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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Wednesday, March 17, 2004 You And Me Lord |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, March 17, 2004, by Penny Risen
Bible text:
Matthew 6: 25-34
((( I heard about a curmudgeonly politician who gives a unique answer, when
he’s greeted with the expression: “Have a nice day!” …
He counters with a chipper: “Of course it’s a nice day --- it’s the only one
I’ve been given!” )))
The Sunday sermon is about midway, but –- oops --- I’m daydreaming again.
I’ve been teased since I was a kid about coming out of church with the “flip
side” of what the pastor’s message intended. My reveries seem to focus not on
composing to-do lists or mulling mundane stuff, but on taking the opposite spin
in my brain about what is being preached.
Pastor actually is making a powerful point about ministering to others who
experience serious tragedies, comforting those who tearfully ask: “Why? Why did
this horrible thing happen to me?”
But rather than examining this valid approach to understanding God’s mercy, my
thoughts bring me to a “glass half full” rather than a “glass half empty” frame
of mind: “Why? Why am I so blessed?” Sure, I’ve had my share of illness,
disappointments, tragedy and general world-weariness. But I’m very thankful that
with God’s help, and with those He’s sent to aid, inspire and support me, I‘ve
thus far come out on the “plus” side and not the “minus” side in life.
((( That gospel singer at a concert last spring had the right idea. Between
verses of her group’s song, she stepped forward to give testimony about the
wonders that a relationship with God brought to her life. She took a different
track in her responses, unlike the one we commonly give in prayers during our
worship when we say: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Instead, it was: “You and me, Lord!” She’d proclaim this with a grin, look
upward after each petition and follow it with more joyful song. The people said:
“Amen!” )))
Keep on message, I tell myself. Sermon’s over, and now we’ll sing the Offertory:
“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the
Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.”
((( You and me, Lord. I thank you! You’ve fed me like the birds of the air,
clothed me like the lilies of the field. You, Heavenly Father, know that I need
all these things and by Your Grace my family and I don’t have many worries right
now. )))
Worship is nearly done. I raise my voice with the choir, and with brothers and
sisters in faith we praise Him together. We exchange the Peace and we tell each
other to have a good week, a blessed week.
((( I guess I get the message, after all. We worship, we reflect, we praise,
and look forward as one people toward celebrating soon the Easter Resurrection
--- God’s greatest and most undeserved blessing of all. Thanks be to God. )))
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me remember each day to give you thanks for
blessings great and small. It’s hard for me not to worry in my daily life, but I
know Your love and care for me is boundless. May my praise be acceptable to You.
Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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