Much Is Given

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.

These words from Luke are haunting.
We live in a nation of great wealth.
Have we shared our blessings?
Have we squandered our talents
And fallen far short of what God wanted?
Do we use the correct measures?
Do we help those around us,
Friends and family,
But fail to look beyond?
We trust God to care for us.
Do we seek those in need of care?
We can only ask for forgiveness,
If we have sinned.
We can only ask
That our talents be of use
In whatever time remains.
It is never too late
To do God's will.

Photo by Jeff Belmonte

The Danger Outside

My cats are confined within my home because the house next door has been sprayed for termites. Poison is all around. The cats stare in longing out the window, then pace and plead with me for freedom. I know that such freedom would be dangerous, perhaps fatal.

Are we like my cats,
Uncomprehending of the dangers outside,
Outside of God's commands?
Do we tread God's will with impatience,
Sure that life would be better if we were released?
I believe that I must answer yes.
What seems like freedom
Leads to death.
The poison of the world
Steals our soul
Little by little
Until we are dead inside,
Until there is no love for others,
Only for ourselves.
Our prayers are pleas
For what seems to us the best.
God knows to answer as we want
Would place danger in our path through life.
Let me act as one made in the image of God.
Let me understand God's will.

Photo by Vieux bandit

Renew Your Mind

And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul's words speak to me this day,
But how difficult his command is to fulfill.
We all wish to be surrounded by admirers,
Be a success in our work and play,
Have house, car and the latest electronic gadget.
Is that how we conform to this world?
Rather seek the knowledge of God,
Read the Bible,
Pray,
Study the writings of Godly thinkers,
Grapple with the truths of faith,
In order to
View the world from God's perspective and
Act in accordance with God's will.
Use material blessings to help others
And demonstrate God's love.
Use the advances of this age
To further the kingdom.
Be part of this world in body,
But not in soul.
Remember there is an eternity with God,
This life is but a moment.

Photo courtesy NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Prayer: God's Will in the Presidential Race

Author of all creation, I praise you in all your aspects,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I acknowledge you as supreme and
Hope that all will know your loving kindness.
Help me as I face the decisions of daily life.
Help me to choose wisely and with your Spirit in my heart.
Our nation must choose candidates for President.
I have only one vote,
But I want to cast it in light of your will.
Guide me to see these people as you see them
And to choose wisely.
I know that others will not vote as I do,
But feel just as I do that they voted in accordance with your will.
Help me to understand how that can be.
Help me not to let my emotions drive
My reactions to those who choose differently,
The temptation is so great.
Let me remember that in your creation
You can use whoever wins the Presidential race
To guide and protect this nation.
You are master of all,
The past, present, and future.
Always let it be thy will, not mine.

Amen.