Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – November 18, 2017

Today’s readings: Ezra 4:7, 11-24; Philemon 1-25; Matthew 12:33-42

Have you ever noticed that what you seek is often right in front of you? The keys thought to have been misplaced by a mischievous three-year-old, lying in plain sight on the kitchen counter. The illusive hope for contentment and satisfaction in life, sprawling before you in the demands and challenges of daily vocation. The joy of forgiveness and reconciliation in speaking, “Peace be with you.”

Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees. It is not that our eyesight is poor, the light too dim, or the view obscured. Rather, our failure to see is caused by limited perspective. The scribes and Pharisees had this same problem. They wished for a sign, yet failed to see the greatest sign of all standing right in front of them. The simple, Nazarene teacher was not what they expected. He was not what they were looking for. Their focus was too narrow.

When our focus becomes too narrow, we lose perspective. Our problems and worries may seem to overwhelm us. But when our focus is on Christ, we see things rightly. We see that we are standing in the forest and that Jesus is standing right there with us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to broaden our perspective by always focusing on you. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Paulette McHugh, NALC Pastor.

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One Comment, RSS

  • Thank you Pastor Paulette,
    As your message in this devotion indicates, many Christians do not possess JOY. We get up cranky, go through out day the same and just don’t know what is happening. Our Joy, Hope, Peace and Happiness all focuses on our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But to release the blinders, we need to place our sights on our Bible and the riches it contains. Be quiet and listen for that still voice. In all circumstances we have choices to make, it is how we make those choices that will ultimately determine out JOY.