Being With God

Stop

Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.

Listen

Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed them, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

Reflect

Jesus lived a life of action. He was constantly moving from village to village, healing the sick, casting out demons, confronting the oppressive power structures. It must have been exhausting.

Then we come across a verse like this. The crowd that he dismissed was the 5,000+ people that he fed with five loaves and two fish. That must have been a stressful, long day. 

Notice what Jesus does. He doesn’t collapse and take a nap. He doesn’t plop on the couch and scroll through Netflix.

He goes to the mountain to pray. Jesus does this regularly throughout his ministry. He began his ministry with 40 days of solitude in the wilderness. He snuck away to be alone with God on a regular basis. He ended his ministry pleading with God in the garden.

If Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, needed to take time to be alone with God in prayer, then, perhaps we do, too.

In Thursday’s devotional we watched a video on how to spend a quiet time with God. It consists of finding a quiet place to breathe deeply and get centered. Then it consists of:

Trust: Rest in the fact that God is with you and for you.

Investigate: Read scripture to give your mind and spirit something to chew.

Meditate: Chew on what you just read. Let it soak in. Breathe deeply and ask God to speak through words and connect it to daily life.

Express Yourself: Do something that will allow you to actively respond to the scripture. The most basic thing to do is to pray. Talk to God about the text. You might try journaling about it, or expressing your thoughts in a creative way.

Pray

Gracious God, help us to follow Jesus’ example and find time to be with you each day.

Carry On

Before you go into your world of DOing, may you take some time to BE in God’s presence today.

Be Still and Know

Stop

Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.

Listen

Psalm 46:10–11.

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth.”

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Reflect

Today, I invite you to watch this video. It talks about how to be still and know God.

https://youtu.be/pHM1ZL59PCA

Pray

Gracious God, grant us the courage and discipline to set aside time each day to get centered in your love.

Carry On

Go now, friends, centered in the love of God. May God’s love overflow into everyone you encounter today.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Stop

Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.

Listen

Read Isaiah 6:1-8

Reflect

Do you remember who used to say “Holy ______” all the time? Robin. Right. As in Batman and Robin.

The caped crusader’s sidekick was technically correct and biblically accurate in his use of the term.

Let’s see how this works. Let’s say you saw a turtle on the ground.

You’d say, “there’s a turtle.” Now let’s say you saw a giant turtle that was the size of a bus. You’d say,

“Holy Turtle, Batman.”

The word “holy” means set apart; something that is different, out of the ordinary, special. Holy Turtle.

Now, if something is bigger than big, far beyond even special, then you would give it a double whammy.

Let’s say you saw a turtle the size of a building. You’d say, “Holy, Holy Turtle” This is beyond turtle.

Have you had any holy moments, or Holy, Holy moments?

Do you remember the first time you saw a breathtaking view. I know, whenever I climb to the top of a mountain I have one. This summer we went to the top of Mt. Evans, near Denver. We were 13,000 up. When you look around, you’re like, “holy, holy landscape!”

Now, if you encounter something that totally blows your mind, that is beyond comprehension, then you would say, “holy, holy, holy”

We read the story of Isaiah this week in chapter 6. He has a holy, holy, holy moment with God and it changes him.

Pray

Gracious God, open our eyes today to see your holiness all around us. Let us be changed by it.

Carry On

As you go into your day, may you find stillness in your heart to be open to the vastness of God’s holiness and God’s love for all creation. May it transform how you encounter it today.

Money is Only a Tool

Stop.

Set a timer for three minutes. Close your eyes and meditate on God’s call in your life. Decide to live into what this abundant life might look like for you,.

Listen.

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. – 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Reflect.

One common critique of the church is that we always talk about money. I realize that what they mean is that they think the church always asks for money. I try to redirect that assessment. We all know the power money has over our lives and how we spend so much time and energy on it. Why shouldn’t people of faith talk about money? How else do we put God and not money first in our lives? 

In 1 Timothy, believers who have financial wealth are instructed to share what they have so they can “take hold of the life that really is life”. Because of the power money wields, those with more money have a special opportunity to make life abound – not just for them, but for others. Their generosity puts money in its proper place while caring for the community. Believers know that talking about and using money is a faith practice. 

Money is not an end goal; it’s a tool for loving God and loving your neighbor. When you get that right, you take hold of the life that really is life.

Pray.

Gracious Creator, you have made all things and given me all I have. In you, I have more than enough. Teach me how to use these gifts so that others would be served and I would be freed from money’s power in my life. In these acts, I glorify you. Amen.

Carry On.

If someone asks you why you give to the church, what will you say? Try practicing your ten second speech on the importance of giving in your life. Find a way to give that speech this week!

Love Each Other

Stop.

Take a moment to breathe deeply. As you breathe in, say “One in Christ”. As you breathe out, say “Love each other”.

Listen.

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. – Acts 2:44-45

Reflect.

This passage from Acts is one of my most treasured visions of what Christian community can be.  Trusting in God’s abundant gifts, centered in compassion for each other, and dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can also be incredibly generous. The earliest Christian community shared all things; in love, we can live out this truth. 

I’ve often heard people dismiss this verse by saying the earliest Christians expected Christ to return quickly. Money wouldn’t matter if you thought the end of time was near. But if that was their reasoning, why take care of each other at all? If Christ was coming soon, why not let him deal with it when he got back?  

I wonder if instead they shared everything because their proximity to Jesus inspired them. Having seen and heard of the one who gave everything for them out of love, they couldn’t help but do the same for each other. When we live our faith, we act generously and compassionately.

Pray.

By your love, God, inspire me to care for others like the first believers did. Free me from my own fear and greed. Show me those who need the gifts you’ve entrusted to me. Inspire me to greater acts of kindness and compassion. Amen.

Carry On.

What cause is most important to you? What’s one organization you really respect? Can you offer them a show of financial support right now, even if it’s just $10?

Abundant Gifts

Stop.

Close your eyes and breathe. Picture all the good things God has given you, no matter how simple. Take time to praise God for each gift.

Listen.

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it – Psalm 24:1

Reflect.

It can be hard to figure out how money factors into your faith. However, following Jesus means taking everything we do and everything we have as an opportunity to worship God. As your receive your materials for the fall generosity appeal, I hope you’ll spend time praying and considering how God calls you to respond.  

For starters, scripture regularly reminds us that God has made all things and that all things belong to God. It’s not that all things belong to us because God gives them to us – they belong to God first, and we simply steward it. That’s why churches use the language of stewardship around financial giving. It reflects how we tend to and wisely use our money, which belongs first to God. 

While planning how you’ll support Easter’s ministry with your finances this year, try starting with the recognition of and appreciation for all that God gives you. Celebrate that everything belongs to God who entrusts these good things to us. Ask God to show you how to use these gifts well. When we start with gratitude, we can’t go wrong.

Pray.

I praise you, God, for your abundant gifts. Let your generosity inspire my own. Make me a faithful steward of all that you have made and trust me to use for your glory. Amen.

Carry On.

With so much to worry about, it’s easy to forget what makes you grateful. Today, any time you feel worried, anxious, or afraid, stop. Breathe. Name five blessings that God has given you. Give thanks to God for them and move on in a new mindset.

Cast your Anxiety on God

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is for me”. As you breathe out, say: “God is with me” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Reflect.

Peter is probably my favorite disciple. Why?  Because he kept messing up.  He was always asking Jesus to help him with something that had gone awry.  Peter loved Jesus with all he had, yet he was human, and we humans make mistakes. 1 Peter ends with my favorite verse which reminds me that even disciples of Jesus had anxiety.  If they could cast it onto God even after the death and resurrection of Jesus, what is stopping us? 

I know that I often hold onto those anxious thoughts.  I have to practice sharing and praying, casting them onto God.  I have to practice being open, even when I know God can hear and see my thoughts.  I have to practice casting off my anxiety and remembering that God cares for me. 

We know that God will take our anxiety and use it in unimaginable ways.  God cares for us and wants us to share our thoughts, whatever they may be, with Them. 

Pray.

God, you are with me in my struggles. God, you are with me in my successes.  God, be ever present in my mind and help me to practice sharing it all with You. Amen.

Carry On.

Make time today to cast your anxiety to God and make time to listen. Remember that God cares for you.

Choose to Trust

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Choose to Trust”. As you breathe out, say: “Every Day.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

So the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”  1 Kings 17:24

Reflect.

Last Thursday, I was excited to join Coffee with a Pastor!  We took time to check in with each person and share our anxieties and gratitudes.  We also spent time with Sunday’s Bible reading (1 Kings 17: 1-24 the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zaraphath).  We learned how Elijah relied on God for everything: food, water, and shelter.  It was exciting to me to hear all the different yet similar views on the Widow’s story.  The reading ends with the Widow finally trusting in God through Elijah.

We discussed how God’s provision is different than anything we can ever imagine. When I spend time praying for something, I have an idea or hope of what will happen. What actually happens is always different.    

We know we have to choose to trust God.  God is here with us in everything we do. God’s provision will change and we have to trust that we’ll continue to be provided for. 

Pray.

Dear God, thank you for all you provide.  When I doubt, help me to trust.  When I am in need, help me to trust.  When I am joyful, help me to trust.  Help me to trust in You every day. Amen.

Carry On.

When do you lose trust?  What event(s) of your life can you use to remember God’s gifts and faithfulness? 

Elections

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Peace”. As you breathe out, say: “Patience”. Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Reflect.

Today is Election day!  For many years I served as an election judge. It was wonderful to spend time with people older and wiser than I.  Today I am praying for all those election judges as the infection rates of Covid-19 in Minnesota keep rising and as there seems to be so much division in our communities.  What an election cycle it has been! I know I am ready for at least some of the noise and rhetoric to subside. 

We need to remember, “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (The Message).  Through God we are all related, we are all kindred.  Remember how we were created.  We mess up, we fight, and we argue, we can also love deeply and care for each other!   God created us for community.

Pray.

Jesus, be with all Americans today as votes are cast and counted.  Be with us as we await results that could be weeks away.  Dwell in our hearts and keep us free of malice.  Amen.

Carry On.

Check in with three of your kin.  Spend time with them, if you can, pray together for our country and leaders. 

All Saints Day

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “With all the saints”. As you breathe out, say: “In all the world”. Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us – John 17:21b

Reflect.

Tomorrow, the church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day, we remember all the beloved saints who have lived before us. We treasure their witness of faithfulness and hope. We entrust them to God, even as we continue to grieve their death. Their lives inspire us to acts of joy and love.

We also remember that we have each been redeemed by God and are all saints. The saints who have been gone before us join us in praise of God in this life. In this way, the church unites on earth and in heaven to worship the God we love. It is a beautiful image of the true union of all God’s people throughout history. 

We are never alone. We are never forgotten. We are all beloved saints of God, together with all believers throughout time. We share in worship and praise, comfort and love, hope and joy. God promises us a great cloud of witnesses in this life and the next to sustain and cheer us at all times.

Pray.

I thank you, God, that you claim me as one of your saints. Inspire me with the love and faithfulness of your servants throughout history. Grant me courage to serve you and your people as they have done. In you, with you, through you, I am never alone. Amen.

Carry On.

Whose faith has most inspired you? How does their witness give you courage and hope today? How can you tell that person’s story?

Jesus is with us

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is good”. As you breathe out, say: “I am enough” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. – Matthew 18:20

Reflect.

Jesus promises to be among us when there’s even just a couple of us gathered. He hears us whether our group is large or small, loud or quiet, persistent or timid. We have comfort knowing we can call on our Savior any time.

Sometimes it feels like we’re not even gathered as two or three. Sometimes we’re very, very alone. Whether that’s because pandemic rules keep us distant, the chaos of the world feels so overwhelming, or we each bear the weight of struggles and worries, we all face isolation. Can Jesus’ promise to be in our midst still be true when we’re all alone? 

His assurance to be in our presence when even a few of us gather wasn’t a magic formula. Jesus wasn’t saying he could only show up if a few Christians came into a group. He was saying that no group is too small, no concern too personal, no prayer too quiet that he can’t be present. Jesus is not limited by numbers. You are enough for him; he cares for you all on your own. 

Pray.

Jesus, I am so grateful that you hear me when I pray. When I am alone, make your presence known so that I am never without your love and care. Join me with believers all around the world, even if we can only be together in spirit, so that we can praise your name with one voice. Amen.

Carry On.

Who offers you spiritual support? Who can you call today, or whenever you’re feeling alone, to join together in faith and mutual encouragement?

Prayer & Praise

Stop. 

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Filled with praise”. As you breathe out, say: “With every breath.” 

Listen.  

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! – Psalm 95:6  

Reflect.  

The pandemic requires us to reconsider how and why we worship. It feels less familiar. In many ways, worship is smaller and quieter than we’re used to. That’s a big loss. 

Without a big choir or powerful band, what does praise sound like? So many of us equate worship with music but singing in a big group can’t happen safely right now. So what does praise sound like today? How can our worship, no matter how small, still celebrate and raise voices to God? 

Praise doesn’t have to be loud or busy, although it can be. Praise can also be the simple recognition of God’s action in your life. It can be declaring your love for God on a daily basis. Praise can be whispered prayer, faithful service, and devoted time set aside to be in God’s presence. It can happen in a full sanctuary, but it can also happen on your couch. God is with you in either place, because God goes with you everywhere. Praise might sound different right now, but it can still be beautiful. 

Pray.  

God of all creation, I raise my voice to praise you. Make it powerful and beautiful, no matter how small or quiet. Let my praise reflect my love for you in all I do and say. Amen. 

Carry On.  

It can help to have a spot for your prayer and praise. If it’s not in the church building, where can it be in your house? Can you make a dedicated spot for worship at home? 

Promise of Love and Grace

Stop.

Take a deep, full breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is with me”. As you breathe out, say: “God is good”. Repeat this as many times as you need.

Listen.

And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it. – 2 Samuel 7:20-21

Reflect.

In the text we’ll hear in worship tomorrow, God tells King David that God doesn’t need David to build a temple. God loves the people and will continue to defend them no matter what. God’s goodness and love don’t require some kind of fancy physical location. God will work through the people and David’s leadership to great glory.

Instead of complaining that he didn’t get to be the one to build a house for God, David steps aside to sing God’s praises. David realizes that the gift of God’s continuing presence and providence are worth more than the prestige of a temple. David realizes that the greatest treasure comes in God’s work in his life.

Like David, we trust that no matter where we pray or worship, no matter how important or humble our status, no matter what God calls us to in this life, the greatest gift is God’s simple promise of love and grace for all time.

Pray.

God, I know you are with me, no matter where I go, and no matter how I serve. Send me to the work you need me to do. Give me confidence to do your work faithfully. I praise you for your love in my life. Amen.

Carry On.

Choose an anonymous act of kindness today. Let it be to God’s glory.

David and Goliath

Stop.

Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths. Release your anxiety and need to be busy. Let God’s presence in your life be your sole focus in this moment.

Listen.

David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. – 1 Samuel 17:39a

Reflect.

In the story of David and Goliath, the young David decides to face off with the mighty warrior Goliath, who has been taunting the Israelites and their fighters. When David answers the challenge, King Saul suits him up with Saul’s very own armor and sword. However, they’re so heavy and unfamiliar that they just weigh David down. He chooses to take the risk of leaving them behind. He picks up only stones and his sling, weapons he knows, to face this fearsome foe.

When we try to be who others say we should be, we start to feel like David dragging beneath Saul’s armor. It becomes harder and harder to hear and do God’s call as we struggle under the weight of their expectations. Instead, hold tight to the gifts, abilities, and relationships God has given you as you do God’s work in the world.

Pray.

God, I trust in you alone. I praise you for what you have given me and pray that you would show me how to best use these gifts. Make me faithful, not to others’ ideas of me, but to your vision for my life. Amen.

Carry On.

Picture all that weighs you down. Envision releasing it and letting it drop. Without these expectations distracting you, ask God to show you exactly who God alone calls you to be today.

Created

Stop.

Remember that you have been created in God’s image. Breathe, relax, and trust that God loves you who for you truly are.

Listen.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Reflect.

In worship this Sunday, we’ll hear about King David. In the story we will hear, David has immense power and prestige. However, 1 Samuel 16 reminds us that this powerful man was once youngest in his family, sent out to care for the sheep, considered of little note when the prophet Samuel came to town. Even Samuel himself saw David’s older brothers and thought they must be who God chose to be the next king of Israel. Samuel was wrong.

God reminds Samuel that we easily assume we know someone’s worth by how they look. We quickly assign value to someone based on things that don’t truly matter, whether it’s their profession, income, background, or race. God reminds Samuel that God cares most about a person’s heart. God truly knows us, no matter what anyone else says about us. Our real identity comes from our Creator.

Pray.

Help me to see myself as you see me, God. Give me the peace and confidence to fulfill your will. Grant me grace to see your image in others, so that I may love them just like you do. Amen.

Carry On.

How will you stay centered in God’s love for you? When your day makes you doubt that you have worth, how will you return to God’s promises?

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Stop.
Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Consider all your blessings. Let them fill your heart. Offer thanks to God for these gifts.

Listen.
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.” – 1 Samuel 2:1a

Reflect.
After everything Hannah has been through – infertility, humiliation, suffering, struggle – she finally sees the resolution of everything she’s ever wanted. In the birth of Samuel, God’s promises are fulfilled. Hannah likewise makes good on her promise to give Samuel right back to God. Instead of singing a lament as she says goodbye to him, Hannah sings praise to God.

The song she sings praises God’s goodness, especially God’s goodness to those who have been forgotten and ignored. She doesn’t think she has lost Samuel; rather, God’s goodness abounds even more as Hannah returns the gift of Samuel back to God. She sees herself as one who had been forgotten by many but seen fully by God. She can sing with joy because of this gift, even as she returns the gift of her son to the God who gave him to her.

When people remind us to count our blessings, it’s not because we are meant to hoard and pile up material goods for their own sake. When we count our blessings, we put each one in the column of God’s good gifts. In remembering what God has given us, we remember that God knows and loves us always.

Pray.
My heart praises you, God, and you give me courage and strength. Thank you for all you have given me. I count each of my blessings, and I turn them over to you. Amen.

Carry On.
As you count your blessings today, write them down. Keep the list someplace where you can revisit it when you feel forgotten or lonely. Remember God’s goodness.

SHARING OUR GIFTS

Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say, “I receive God’s goodness.” As you breathe out, say, “I share God’s love.” Repeat this as many times as you need.

Listen.
For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord. – 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Reflect.
As we will hear on Sunday, Hannah’s desperate story continues with unbelievable joy. She receives the son for whom she prayed and celebrates God’s goodness. However, she made a promise to God: give me a son, and I will return that son to you. Once her son is old enough, she goes to the temple with her child and does just that. She gives young Samuel into the Lord’s service.

When God’s abundance surrounds us, it gets easy to forget that these gifts belong first to God. We tend to find reasons why we should keep still more and more of what God entrusts to us. But that’s not the way God works. God gives us good things not so we can show them off, or hoard them, or tell ourselves that we’re better than others. God gives us good things because God is good and wants that goodness to multiply.

Pray.
I have prayed for your mercy and kindness, God, and praise you for all the ways your abundance has been made real in my life. Give me a generous spirit that freely shares your gifts with a world that needs to know your love. Amen.

Carry On.
No matter what you have or don’t have, no matter what you get or don’t get, God is still good. You can share that message anytime, anywhere, in any possible way.

GOD HEARS US

Stop.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Set aside any grief or fear that weighs heavy in your heart. Envision your heart opening to God’s promises. Continue to breathe, release these emotions, and open your eyes.

Listen.
[Hannah] made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant” – 1 Samuel 1:11a

Reflect.
This week, we start a new sermon series called “People of Faith, Stories of Faith”. As we focus on these Old Testament characters and their incredible stories, we hear of emotions and events that feel familiar. These stories tell us something about our own lives today.

In Sunday’s scripture, we hear about Hannah. All her life, Hannah has wanted only to have a child. Her great grief over feeling unheard by God year after year consumes her life. However, she faithfully returns to God in hopeful prayer. She will not let despair win.

Today, you probably have some pain that continues to chase you. It might be grief, fear, sadness, worry, or stress. Wherever it comes from, it sometimes feels like it’s the only thing that matters. Rest in God’s promise to always be there, always provide for you, and always keep true to the promise for abundant life. God invites you to bring forward your prayers, to hear you in your struggle, and to guide you through.

Pray.
God, my God, if only you would look at how miserable I feel. Remember me today even as I remember your promises. Guide me in the path of hopefulness and good courage. I put all my trust in you. Amen.

Carry On.
God’s people can feel fear, sadness, anger, or any negative emotion and remain grounded in faith. We know that God hears us when we feel despair and walks with us in our deepest hurt. Bring your whole self to God.

TAKE TIME TO LISTEN

Stop.
As you breathe in, say “Speak, Lord”. As you breathe out, say “I am listening”. Repeat this three times.

Listen.
When God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, [God] gave him the two tablets of the covenant, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. – Exodus 31:18

Reflect.
Tomorrow in worship, we’ll hear the notorious story of the Israelites and their golden calf. When Moses took too long on Mount Sinai, they panicked. (They have tended to do that a lot – but if we’re honest, so do we.) God had surely forgotten them. Ironically, God had just finished giving Moses guidelines and boundaries to give them abundant life and meaningful direction.

Fear can quickly get the best of us. When we feel alone, scared, or forgotten, we tend to stop listening and watching. However, in these hard times, God does not stop working. God continues to offer us hope and a future, even if we can’t quite understand it yet.

When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, stop flailing and start listening. Maybe it’s spending time in scripture. Maybe you need to return to a daily devotional or prayer practice. Maybe you need to call a good friend who can help ground you. Whatever it is, take the time to listen for how God brings direction and hope even in this difficult time.

Pray.
My heart is heavy and my mind is full, God. I confess that I cannot always hear your good news with an open heart. Take these burdens from me and open my ears, so I can hear the word of life that comes in Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Carry On.
Remember: as you go into the world today, God goes with you. You are not alone. You don’t need to be afraid.

RELY ON GOD’S LOVE

Stop.
In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask: “Give us this day our daily bread”. Take a breath, close your eyes, and pray just that line five times.

Listen.
The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.” – Exodus 16:11-12

Reflect.
Earlier this week, we heard how the Israelites panicked when the Red Sea blocked their escape from Egypt. Today, we read about yet another time when the Israelites panicked and forgot about God. This time, it’s when they get hungry in the wilderness.

After the exodus from Egypt, but before they arrive in the land God promised them, the people wander in the wilderness. It’s not a hospitable place. They quickly jump to the conclusion that they’ll starve. They complain to Moses and Aaron, God hears their fears, and gives them food. The catch is that the bread and meat God sends is just for the day. They can’t store up any extra. They have to trust that God will send them what they need each day.

It’s a hard thing to trust. We want to depend on ourselves, working extra hard to make sure we can get along on our own. But God calls us to something else. God invites us to trust in God’s providence, relying only on God’s love and mercy for each day. God will give us what we need.

Pray.
God, I see all I have as a gift from you. Thank you for giving me only what I need, and thank you for sending me into the world to share these gifts with others in your name. Amen.

Carry On.
What’s one thing you have more than enough of? Who needs you to share that? How will you do that today?