Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Luke 12:57-59     (NRSV)

“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?  Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison.  I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

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Reflect

Jesus is really asking the people why they have not answered the call of God on their lives. The signs of the kingdom are all around them, and Jesus is walking in their midst. Yet they cannot make up their minds about following God. Why could they not judge for themselves what was happening?

There are signs all around us of the wonders of God. Though the leaves have fallen off the trees, I know within a couple of months I will see leaves returning and the blooming of flowers. We can see how everything is connected in nature. This could not be accidental. Though we see the wonders of nature all around us, sometimes we forget about God and God’s call on our lives.

Jesus was confounded that the people were not making peace with God in their lives. Are we refusing to make peace with God in our lives? Are we struggling with hurts that could be healing by returning to the warming and radiant love of God? Has living apart from God really improved our lives or situations?

God is right here, right now waiting to embrace us and welcome us back to a relationship. God never turns us down when we return to God. God always says yes.

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Pray

God, thank you for maintaining our relationship even at my times of disbelief. Please give me faith. Amen.

Go with God!