Father, today has been a full day. We didn’t go out and do a lot of stuff; we just stayed at home, kept the fire going in the stove, and watched the snow come down. I worked on things for church; Karen crocheted – no pressure, no hurrying about – just a full day of each other, and You were in the midst of it all. Thank You for the gift. (Reminder: this was originally written in January of 2018)
Matthew 6:16-18 (<<click here to read the passage)
You speak of fasting here. Lord, but you also speak in regard to the condition of our hearts. Traditionally, fasting means denying ourselves food to focus on You. We don’t eat; instead, we spend time in prayer, and I would dare say it’s a time not to throw out our wish list, but to listen to what You would say to us.
What You are saying here is that when we do things meant to draw us closer to You, we should not do things that draw attention to ourselves.
In texting my sister-in-law a few days ago, she shared with me a passage from the latter part of Isaiah 66:2 – and this is You speaking.
“But this is the one to whom I will look,
to the humble and contrite in spirit
who trembles at my word.” NRSVUE
Lord, I think that fits here pretty well.
When I step behind the pulpit each Sunday morning – for that matter when I climb out of bed every morning – where is my heart? What is my goal? To draw attention to myself? Or to draw attention to You?
Hm… in this “all about me” world, that can be a challenge. To put You first – to put others before myself that takes some concentration. I know it is impossible on my own.
I fall at Your feet, Lord; enable me to seek You out before my feet even hit the floor. May I find You. May I be filled with You. May my life point to You. Amen.
(Jan 24th, 2018, Wed, 11:03 pm)
October 4th, 2026, Sun, 7:07 pm
