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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 27, 2007 Giving All |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, March 27, 2007 by Mary Jo Anderson
Recently, I heard a news story that consideration is being given to retiring the penny for which production costs outweigh its value. I didn’t like the idea of having to give up all the symbolism and growing-up lessons I’ve come to associate with that coin. Sayings came to mind – “a penny saved is a penny earned” – “see a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck”. And, what about penny loafers? Do you remember the thrill of finding wheat penny? And, how about the first time you saw the Lincoln Memorial – large and small took on new meaning. In my opinion, the value of a penny goes far beyond production costs.
Perhaps my most vivid penny memory is hearing, in Sunday School, about the impoverished widow who gave all she had – two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Having just placed my own offering envelope (a big deal when you’re just a little girl) in the basket, I remember thinking, if those coins were my very last could I give them all to church like she had? That’s a question I’m still answering today, some forty years later. Could I put in everything?
A favorite hymn, from the Lutheran Book of Worship, helps me work through this question and helps me to recognize all the ways I can begin to give all – my time, my talents, and my treasures – everything.
Take My Life, That I May Be #406
Take my life that I may be consecrated Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
Dear God: Take my life, that I may be. Opportunities for giving, let me see. 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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