Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Luke 13:1-9 (NRSV)

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ’See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ’Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

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Reflect

We all sin; not one of us is perfect. It is important that when we sin we ask for forgiveness and not do it again. I know how hard it is to fight the temptations that come our way. Thankfully, when we repent, God will forgives us, no matter what we have done.

Asking for forgiveness is hard, because we must admit we did wrong. Sometimes the hardest thing is to forgive ourselves. We must not only ask forgiveness from God and anyone whom we wronged, but also forgive ourselves. Forgiveness brings a calmness to our soul, and that is a wonderful thing.

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Pray

Lord, we pray for the strength to admit our sins. Bless us with your forgiveness, and calm our souls. It is only with your love and forgiveness that we know how truly blessed we are to be Christians. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Go with God.