Focus

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

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Read

Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.

Happy are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,

who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways.

You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.

O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!

Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous ordinances.

I will observe your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.

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Reflect

In ministry, we meet people who go have gone through or are going through difficult times.  In my own life, I think about some of the decisions I have made in the past and the consequences of them. I often had to pay what my Dad calls a “stupid tax.”

life is difficult, but normally not as difficult as we make it.  The Psalmist lays out an offer for all people.  Do you want to be blessed?  Do you want to avoid shame? Do you want to avoid a misstep?  Then set your heart and mind on the decrees of God.  They are not burdensome but when treasured and followed they lead to a life of integrity, praise, and blessedness.

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Pray

God, you give these laws not to keep us from our desires, but to guide us toward a higher plane of living.  Give us a desire to love what you love and desire what you desire for us.  Amen

Go with God!