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Scripture: Isaiah 45:22-25: Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory. Abridged: Whenever our work is devoted to increasing unconditional love in the world, we should direct all praise we receive for our labor toward the glory of God. Meditation: Whenever our work is devoted to increasing God’s unconditional love on earth, we should direct all praise we receive for our labor toward the glory of God. If we preach, for instance, and somebody tells us that they were impressed with our thoughts and delivery, we should admit that it is only the power of the Holy Spirit that is able to open human hearts and minds to speak about and receive God’s unconditional love. Without the inspiration of God, our messages are vain words lacking the gift and conviction of genuine faith. Likewise, all of our hours of ministry and mission in the church, synagogue, temple, and in the world should seek nothing but to reflect God’s light in a darkened world. Whether we are feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, sheltering the homeless, providing hope for the poor in spirit, or providing God’s love and assurance to the suffering and dying, we should always be seeking ways to follow the way of Jesus so that people will praise God rather than the labor we are inspired and empowered to complete by the Holy Spirit. Prayer: Our eyes, our heart, our whole being turns to you, Almighty God. In the eternal love that comes from you, we place all of our faith, hope, and trust. So firm is the foundation and so absolute is the promise of your love. A mere glimpse of your glory is enough to sustain us in the darkest of hours and in the lengthiest of difficult journeys. In you, our Heavenly Creator, we find our deepest desire. We praise your Holy name. Amen Enter password: .