Today’s Reflection
God called me to an adventure—romantically and theologically—with a man I hardly knew. Dating Fred marked the beginning of feverish desire for all things sacred. Initially, the spiritual shift was unconscious; I’d always felt I’d been close to God but from a perspective that made me the most important part of our relationship. . . .
Fred’s Eastern language of What I can do for God was a stretch for my individualistic theology of What can God do for me? I felt thirsty to serve Jesus again, a longing I hadn’t encountered since the early years of my Christian walk. My budding relationship with a former Hindu monk brought with it an outcome I hadn’t expected: a return to God.
—J. Dana Trent, Saffon Cross: The Unlikely Story of How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk (Fresh Air Books, 2013)
Today’s Question
How might your perspective shift by asking this question: What can I do for God? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
—Psalm 103:1 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
In your infinitude, O God, you humble me. As I strive to better understand you, help me recognize this striving in others. Your presence is revealed in so many beautiful ways. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
During the 40 days of Lent, beloved author Beth Richardson invites us to make space for the Holy One in the wilderness of our lives. With daily reflections and weekly spiritual practices, Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast for readers during one of the more challenging seasons of the year. Get your copy for only $10 (33% off) with promo code WWLENT.
Lectionary Readings
- Jeremiah 1:4-10
- Psalm 71:1-6
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
- Luke 4:21-30
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
I gratefully acknowledge the amazing gift God has given me through Jesus Christ and I am trying to do what I believe God wants me to do: daily Quiet Time, Bible/book study, serving in leadership roles at church, helping others, and supporting, enabling my son. Progress is and has been made. Haven’t reached the prize yet, but carry on. Thank You, Lord, for Your ever presence, love, mercy, grace, and forgivness.
By being alive for yet another day here on Earth – that should be a question we consider. There is something He has for us to do. How can we glorify and honor Him in our everyday lives? Surely He empowers us, we mustn’t be neglectful.
Struggling a bit with an upper respiratory thing. Years past I would have drug myself into work and trudged through the day. That is no longer the case, at least not today. My classes today have work they can attend to without my assistance. The remainder of my week is busy – both at school and afterwards – so I am going to take it easy today.
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