Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

---

Read

Psalm 15

O LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
but who honor those who fear the LORD;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest,
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

---

Reflect

My son just recently graduated from college. In his search for the “perfect” job, he has looked through many job descriptions. Some are long and detailed, including personality traits, work ethics, and in some cases, even how the suitable applicant spends free time and what he or she wears. It can be a daunting task to read through the lists and feel like you don’t measure up.

The psalmist is giving us a “job description” for what pleases God and a roadmap for how we should live our lives. Choose to do what is right. Speak the truth in love. Use your words to lift up and encourage your friends. Honor the Lord in your words and actions. Be trustworthy. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Keep your promises. Do not put yourself above others. Be honest and fair.

We may feel like we don’t measure up, but this list shouldn’t leave us feeling discouraged. Instead, it should give us something to strive for as we live a life that is pleasing to God.

---

Pray

God, I am an imperfect person. I strive to live a life pleasing to you. Guide me as I try to do what is right—not just for myself, but for those who are around me. Amen.

Go with God.