Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Psalm 128 (NRSV)

Happy is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion.
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
May you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!

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Reflect

One of my co-workers at the school bus department is also a local pastor. No matter what has happened that day in the transportation office or out on the bus route, he is always joyful. Anytime you see him and ask how he is doing, his response is always, “I’m better than I deserve!” It goes without saying that I enjoy the times I get to see him; his joyful attitude brightens my day.

Life has its share of hurts, but it also has its share of God’s blessings. The psalms share these experiences with us. A couple of months ago, Robin and I were really down and hurt. We thought we were going to have the opportunity to adopt another baby, and bring a sibling into our home for Benjamin. When things didn’t work out, we could have chosen to be angry at God for not giving us another child. Or, we could have looked into each other’s face, look into at Benjamin, and see just how God has blessed our family. I was reminded of these blessings on Christmas Day when our 3-year-old sang a solo during morning worship. Yes, our family is blessed! Instead of focusing on what everyone else has, let us count the blessings that God has given to us, and like my co-worker, you may find that you are better than you deserve.

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Pray

Loving God, you love us and bless us more than we deserve. Thank you for your infinite grace! Amen.

Go with God.