 |
| The Hummingbird Jer. 31:10-14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty, declares the Lord. My family and I were vacationing in he Hiawatha National Forest on Michigan's upper peninsula. I stood at the kitchen window of the cottage, looking past birch trees to where our van was parked. Suddenly a tiny hummingbird darted into my field of vision, attracted by the van's bright red taillight shining in the morning sun.. The bird flitted around for a few seconds and investigated the light as a possible source of food, then left. I was intrigued to see a bird enticed by something which could not satisfy its hunger. Many of us are like that hummingbird, attracted by empty possibilities. For instance, the lure of money, fame and improper relationships may be difficult to resist. If we are hungry for fulfillment we may look for it in the wrong places. Tasting Gods goodness for ourselves is our best proection against being drawn to things that cannot satisfy. Although we may still look briefly in the wrong direction, Gods strength will help us realize our mistake and turn away. Only God's goodness can truly satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. Prayer - Lord be our strength when we look to relationships or possessions for satisfaction. Help us to see that true happiness comes from knowing you. Amen.. Upper Room |
|
|
|
| DEVOTIONS, MEDITATIONS, READINGS THE LORD HAS USED TO SPEAK TO MY HEART |
| Numbers 14: 1-12 All the people of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. How much we are like the Israelites in the Book of Numbers - wandering in a desert, looking for a promised land, pursuing a life filled with milk and honey. But the Israelites were thwarted and set back because they did not always obey God. God gave directions as they wandered, but they often refused to accept it. Is that what I am doing? Am I complaining, wondering where God is, even though I know the Lord has given me manna and a spring of water from which I can drink? The Israelites met God in their desert. And we can too, and receive from God the sweetness of life. This sweetness does not mean that my daughter in law will get out of her wheelchair and walk today or that my sons will commit their lives to God and all their problems will dissolve. But if we have the confidence that God is in control and take pleasure in Gods fellowship, peace and accepting love, then we will find the sweetness of life. The good life - the promised land - is not ony at a future date but now. Those who are obedient to God's word, finding Gods joy whatever their circumstances - they live in the promised land, now and tomorrow. Prayer - May I know the sweetness of your fellowship O God and be obedient in all circumstances. Amen. Upper Room |
 |
|
 |
|
| 2 Cor. 12: 7-10 My srength and my courage is the Lord. Psalm 118:14 For the past three years, I have been teaching in the adult education program in my church. As a lay minister, I have not had an extensive background in theology. And yet, I know God has called me to teach. Often I feel inadequate, lacking in training. Each time a course begins, many new people attend. Some are christians, some agnostics, some seekers. As the crowd becomes larger, I become more nervous. My throat is dry, my palms are moist, my stomach is full of butterflies. I think to myself, How can I possibly have anything to offer all these people? When I am almost paralyzed with a sense of my own inadequacy, the thought occurs to me to pray. I ask God to free me from fear and to fill me with love. God takes away my insecurity and replaces it with strength. With each teaching experience it becomes more evident that God is the teacher and I am merely Gods instrument. Through my weakness the power of God's presence is realized. God is my strength and the strength of all who call on Him. Prayer - Thank you God, for choosing the weak, the inadequate, the insecure to do your work. Through your strength, may we give glory to your name. Amen. |
|
|
|