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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for March 10, 2018

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SATURDAY, March 10

Luke 14:26, 33 Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple….So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

Jesus has some really tough words to say to us here. How could Jesus want us to hate our family members? Does he really want us to give up everything: house, home, car, clothes?

Jesus’ words remind me of many stewardship questions I’ve heard: Does tithing mean 10 percent of after-tax dollars or before-tax dollars? Should tithing involve all of one’s charitable contributions or just those given to the church?

The best answer I’ve heard: It all belongs to God! Ourselves, our souls, our bodies, our land, our possessions, and our family members all belong to God first, not us. With that in mind, decisions about love and material goods take on a whole new meaning.

MOVING FORWARD: Pray these words today: Turn my head and heart toward you, Lord Christ. Be the center of my being and the fresh air in my soul. Fill me with generosity this day and help me to give cheerfully and joyfully, with all that I have and with all that I am. Amen.

Good Book Club Reading: Luke 14:25-35

PRAY for the Diocese of Bethlehem (The Episcopal Church)