I went to Church this morning. I enjoy going to Church. It is a great way to start my week; giving thanks to God for all the blessings he has provided. I always feel so good after attending Church, but this isn't surprising. I receive food for my soul. Our Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church does a good job with his sermons. I listen to his words and seem to be able to apply the message to some area of my life. For example, today is the Third Sunday in Lent. Let me quote our church bulletin to you..."The third covenant in this year's Lenten readings is the central one of Israel's history: the gift of the law to those God freed from slavery. The ten commandments are one of the chief parts of Luther's catechism, a core piece of baptismal instruction. They begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods."
The ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods...thought provoking. I ask myself "Can this ever happen to me? Or, has this ever happened to me?" My answer must be yes; as unfortunate and disappointing as this answer is...yes. I must refocus from commerce and ways to make a profit, to ways of worshiping God through service. My efforts will be rewarded with success when I am able to follow God's lead. I shall serve the Lord, my God and no other God, especially the Gods of commerce and profit-making. Faith assures me that I will be physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy with a life rich beyond our monetary system. I have much to think about. Praying for God's guidance to be his grateful servant.
Life's challenges and rewards are waiting for me as my journey continues, hopeful to witness God sightings along the way and just maybe I will be a God sighting for someone else. May the peace of the Lord be with you always.