Mathew 5:13 “You are the salt of the Earth. But if the salt loses it saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot.” It’s saying if a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. If Christians make little to no effort to affect the world around them, there are of little value representing God‘s presence in this world. If we are too much like the world we won’t be able to help or change it; as seasoning, we will be worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. But if we isolate ourselves from non-Christians we lose the ability to reach them. Instead, we should influence others positively just as seasoning, brings out the best flavor in food.

Scripture (ESV): “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 Reflection: Stress at the start of the week isn’t always about what’s happening it’s about what you’re carrying alone. Monday pressure usually comes from one thing: You’re already mentally living in outcomes that haven’t happened yet. Bills. Expectations. People. Deadlines. Ministry. Work. Your body wakes up braced for impact. But Scripture doesn’t say, “Figure it out and then give it to God.” It says commit first. To commit means to roll over, to place the weight onto something stronger than you. God never asked you to carry the whole week. He asked you to carry today with Him. Jesus said, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Meaning: tomorrow’s stress is illegal baggage. Truth to Anchor In: - You are not behind you are being formed. - Pressure does not mean failure it often means alignment. - God is not watching you struggle; He is inviting you to rest in obedience. Peace doesn’t come from less responsibility. It comes from right order. Prayer: “Father, before this week speaks to me, I choose to listen to You. I give You what feels overwhelming, rushed, and unclear. Order my steps, not just my schedule. Teach me to move in obedience, not anxiety. I trust You with what I cannot control. Amen.” Simple Practice (2 minutes): Before touching your phone or thinking about tasks, say out loud: “God, I give You this day. I will walk, not rush.” Then take one slow breath in… and one out. You don’t need to conquer the week. You need to walk with God into today.

Scripture (ESV): “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 Devotional: A new week doesn’t begin with hustle it begins with surrender. Before schedules fill up, before pressure and expectations speak, God invites you to place the entire week in His hands. Commitment isn’t just asking God to bless your plans; it’s letting Him shape them. This week will try to pull you in many directions. Voices will compete for your focus. But clarity comes when your first move is obedience, not activity. When your work is committed to the Lord, even interruptions become assignments and delays become direction. You don’t need to carry this week alone. God is not asking you to strive harder He’s asking you to trust deeper. Prayer: Father, I place this entire week before You. My work, my conversations, my decisions, and my rest. Align my plans with Your will and establish what You desire to build. Help me walk in faith, not pressure. Amen. Reflection: What part of this week do I need to place back into God’s hands instead of trying to control? Go into this week grounded, focused, and led. God is faithful to guide what you commit to Him.

Just wrote this. I hope it blesses and encourages you reading it. We are like sponges , growing and learning and absorbing Jesus in - daily!

Tonight, don’t measure your worth by what you produced today. God is not impressed by hustle, performance, or exhaustion. He is pleased with obedience, trust, and surrender. Psalm 127:2 (ESV) “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” If today felt heavy, confusing, or unfruitful, place it back in God’s hands. What feels unfinished to you is not unfinished to Him. Rest is not quitting it’s trusting that God is still working when you stop. Before sleep, ask the Holy Spirit: What am I holding that You never asked me to carry? Lay it down. Receive peace. Sleep knowing God is faithful.