You give us...

Gracious and loving God,

Good morning - while the sun hasn't yet risen, we know it will because that is what you put in motion millions/billions of years ago. You created all of this for your ultimate glory. And what do we have to contribute… it seems nothing as we are mere pinheads in this vast existence of yours. So maybe it was the big bang that was fun for you but, and I can only surmise, it is the relationships you wanted. The hearts of those you created. You gave us free will so we could choose you. We here on earth are so used to manipulating for our needs and wants and yet you give us free will to do whatever we want. I think of the advertisers trying to use psychology or parents forcing their kids to do this or do that. And yet you give us nature. You give us the stars. You give us all we have and that is enough to draw us closer to you. You don't need to manipulate us to see what is front of us… you give us that choice. Thank you.

 

Lord, thank you for all you have given us and all you provide us with. Yes, we mostly take it for granted but it's the gifts you give us that draw us near. The gift of Jesus' birth. The gift of his life spent here as a model. The gift of the His story of discipleship that lead to his crucifixion and death on a cross. And the ultimate gift of his defeat over death. Thank you. Yes, thank you for the coffee as it puts a smile on my face right now but thank you for Jesus as He puts joy in our hearts for eternity. 

 

In your name, Amen.