Sunday October 11th, 2015 20th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 6:25-33
"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness?" (verse 33)
Recently, Julianna and I saw a flock of sparrows and commented on how well they were wintering-I am writing this in February-and how chubby they looked. When spring arrives, we’ll likely comment on the beautiful flowers.
In the materialistic Western world, most people spend a lot of time and energy worrying about food, drink, clothing and a host of worldly possessions. They invest in materialism, believing that all their stuff will give them meaning and purpose.
Jesus offers us another, counter-cultural way. Sort out your priorities and strive for God’s realm and righteousness; that way you will have less time and energy to worry about food, drink, clothing and other worldly possessions.
There is a great irony here, since God’s realm and righteousness are a gift. Yet gifts are of little or no value unless they are received and opened with gratitude. God’s realm and righteousness are really about living in right relationship with God, others and God’s creation.
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, perhaps you would consider praying a prayer of gratitude by naming someone or something for every letter of the alphabet. This has helped me to remember how much God values us and so generously provides for us.
Thank you, God, for every gift that you bestow upon us, in Jesus' name. Amen. — GW-H
Contributed by Priorities and Gratitude
Recently, Julianna and I saw a flock of sparrows and commented on how well they were wintering-I am writing this in February-and how chubby they looked. When spring arrives, we'll likely comment on the beautiful flowers.
In the materialistic Western world, most people spend a lot of time and energy worrying about food, drink, clothing and a host of worldly possessions. They invest in materialism, believing that all their stuff will give them meaning and purpose.
Jesus offers us another, counter-cultural way. Sort out your priorities and strive for God's realm and righteousness; that way you will have less time and energy to worry about food, drink, clothing and other worldly possessions.
There is a great irony here, since God's realm and righteousness are a gift. Yet gifts are of little or no value unless they are received and opened with gratitude. God's realm and righteousness are really about living in right relationship with God, others and God's creation.
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, perhaps you would consider praying a prayer of gratitude by naming someone or something for every letter of the alphabet. This has helped me to remember how much God values us and so generously provides for us.
