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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, July 26, 2003 "She Who Humbles Herself Shall be Exalted" |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, July 26, 2003 by Fritz Foltz
One of the most important events in my life has become meeting with a religious company in a Benedictine monastery each Lent. Most of the groups are big-time achievers, like the Pharisee in the passage. One evening we always square dance to the music of the Seneca String Band. But before we begin we join hands in a circle and sing “Tis a Gift to be Simple” while we dance and bow and bend and turn and turn and turn.
To observe those achievers doing that simple song and dance makes a tremendous point. To participate gives one valuable perspective about life and what Jesus meant by remaining humble. We do not manipulate God when we make ourselves humble, forcing him to be good to us. Instead we keep contact with reality, remembering what it is all about. It sort of like gathering around the Lord’s Table in Church and joining hands with Christians around the world.
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free,
'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Chorus:
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed,
To turn, to turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.
'Tis a gift to be gentle, 'tis a gift to be fair,
'Tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air.
To walk every day in the path that we choose,
'Tis a gift we pray, we may never lose.
(Repeat Chorus)
'Tis a gift to be knowing, 'tis a gift to be kind,
'Tis a gift to wait and hear another's mind,
That when we speak our feelings we might come out true,
'Tis a gift for me and a gift for you.
(Repeat Chorus)
'Tis a gift to be loving, 'tis the best gift of all,
Like a warm spring rain bringing beauty when it falls,
And when we use this gift we may come to believe,
It is better to give than it is to receive.
(Repeat Chorus)
Let us pray: Thank you for all the gifts you have showered upon us. Gracious Father, and especially our individual talents and skill. Keep us simple and humble that we might always understand why you gave them and be willing to use them in serving our sisters and brothers. We pray in Jesus’ name. 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.