Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, June 1 The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (tr.)
Deuteronomy 11:13-19. If you will only heed his every command...loving the LORD your God...he will give the rain...and you will gather in your grain, your wine, and your oil; and he will give grass.
Given my sinful self, conditional blessings make me uneasy. I need my blessings unconditional, as Jesus suggests in Matthew 5:45 where God sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
But what strikes me in this passage from Deuteronomy is the simplicity of the blessings promised: rain, grain, wine, oil, and grass. The media tell us that happiness lies in suntans, processed food, diet cola, hydrogenated fat, and manicured grass--in unchecked consumerism. The media lie. God knows wherein we are truly blessed.
Do I grumble when it rains, or rejoice because rain is the essence of life? Do I feel entitled to what I want, or grateful for the wholesome foods of sustenance? Does the miracle of growing grass cause me embarrassment or wonder?
Despite our waywardness, God loves us and blesses us unconditionally. The choice to be blessed by his blessings is up to us.
PRAY for the Diocese of Southwell – Sherwood (York, England)
Ps 113; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Romans 12:9-16b; Luke 1:39-57
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
