9-13 September (18C)
Read Think Pray
Monday
Read Psalm 1
Think
Psalm 1 is a very simple
Psalm, presenting two paths. The two
paths are defined by what we pay attention to.
Those who pay attention to the advice of the wicked are not happy /
blessed. Those who pay attention to the
‘law’ of God are.
Pray
Pray for discerning ears and
eyes; that we wouldn’t let the ‘advice of the wicked’ overwhelm the still small
voice of God in our hearts.
Tuesday
Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Think
Choose life. “Loving the LORD
your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you…”
(Dt 30:19-20)
Yesterday’s Psalm spoke of
those who pay attention to God as well watered trees. This passage invites us to make God our
number 1 priority – in so doing we are choosing life.
Jesus reveals God’s heart to
us: “I have come to give you life and life in abundance!”
The key word is ‘choose.’
Pray
Lord, I often complain about
things that rob me of life. But if I’m honest; I choose them for myself. Help
me to choose rightly.
Wednesday
Read Philemon 1-21
Think
This is a fascinating
letter. Paul writing to a slave owner
about an escaped slave who has become a Christian; it turns out that the slave
owner is also a Christian and Paul knows him. So the escaped slave returns to his
owner with a letter from Paul asking for forgiveness for escaping and release
from slavery. (It would make a great
movie!)
Pray
Lord, following you is
sometimes quite difficult. But it is the
only way in which I truly become free.
Set me free from my addiction to so many other things and voices so that
I can follow you in joy and freedom.
Thursday
Read Luke 14:25-33
Think
It seems strange; but Jesus
seems to be trying to discourage people from following him. He invites us to count the cost. Do we really
want to follow Jesus?
Pray
Lord, following you is
costly. Help me not to lose heart.
Friday
Read Luke 15:1-10
Think
I love the parable of the
lost coin; verses 8-10. In my mind’s eye I try to picture the woman’s face from
the coin’s perspective. Bending over –
peering into a dark corner; her eye’s and face lighting up with joy at the
relief of finding her treasure.
This is the face of God.
Pray
Lord, help me to see myself
as you see me.
