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, October 19 Saint Luke (tr.)
Psalm 147. The LORD...heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars and calls them all by their names.
I am a terrible cook, even with devices that give spoken step-by-step instructions. The problem isn't information; the problem is that no machine can make me want to cook.
God, in building a kingdom on earth, seems to want more than to give us step-by-step instructions; God wants to teach us to want that kingdom enough to sacrifice for it. God knows that the human heart finds inspiration not in fear, but in love; not in a God powerful enough to "count the number of the stars," but in a God tender enough to "heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds."
I want to please God, not because of the threat of God's punishment but because God chooses to heal me and others. I might obey a God of fear, but I am not inspired by fear. Perhaps God could tell me by threats and intimidation exactly the life I need to live to find salvation and transcendence. But isn't there something dissonant about using fear to inspire a life of love?
Wouldn't this world be better changed by people who want to change it?
PRAY for the Diocese of The Murray (South Australia, Australia)
Ecclesiasticus 38:1-4, 6-10, 12-14; 2 Timothy 4:5-13; Luke 4:14-21
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
