Living the Scripture

June 2, 2022

DAILY READING

Philippians 4:8-9 — “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

FIELD NOTES

It was one of those days.

We drove to our daughter’s home in New York for our grandson’s birthday and his first school play. We learned our grandson had made a mistake upon arriving – his play was next week. The next morning, our daughter called, telling us she was extremely sick. She asked me to take our grandson to school and for my wife to proctor a final exam for her. (Our daughter is a college professor.)

I drove twenty minutes to get my grandson and twenty-eight minutes to take him to school. I returned to the motel to take my wife to the college. Our daughter called as we arrived at the college, telling us that she had found a university colleague to proctor the exam. So we drove back to the motel.

Our daughter called again as we entered the motel lobby, telling us that our granddaughter was sick. Could we pick her up from school and bring her home? So, we drove to the high school and took her home. Again we returned to the motel. Then our daughter called asking if we could take our granddaughter to the doctor. So, we drove back to our daughter’s home, took our granddaughter to the doctor, got her medication, got some lunch, and returned to their home.  

In the meantime, their four-year-old foster child arrived home at 3 pm, and we played on the trampoline for two hours (fatigue). At 5 pm, our granddaughter vomited. I left to get our grandson from his after-school activity and took him home. After supper, our grandson threw up everywhere!

Knowing I was about to write this devotion about today’s scripture, I decided to keep its thoughts in mind and live it throughout the day. The result: I had a burning bush experience of God’s presence throughout the day, providing peace and joy despite the inconvenience and interruption to our plans.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What are your thoughts about today? People you will encounter? Tasks on your schedule?
• How about seeking the Joy of the Lord in the midst of and despite what happens today?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear most loving, gracious God, when you gave your scriptures, you intended them to become the Living Word. So Lord, please help them come alive in me today through all that I do. In your gracious name, we ask. Amen.