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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 9, 2007 GOD LIKE ANY FATHER KNOWS |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, January 9, 2007 by Mary Jo Anderson
Matthew 7:11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask
him! (Revised Standard Version)
There’s a Vacation Bible School song from many years ago that keeps playing in my mind. We played it over and over in the car, learned every word, mastered the accompanying choreography and found ourselves singing it at the oddest times – one of those catchy tunes that seem to surface from out of nowhere. At the time I thought I’d never be able to forget it, but now ten plus years later I find only the tune has stayed with me and a few of the words -- GIFTS, GIFTS EVERYWHERE RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES.
Having just enjoyed the biggest gift giving and receiving holiday of the year, I imagine we are all well versed in recognizing gifts. Brightly wrapped and bagged, chosen with wish lists in mind, sizes big and small, sent from afar or right next door – the contents surprising, predictable, discerning, generous, unusual, or perhaps puzzling. At Christmastime, it’s easy to recognize the wrapped gifts, the swaddled gifts, the blooming gifts, the financial gifts, gifts of scripture, music, and word. As we march into the new year, though, how will we maintain that posture of giving, that Advent anticipation, and that attitude of gratitude?
Gifts are not always labeled with our name and yet they may call out to us. Gifts are not always brightly wrapped and yet they may beg for our attention. Gifts are not always what we want, but may be what we need. Gifts may be the wrong size at the wrong time and yet somehow they fit the circumstances at hand. Gifts may come from afar or be so close we don’t recognize them. GOD KNOWS HOW TO GIVE GIFTS. Do we know how to recognize and receive them all through the year?
Perhaps our definition of GIFTS needs revision. Look around you . . . GIFTS, GIFTS EVERYWHERE RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.
Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, give us patience, discipline, trust, and courage to live each day with open eyes and hearts so that we may recognize the gifts you provide and the opportunities to be a gift to others. 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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