DEUTERONOMY 16:19 (ABP)
If you end up in a position where you have to act as a judge, don’t dillydalley when it comes to delivering justice! Don't side with someone just because they are famous or they belong to an influential group. And don't entertain thoughts about personal gain. For bribes will cause even the wisest and most righteous of people to trip over their words before they crash and burn.
JOHN 5:44 (MSG)
How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Set aside all your personal ambitions to serve God and his agenda.
PRAYER
Loving God, I'm baffled that I'm so easily tempted by the prospects of quick personal gain. Save me from such diversions. I don't want to crash and burn but I recognize that even with all my faith I'm not beyond corruption. However, by your grace I'll be able to ignore the temptations and stay the course. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
