Today’s Reflection
When we acknowledge God’s abiding presence over our mortality, we enter the timelessness of God—the One who has brought all things into existence and stands over and above time itself. Thinking about such imponderable matters gives us patience, fortitude, and—ultimately—faith. We cannot give ourselves eternal life. We cannot give ourselves another day of life. We do not create our own experiences. All of these are gifts of God. Today, as you ponder how far you have come and the dangers and trials that you have been spared, give thanks. Our lives are gathered up—have already been gathered up—into the timelessness of Eternal God. Thanks be to God.
—Todd Outcalt, Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
How can you show your gratitude for God’s timeless care in your life? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day.
—2 Peter 3:8 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
God, the One who has brought all things into existence, I welcome the expected and the unexpected love and lessons you will bring today.
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Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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4 Comments
I can show my gratitude by “going and doing likewise”. The love and care and grace extended to me must be passed on. Challenging in these times, but even simple things can be meaningful. I reached out to a friend from my small group a few years ago – texted her yesterday morning. She lost her dad a few months after I lost mom. She attended a few of the cancer support group sessions with me. I sent her a text yesterday morning, letting her know I was thinking of her. She had not been feeling well and is seeing a doctor today. She said I always seem to reach out to her when she is struggling. She said it “is God showing His love for me.” I have also been trying to consistently text my former player who is battling cancer. She is having a scan today, but won’t know the results until next week. If the results are favorable, she will be having surgery. If not, she has to have internal radiation. I didn’t even know it was a thing, but sh is hoping to avoid it.
We have “progress report conferences” today after school for four hours. Will make for a long day of screen time…8:00 – 7:30.
I want to give to organizations trying to help those in need. Especially those who need help having a holiday. There are so many organizations asking for donations, I am having a hard time choosing. I heard that the post office is looking for volunteers to “adopt” a Santa letter and write a response and send a gift either for the child or the family. This has me intrigued as I have always told Megan that Santa is indedd real and he lives in the hearts of those who believe.
Prayers for Jill and her long day in front of a screen. I pray you find times to rest and recharge, maybe pet Roger. Prayers for your past student who is now a friend, may her scan results be positive.
Prayers for Robert and his personal Advent celebration. I have looked online and found the directions to make a wreath of my own and I hope to buy the necessary items today.
Prayers for Ally and David, I pray Ally heals quickly and the opeation was a success.
H bought a Mercedes SUV and so I called the lawyer and she will go to court next week for me to get approved a legal document which will limit the amount of marital funds that can be spent by one of us. During the divorce she will attempt to recoup the half of the cost of the vehicle that should be mine. It is a substantial amount. I do not look forward to the day h gets served that paper. I pray for God to be with me to keep me safe.
Not sure I agree with this statement in the reflection, “We do not create our own experiences.” I believe the free will God gives us makes it possible for us to consciously or unconsciously make decisions that create experiences we have. Certainly God plays a role in this, but God has not made us robots.
Lots of people, organizations, causes, concerns on my mind. Some portrayed in a drama, others within my family, community, church, at large, and in the world. I’m with Julie trying to decide where to help. Some commitments already made, must be continued. It is not always about money, help can be given in other ways, I’m very thankful for that. Holy Spirit guide me to do what God wants me to do.
Glad to see a post from Julie, hope there is a resolution to your current situation, and a long protracted battle can be avoided.
Prayers for Ally’s surgery, Jill’s student now friend, her Dad, teaching; Marcy, Lou, and everyone here at the UR as well as in the US and the world. If we each do as God directs, the world will be a better place, as God wants.
Almost Christmas is the Wesleyan Advent study and devotion two groups of us, at church and beyond,
are doing. There’s a lot to take in, ponder as Mary did when God told her she would bear a Son, and put into action. Very thankful for the two books in the program during this pandemic. Thank You, Lord.
I give thanks that God brought me through all the difficulties experienced especially through the last 2 years. On days when I doubt, The Holy Spirit has reminded me of God Almighty’s provisions. How can I demonstrate my thanks to God? One way is to live my life in gratitude: focusing on God’s provisions when I feel down. Paying it forward is another way. Lord, show me how I can bless others.
Thanks to all for your prayers for David and me. Had my surgery yesterday and I could see so much better before even leaving the hospital. Had my post-op appointment this morning and doc said everything looked great. Been taking it easy yesterday and today. I have surgery on right eye next Wednesday. The world looks so clear and beautiful, colors so vibrant. I have a better understanding of Paul’s account in Acts of the scales falling from his eyes and how he saw the Lord with new eyes. Thank You Lord, for using this to show me more about Who You are!
Jill, praying for you as you face your long day. Praying for your 2 friends, for lifting up one friend’s dr. visit and that she gets answers and feels better soon. Praying for your former student: for healing and outcome from the scan hoped for. Robert, I agree we are free will agents and that God did not make us robots. Thank you for raising that issue. Julie, many prayers as you wait for H to be served. Praying for your safety for sure. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayers. Blessings to all.
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