Meditation

04/19/2024

“And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. The fool folds his hands and ruins himself. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4: 4-6)

Living modestly is better than “chasing after the wind” of wealth. Labor should be done to meet God’s goals for our lives not to meet the standard set by our neighbor. Christ said that life does not consist of things, no matter how abundant. Real living is in giving and serving, not in getting and indulging. Inner peace and tranquillity, not personal wealth and prestige, mark true success.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “What is a Stewards Lifestyle?” The one real answer is that if we are chasing the world’s lifestyle, than God’s, we are chasing into the wind that which we will never truly attain. Even if we did attain some success, it would not give you peace and comfort in times of hardship, only God can do that. It will not provide one salvation, only God can do that. It won’t give you a lifestyle that provides for your spiritual development, only God can do that. So, why would want to pursue a lifestyle that won’t give you any of the most important things that only God provides? Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“We are called to be now, what we will be when Jesus returns.”

KNOWING GOD:

“Judah has broken faith. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves, by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord cut him off from the tents of Jacob—-even thought he brings offering to the Lord Almighty. Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.” (Malachi 2-11-13)

God gave Israel a covenant based on trust in and love for both God and fellow members of the covenant. Israel broke faith by dealing treacherously. This treachery consisted in marrying women with idols for gods and infesting Israel with false worship!

Giving or ceremonial worship does not remove the necessity for right living, including respect within families. Israel lived among peoples who had no problem participating in worship services for several different gods. Marriage meant simply adding another worship service—-that of the spouse’s god—-to the schedule. The one true God does not accept that. He is sufficient to handle all functions attributed to any god. We must, therefore, devote all worship and reverences to Him alone.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, climb down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him greatly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.’” (Luke 19: 1-10)

Restitution is a good sign of a changed life. Zacchaeus exhibited repentance by pledging to make a fourfold return for wrongs committed and giving half of his posssessions to the poor. Good stewdarship is the result of a new life committed to serving Christ. The dramatic change in the life of Zacchaeus indicated true repentance and conversion, the beginning point of discipleship. Discipleship involves service to others, not unjust treatment to amass material wealth. Jesus’ mission was to lead people to a saving relationship with God. Such a relationship delivers from sin and selfishness to service of God and other people.