There are a group of Pastors who are graduates of Luther Seminary here in the USA that write and share devotions over the internet each weekday. Over the years, I have found them very helpful. Yesterday the devotion was over the sermon on the mount text about money and worrying. It was very moving for me and cuts to the chase about "affluenza". I would like to share it today in this post. Here it is:
God Pause
Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
I have too much stuff. My stuff needs storing, cleaning, repairing, protecting ... (Matt. 6:19). Yes, I serve my stuff. Therefore, the words, "You cannot serve God and wealth," (v. 24) convict me. The text further convicts me of my powerlessness to guarantee my life. Stuff is inadequate. Worry is ineffective. It is a matter of trusting God to provide for me.
Then, are people in poverty because they do not trust God? No! These verses are in context with the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-11), wherein Christ calls "blessed" the people who seem to be unfortunate. The passage also follows Christ's command to give discreetly out of love (Matt. 6:2-4). Today's text implores me to observe nature and recognize that God provides abundantly. There is enough for all if we justly distribute God's abundance. What stuff have I taken--stolen--that is more than I need and, therefore, not rightfully mine?
PRAYER: Merciful God, forgive me for serving material possessions! Please increase my trust in you. Impel me to share the abundance you have given me so that more of your children have enough. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark
Minneapolis Area Synod Malaria Pilot Project Coordinator
Master of Arts/Master of Social Work, 2007
If you would like to read the text, here is a link to it. Matthew 6:24-34. This is from The Message. It is a modern day paraphrase of the Bible. Sometimes it gives me additional insight into the passage. Hope this devotion is inspiring also to you.
God Pause
Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
I have too much stuff. My stuff needs storing, cleaning, repairing, protecting ... (Matt. 6:19). Yes, I serve my stuff. Therefore, the words, "You cannot serve God and wealth," (v. 24) convict me. The text further convicts me of my powerlessness to guarantee my life. Stuff is inadequate. Worry is ineffective. It is a matter of trusting God to provide for me.
Then, are people in poverty because they do not trust God? No! These verses are in context with the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-11), wherein Christ calls "blessed" the people who seem to be unfortunate. The passage also follows Christ's command to give discreetly out of love (Matt. 6:2-4). Today's text implores me to observe nature and recognize that God provides abundantly. There is enough for all if we justly distribute God's abundance. What stuff have I taken--stolen--that is more than I need and, therefore, not rightfully mine?
PRAYER: Merciful God, forgive me for serving material possessions! Please increase my trust in you. Impel me to share the abundance you have given me so that more of your children have enough. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark
Minneapolis Area Synod Malaria Pilot Project Coordinator
Master of Arts/Master of Social Work, 2007
If you would like to read the text, here is a link to it. Matthew 6:24-34. This is from The Message. It is a modern day paraphrase of the Bible. Sometimes it gives me additional insight into the passage. Hope this devotion is inspiring also to you.
.bmp)
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