Focus

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

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Read

Matthew 12:34-37

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

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Reflect

On some mornings, I just wake up mad. The coffee isn’t strong enough, the kids aren’t getting out the door fast enough, the traffic is moving too slowly…. If someone didn’t know me, they would not be impressed with the state of my soul on those mornings. Frankly, people who know me aren’t so impressed on those days either.

Matthew speaks of empty words and how they reflect can often reflect an empty spirit. On those bumpy mornings, my soul feels pretty empty. Usually, I’ve not taken the time to meditate, pray, or read my Bible on those mornings because I’m running late – or frankly, I just don’t feel like it. Matthew challenges us to look at every word coming out of our mouths as representation of either a full and content soul versus an empty spirit.

But just as my coffee cup fills up, my soul could be filled on those grumpy mornings. Taking the time to put my soul in order will set my day up for success, even if I wake up on the wrong side of the bed. The precious few minutes spent in the presence of God can do more than the strongest cup of coffee.

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Pray

Dear Maker of Good Mornings,
Be with us on our good days and bad days. Help us share souls with your good words rather than evil thoughts. Let others see you through us. In your name we pray,
Amen.

Go with God!