Scripture: 1st Chronicles 29:18-19 (the Message)
O God, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this generous spirit alive forever in these people always, keep their hearts set firmly in you. And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel, and carry through with building The Temple for which I have provided.”
Thought for the Day: A few of you asked about a quote in my sermon from Sunday. It came from an article by Laurie Gerber entitled, Anatomy of Excuses. She writes:
The sad truth
is we believe
in our excuses
more than we believe
in our dreams.
That may not be true of you, but I’m guessing you know someone who resembles those words. It is easy to fall into the comfort of our excuses, missing what God really desires from us. In the above scripture, David is praying for his son, Solomon, who is still young. He desires to see Solomon have an uncluttered and focused heart. David knows God will call upon Solomon to do many things, and there will be a temptation to reach into the bag of excuses the moment it becomes demanding. The word focused in the original Hebrew is shalem, which comes from the Hebrew word, shalom. This focus comes from a sense of contentment and peace. Let us continue to grow in our relationship with God, finding the contentment and peace that casts out all fear and reduces our temptation to reach for excuses. Let us focus our full self upon God, finding not only peace, but a clearer sense of the dream God has for us.
Prayer: Assist me in discovering an uncluttered and focused heart, O God of All People, and may I find it as I focus more and more upon you. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
The Areas Assembly
of
The Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
