Focus

Are you tired? Take this time to rest. Relax every part of yourself. Breathe slower. Be ready for what God has before you today.

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Read

Psalm 10:1-4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor—
let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.

For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart,
those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord.

In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, “God will not seek it out”;
all their thoughts are, “There is no God.”

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Reflect

My wife this morning showed me a story about a criminal family in Canada that had strong ties to the Mafia in Italy. This family was arrested by the Canadian police and confiscated millions of dollars worth of homes, jewelry, high-end cars, and cash. The family was extorting people who had a gambling addiction and charging them high interest rates for borrowed money; if the money were not repaid they would beat them and terrorize their families.

As Psalm ten states, we live in a wicked and cruel world. However, sometimes-good people put themselves into bad situations. It is understood that criminals pry on good people who make bad choices. Many of the wicked people of this world do not believe there is a God. The wicked have very little conscience about gaining wealth by hurting others.

So what are the consequences that will follow those who make bad decisions? They put themselves in a place where evil will many times win over good.

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Pray

Heavenly Father, keep me from wicked and wrongful thoughts and actions in my life. Help me from wanting to dance with the devil, because I know in my heart I cannot win. Place me into the presences of Almighty God, and open my heart and eyes that I might see clearly the wrongs that are before me. Give me strength to turn away from evil, and may I run to the security and presences of God. Have mercy on me, O Lord. Amen.

Go with God!