Loving God, may this be a day of love and mercy for this gracious reader; in Jesus' Name, amen.
Our study guide for today calls for a reading from 1 Peter 1:17 and I love the way it reads in The Message:
"You call out to God for help and he helps - he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living."
Most of us hope that in this version "sloppy living" refers to an irresponsible spiritual way of life and not one ordered by mom or dad in hopes of having our "room clean," though some would argue otherwise. In keeping with out theme of making the most of our time here on earth, living in a way that is disciplined, that is one devoted to God, given to God in prayer and reflection, and shared with others in positive service to one another, allows for us to live in ways that are anything but "sloppy." Sloppy refers to an attitude of not caring for anything or not taking anyone or anything seriously; Christians are or should be above that. We live in the way that brings glory to God because we realize the price God paid through His Son, Jesus. We study and admire and adhere to the model of life given us by Jesus in God's Word for us. I also believe it refers to all our affairs are put in order, our priorities for God and life are placed accordingly and we seek to bless God by the way we live.
PRAYER: Loving God, may I today set about putting First things first. May my life reflect a life in order. Forgive me for my occasional sloppiness. May I shine like the light of Christ in all things. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a blessed and great day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: May we join in prayer for Michael Calloway who's battling cancer. Yesterday while in bed prior to receiving Holy Communion, he joined our church, First UMC - Harlingen. We welcome him to our church family and lift him up for healing. May the Lord bless his wife, Alice and their four children, their families and their needs. Amen!
