Focus

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

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Read

Psalm 37:12-22 (NRSV)

The wicked plot against the righteous,
and gnash their teeth at them;
but the LORD laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to kill those who walk uprightly;
their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.

Better is a little that the righteous person has
than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
and their heritage will abide forever;
they are not put to shame in evil times,
in the days of famine they have abundance.

But the wicked perish,
and the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

The wicked borrow, and do not pay back,
but the righteous are generous and keep giving;
for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

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Reflect

We all want to be successful. We all want to have a comfortable lifestyle. When we pray, what do we ask for—money? things? I remember the Janice Joplin song in which she asks, “Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz, a color TV, and a night on the town.”

God knows the days of the blameless and also know that those who put material things first in their lives will vanish like smoke! God knows our needs, and will supply them. Are we blameless and righteous? Have we repented of our sins and are we seeking righteousness?

We should ask ourselves: Have I been a light in dark places? brought a smile to sad faces? shown the world I really care? When someone stumbles, am I there to help? Have I lived my life the way God wants me to each and every day? God has a purpose for all of us.

There are two things God wants from us—faith and obedience. Those two things will lead us to righteousness.

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Pray

God, you call us and the world calls us. Keep us going in the right direction. Help us to seek your ways. Give us strength to fight the temptations, the allure of worldly possessions and pleasures. Bless, lead, guide and direct us. Amen.

Go with God.