Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 36 (NRSV)

Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in their hearts;
there is no fear of God
before their eyes.
For they flatter themselves in their own eyes
that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
They plot mischief while on their beds;
they are set on a way that is not good;
they do not reject evil.

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your judgments are like the great deep;
you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,
or the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the evildoers lie prostrate;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.

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Reflect

Deceit and wrongdoing bring more evil and more deceit. But God’s love, faithfulness, and righteousness are precious and far reaching. In the many experiences we encounter day to day, we can be confronted with and make choices that result in wrongdoing. One simple act may seem insignificant, but choosing to do wrong one time can also make it easier to make similar choices again and again. The more we choose evil, the less the choice bothers our conscience. Choosing the right path leads to fulfillment and salvation, bringing us closer to God.

Today, I will seek to avoid any deceit or wrongdoing. I will accept God’s love and salvation. I will seek to share God’s love and the story of salvation. Today, I will seek to be faithful, blameless, and honest. I will seek to despise and put away wickedness. I know that I will falter and fail. I know also that God is faithful and that I can draw closer to God and to knowing who God is when I seek and return to the things of God. God will provide when I seek.

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Pray

Keep us nearer, Lord, to you today. We desire to experience your love and faithfulness and to share it with others. Forgive us our failings and draw us continually back to you. Amen.

Go with God.