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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 28, 2006 Worry About Things That Matter |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, January 28, 2006 by Brenda Kessler
In today’s scripture reading we learn that worry gets us nowhere. Jesus tells us to “look at the birds of the air; they do not sow and reap and store in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. …Consider how the lilies grow in the fields; they do not work, they do not spin; and yet, I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendor was not attired like one of these.” (The New English Bible)
I love Jesus’ reference to birds and wildflowers. The cardinals in my backyard grab my attention daily during these dreary winter months. The brilliant red color of the males and the soft grayish brown of the females bring a feeling of warmth to a cold environment. God does, indeed, care for the birds of the air. At the same time that He cares for these birds, God blesses me with their presence.
I look forward, too, to those warmer months when the lilies appear in the garden. The large showy flowers at the tips of their stems may be trumpet-shaped or bell-shaped. They may bend downwards, face outwards or turn upwards as they appear in a variety of beautiful colors. God does, indeed, dress the lilies in beautiful attire. At the same time that He dresses the lilies in their beautiful attire, God blesses me with their presence.
Why, then, do I spend so much time worrying about what I will make for dinner, especially when company is coming? Or why do I go from shop to shop to shop looking for just the right outfit for a special occasion?
Jesus would say, “Relax, Brenda. The fellowship around the dinner table is more important than the food you will be putting on the table.” Jesus would say, “Relax, Brenda. Don’t exhaust yourself looking for just the right outfit when you already have an outfit that is quite appropriate.”
Jesus’ main message to me in today’s scripture appears in verse 33. “Set your mind on God’s kingdom and his justice before everything else, and all the rest will come to you as well.” (The New English Bible) Simply put, that says to me, “Start thinking more about God’s kingdom, Brenda. God’s kingdom is about justice. Start appreciating all of God’s people and treating all of His people fairly. If you do that, Brenda, you will have all that you need. ”What is Jesus’ main message to you?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for caring for all of creation. Forgive me when I spend so much time worrying about the small things.Help me to set my eyes on you. Help me to think more about your kingdom. Help me to treat all of your people fairly and to appreciate all of your people. Help me to bless your people just as you bless me with the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. In Jesus’ name I pray. 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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