Sunday July 5th, 2015 6th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 6:1-13
He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff? (verse 8)
It is difficult for us to seriously contemplate a journey without so much as a change of clothes. When you read it out of the Bible it sounds so easy, but to seriously apply it to our own lives? You’ve got to be kidding! Not that it hasn’t happened before. In the process of unpacking one year at the Golden Retreat, one of our members discovered on opening day that they had only brought along their purse and left the rest of the luggage at home far away. What was to be done? Rather than being a calamity, it became an opportunity for the group to go on an outing, shopping at second-hand stores and finding a new camp wardrobe for our companion. So rather than having little, our beleaguered camper discovered the riches of the body of Christ, the willingness of others to help, and the delight of returning home at the end of the week with even more than she began with!
As much as we often try to add more and more into our lives, we lose something in the process if we don’t allow God some room to work. When we leave ourselves open, we become more receptive to the blessings God wishes to bestow on us.
Gracious and giving Lord, help us to always be open to receiving the good things. Amen. — LGR
Contributed by Gifts Bestowed by God
It is difficult for us to seriously contemplate a journey without so much as a change of clothes. When you read it out of the Bible it sounds so easy, but to seriously apply it to our own lives? You've got to be kidding! Not that it hasn't happened before. In the process of unpacking one year at the Golden Retreat, one of our members discovered on opening day that they had only brought along their purse and left the rest of the luggage at home far away. What was to be done? Rather than being a calamity, it became an opportunity for the group to go on an outing, shopping at second-hand stores and finding a new camp wardrobe for our companion. So rather than having little, our beleaguered camper discovered the riches of the body of Christ, the willingness of others to help, and the delight of returning home at the end of the week with even more than she began with!
As much as we often try to add more and more into our lives, we lose something in the process if we don't allow God some room to work. When we leave ourselves open, we become more receptive to the blessings God wishes to bestow on us.
