DEVOTION:
Matthew 6:34— “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
THOUGHT:
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went there? I do wonder sometimes about that. You walk into the kitchen, stand there for a moment, look around, open the refrigerator for no particular reason, and then head back to where you started. And wouldn't you know it, the moment you sit down, you remember what you went after!
Of course, now you have to decide whether it's worth making another trip!
Sometimes our lives are a little like that. We have so much going on in our minds, so many things to do, so many things to think about, that we forget to enjoy the moment we are actually living. Jesus said something wonderfully simple: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
Now, I don't believe Jesus was telling us not to plan ahead or be responsible. He was simply reminding us that we don't have to live tomorrow before we get there. There will always be something to do, something to think about, and probably something we have forgotten! But today is here. And today has blessings worth noticing, people worth loving, and moments worth enjoying.
So perhaps this Sunday morning, we can give ourselves permission to slow down a little, enjoy the day God has given us, and leave tomorrow until tomorrow. And if you walk into the kitchen and forget why you're there, well, maybe God just wanted you to take a little walk!
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, as we begin this Sunday morning, we thank You for another day of life. The colors of fall remind us once again of the beauty of Your creation and the changing seasons of our lives. Thank You for the many blessings we enjoy, for the people who walk beside us, and for the simple joys that sometimes go unnoticed. Lord I thank you for those who help this church unnoticed.
Lord Jesus, we lift our church family. Some are facing illness, others are grieving, and some are dealing with worries they have shared with no one. You know every one of them. Give them strength for today, comfort in their struggles, and the assurance that they are never alone. For those traveling, the Guatemala crew, my family, and others keep them safe and may they return to us ready to serve and share.
Father, watch over our families, guide them in their decisions, and help them through whatever challenges they may be facing. We pray for all our parents, children and grandchildren, asking that they may always know they are loved and that You are with them.
Holy God, we cy out to You for our country, our President, and all those who have been given the responsibility of leadership worldwide. Give them wisdom, understanding, and a desire to serve the people they represent. Lord, we know many families are worried about the rising cost of food, the expense of heating their homes as winter approaches, and inflation that continues to stretch household budgets. Be with those who are struggling to make ends meet, especially our seniors and families with young children. Help us as a nation to care for those in need. And as we look at the conflicts and suffering throughout the world, may we remember that peace begins with the decisions we make and the actions we take, both as a nation and as individuals. Help us to be people who seek peace rather than division, who listen rather than judge, and who remember that even those we consider our enemies are people in need of Your love.
And Lord, as we prepare to gather for worship this morning, help us set aside the busyness of life for a little while. Open our hearts to Your Word, help us grow in our faith, and remind us that the love of Jesus is something we are called to share every day, not just on Sunday. Thank You, Lord, for another opportunity to begin again. Help us to be thankful for what we have, generous with what we can give, and mindful of those around us who may need a little encouragement. We place this day, our families, our church, and our world into Your hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
DEVOTION:
Matthew 6:34— “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
THOUGHT:
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went there? I do wonder sometimes about that. You walk into the kitchen, stand there for a moment, look around, open the refrigerator for no particular reason, and then head back to where you started. And wouldn't you know it, the moment you sit down, you remember what you went after!
Of course, now you have to decide whether it's worth making another trip!
Sometimes our lives are a little like that. We have so much going on in our minds, so many things to do, so many things to think about, that we forget to enjoy the moment we are actually living. Jesus said something wonderfully simple: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
Now, I don't believe Jesus was telling us not to plan ahead or be responsible. He was simply reminding us that we don't have to live tomorrow before we get there. There will always be something to do, something to think about, and probably something we have forgotten! But today is here. And today has blessings worth noticing, people worth loving, and moments worth enjoying.
So perhaps this Sunday morning, we can give ourselves permission to slow down a little, enjoy the day God has given us, and leave tomorrow until tomorrow. And if you walk into the kitchen and forget why you're there, well, maybe God just wanted you to take a little walk!
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, as we begin this Sunday morning, we thank You for another day of life. The colors of fall remind us once again of the beauty of Your creation and the changing seasons of our lives. Thank You for the many blessings we enjoy, for the people who walk beside us, and for the simple joys that sometimes go unnoticed. Lord I thank you for those who help this church unnoticed.
Lord Jesus, we lift our church family. Some are facing illness, others are grieving, and some are dealing with worries they have shared with no one. You know every one of them. Give them strength for today, comfort in their struggles, and the assurance that they are never alone. For those traveling, the Guatemala crew, my family, and others keep them safe and may they return to us ready to serve and share.
Father, watch over our families, guide them in their decisions, and help them through whatever challenges they may be facing. We pray for all our parents, children and grandchildren, asking that they may always know they are loved and that You are with them.
Holy God, we cy out to You for our country, our President, and all those who have been given the responsibility of leadership worldwide. Give them wisdom, understanding, and a desire to serve the people they represent. Lord, we know many families are worried about the rising cost of food, the expense of heating their homes as winter approaches, and inflation that continues to stretch household budgets. Be with those who are struggling to make ends meet, especially our seniors and families with young children. Help us as a nation to care for those in need. And as we look at the conflicts and suffering throughout the world, may we remember that peace begins with the decisions we make and the actions we take, both as a nation and as individuals. Help us to be people who seek peace rather than division, who listen rather than judge, and who remember that even those we consider our enemies are people in need of Your love.
And Lord, as we prepare to gather for worship this morning, help us set aside the busyness of life for a little while. Open our hearts to Your Word, help us grow in our faith, and remind us that the love of Jesus is something we are called to share every day, not just on Sunday. Thank You, Lord, for another opportunity to begin again. Help us to be thankful for what we have, generous with what we can give, and mindful of those around us who may need a little encouragement. We place this day, our families, our church, and our world into Your hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.