Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord  has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.   17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Hebrews 13:5 (NRSV)

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”   

DEVOTION – Irina Ivanova (Pskov, Russia)

My friend told me that some recent repair work in her apartment block required that the electricians turn off the power.  She said that she quickly realized how many conveniences she took far granted.  The lack of power made everyday task impossible: no light, no television, no washing machine, no refrigerator/freezer.  She couldn’t cook food or boil a kettle of water or work on the computer or listen to music.  Her family’s life was paralyzed.  When the electricity finally came back on, happiness reigned!

Something similar seems to happen in the way we regard God’s gifts; we take them for granted:  air, water, sunlight, the changing of the seasons, birdsongs, flowers, food, a roof over our heads, health, a good mood.  How often we delight in all these and more – forgetting to thank God, who sends us these blessings.  May an unending hymn of praise sound in our hearts to God – the giver of all good things!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Today I will pay more attention to God’s gifts of life and love.

PRAYER: Dear God, your love for us is made clear in all your gifts to us, especially the gift of your son.  Thank you for your endless grace.  Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS: PEOPLE WITH NO ELECTRICITY