Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

Read

Psalm 106:40-48 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
and he abhorred his heritage;

he gave them into the hand of the nations,
so that those who hated them ruled over them.

Their enemies oppressed them,
and they were brought into subjection under their power.

Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their purposes,
and were brought low through their iniquity.

Nevertheless he regarded their distress
when he heard their cry.

For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and showed compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

He caused them to be pitied
by all who held them captive.

Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
And let all the people say, “Amen.”
Praise the Lord!

Reflect

Have you ever been so angry that you just can’t find the words to speak? Or you know the words that you are about to speak – might not be in line with your character and what you want others to hear you say? Anger Management 101 – Take a deep breath, count to 10 slowly (or 100 quickly if you really need to cool down). Remove yourself from the situation. Make necessary changes so that you can respond with reason and appropriate words.

The psalmist reminds us that even though God was quite angry – God remembered the covenant and out of God’s great love – God relented. Oh, am I so glad to hear that! How many times out of God’s great love have you been blessed with grace to cover the multitude of sin in this life? How many times have we received mercy beyond measure and God’s amazing grace? Over and over again, God shows us that great kindness of love and grace to help us through this life. Why is it that we have such a hard time showing that same kind of love for others? There is nothing I can do to deserve God’s grace, but I sure am glad for it!

Pray

Amazing God, you cover us in your grace, you love us beyond measure and you ask us to live lives that reflect that love. We need your help to see others as you see them. Thank you for showing us the way we are to live and love! Amen

Go with God!