Today I am feeling very blessed. And I am thinking I need a bumper sticker that would ask, “Have you thanked the Lord today?”
So, have you?
God is so good to us!
Jim and I are not yet home from our journey to Georgia this past week. The weather yesterday evening, as we landed at Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, made for “difficult driving.” A slushy snow was falling on already frozen, slushy and icy streets. The temperature was right around freezing and more snow and wind were expected. And we were tired.
Jim and I checked into a hotel near the airport around 6 p.m., deciding to face the 2-hour drive back to Renville during the daylight and after a good night’s sleep. Thank you to our friends for your prayers as we make our way back home! Driving conditions will continue to be “difficult.” More snow and wind are expected.
Jim and I went to Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, for an adult education program that was part Bible class and part contemplative retreat. I highly recommend the program for all people who want to learn more about their faith and grow spiritually.
Those who attend these programs of “spiritual formation” are just ordinary “lay” people who love the Lord and want to know and love God more. Some are even seekers who were not raised in the church and are trying to figure out what Christianity is all about. Some who attend are ordained clergy, including retired pastors and pastoral counselors, who want to seek the Lord’s will and be refreshed and renewed for ministry in its many forms.
The class was about the spirituality of “stuff” in Luke-Acts. The lesson was NOT that all of our material possessions are bad. It was that WE ARE NOT our stuff! Our identities should not be wrapped up in what we have, what we do for a living, or our status. AND we should not judge others by what they have, what they do, or their status.
All that we have and all that we “are” are because of the Lord! Don’t look at others who have “less” and decide that it is “their fault” that they have less and look down on them. Don’t mistakenly believe that because you have “more” stuff you need to “help” them in their “poverty.” Some who don’t have much “stuff” may be richer in Spirit and joy than you are!
But do have compassion and help people in need as the Lord leads.
And don’t look at others who have more and despise them for their wealth and power. Don’t be jealous! God expects more of those whom He has given “more.” This is a great responsibility that some, perhaps, may forget.
Deuteronomy 6:10-15 reminds us not to forget the Lord who has given much to us and done so very much for us:
“When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
Don’t fool yourself that you have so much wealth and other “stuff” because of what you have done and because you are better than someone else. You are blessed, my friend! God is with you! Don’t become a worshiper of your “stuff” and make the things of your life—or the things you want in life—an idol!
Deuteronomy goes on:
“The Lord your God you shall fear; him you shall serve, and by his name alone you shall swear. Do not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who are all around you, because the Lord your God, who is present with you, is a jealous God. The anger of the Lord your God would be kindled against you and he would destroy you from the face of the earth.”
So I ask you again, “Did you remember to thank the Lord today?”
For He has done great things for us through His Son.
Remember that your life isn’t about “stuff” if you are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
And He has given you much for a reason—to love and serve Him by loving and serving people in need.
Will you pray with me?
Holy God, thank you for your tender love and care for us. Forgive us when we have forgotten to be grateful and thank you for all you have given us and done for us in Jesus Christ. Forgive us if we have ever judged someone or were jealous of someone because of their “stuff.” Cleanse our hearts and minds and remove our selfish thoughts and ambitions. Shape and lead us to be the people of God you want us to be. Renew and refresh us in Your Spirit! Guide us in Your Will. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Karen
P.S. We will be home soon, Lord willing!
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