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.

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Read

Psalm 100 (NRSV)

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.

For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

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Reflect

Make a joyful noise…what is your favorite noise or sound? Have you thought about it? Is it the sound of the creatures of the woods coming to life on an early hunt or while camping with family? Is it the sounds of waves crashing on the shore of a beach? Is it the sound of little feet excitedly storming the room where you sit waiting with a camera on Christmas morning? Is it the sound of the choir singing those victorious songs on Easter morning?

I have a daughter who is almost two. There are a lot of sounds and noises she makes that are not my favorite, especially if they wake me from my slumber. But something happens to the men in my family after they have children. They cry at everything they see and hear that tugs at their heartstrings. Yes, things I made fun of my father for crying about now cause me to cry.

When my daughter was born, there was a lot going on in the room. A doctor was barking orders, the nurses were doing so many tasks I couldn’t keep up, and my wife was doing the hardest thing I had ever seen anyone do. Then came my daughter and I heard her first cry. What a joyful noise it was! My emotions took over and I began to cry. My wife was crying, and my baby was crying. God is so good to us.

Take time away from the distracting sounds and listen for the beautiful sounds that bring you closer to God.

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Pray

God, I am thankful for so much today, but mostly for the fact that you made us and we are yours. God, thank you for giving us a love that endures forever. Amen.

Go with God.