Random thoughts from The Daily Office

 

It’s been a very long time since I’ve added a new post.  I’ve returned to Graduate school this past fall to work on a MA in Adult Education.  Therefore, I haven’t taken the time to post any type of daily devo.  But I’d like to post something today.  In reading The Daily Office this morning, several things caught my eye.  These are very random thoughts but I wonder if any of you might be able to relate to them.

1.  The Daily Office always begins with confession of our sins.  Not only the sins which we have committed, but for that which we have omitted.  The things we have left undone are as important to God as the things we have done wrong.  I’m afraid I have left much undone this Christmas.

2.  2 Sam. 7:23  “And who is like your people Israel – the one nation on earth that God went out to Redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself and to perform great and awesome wonders….”  What sets the God of Israel apart from other gods?  This God reaches out to redeem people.  He reaches out to the hurting, the lost, the undeserving and the unworthy and brings them into fellowship with Him.  Does any other god do this?  I don’t think so.

3.  Guide our feet into the way of peace, that after having done your will with cheerfulness, we may rejoice and give You thanks.  This made me ask myself, “Do I do His will with cheerfulness?”  Or do I grumble and complain that it’s too hard, I’m not suited for this, and I don’t understand why you’d have me do this?

4. Give us an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise by giving ourselves to your service.  How aware am I of God’s mercies to me and those I love?  Do I take them for granted?  Am I really of aware of all God has done for me?  Hmmm…makes me think, does it you?

5.  Fulfill our desires and petitions as may be best for us.  When we pray and ask God to do something, do we really want Him to answer in ways that is best for us or do we want him to give us what we want?  Our hearts are deceitful my friends, and we don’t always see the big picture.  When God withholds answers to prayers or answers them differently than we wanted Him to, we can only assume its for our best.   Can we honestly pray for God to do what is best for us?

Merry Christmas!