Worship

Scripture

My first real job was working in a sit-down style seafood restaurant. First, I worked as a busboy and host, but eventually I became a server. Personally, I believe everyone should be mandated to wait tables for at least one year of their life. That way, everyone can come to empathize with the waiter who failed to refill your drink exactly or to bring you your third cup of ranch. However, I digress. 

While working at the restaurant, some days I’d leave with $15 and others, $215. It all depended on the business of the restaurant. Yet, it was funny that when I only made $15 dollars I was quick to go to Wendy’s and buy my buddy and myself a couple of Jr. bacons with cheese and not bat an eye. Yet, when I made $215, I found myself complaining about the cost of gas and nickel and dining others for meals, gas, etc. It’s funny how when we have little  we often find it easier to be generous, but when we have much, we develop this fear of losing it, so we hoard. 

Much of our reading from Proverbs today warns against people like this. Those who say,

“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.” They are always thinking about how much it costs.” They may seem generous up front, but wait long enough and you will either hear them bragging about how much they spent or complaining about how much it cost. Either way, steer clear of these people because their generosity is not authentic. It is a show, and a show in which they are the center of attention. 

Not to say expensive things are unethical. I too enjoy a good filet! Yet, it’s the attitude behind it. Whether eating a Jr. Bacon off the dollar menu from Wendy’s or a fancy filet, purchase, share, and enjoy is with a generous heart. Not counting the cost is dollars, but appreciating the generosity in spirit.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be a permanent covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Ezekiel 37:26-27

What an honor it is that we are permanently at peace with God and that He has chosen us as His people and His dwelling place.

ASK GOD

Give us today our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

Picture God extending His hands towards you.

What are you concerned about that needs to be placed in His hands? What is the “bread” you need from Him? Ask Him.

SUBMIT TO GOD

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:12-13

Imagine yourself entering a dark room, with a person in front of you, holding a flashlight, leading you. That’s what God does. As He leads you, tell Him how you desire to follow Him.

CLOSING PRAYER 

God, thank You for speaking to me! I will trust what You ask me to do, even when I don’t understand the reasons why. I don’t always need the answers, I just need You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.