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

Ephesians 1:7-14 (NRSV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

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Reflect

In her book Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris tells of being at an airport gate and seeing an infant in a carrier. The child was fascinated by the travelers at the gate. It seemed that each time the child saw a new face the child would giggle with delight. Norris believes this is the way God looks at us. God created us and called us very good. God looks at us as we are and loves us in spite of our wounded souls, our deepest fears, our poor excuses and denials. Think about the people God used in the Bible: Saul the persecutor, Peter the denier, Rahab the harlot, and Mary the teenager. The list goes on and on as does the list of shortcomings. Yet God still showers us richly with grace. “God loves to look at us and loves it when we look back” (Norris). It is my hope that God looks at us (at least some of the time!) and giggles with delight.

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Pray

Look at me, O God. I pray that you find delight knowing that I try to fulfill the potential you created in me. When I stray, when I go away from your presence, I know you are there and that you draw me back to yourself. Thank you for your grace that rains down on me. I know I cannot earn it, but that you give it freely through Jesus Christ. What a gift! Amen.

Go with God.