Today’s scripture: Psalm 60 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (James Hendrix):
I met Ray a several years ago. An energetic 70-year-old retiree, Ray loved to share the message of Christ’s love with others. As we talked one day, Ray told me that he had not always been a Christian. In fact, he said, when he was a young man, he had been an atheist. For years, Ray rejected God, and he said he tried to persuade his friends to reject God. Ray’s life changed, however, one day after listening to a friend talk about God’s love. That day, Ray stopped rejecting God and, instead, he asked God to come into his life.
Just as Ray had once done, the Israelites also rejected God and refused to obey God. But when we reject God, we are separated from our Savior, the one who gives us life and joy. We can choose to turn our hearts from God, or we can accept the grace and mercy that God willingly offers.
Thought for the day: Loving God, open my heart to receive your love. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.