There are few Bible passages more encouraging to me than this one. God notices when we put our heads and hearts together and take him seriously. He takes attendance. 

He stakes his claim: “They will be mine.” 

He gives them hope and a future: “They will be mine, my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.”

He distinguishes them from others: “So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.”

The Message says, “God saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God’s presence and minutes were taken of the meeting, with the names of the God-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored God’s name.”

Today, God sees what you are doing. He hears what you are saying. He takes note when you honor him in your words and ways. He prepares a blessing fitting for such beautiful souls. 

How could we not be encouraged?

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I will join my heart and mind with those who take God seriously.

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Our Father, looking around, there are a lot of people talking about you. It’s pretty clear how most of the talk is pretty empty. They want your smile without your character. They want your blessing without your interference. There are also those who take you seriously, who seek you in all things at all times, whose deep desire is to know you, please you, and help others do the same. Thank you for noticing. Bless these people that they may be salt and light in a dark and tasteless world. Amen.