Cricket Catching

 

Read Luke 5:17-26

The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

 

As a boy, I mastered the art of catching fish bait. First, I had to find a patch of tall grass. Then I walked systematically through the grass, with one foot sweeping forward in a slow scythe-like motion. Scared crickets would leap, at which point I would crouch, cup one hand, and pounce. Somewhere along the line, I lost my passion for catching crickets — and on a much larger scale, for mastering new things. From fear of failure or disapproval, I now stay safely in my comfort zone. In fact, as an adult, I live more like a cricket than a person, hiding and leaping in fear.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus says, “Fear not.” He appreciates faith-driven courage and boldness, such as that of the paralytic’s friends (in Luke, chapter five). In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle the gift of God that was in him. Although Timothy was loyal and dependable, he apparently struggled with being timid, just as I do. Paul urged him to remember that God’s power was at work in him. In times when I feel small and scared, like a cricket, it’s comforting to know that God’s powerful Spirit is also in me, encouraging me, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

 

The Author - Stephen Bishop (North Carolina, USA) - from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Since God has given me a spirit of power, I can be bold today.

Prayer

Dear God, please help us to boldly follow your will, no matter how scary and uncomfortable it may seem. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those limited daily by their fears

Remembering

God saw that they were tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around them and whispered, "Come with Me." With tearful eyes, we watched them as they slowly faded away. Although we loved them dearly, we could not make them stay. Their lifes were not an easy journey, with many stops along the way, to give themselves to those in need so they could make it through their day. They played many roles throughout their lives, spouse, mother, father, child, sister, brother, soldier, and my friend. There is an empty place in our lives as we see such an important life end. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands are at rest. But sorrow is softened in knowing They trusted in Jesus Christ, they are Blessed!

Memorial Day Devotion

 

A Day to Honor Life

By Beth Patch

Memorial Day – to some it’s merely the beginning of summer and to others it’s a solemn day to remember those who have passed from this life. However, to the war veteran and to the families of fallen soldiers, Memorial Day carries significance so deep that words cannot express their hearts.
When we look into the eyes of those who still mourn these once vibrant men and women, we often sense their loneliness and pain. We hear them choke back tears as they simply say the ranks and names of their military brothers and sisters at a Memorial Day service.

White gloves, dress uniforms, rigid posture, and perfectly precisioned salutes represent the reverence and respect flowing from within. Those who have been personally affected by war understand and appreciate this day of remembrance.
What should we say to those who sincerely honor this day? "Happy Memorial Day" doesn't seem fitting. "I'm sorry for your loss" may be closer to appropriate. What would the fallen soldier want from their comrades and the rest of the country on this day?

In an often quoted Memorial Day speech given in 1884 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., the speaker ended his address with these words, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death -- of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.”
The American soldier who gave his or her life for U.S. citizens to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness won’t be telling us how to observe the holiday. But I believe that Holmes’ proposition to “think of life, not death” would honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It's selfless love for others – not so they can mourn forever, but live!

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

Notice that in scripture and in military service, the willingness to give up one’s life is not dependent on the worthiness of the people who benefit from the honorable act. In a perfect world, all who receive freedom and grace would be worthy of such a sacrifice and full of gratitude. But that’s not the way it is anywhere on earth.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8

We are blessed to be living in a free society. May we honor our American soldiers for the liberty we have in this country. May we also give thanks to Almighty God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Can God change your life?
God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God.

In Training

12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
12:2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 Consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
12:4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children--"My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by Him;
12:6 for the Lord disciplines those whom He loves, and chastises every child whom He accepts."
12:7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline?
12:8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children.
12:9 Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share His holiness.

12:11 Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12:12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
12:13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.   Hebrews 12:1-13

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35 (NIV)
 

In my area, the month of June kicks off the season of triathlon racing. These contests of varying distances include swimming, biking, and running and are held one after the other. Over the last five years I have competed in triathlons and will participate again this year. In order to complete a triathlon, an athlete needs to prepare for it. Workouts that balance all three areas are better for the body and more helpful in completing the races than are workouts that focus on just one area. 

A spiritual journey is a lot like a triathlon. To fully engage in the spiritual journey we need balance in prayer, Bible study, and worship.

These three activities will strengthen our spiritual lives so that we can accomplish what the writer of Hebrews calls “the race marked out for us.” Some might add a fourth area — service. But I am a firm believer that service is actually an outward expression of prayer, Bible study, and worship. When we train by praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping with others, we can persevere in the race marked out for us, the race that leads to an experience of God that is eternal.

 

The Author -  Charles D. Kelsey (Iowa, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - “[Listening and Doing] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” -James 1:19

Prayer - Dear God our source of all love, fill us with desire, strength, and perseverance to grow in Christlikeness. Amen.

Prayer focus - Starting the race again after the storms of life

Tomorrow’s Pharisee

 

11:37 While He was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so He went in and took His place at the table.
11:38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that He did not first wash before dinner.
11:39 Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
11:40 You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?
11:41 So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.
11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others.
11:43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces.
11:44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it."   Luke 11:37-44

 

A pastor of mine once said, “The Christians of one generation tend to become the Pharisees of the next.” The Pharisees had started out on the right track; they wanted to live for God. But keeping the law became an end in itself. They forgot that the law was meant to draw them closer to God. Today’s reading shows what happens when our focus on outward cleanliness becomes an obsession, blocking out the more important part of the inner life. Jesus’ words cause us to step back and look carefully at what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.

The three “woes” in today’s reading remind us not to focus on appearances while the inner life is in disrepair.
The first tells us that if we love God, we will desire justice and give to the poor.






Then Jesus says that if we are humble, we will not care about having the “important” seats.




Finally, if we neglect the inner life, Jesus tells us, we will become like an unmarked grave, trampled underfoot. But if we nurture it, we will be vital and spiritually alive.

 

The Author - Dan G. Johnson (Florida, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - How can I focus less on keeping the rules and more on loving God?

Prayer

Dear God, help us to remain focused on loving and serving you. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those who worry about keeping the rules

 

Unseen

John 20:24-29

20:24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
20:25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord."

But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in His side, I will not believe."
20:26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe."20:28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"
20:29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me?

 

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

 

The boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

- Mark 9:24 (NIV)

 

Recently I was with some friends discussing our understanding of God. One person always referred to God using the phrase, “the God I don’t understand.” Another said she was truly glad there was mystery involved with understanding God. The third person said he had been searching everywhere for God and in every way possible, but he could not find God. Therefore, he decided to quit the search and let God find him. Then he added, “It worked!” Listening to these comments made me think of Thomas’ experience of questioning and seeking.

 

And then I remembered the father who had asked for his son to be healed and how he answered Jesus by saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” At times I am like each one in my group of friends, and sometimes I am like the people I read about in scripture. I find comfort in knowing that people in the Bible grappled with the same feelings and challenges we experience today. God always knows where we are. When we are still (see Ps. 46:10) and make ourselves available to God, we are saying, “Here I am, God. Find me!” At times, I see God’s presence revealed through other people or even through nature (such as when a butterfly lights on my hand and stays there). I am grateful for the mystery of the God I don’t fully understand. And I’m equally grateful that when I cannot find God, I know that God can and will find me.

 

The Author  - Patricia A. Simmons (Missouri, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Perceptions may change, but God remains constant.

Prayer

Thank you, God, that you never change. Our understanding of you may change, but you forever remain the same. Amen.

Prayer focus - Victims of natural disasters!

Open For Healing

 

51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
51:4 Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and blameless when You pass judgment.
51:5 Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
51:6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow

Psalm 51:1-7

If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 (NRSV)

 

Friends told me that my sudden illness was an allergic reaction, but I didn’t really believe them because I’d never had allergies. Finally, with a high fever and barely able to move, I begged my wife to take me to the hospital. I remember saying, “I guess I must have some sort of allergy.” The hospital staff isolated the problem and took corrective measures that relieved my physical distress. Later it struck me that until I admitted my problem, little could be done to save me from it. I had to be open to the remedy for my condition.

Something similar is true for us as sinners. Until we admit that we have sinned, we can never open our hearts to accept God’s forgiving grace that is the remedy for sin.

 I heard a minister say one time, “The hardest step in the act of redemption is the step where the sinner accepts the need for it.” Only after we admit that we are sinners can we accept God’s grace offered as a remedy for our sinfulness.

 

 

 

 

The Author - Gale Richards (Iowa, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - The moment we turn from our sin, we will find God’s grace.

Prayer

Dear Father, we have sinned, and we fear that you will reject us because of it. Help us to accept your grace and draw close to you. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those who feel beyond God’s grace

No Performance Necessary

 

Read John 1:14-17

1:14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

1:15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'")

 

 

1:16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
1:17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

 

My granddaughters were to compete in classical ballet. However, before the ballet, we were told that a troupe of five-year-old girls would perform individually. Four girls came on stage, one after the other. Then came the turn of Number 5. The music for the dance was “Me and My Teddy Bear.” But no little girl appeared. Instead we heard her crying. Later in the program all the dancers lined up on stage. To our delight, each little girl was given a medal on a ribbon, including Number 5, who, pale and tear-stained, was clutching her teddy bear. We saw no tears now but instead a watery smile.

That’s like grace, I thought. We don’t have to perform; we don’t have to earn God’s approval. Grace is the unmerited love of God. It’s sheer gift, a free expression of God’s love for us.

 

The Author - Dorothy O’Neill (South Australia, Australia)  - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - To receive graciously brings blessings both to those who give and to those who receive.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for the riches of your grace. Grant that we may receive these riches graciously and live our gratitude by offering gracious acceptance to those we meet. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”* *Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV).

Prayer focus  Children in competitions

Peacemakers

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.










  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” -James 3:17-18

Measurement of Life

9:23 Thus says the LORD:
Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth;
9:24 but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the LORD.  Jeremiah 9:23-24

The world and its cravings are passing away, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.  - 1 John 2:17 (CEB)

The Lord has blessed me, enabling me to be a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. However, I have struggled from time to time with low self-esteem. Because I do not have a college education or a career outside my home, sometimes I see myself as not having anything to offer the world. Other people have so much more to offer, it seems.  

Recently, as I read Jeremiah 9:23-24, I experienced an epiphany; I grasped a new perspective on how we should evaluate ourselves.

God said we are not to boast in the wisdom we possess, the strength we have, or the riches we’ve accumulated. Our education and whatever career or job we have are included as part of our wisdom and possessions. Just as we are not to boast, we also are not to be ashamed for our lack of a college education or a high-status job or career. If our value to the body of Christ could be measured, it should be measured according to our service to others.

The Author - Karenn Voorhees (Kansas, USA) - from the Upper Room

Thought for the Day - Each one of us is valuable to the body of Christ.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, you came and served the world. Help us to see the ways we can follow your example in serving others. Amen.

Prayer focus - Homemakers
 

Inconvenient Discipleship

 

Read Mark 8:34-38

 

The king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

- Matthew 25:40 (NRSV)

 

The Christian ministry where I work serves those in need by giving food and clothing and meeting other basic needs. One Saturday as my husband and I were on our way to a business associate’s company picnic, my cell phone rang.

 

One of my clients told me, weeping, that she had absolutely nothing to feed her children. My first reaction was, This is my day off, and I want to enjoy it with my husband. But then the Lord reminded me I am a Christian all the time, not just when it is convenient. I jotted down the woman’s address, and we headed to the food pantry. We also stopped by our house to get some meat for the family. When we arrived at the client’s home, two of her children ran out to greet us with loving hugs. As we brought sacks of groceries into the kitchen, the young mother stood crying and gave both of us a thank-you hug as well. Sometimes I am tempted not to respond to a call from God that is inconvenient or unpleasant. But then the Lord reminds me to take up my cross and follow Jesus — 24/7.

 

The Author - Lissa Stressman Smith (Michigan, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Become a volunteer at a local food pantry, or make regular contributions to that ministry.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to follow you whenever and wherever you call us. Fill us with overflowing love for those in need. Amen.

 

Prayer focus - People who are hungry

 

 

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” -Ecclesiastes 11:5

Church?

No  this is the Living Bible:  

 His name is Tim. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.   He is brilliant, kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.  Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.  

 

One day Tim decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Tim starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
  The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.   Tim gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he  realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.   By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. 

  About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Tim.  

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit - a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, and very courtly.  He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.  How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?   It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.   The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.  All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing.  The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.  

 

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.  With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Tim and worships with him so he won't be alone.   Everyone chokes up with emotion.  When the minister gains control, he says,   'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'    'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!' 

 I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today.   To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.   His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares, you know He will see us through.  

Life-Giving Water

4:7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."
4:8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)
4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that You, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)
4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, You have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do You get that living water?
4:12 Are You greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?"
4:13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,
4:14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."4:15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."  John 4:7-15

It is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

- 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NRSV)
 

During my college days I was zealous in my studies and my attempts to find work. Yet my spirit felt hungry and dry. While believing that being employed by a first-rate company would bring me happiness, I also had other questions: What is the purpose of my existence? What meaning is there in my giving myself to this work? Life is limited to one time; therefore, I wanted to devote my life to something with real value. I knew there should be something more important for me to learn, and I have always sought that true teaching. Then I encountered the words of Jesus in the Bible. Jesus offered me water that satisfies my spiritual thirst and became “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” Before, I had seen God as distant from me.

Now, I have a very close relationship, like a father and daughter. Now that nagging uneasiness is gone. My heart is content. I worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23), and I am enveloped in God’s love. I give heartfelt thanks to God who shines in my heart and displaces the darkness of the world with the light of Christ.

 

The Author - Sachie Yoshimoto (Tokyo, Japan) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Only God can satisfy our spiritual thirst and give us eternal life.

Prayer

O God, thank you for salvation. Deliver us from spiritual hunger and thirst as we worship you in spirit and truth. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those searching for meaning and inner peace

Mothers

 
 The Wife of Noble Character] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” -Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.
Inspirational Quotes on Mothers Day by: Unknown       

          As is the mother, so is her daughter.
Inspirational Quotes on Mothers Day by: Ezekiel 16:4

          Men are what their mothers made them.
Inspirational Quotes on Mothers Day by: Ralph Waldo Emerson

     

 We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves.
Inspirational Quotes on Mothers Day by: Henry Ward Beecher

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day

With little time to stop and pray

For life's been anything but calm

Since You called on me to be a mom

Running errands, matching socks

Building dreams with building blocks

Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes

And other stuff that children lose

Fitting lids on bottled bugs

Wiping tears and giving hugs

A stack of last weeks mail to read

So where's the quiet time I need?

Yet when I steal a minute, Lord

Just at the sink or ironing board

To ask the blessings of Your grace

I see then, in my small one's face

That you have blessed me

All the while

And I stop to kiss

That precious smile

A PRAYER for YOUNG MOTHERS

Our heavenly Father, we thank thee for the gift of motherhood.
Help us as young mothers to seek thy guidance for our children.
Grant us wisdom, strength, patience, faith and love.
Create in us the willingness to dedicate ourselves and our children to Thee.
In the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Run A Little

 

               Read Mark 2:1-12

[The Lord said to Joshua,] “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

- Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)

 

 

When our son was around six years old, he would sometimes stop as we made our way home from our shop, saying, “Dad, I’m too tired to walk.” I would answer, “Then you can run a little.” That was one of those typical illogical answers that a child sometimes gets from an adult. To be honest, I said it in order to distract him. But to my surprise he restored his energy by changing pace, and he was not tired anymore.

 

We all can sometimes lose our energy simply because we get stuck at a certain pace. We form our lives in certain routines, doing business as usual. That’s why I admire the paralytic in this story from Mark’s Gospel. When Jesus told him to stand up and walk, he had the courage to do so. Jesus asked him not only to change pace but to do something he certainly was not used to doing.

 Persevering in the faith requires us to be willing to listen to God’s voice calling us to change our routines, to do something we have not done before, and to enter areas we could never have imagined. Such a change of pace takes courage. But “the one who calls you is faithful” and will give us the grace we need to change (1 Thess. 5:24).

 

The Author - Hans Vaxby (Moscow, Russia) - from the Upper Room

 

 

Thought for the Day - Reach out of your box today

Prayer

Trustworthy God, help us be so still that we can hear your voice, and give us the courage to change pace, to move where you call us. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those struggling with God’s call

The kingdom of heaven

20:1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
20:2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
20:3 When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace;
20:4 and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went.
20:5 When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same.
20:6 And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?'
20:7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.'
20:8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.'

20:9 When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.
20:10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.
20:11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner,
20:12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'
20:13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

20:14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.
20:15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last."    Matthew 20:1-16

The reward is the same whether we believe in God for 5 minutes or for a life time - Eternal Life!

Beyond Comparison

The landowner said, “Are you envious because I am generous?”

- Matthew 20:15 (NRSV)

 

In our reading for today, Jesus tells of a man who hired different workers at different times of the day: morning, noon, and evening. When it was time for the workers to receive the wages promised to them, those who had worked all day were upset that those who came later were paid just as much as they. The employer told them he had done no wrong, that he paid each one what he had promised. 

 

 

 

So what caused these all-day workers to be upset? They compared their situations to someone else’s. If they had not compared, they would not have been dissatisfied. Sometimes, looking at others’ lives, I become dissatisfied because theirs look richer and fuller than mine. Maybe they have the kinds of relationships that I long for. Or maybe they have luxuries that seem unattainable to me. When we compare ourselves to someone else, we may end up feeling better than that person, which can fill us with pride; or we may end up feeling worse, which can fill us with insecurity and jealousy.

The parable we read today teaches us that focusing on what others have or do not have leaves us feeling empty. If we focus instead on the goodness of God and how trustworthy and wonderful God is, we will find that the spiritual life offers riches beyond comparison.

 

The Author  - Kimberly Long (Texas, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Looking to God makes us spiritually rich.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, help us to trust that you will sustain us. Amen.

Prayer focus - To let go of jealousy