God at Work Devotional

A Pilgrim’s Reward

I grew up in a Christian home and enjoyed a lot of what I would call ‘blessings from God’ today, but which I took for granted earlier on in life.  I found it interesting that the intro to this psalm is described as a ‘pilgrimage’ song.   How applicable to realize that we are all on a journey here on earth as a Christ follower. It also makes me remember the famous book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan, which shares this perspective of the Christian life as a pilgrimage.

Honoring God - In other translations this is described as ‘fearing God’.  Similarly, to ‘walk in God’s ways’ is also translated as being obedient to God.  These are two paramount keys for living life as a Christ follower and Kingdom builder.  Let’s not jump ahead and expect the blessings without starting with the foundation of fearing and obeying.  Do you desire to walk in God’s ways?  Start by reading His Word and listen to your spiritual GPS, the Holy Spirit.

‘Enjoy what you’ve worked hard for’ - Wow! Isn't that something we all seek after.  Having a job, running a business, getting paid or generating income is sweet, but ‘enjoying’ what you do is a true Blessing from God.  Another translation describes this as being able to ‘eat the fruit of your labor’ which is derived from the original agricultural context of the writer.   Before you can enjoy the fruit though you need to till the ground, sow the seed, water it, and wait patiently before you reap at harvest…..it's a process that takes time.  

I’m guessing most of Solomon’s Circle members are not in farming, but let’s consider the stages as it applies to your own work, whether as a creator, builder, advisor, sales person, etc.  Persist in obedience and then you will reap and enjoy.

‘You’ll be happy and things will go well for you’ - The rewards!  This is also described as ‘blessing’ and ‘prosperity’ in other translations.  Doesn’t that sound so awesome. Give me some of that you say.  Our rewards are assured…but don’t forget what was in verse one …it starts with honoring God and following Him.

Carry on Pilgrim, and reap your reward!

Story of Challenge and Hope

Striving in Unsettling Environments

Standing Firm in Faith: A Journey Through Adversity and Integrity

In today’s fast-paced business world, success is often measured by revenue, market share, and professional accolades. But for some, true success is rooted in something deeper—an unwavering commitment to Christian faith, even in the face of adversity.

Steve Mattingly's journey is anything but ordinary. Over the span of 25 years, he was a core team leader helping transform a company climbing out of bankruptcy into a thriving business approaching $100 million in revenue. By all external measures, his story is one of triumph and resilience. But behind the impressive figures lies a quieter, more personal victory—one marked by staying true to his spiritual convictions in environments that often challenged him.

Navigating the professional world can be disorienting for believers. The phrase “just business” is often used to explain cutthroat decisions or compromises. Steve knows this reality well. As he stepped into international business development, he found himself not just building markets—but standing firm in his beliefs amidst colleagues who didn't always understand his values.

In an industry culture where relationship-building often centered around after-hours gatherings, certain events, or social norms, Steve made the difficult decision to opt out of situations that didn’t align with his faith. For over a decade, he quietly endured exclusion, skepticism, and misunderstanding. It wasn’t until years of consistency and humility that his colleagues began to realize his convictions weren’t a passing phase, but the very foundation of his character.

The challenges didn’t end with quiet disapproval. At a trade show, Steve approached a CEO he admired, seeking what he hoped would be a collegial exchange. Instead, he was met with open disdain: “You are not even anywhere near a competitor to me. And I guarantee you one thing—by the end of the year, one of us will be gone.”

It was a sobering reminder that achievement doesn’t always earn respect, especially when one’s values don’t mirror those of the broader culture. Yet rather than retaliate or become embittered, Steve leaned into Scripture for strength. The words of Jesus in the scripture -

At the heart of Steve’s journey is a deep-seated commitment to Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”

This verse didn’t just hang on his wall—it shaped the way he led, served, and persevered. It became the lens through which he evaluated his decisions, the compass that kept him oriented in turbulent environments, and the fuel that sustained his drive for excellence—not to impress others, but to honor God.

And in the end, it’s not about who stays or who goes. It’s about who stands firm, no matter the storm. 

Oh, and by the way, that competitive CEO mentioned earlier, he was the one looking for a job at the end of that same year. 

Your story of faith can inspire others and bring God’s Kingdom to earth in our life and business.

Contact us to share your story.

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Financial Update

Gold’s New High Soon?

The past five years have been favorable for gold investors, and those good times could continue for some time depending on gold's next move.

Although gold has all but doubled in value over the past 5 years; it has been trading in a rather close price range for the past 3 months, possibly signaling a potential attempt to re-visit its previous all-time high of $3,500 - and possibly higher.

There’s a lot of positive sentiment going for gold right now such as the large institutional purchases, the rising price target forecasts by analysts, and legislation uncertainty.

Institutional Confidence at Record Levels

Major financial institutions are displaying remarkable bullish sentiment toward gold. J.P. Morgan Research projects gold prices will average $3,675 per ounce by the fourth quarter of 2025, with a trajectory toward $4,000 by mid-2026. Goldman Sachs has issued similarly optimistic forecasts, predicting gold will reach $3,700 per troy ounce by year's end. These aren't modest adjustments—they represent fundamental shifts in how institutional investors view gold's role in the global economy.

The London Bullion Market Association has already recorded multiple new record highs in 2025, with quarterly average prices reaching $2,860 per ounce in Q1, representing a staggering 38% year-over-year increase. This performance has already carried gold above the $3,000 threshold, establishing a new baseline for future growth.

Central Bank Buying Reaches Historic Proportions

Perhaps the most compelling indicator of gold's future trajectory is the unprecedented level of central bank purchases worldwide. The National Bank of Poland led global buyers in Q1 2025, adding 49 tonnes to its reserves, while maintaining its position as the world's largest official sector buyer. Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Azerbaijan have all significantly increased their gold holdings, with Azerbaijan's State Oil Fund now allocating 26% of its portfolio to gold.

China continues to be a driving force behind global demand, with trade data indicating substantial purchases alongside other unidentified buyers through Switzerland. J.P. Morgan Research expects this diversification trend to generate approximately 900 tonnes of central bank gold purchases in 2025 alone, adding to the nearly 36,200 tonnes already held in global central bank reserves.

Multiple Catalysts Converging

Several macroeconomic factors are creating an ideal environment for gold's continued ascent. President Trump's focus on tariff policies has already pushed the metal to fresh highs, while ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and stock market volatility continue to drive safe-haven demand. Central banks view gold as essential protection against economic, trade, and policy uncertainty, particularly as global alliances become more unpredictable.

Legislative Tailwinds

Recent legislative developments have removed barriers to gold ownership. Kentucky became the 46th state to eliminate sales tax on precious metals in 2025, while Florida repealed its sales tax on gold, silver, and platinum bullion effective August 1, 2025. These policy changes reflect growing recognition of precious metals.

As we consider gold's potential, it's worth reflecting on biblical principles of stewardship and wisdom.

This passage reminds us that while earthly treasures like gold may serve as tools for financial stewardship, our ultimate security comes from our relationship with God.

Wise investing—whether in precious metals or other assets—should be approached with prayerful consideration, recognizing that we are stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Gold may preserve wealth through uncertain times, but our hope and foundation must remain anchored in the eternal treasures that come from walking faithfully with our Creator.

Share your thoughts in the comments section. We enjoy reading them all:

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