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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Sunday, July 8, 2003 "Spiritual Growth Involves Striving" |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, July 8, 2003 by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text of the Day- Matthew 5: 43-48
One of the books I really enjoyed reading
last year was the
autobiography of Lance Armstrong, 4 time winner of the Tour de
France, the most grueling race in bicycling. Armstrong currently is attempting to win his fifth straight. The race last for a month and literally takes the participants all
through France. It involves climbing steep mountains and racing down them as well.
It involves dodging your competitors and is very risky at many points. To compete in such a race, one needs to be not only “in shape” but
“light zone years ahead of in shape”.
In his autobiography, you learn about Armstrong’s heroic victory over cancer and the profound lessons he learned along the way. You learn how much he had to push himself to the limit, not only as a cyclist in training but also as a human being. There were times in which he felt defeated, but he mustered up the strength and courage to carry on. Lest we not forget, he also had friends, family, doctors, nurses, and countless strangers urging him on. “Keep pushing Lance.”
I am drawn to stories of people who can push themselves to the limit, not only physically but spiritually as well. Today’s lesson is in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In the lesson, Jesus is teaching us a very important spiritual lesson. In that, he says, it is easy to pray, love, greet, share, and care for people you like. That is a piece of cake. Jesus goes on to say that even the people we don’t like have companions who they care for. Therefore, it’s not too much of a stretch to reach out to those we adore. Rather, Jesus reminds his followers that they must always be pushing and striving. They need to take an assessment and figure out who drives them crazy. It is those people who we need to strive to pray for and show care for, even if that is difficult or scary or something we don’t want to do. Some of the most amazing things in life can happen when we strive and stretch ourselves in this way. It is one way in which we grow in understanding of those who differ from us or those who may not like us.
In a nutshell pushing ourselves to the limit to try and connect with those we have difficulty with is one way in which the Kingdom of God can come into our midst. There is no doubt that striving for such things is difficult and even painful. But, when one strives in such a way, know that the Lord is with you and that many will be praying and supporting you. Stretch yourself spiritually this day and in the days to come.
Question to ponder- Who do you need to pray for and care for that would be a stretch for you? What kind of encouragement would you need to do that?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your great teachings. We thank you for reminding us to stretch ourselves and care for those that we have great difficulty with. We know that you create all and desire them to live in harmony. Let us give of ourselves this day to others- so that we might help overcome some barriers this day. Open new doors in our lives and in the lives of those who trouble us. Lead us by the power of your Spirit. 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.