You're listening to Encounter, a collection of sacred meditations to help you encounter

the divine presence of God throughout your day.

I have an antique wash basin that belonged to my great grandparents.

We use it as an end table, and I'll be honest, I've never really given it much notice.

It is until recently, I needed to move it away from the wall, and only then did I notice

the craftsmanship along the back.

There hidden out of sight for five generations, you could see the delicate hand-carved dove

joints and detailed carvings along the back.

I thought for a moment, and admired the craftsman who had taken the time to do good work.

Hidden work that no one might ever see except Him, just imagine that level of dedication.

But do you ever lose hope in trying to do good?

Unappreciated effort, undervalued by a thankless world?

Well the theme of this meditation from 1 Peter 3 is being eager to do good, and I pray

you will have hope in following the righteous path, knowing you were blessed and favored

in the eyes of God, the only eyes, to matter.

So to begin, slip into a time and a place where you can become aware of and reflect upon

the favor of the Holy Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Safe here in this holy retreat, listen and respond to this reading from Matthew chapter

10.

And as I lead us, answer Lord God, I will only be concerned with satisfying you.

May the Lord bless the hearing and reading of His Word.

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and

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