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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Friday, June 6, 2003 "BE GOD’S” not “BE GODS”: An Apostrophe Makes a Difference |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, June 6, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the day: John 8: 28-29
Before I got married, I was a “post it” guy. In my apartment, I had post it’s on the doors, desk, refrigerator, and bathroom mirrors- all listing things that I needed to do. As soon as we got married, my wife put an end to it. The post-it’s may have disappeared, but my need for reminders has not disappeared.
Reminders are important. They jog our memories so that we do certain tasks, remember to call someone to reinforce a relationship, or they can remind us “who we are”.
In the text today, Jesus is speaking to his followers and he gives them (and himself) a reminder. He says, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me along, for I always do what pleases him.” In a nutshell, Jesus remembering his relationship with his, Father, his mission on earth, and the joy that comes from fulfilling that mission.
In the 21st century, we have palm pilots, cell phones, and email reminders- just to name a few. We have people who tell us that we are in charge of our own destiny. We have self-help books which make people into their own personal Gods. We have countless things in society which teach, “the individual is supreme.” “You are Gods” is a message I witness in advertising and in postmodern mentality.
Rich Mullins, the late contemporary Christian musician used to sign books and CD’s with the following line (which inserts an important apostrophe!) - “BE GOD’S” If you think about that - what Mullins was saying was countercultural. “BE GOD’S” is a reminder of who you belong to. It is a reminder that you are a child of God, called to live under his umbrella and his ways.
When we wake up each day and remind ourselves to “BE GOD’S”, then we very well may begin to remember his companionship beside us. We very well may start bringing him into more and more parts of our lives. When that happens, there will be great pleasure and joy.
BE GOD’S. He is with you. Listen to him and do his will this day.
Prayer: Lord God, we are yours. We belong to you and seek to have you lead us. Help us to celebrate our relationship with you each day. When we stray off and pretend to be in charge of things, gently bring us back to your ways. Help us to be faithful. Help us to demonstrate your care to others. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.