Good morning beloved child of God.
“God raised up Jesus, freeing him from the pains of death” (Acts 2:24).
O Lord, you will show me the fullness of joy in your presence. Alleluia.
Psalm 16
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.
My happiness lies in you alone.’
He has put into my heart a marvellous love
for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.
Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
Never will I take their name upon my lips.
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize.
The lot marked out for me is my delight:
welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
even my body shall rest in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever.
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.
TODAY’S WORD: And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?' And he answered him, Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'” (Lk 13:6ff)
REFLECTION: Today’s reflection hits me differently! The simple question I would ask myself is: How productive have I been in the past 3 years? With all that God has deposited into my life. God has given me His Spirit. Is there anything else I want? Before I turn to the government, my parents, spouse, partner, colleague, or to you, I need to do a self-evaluation. Am I bearing the fruits that God expects of me? Today, check that fig tree in your life!
Shalom!
DAILY PRAYER: Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you that I may grow in righteousness and holiness. May I not squander the grace of the present moment to say “yes” to you and to your will and plan for my life. Amen.
The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is my stronghold. Think positive. It is well with you. God is in control. Have a blessed and fulfilling weekend.
ONE PERCENT BIBLE CHALLENGE: GENESIS 27.