Devotion: We Get Lost
We Get Lost
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Mark 12:38-44
Sunday message was from a two-fold scripture reference from Mark. It left me wondering about people who come into our lives with “hidden agendas” and how being true to our commitment to give back to the Lord that portion of ourselves encompasses more than a set amount of dollars and needs to include our hearts as well.
Have any of you looked at the Faith Talk Starter questions in the bulletin written by pastors as they approach the message they share? They share these with us to spur thought for conversations with our church family or even just for contemplation. This Sunday I was stuck on these questions, and took time to “think on them a spell”. I have known and still know those that show us the side of them that speaks of “entitlement” Those that because of their position/title can cause us to diminish ourselves in our thinking.
Instead, maybe we ought to consider Paul’s words I love from 1 Corinthians 9:22 when he said, “I must be all things to all people so by all means, I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel”. If by your witness others see the kindnesses you share with others, they may see something they need in their own life. Peace, comfort, a sense of knowing someone by what they see on the outside like say, a priest’s collar may be seen by a brother as someone they have come to trust in their lives. That source of peace.
I think back to high school when upperclassmen would flaunt their notoriety in sports, cheerleading, or any of a number of “groups” they belonged to. They considered themselves above everyone else. Thank the Lord the kids I ran with had different attitudes to this very day. You also may have known others in your life with ways to elevate themselves in things they do or say. Be careful these things don’t cause you to stumble and cast judgment. And if they do, come back to the cross of Christ and let Him handle those thoughts and feelings.
God tells us in Matthew 23:12, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” The widow from the second part of our weekend’s scripture was noticed by Jesus because He saw her true heart. Saw that she had little or no means of anything to give as her offering to the Lord. He saw that she gave not out of the abundance of her pocketbook, but out of giving all of what she had to the God who constantly showed her mercy, every day. Bring joy with you to God’s house, and be less concerned about how much others see you put in an offering plate. God sees your heart and the reason you’re here.
Precious Heavenly Father,
Teach us to look at the heart as you do. Help us to leave judgment in your hands and purify our hearts to see how we can walk with you. And let Christ be seen in me today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.