The Spirit nudges you to take action. What do you say?
• It’s too hard
• I’m not good enough
• Not that job!
• I don’t want to
Excuses! Truth be told, sometimes I think a job is above me, and sometimes I think it is beneath me. And sometimes I don’t want to get up off the couch.
Who is the better judge of what’s good for me—me, or God?
If there’s one place people should feel safe, it’s church. American Baptist Churches of New Jersey are encouraged to be sacred safe spaces –that is, to
“create compassionate healing communities that provide a safe place for the restoration of those who have experienced violence … encourage intentional practice of healthy relationships which include mutual respect, justice, love and peace for all persons.”
Open our eyes, Lord, to see the need, and open our hearts to those who hurt. Amen.
That wise saint, Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) “was content doing the smallest chore if he could do it purely for the love of God.”
from Second Conversation,
The Practice of the Presence of God
Follow the good Brother’s example.
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
No matter how good it is, if you aren’t working it “as for the Lord,” it’s not of God.
What does it take to get on your to-do list?
There are worthy causes, honorable deeds, good works. But not all good works are God works. Say yes to God’s call.
Our eyes see the images, and our hearts turn to those fighting the wildfires.
Lord, honor their dedication. Protect them as they protect others. Keep them safe.
On the capitol grounds in Sacramento, there’s a lasting tribute to firefighters who didn’t make it safely home:
“The centerpiece of the California Firefighters Memorial is a stunning brushed limestone Memorial Wall with the names of more than 1,300 California firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1850.”
More than 1,300 lives. We need to pray.
“The past is a guidepost,
not a hitching post.”
Thomas Holdcroft (1745-1809)
Remembrance, yes. Dead weight, no.
