Devotional Guide for Thursday, August 29

Proverbs 21:17-31

Reflect
I have come to realize there are only so many things we can truly control in this life. There are many things we wish we could control, like the weather, if our favourite sport team wins, an election, etc., but these and many others like them are outside of our control.

In verse 23 we read, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Our mouth and our tongue, surprisingly enough, we can control. I’m not saying it is easy to do, but it is something we can do, if we so choose.

As you reflect on your most recent conversations, is there anything you wish you would not have said? Are there things you wish you would have said that would have been life giving or encouraging?

Let’s not focus on things outside of our control and focus more on things we can, and let’s be intentional in guarding our mouths and our tongues to be a blessing to those we interact with.

Pastor Terry

Pray for Nick and Iris Hung - Japan
Since June, the NAB has started a partnership with TEAM Japan, and the preparatory process of our field entry to Japan was being moved forward. We would be assigned to learn the language and culture in a local language school or through a language nurturer. Prior to visa application, a required document named Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) must be issued by and obtained from the Ministry of Justice of Japan. We invite you to pray for its timely issuance, as well as successful visa application through Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary afterwards. We are preparing ourselves to serve in the new field of Japan. We are studying the language and its unique culture, we are always reminded to express appreciation and respect to the nation, as well as contextualize ourselves to the host culture without compromising the Gospel. Thank you for your continued prayers.