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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Wednesday, July 3, 2003 "Let Your Light Shine" |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, July 3, 2003 By Fritz Foltz
Matthew 5: 14-16 (click here to view text)
Joan Chittister tells an ancient Sufi story about a group of people traveling the world looking for the authentic religion. Eventually they found a wonderful group whose disciples were known for the goodness of their lives and the quality of their service. The seekers were very impressed, but said before they would become disciples they had a question. “Does your God do miracles?” Certainly a question many have of religion in our society. "Does your God do miracles?" The famous group responded, "It all depends on what you mean by a miracle. Some people call it a miracle when God does the will of people. We call it a miracle when people do the will of God."
It is time we all grew up and admitted it is to this that our baptism calls us. After we pour the water, declaring God’s love and acceptance of the candidate, after we proclaim the promise that she is now a member of God’s family, granted the power to be a daughter of God, we command, "Let your light shine, so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
We have been baptized the Holy Spirit and fire. God is present in our lives as fire, creative energy. It is that spirit which burns down the barriers between male and female, nation and nation, class and class, that helps the weak, repays good for evil, give thanks in all circumstances. We are called to live out that powerful baptism, to be careful we do not quench the Spirit.
And when we do, those around us are amazed. To observe anyone who does the will of God is to be impressed and attracted. Deep in all of us is the hope that we could live in love and peace, sharing and caring. To observe another doing it is to be inspired and the beginning of faith.
"Let your light shine, so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Let us pray: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come into our lives to grant us the courage to live our lives to your glory. Blow on the spark of our baptisms and create a wildly burning flame. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.<.p>
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.