Our Monday devotional was prepared by Gary Schweitzer, a member of our congregation, who plays in our Brass Ensemble.
Scripture: Matthew 6; verses 25 - 34
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink: nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap no gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add add one cubit to his stature?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil or spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?. For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Reflection
As I ponder what is going on in the world with the Covid-19 virus these scriptures keep popping in my thoughts. Many of us are going to the grocery stores and seeing near empty shelves. Some of these items are things we all need. Some items do not keep very long.
I know we are all trying our best to take care of our loved ones in these trying times. The last 3 years have been especially difficult for me. Two years ago, on her doctor's advice, I placed my wife in a long-term care facility. I had to give her care to someone else. Now with the virus going around, they are not letting any visitors in. I’m not sure when I will be able to see her again.
This scripture comforts me at this time. It's hard for any of us to give up control. We need to give our cares to God, and let him in his infinite wisdom, take care of things. One day things will get better, and we will get to enjoy fellowship with one another, to see our loved ones again.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for all the blessings you have given us. May we always live each day, one day at a time. In Jesus Name, Amen
Important Announcements.
1. Volunteer Help Appreciated. If you are interesting in volunteering to help during the coronavirus, please email us at ChristUMCHelps@gmail.com, or call Richard at 402-617-0355. We especially need help, just making phone calls to church members to touch base with them to maintain our bonds of support and community at Christ United Methodist Church.
2. Don’t forget the Bread and Grape Juice! Beginning sometime next week, the pastors at Christ UMC will be offering the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion online. To participate, you will need to provide your own bread and grape juice (or wine), as you watch the service at home. Your elements (the bread and juice) will be consecrated online during the service, so that you can join with others in celebrating The Lord’s Supper. Be sure to add bread and grape juice to your shopping list for your next trip to the grocery store.