February 22: Trying to Be Good

Affirmation: I am grateful for my body, soul and mind. God made me.

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

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Ponder and Personalize: Read the verse over several times, Focus today on the phrase: “…he is the faithful God…” Ponder the promise that God is faithful. How does God’s faithfulness affect you and your thoughts, choices, decisions?

Deuteronomy 7:9

 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. 

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Praying the Message of Jesus: A Year of Thoughts and Prayers

by Eugene Peterson

                        Feb 22

 Trying to Be Good

Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you

don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but

the God who made you won't be applauding."

MATTHEW 6:1

The Christians who care only for God's approval live free of the tyranny of conformist pressures, relaxed under the steady direction of the God who loves us and gives himself for us. Those who try to please the world by their good behavior very quickly find themselves under the unkind surveillance of a thousand critics.

 

What behavior of yours is determined by what people think?

 

Make me indifferent, God, to the world's approval, but sensitive to yours. How easy it is to get enlisted in the piety parade! Keep me from pretense, from poses, from posturings. For Jesus' sake. Amen.