Today’s Reflection
And in this he brought to my mind the property of a glad giver. Always a glad giver pays little attention to the thing he gives, but all his desire and intent is to please and comfort the one to whom he gives. And if the receiver takes the gift gladly and thankfully, then the courteous giver counts all his cost and effort as nothing, because of the joy and delight he has and because he has pleased and comforted the one he loves.
— Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Julian of Norwich, Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
How is God inviting you to live as “a glad giver” today? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
—2 Corinthians 9:7 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God, our Maker, Lover, and Keeper,
Thank you for the everlasting love you have for all you have made.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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5 Comments
I found myself yesterday telling my students – “it is good to see you”. I am not one to effusively say common things. Not all of my students have their cameras on – so some of them I don’t see. Some have legitimate reasons for having their cameras off…slow internet in their homes, multiple people on the home internet system – slowing down their feed. And I said to my year 2 students – you know that isn’t something I would ordinarily say if we were in school, yet many people say it. But I have told them more than once these past few weeks – that seeing them and hearing them interact is life-giving. I miss that so much…the banter in the classroom – between them and between myself and them. I am trying to be intentional about what I say to them…I am not sure if they catch it or not. But I want them to. I try to measure my words, wanting what I say to have an impact…not be white noise.
So, back to the question…is this my way of being a “glad giver”? I try to smile much and not rush our time together. But – I have my “agenda” – and feel like I never get through as much as I want. I don’t know – it is a dilemna.
I had an appointment with my rheumatologist yesterday afternoon – and we are both so pleased at how my body has responded to the new treatment. My stomach/intestinal issues have subsided remarkably, as well as the congestion/discomfort in my throat. Hoping my body continues to respond so well to both the treatment, as well as minimal side effects. I wasn’t expecting to get my flu shot – but it was available – so that was a bonus. Afterwards, I picked up Thai and had dinner with my friend.
Good news Jill, with your body responding so well to the new rheumatism treatment.
I give cheerfully, wish I could do more, but after what I have already done, there aren’t more funds.
Thankful that today is expected to be a rainy day, it is very much needed here.
Hopefully the finishing touches to the Central Vermont caboose.
Breakfast with the pastor at 8:30 on ZOOM.
Thank You, Lord for the blessings of the day.
A hymn based on 2 Corinthians 9:7
==========================
Lord, Thou Lov’st the Cheerful Giver
1 Lord, you love the cheerful giver,
who with open heart and hand
blesses freely, as a river
that refreshes all the land.
Grant us then the grace of giving
with a spirit large and free,
that our life and all our living
we may consecrate to thee.
2 We are thine, thy mercy sought us,
found us in death’s dreadful way,
to the fold in safety brought us,
nevermore from thee to stray.
Thine own life thou freely gavest
as an off’ring on the cross
for each sinner whom thou savest
from eternal shame and loss.
3 Blest by thee with gifts and graces,
may we heed thy church’s call;
gladly in all times and places
give to thee who givest all.
Thou hast bought us, and no longer
can we claim to be our own;
ever free and ever stronger,
we shall serve thee, Lord, alone.
4 Savior, thou hast freely given
all the blessings we enjoy,
earthly store and bread of heaven,
love and peace without alloy;
humbly now we bow before thee,
and our all to thee resign;
for the kingdom, pow’r, and glory
are, O Lord, forever thine.
**************************************
Robert Murray (1898)
Tune: BEECHER (John Zundel, 1870)
I, too, give to others both with limited funds and limited (these days) good will. Will have to try to come out of my own mind and life and smile and engage with others more. Right now I feel battered and bruised and I do not trust others.
Prayers of joy for Jill and her success with the new meds.
Prayers for Robert as he continues to connect with his pastor while remaining safe. Megan and I think very highly of you and as fellow tea drinkers and lovers of Earl Grey you increased in our esteem.
Prayers for Marcy, may her cold be just that a cold and nothing more serious.
Prayers for Ally and David as well as Pas and Ally’s sister. May her sister have a clean mammogram and may Ally and david find a meaningful way to say goodbye to Mary on their own.
Prayers for Rick and his continued search for a new home at this time of COVID.
We got our freezer yesterday and I will begin loading it today. Mom is going home on Sunday. She is thrilled and has passed every prerelease test.
I am not always a “glad giver”. I try to be generous with my time and resources, but want to do it on my own terms. I will try to give as God directs in order to bless others, not to get “strokes”. I will try to thank God for opportunities to give and not be offended if the “givee” does not display what I perceive to be proper gratitude. I will give God thanks for God’s provision and God’s goodness. Lord, help me in these endeavors.
Dealing with post office issues. We have been without internet for almost 3 weeks. Our provider determined that we needed a new router and one was shipped out. It was supposed to arrive a week ago yesterday and we have not received it. Thankfully, we were able to scheduled a tech visit for Monday. Tech will bring a router and install, as David is somewhat of a techno-peasant (that’s his term lol). I ordered an new tablet, which I thought was shipped FedEx. It shipped USPS and is supposed to be delivered today. PLEASE pray that it doesn’t get lost. David is in better spirits and has agreed to try talk therapy. Praise the Lord.
Jill, praise God that your new treatment regimen has been working. Prayers for your continued wellness and praise for great rapport with your students. Robert, giving thanks for fellowship with your pastor and church members. I hope you enjoy your rainy day. We need some of those here in GA. Thank you for your wisdom. Marcy, praying for healing and that your cold is just a cold. Praying that Roxy stays well. Thank you for the beautiful hymn. I sang it to the tune of Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. Julie, good news about your new freezer. Thankful that your mom is doing well and comes home Sunday. Praise God. Prayers continue for you and Megan. Thank you for the prayers. I too love Earl Grey. Rick, I pray that you can find a place to live. I pray that we all find ways to be cheeful givers today. Blessings to all.
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