Saturday October 8th, 2016 Philippians 4:4-9
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (verse 8)
Sometime during this weekend we will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will remember that life is good, that we are blessed, and that God has generously showered us with mercy and grace. We may also stop and remember that despite God’s plentiful outpouring of gifts, many have far less than we. When we do, we must confess our complicity in this unequal distribution and pledge to change our lives and the world around us so that others may have access to these blessings.
Just a few days ago I held my hours-old grandson in my arms. I couldn’t help but think that this is a wonderful world; God is so good. But I also thought of children born into poverty, children born into homes of violence and addiction, children who would be unloved and abandoned; the effects of sin are wretched.
Paul’s advice is good as far as it goes. But we must do more than think. We must act to rid the world of greed, selfishness, hatred and the like, so all can enjoy God’s goodness.
Thank you for your blessings, O Lord. Help us work so that all people may enjoy them. Amen. — DAB
Contributed by Pleasing and Commendable
Sometime during this weekend we will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will remember that life is good, that we are blessed, and that God has generously showered us with mercy and grace. We may also stop and remember that despite God's plentiful outpouring of gifts, many have far less than we. When we do, we must confess our complicity in this unequal distribution and pledge to change our lives and the world around us so that others may have access to these blessings.
Just a few days ago I held my hours-old grandson in my arms. I couldn't help but think that this is a wonderful world; God is so good. But I also thought of children born into poverty, children born into homes of violence and addiction, children who would be unloved and abandoned; the effects of sin are wretched.
Paul's advice is good as far as it goes. But we must do more than think. We must act to rid the world of greed, selfishness, hatred and the like, so all can enjoy God's goodness.
