November 17, 2020
"As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share," - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
How do we measure success? In the world around us, success is typically measured by how much money you earn, by how many toys you have or by how big your company is. In God's kingdom, the criteria are different. As 1 Timothy reminds us, our goal as followers of Jesus is not to accumulate the most money or toys, but rather to respond to God's generous love for us by trying to be rich in good works and generous in our relationships to those around us.
Think about all the people who are important in your life. Think about the people you would normally interact with at church, school, or at work. Pick someone whose help and assistance you appreciate and take time to thank them with a phone call, a text or by writing them a thank you note or email. It will be a helpful reminder for you and for them, of what it looks like to live as a follower of Jesus in the world today.
Those with children in their life are invited to foster gratitude in them by allowing their participation in the thank you that you make, or by encouraging them to take time to thank someone in their life. Parents and guardians, if a Table Blessing before the meal is not already a habit in your household, why not begin that good practice today? Martin Luther provides instruction and good examples of prayers in his Small Catechism:
TABLE BLESSINGS FROM LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM
The children and the members of the household are to come devoutly to the table, fold their hands, and recite: "The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of
every living creature." Then they are to recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer: "Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Similarly, after eating they should in the same manner fold their hands and recite devoutly: "Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God's mercy endures forever. God provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they cry. God is not impressed by the might of a horse, and has no pleasure in the speed of a runner, but finds pleasure in those who fear the Lord, in those who await God's steadfast love."
Then recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer: "We give thanks to you, Lord God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord for all your benefits, you who live and reign forever. Amen."
"Luther's Small Catechism with Evangelical Lutheran Worship Texts." Copyright © 2000, 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24375.
"As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share," - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
How do we measure success? In the world around us, success is typically measured by how much money you earn, by how many toys you have or by how big your company is. In God's kingdom, the criteria are different. As 1 Timothy reminds us, our goal as followers of Jesus is not to accumulate the most money or toys, but rather to respond to God's generous love for us by trying to be rich in good works and generous in our relationships to those around us.
Think about all the people who are important in your life. Think about the people you would normally interact with at church, school, or at work. Pick someone whose help and assistance you appreciate and take time to thank them with a phone call, a text or by writing them a thank you note or email. It will be a helpful reminder for you and for them, of what it looks like to live as a follower of Jesus in the world today.
Those with children in their life are invited to foster gratitude in them by allowing their participation in the thank you that you make, or by encouraging them to take time to thank someone in their life. Parents and guardians, if a Table Blessing before the meal is not already a habit in your household, why not begin that good practice today? Martin Luther provides instruction and good examples of prayers in his Small Catechism:
TABLE BLESSINGS FROM LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM
The children and the members of the household are to come devoutly to the table, fold their hands, and recite: "The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of
every living creature." Then they are to recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer: "Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Similarly, after eating they should in the same manner fold their hands and recite devoutly: "Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God's mercy endures forever. God provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they cry. God is not impressed by the might of a horse, and has no pleasure in the speed of a runner, but finds pleasure in those who fear the Lord, in those who await God's steadfast love."
Then recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer: "We give thanks to you, Lord God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord for all your benefits, you who live and reign forever. Amen."
"Luther's Small Catechism with Evangelical Lutheran Worship Texts." Copyright © 2000, 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24375.
November 10, 2020
"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers." - Psalm 24:1-4
As we all continue to live into what it means to work from home, go to school in hybrid fashion, or to avoid crowded stores and entertainment venues, it is important to establish new routines. From majestic mountains to gently flowing streams to the expression of joy on the face of a puppy, we are surrounded by examples of God's creation that witness of God's power.
Take a moment today to be intentional about looking at the world around you. If you can, go for a walk or look out a window. Find a small group or friend that you can visit with outside in a socially distanced way. Focus on the beauty of creation that surrounds us. Pick two examples from creation that remind you of God's goodness. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those two examples and pray that God will help you be a good steward of all God's gifts.
O Creator or All, we thank you for your good creation which also includes us. Give us creativity as we seek to establish new routines that are life-giving to us as we continue to weather the storm of this pandemic.
Amen.
"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers." - Psalm 24:1-4
As we all continue to live into what it means to work from home, go to school in hybrid fashion, or to avoid crowded stores and entertainment venues, it is important to establish new routines. From majestic mountains to gently flowing streams to the expression of joy on the face of a puppy, we are surrounded by examples of God's creation that witness of God's power.
Take a moment today to be intentional about looking at the world around you. If you can, go for a walk or look out a window. Find a small group or friend that you can visit with outside in a socially distanced way. Focus on the beauty of creation that surrounds us. Pick two examples from creation that remind you of God's goodness. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those two examples and pray that God will help you be a good steward of all God's gifts.
O Creator or All, we thank you for your good creation which also includes us. Give us creativity as we seek to establish new routines that are life-giving to us as we continue to weather the storm of this pandemic.
Amen.