Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

John 5:19-29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.
“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

 

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Reflect

This is a deep theological passage to begin the day.  Today I am reflecting that the Good News of Jesus Christ is about life, abundant life.  Jesus Christ came to give us an abundant life.  When I reflect on abundant life I think about freedom, I think about joy, I think about meaning and purpose.

When I think about freedom I think about freedom from shame and guilt and freedom from being drug around by earthly passions.  When I think about joy I think about the blessings God has bestowed upon me and my position as a child of God, loved and accepted with billions of others.  When I think about meaning and purpose I think about how my life can make a difference in this world.  I have a purpose and it is higher than eating and drinking and being merry.  God has granted me and you to partake in transforming the world.  I pray all people can experience the “good life.”

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Pray

Help us O God to be partners in spreading the Good News of life with abundance, joy, and purpose.  In you, we apprehend these things.  Grant that we abide in your presence this day.  Amen

Go with God!