Presence

At any time of the day or night, we can call on Jesus.
He is always waiting, listening for our call.
What a wonderful blessing.
No phone needed, no e-mails, just a whisper.

Freedom

By God’s grace I was born to live in freedom,
free to enjoy the pleasures He created for me.
Dear Lord, grant that I may live as You intended,
with complete confidence in Your loving care.

Consciousness

Lord, please prepare the soil of my heart to receive the seed of Your Word. May it take root, grow and produce a bountiful harvest for Your glory and my good.

The Word of God

³¹“To what, then, will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? ³²They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.’

³³“For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’; ³⁴the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ ³⁵Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Inspiration

We can be stubborn and blind in many ways. Events and messages can be interpreted to fit with our own prejudices and what is convenient for us. We pray for the insight to see each situation on its merits and to live in the truth.

There was a contrast between the ascetic life of John and that of Jesus, who went to parties with tax collectors and sinners. Both were reaching out to people in prophetic ways and in different circumstances. May we have the wisdom to assess each situation and to act as Jesus would.

Conversation

The gift of speech is a wonderful gift.
May I use this gift with kindness.
May I be slow to utter harsh words,
hurtful words, and words spoken in anger.

Conclusion

Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.

Amen