Presence

“Be still and know that I am God”. (Psalm 46:10).
Lord, may Your Spirit guide me to seek
Your loving presence more and more,
for it is there I find rest and refreshment from this busy world.

Freedom

Thank You God for my freedom.
May I use this gift to do what I can
for those who are oppressed or burdened.

Consciousness

As I talk to You, O God,
help me to grow in appreciation of the gifts of communication.
Grant that I will speak out for those who have no voice
and always have a kind word for those in need.

The Word of God

¹After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. ²Now the Jewish Festival of Booths was near.

¹⁰But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but, as it were, in secret.

²⁵Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? ²⁶And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? ²⁷Yet we know where this man is from, but when the Messiah comes no one will know where he is from.” ²⁸Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. ²⁹I know him because I am from him, and he sent me.” ³⁰Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him because his hour had not yet come.

Inspiration

Jesus, knowing the bloodthirsty nature of his opponents, walked a tightrope. He knew he was destined to suffer and be killed but that would only be in the fullness of time.  For now he would continue to carry out his mission from his Father, which was to spread the good news of the kingdom at whatever cost to himself.  In the end he paid a heavy price.  Are we willing to take up our cross each day and witness to our faith, despite ridicule and even persecution? 

Conversation

Dear Lord, help me each day
to seek Your presence more and more.
Fill my heart with love for You.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Amen