others gods. He describes God as being angry and rejecting them as a nation.

This makes me ponder the question, does God really get angry and discipline us? Can’t we just do what we want when we want without God becoming angry? Be careful, for this idea can make its way into our daily living and become an ideal way of life. We can go ahead and sin because God is going to forgive us anyway.

Not sure it is about God getting angry as much as the provision for forgiveness has already been given. If we can’t live in our redemption, there isn't another plan. We get to live in the freedom of forgiveness, but that doesn’t give us a license to continue in our sinful ways. If we choose this behavior, there isn't another sacrifice left. Jesus paid it all and all to Him, we owe. We don’t continue to sin as before, for we have been set free from sin. God has given us salvation as a gift of grace.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Romans 6:1-2

Freedom is walking and participating daily in what God has already done in us. By His love and grace, He has set us free from sin. Walk-in this

newfound freedom.

Today in the workplace

Are you walking in God’s freedom from sins

Breaktime Bible Study: Freedom from Sin

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! Psalm 60:1

3.Answer These Questions:

How is David describing God now?

How does God restore us? You?

Have you ever felt like you can continue to sin because God will forgive you anyway?

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Romans 6:1-2

What does this passage teach about that mindset?

You are my strength, and I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:17

David knew his source of strength was not found in his situations but rather in God, who was his fortress. David needed strength to make it through the continuous persecution coming from his surrounding enemies. He understood God was the One He could rely on −not on his circumstances. So what did David do when his enemies surrounded him on all sides−he praised God.

This thought may sound ridiculous to some of us, but if we stop and start praising God amid the troubles and persecutions, He will deliver us. Really, we should begin praising God amid COVID? Shouldn’t we instead allow the fears and realities of what we see take over our conscience and start fretting? That would make more sense to some instead of reaching out to God and singing praises.

But this is precisely the place where the strength to endure any and every situation we face is found. The courage we need to encounter life with stillness and assurance is found in God. His power can invade our minds and heart and influence our actions. We don’t have to wait for our situations of life to get better; we can find all we need right now when we call out to God.

Today in the Workplace

What situation do you find yourself in needing His supernatural strength?

Breaktime Bible Study: Finding Strength

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

You are my strength, and I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:17

3.Answer These Questions:

How is David describing God? What does God as a fortress look like in daily living?

What situations of life are you tempted to fear and lose courage?

Imagine God being in every life’s happenings right now. What can He do?

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16

Instead of falling prey to the evil surrounding him, David sang. His way out was turning attention from the evil to God in song. His heart for God is expressed through words put to melody. He began his day by breaking out in song, expressing his love for God. He describes God as his fortress and refuge.

Today could be the best day ever when we begin with praise. When we awake, we can feed our soul by reminding ourselves of the love of God amid our troubles. When we are convinced of God’s love, we want to start there instead of approaching the sin of the day. When we touch the love of God, the need for sin and evil grows cold.

But we may not be able to express ourselves through love, but we can slow down and know He is God. How has God shown His love for you lately? His banner over us is love, and running there will give you the strength to face today. We can run into the refuge provided all day long and find the resources we need to carry us through the troubles of life. Some days are harder than others, and we may have to practice more than others, but today is a good day to begin. Today in the Workplace How can you start practicing God’s love?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Way Out

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16 3

.Answer These Questions:

What is David doing in this passage?

What are your morning practices?

What troubles are you facing?

How does David face his troubles?

What can you do?

They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. Psalm 59:15

Sin gets louder if it's not fed. It needs attention; otherwise, it screams and becomes a loud voice. A barking dog behind a door just wants in that is precisely what sin wants… your attention. And the minute we open the door, it comes racing in trying to convince you that you can become content with it living with you.

Sin can’t become a companion if we intend to live a holy life. So what do we do? We stop letting it in by and only by the power of the Spirit. He alone is our helper who can give us His power over sin. We seek God when the temptation arises instead of opening the door. We ask God first and invite him into the temptation.

For most, we may try and fix the sin problem before asking for help. We need help, and when we are weak is when God is strong. Inviting God in the place of weakness is where we start and finish. Continue to seek God is what we do as His children. We develop a strong relationship with our God when we are dependent upon His strength to overcome. So is there a loud voice that keeps trying to convince you to open the door and let it in?

Today in the Workplace

What do you need God for?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Need for Help

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. Psalm 59:15

3.Answer These Questions:

How is evil described in this sentence?

Have you ever tried to satisfy sin? What was the result?

Invite God to help you overcome?

What can you do apart from God?

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. Psalm 59:14 Sin has a way of showing up in darkness; just when the sun goes down, sin arises. Just like a dog prowling around, sin isn't satisfied. David knew his greatest threats were awaiting him in the dark. But he knew where to go to find his strength. Have you ever had trouble with sin? It is easier to sin when it's done in secret or in the dark or when we think no one else is looking. Sin goes on the prowl looking for its desires to be satisfied. It craves looking behind and in all things trying to find fulfillment. When our flesh is prowling around its out of control – it is looking to devour something for satisfaction. Trying to control the desire of the flesh apart from God leads us weary and frustrated. We aren't capable of trying to control our desires; this is why we are in desperate need of God. We need God’s strength to overcome our weakness. This is why Paul said, But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9 So don’t hide in the dark, trying to fulfill evil desires− come out and allow God to consume your weakness with His power. Admit you need for grace God’s to make it. Today in the Workplace What do you need God to do? Breaktime Bible Study: Trouble with Sin 1. Read Today’s Breaktime 2. Review Scripture 13 consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Psalm 59:13 3.Answer These Questions: What is David asking God to do? What sin is around the corner trying to consume you? What can God do to help? What do you need God to do?

consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more.

Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Psalm 59:13

David now asks God to consume his enemy, and they would be removed until they are gone. He wanted the sin to be destroyed entirely, and for no remnant to be left behind. David knew if sin is left unattended, it can ruin an entire nation. Can sin be left unattended, and a society continue to thrive? It is a question worth thinking about?

If we all could take care of our hearts before God, it would be a great place to begin. Instead of attacking others, what if we opened our hearts before God and allowed sin to be consumed? What if the God who rules would be the ruler of our hearts? It is easy and cowardly to point the finger at others when sin is reigning in our hearts.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. MT. 7:2-5

If we desire a better society to live in, it starts with us. First, take a good long look in the mirror, asking God to reveal your heart…your sin. To make it as evident to us as the sin of others. If we desire change in our world, let it begin with us. Let us be brave enough to become transparent with our sins. And if you say you don’t have any, well that is a great place to start.

Today in the Workplace

Where does God need to begin in you?

Breaktime Bible Study: Start with Me

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

13 consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more.

Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Psalm 59:13

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David asking God to do?

If sin is what David is asking to be wiped out, is there sin in your life?

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. MT. 7:2-5

How does this verse relate to you? Is there a plank God is trying to remove?

For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, Psalm 59:12

Now here is a prayer for the prideful in your life, God catch them in their pride. However, we better be careful, asking God to do such a task because we might be the ones dealing with pride. Pride is a deadly sin because it is readily accepted and, for most, a way of life. David desired the proud to be found for the sins of their mouth.

What if we were found for the sins of our mouth? How does pride show up in the mouth? When the ego is found in the mouth, it utters lies and curses. Pride tries to protect self so the natural language would be lies and curses. Pride is concerned with me, and if a lie works then, it speaks. If a lie will make me look better, then it is spoken. If cursing someone else makes them look worse and makes me look better, then it is spoken.

The spoken language of pride is concerned only with the outcome of self. Think about the words you speak, are they true even if they may ruin your image? Are you caught up speaking poorly of others so you can make yourself look better? The culprit behind gossip and backbiting is patting our ego. The sad reality is that behind the words, it shows the person's heart and authentic self. If there is truth in what you read about yourself, then you are listening to the Spirit. He will help you create the image God designed for you. All we need to do is ask for His help to show us our way out.

Today in the Workplace

Do you need the Spirit’s help with your image?

Breaktime Bible Study: The Image

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

12 For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, Psalm 59:12

3.Answer These Questions:

What are the weapons of David’s enemies in the passage? Why do you think they used them?

Do you ever use lies as a way out? Why?

Do you use cursing others as a weapon? What good does it do?

If you answered yes, the Spirit could lead you into truth and teach you your true image. Do you want/need His help?

11 But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. Psalm 59:11

It sounds like David doesn’t want the enemy’s life to end quickly. He is asking God not just to take them but to let them live and make their life remember the evil they had done. Also, their lives can be used as an example to us of how not to do life.

When looking at the evil around us, their lives can be the witness of what not to do. Life has many witnesses, which often influence our lives. What if all the evil people were wiped out in one sweep, would life be better for us all?

Adam Clark was once asked by a lady, “Dr. Clarke, why doesn’t God just destroy all the wicked people and thereby put an end to sin? Clark Replied, “ My dear Lady, if God did a thing like that, there would not be enough righteous people left on the earth to keep the lions and tigers from eating up the human race.”

Allow the example of the evil around us to be used for God’s glory of what not to follow. Ask yourself when you are tempted by evil, for God to show you the outcome of your actions if you followed through. Be cautious of allowing the darkness around you to become your example. It is always good to ask God if wickedness is influencing you.

Today in the Workplace

How does evil influence you?

Breaktime Bible Study: Evil’s Outcome

1. Read Today’s Breaktime

2. Review Scripture

But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. Psalm 59:11

3.Answer These Questions:

What is David asking God to do to the evil?

Why?

What would it look like if no evil is left?

How does evil influence you?