Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Psalm 14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

To the leader. Of David.

Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is no one who does good.

The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind
to see if there are any who are wise,
who seek after God.

They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one.

Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon the Lord?

There they shall be in great terror,
for God is with the company of the righteous.

You would confound the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.

O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.

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Reflect

Have you seen the news lately? No doubt you have! You have probably watched some news networks and learned about some horrible things that are going on in our world and in our country. Or, your social media feeds pass under thumb with photos and videos that tell stories of woe, destruction, hatred, greed and total disregard for humanity and the rest of creation. Things sure can seem bad. Honestly, things can just be bad. They can make you exclaim with the Psalmist, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

It is an honest and understandable response to the brokenness and sin of our world. We all have our moments of exasperation and frustration at the seemingly infinite ways that humanity finds to tempt and torture. May we remember some more words from our Psalm today. “ for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.” Despite all of the conflict and evil humans do, God has not forsaken us and can be found always right by our side. Then, now, and always..God is our refuge.

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Pray

Lord Jesus, break my heart for the brokenness of the world. Give me empathy for your beloved people, broken by sin. Please remind me and empower me to share with others that you are with us in this mess, every step of the way. Remind us of your sovereignty and to plan to restore all of creation and invite us once again to have the courage and the love to join you in this work of building your kingdom.

Go with God!