Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – October 1, 2016

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Today’s readings: Esther 7:1–10; Acts 19:11–20; Luke 4:14–30

Not that many years ago, going to church was an all-day affair. Folks assembled for Sunday worship, shared a meal, and then fellowshipped with each other until it was time to go home. No one worried about how long the preacher preached; folks were there to gather and learn. In Acts 20, Paul is discussing many things with the gathered Christians. What Paul has to share was important and those assembled were willing to ignore everything else to hear God’s word. Schedules were ignored; ball games, races, and any number of things were set aside as the Word was proclaimed. Fast forward to today. If the pastor’s sermon exceeds 20 minutes, people get nervous. Many can be seen checking their watches in obvious ways. All the distractions of this life suddenly become more important than the proclamation of God’s word, our sharing in the Sacrament, and our worship of God. We find that we are acting more and more like Martha, rather than Mary. It is time we stop worrying about what time it is and all the other things that take our focus off God and refocus in what is most important; God’s message for us today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help to always focus on what is important: you. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Steven King, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC.

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Tomorrow’s readings: Hosea 1:1–2:1; James 3:1–13; Matthew 13:44–52

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  • Pastor King,

    Very good devotion. The days of being at church all day, hearing the good news, eating and fellowshiping with other Christians sounds wonderful. Thanks for all you are doing to further the Kingdom.

    Bruce Zander