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Key Bible Verse: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone (Proverbs 23:4-5a).
Bonus Reading:Hebrews 13:5-6

That Sunday morning, Mark, as always, sat in the fourth pew with his family. Before the service began, he perused the bulletin to see what this week's message would be. From the sermon's title, "Coming Home," Mark thought the congregation would be treated yet again to an invitation to turn their lives over to Christ. As the sermon unfolded, though, Pastor Thompson's preaching instead targeted Mark's current trial.

Whether it was the pastor's eloquence on the value of family, his citation of divorce statistics, or his anecdotes about people whose families had disintegrated because career was their idol, something resonated with Mark. With only so many hours in a day, the more he spent at work, the fewer he had for his loved ones. It was a zero-sum game that wasn't much fun to play. He knew it was time to make a choice—God's choice.

Later that day, Mark took his family to the park for a picnic, and while saying grace, vowed to the Lord and to his family that no matter what, his priorities would change. This, he realized, might involve backing off some of the projects, forgoing the promotion, subordinating his career aspirations to family needs.

—Michael A. Zigarelli in Christianity 9 to 5

Do the activities of your life match your priorities? Consider one way to help you focus on what's important, rather than what's urgent.

If you are miserable or bored in your work … or dread going to it … then God is speaking to you. He either wants you to change the job you are in—or—more likely—he wants to change you.

—Bruce Larson (pastor and writer) Adapted from Christianity 9 to 5 (Beacon Hill, 1998).

NOTE: For your convenience, Christianity 9 to 5 is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

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Prayer for the Week

God, thank You for the rewards of work.

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