Focus

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

---

Read

Luke 6:43-45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

---

Reflect

Have you ever experienced being around a family member or friend for an extended period of time and realizing that you have started to take on some of their characteristics? Like you begin to laugh like them, talk like them, start to have the same mannerisms?
Same can be true for our faith. When we study scripture, spend time in prayer, worship with others, read a challenging book, ponder lyrics to a song, have a deep conversation with a friend, when we fill our time with caring and serving others, we store up in our hearts the good that will have not where to go but out into the world.

There are places that push against this and cause us to lose sight of what is good and can produce some evil intentions and actions so it is necessary to seek out times of confession and repentance so we can remove those things before they go out into the world. So today, ask God to remove in you what could lead to evil and surround yourself with those things that will fill your heart to produce the goodness of God.

---

Pray

God, we come seeking your way. We ask you to help us see where we miss the mark and grant us forgiveness for our sin. Fill us with your hope, peace, grace, love, and mercy. Help us be a tree that produces good fruit. Amen.

Go with God!