Listen

Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it: we’ll be happy with food and clothing. But people who are trying to get rich fall into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful passions that plunge people into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves with a lot of pain because they made money their goal.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Think

This July I had the privilege of going with a team on my third trip to Guatemala to serve at the Good Shepherd Children’s Home. The children, infants to teens, are there because they have suffered neglect and abuse, some quite unfathomable. We had the privilege of living with them and caring for them while their staff received training.

The children come to the center with no material possessions of their own. Their clothing, shoes, supplies, and toys are provided by donations. Some of it is new, some gently used. We played in the yard with worn toys and swings. What did I hear while we were playing? Laughter. There were smiles and laughter as we shared meals around the table and hugs at bedtime when we tucked them in. What was most precious was hearing the children pray. Their sweet talks with God always began, “Gracias Dios…” Thank You, God. These who have so little are content to be safe and loved. May our godliness reflect a desire to live simply, content being safe and loved.

Stella Perrin

Pray

God, you are the giver of all good gifts. You offer me forgiveness, joy, peace, and limitless love. Forgive me when I am distracted by the “stuff” of this world, all which will fade away. Help me to pursue you, keeping my eyes on what will last forever. Amen.

Go

Today, make room for God to reveal God’s self to you through the people you encounter, the beauty of God’s creation, and the quiet whispers of God’s Spirit.

And as your soul is filled with the reality of God’s limitless love for you, may it crowd out all the unimportant stuff that weighs you down, freeing you to share that love with others.