Can we surrender the mantle of trying to be, as someone has described us in our drivenness, “General Manager of the Universe?” Many of us are so accustomed to trying to be good – doing what is right, covering everything on our to-do list – that we live our lives, even our spiritual lives, at a frantic pace. We cram every minute of every day with activity and achievement, measuring our worth by what we earn or what good deeds we have done. But this beatitude [“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)] says that approach is all wrong. When we offer to God what we cannot be or do – our weaknesses – then the kingdom is ours. God says in this beatitude, “When you give up your illusions of control and power and acknowledge your absolute need for me, all that I have opens to you.” – (Mary Lou Redding).
This week, consider the single thought of giving the illusion of control and power to God. Pray with me, “Lord, everything that makes me me, I give to you. Help me to understand that is all that is asked and all that is needed. Grant me the assurance of a grace-filled life that comes from ‘being with you’ and not ‘doing for you.’ Amen.”
This week’s reading:
- Monday – James 4
- Tuesday – James 5
- Wednesday – 1 Peter 1
- Thursday – 1 Peter 2
- Friday – 1 Peter 3
Please Pray for:
- Our nation and our leaders
- Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
- Those that are suffering and grieving.
- Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction completion of the New Youth Building and rear parking.
- The United Methodist Church.