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.
TUESDAY, September 20
2 Kings 5:19-27. He went in and stood before his master; and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”
The prophet Elisha caught his servant, Gehazi, in a lie. Where have you been? Nowhere. What have you been doing? Nothing. Wrong! Oops!
Poor Gehazi. He had seen Naaman receive God’s freely given blessing even though Naaman was a foreigner and a possible enemy. Gehazi resented this and was determined to get some personal gain from Naaman. Deceptively, he succeeded in obtaining two talents, but was caught.
Have you ever resented the good fortune of someone else, especially someone you don’t like, or someone who is different? Many of us have experiences when jealously or resentment wells up within us and we wish to see someone taken down. Gehazi could have chosen to be happy for Naaman, to give thanks for his healing, and to rejoice that a stranger was now a friend, and a possible enemy was now an ally. He could have trusted God’s wisdom, judgment, and mercy.
When we remember that God loves everyone and his mercy is generous to all, we can choose to resist feelings of resentment when others are blessed and replace those feelings with joy.
PRAY for the Diocese of Southern Brazil (Brazil)
Ps 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Matthew 5:27-37
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.
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
