Devotional 1-30-09

Lectionary Readings : Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21 -28

I love to eat ! I’m sure that won’t surprise many of you. I rarely miss meals and usually find an excuse to add a snack or two. I practice fooling myself that “I really don’t eat that much” or that “I am eating as healthy as possible”, but I know the truth. I make periodic resolutions to cut down on my intake and to get more exercise, but I regularly fail at these endeavors. You see: food is my all time-comfort-support activity. I eat when I’m sad, sorry, happy, lonely, afraid, excited, with friends, alone—I guess I eat “whenever”. Eating is not the problem though, but the amount that I take in is more than I need.

The church at Corinth asked Paul to teach them the proper procedures if they were asked to eat food that had been blessed to be offered to idols and what would happen if they actually ate in the temple of an idol. We don’t really have this problem in our culture, so it’s hard to relate to the concern. Paul replied that since we know there is really only one God, eating the food and worrying about its intended use at some pagan ritual should not really be the focus. “Food will not bring us close to God.” “We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8: 8-9.

I was challenged anew when I read Paul’s admonition to avoid being a stumbling block to others. Food cannot bring me closer to God, but too much food can separate me from God. What kind of a role model am I? Is God asking me to change? Can I keep on saying to students and patients: “Do as I say, not as I do?”-- I don’t think so! I can no longer be an advocate for healthy living if I am not living up to the basic requirements. I am my own stumbling block and I am a stumbling block for those observing me.

God provides for everything that we need—at exactly the right time and place. I know that he communicates with us in many ways--through prayer, the scriptures, other writings and the witness of others, to name a few. I think that God is calling my name through these readings and asking me to own up to my over-indulgence and pray for forgiveness, as well as for the daily strength it will take to change my ways—even with Super Bowl Sunday this weekend. Can I be so bold as to suggest that those of you reading this might also have a habit that needs to change in order to be more complete in doing God’s will? Is there some activity in your life that is separating you from God? What is your stumbling block?

The choir has worked on the anthem “Order My Steps” by Glenn Burleigh. The words really hit home this morning as we sang them in the sanctuary. May the words become a prayer for all of us as we try to live more closely to God’s commandments. May you also find each day in the Word the message that is meant for you. May you be healed of any affliction that separates you from God or is a stumbling block to others. Nourish us with “soul-food” that fills us with faith, hope and love.

Dear Father and Mother of us all,

Order my steps in your Word, dear Lord, Lead me, guide me, every day.
Send your anointing, Father, I pray. Order my steps in your Word, please, order my steps in your Word.
Humbly I ask Thee, teach me your will, While you are working, help me be still.
Tho’ Satan is busy, God is real! Order my steps in your Word, please, order my steps in your Word!
I want to walk worthy, walk worthy Lord, my calling to fulfill.
Please order my steps, Lord, and I’ll do your blessed will.
The world is ever changing, but You are still the same,
If you order my steps, I’ll praise your name.
Order my steps in your Word, order my tongue in your Word; guide my feet in your Word,
wash my heart in your Word. Show me how to walk in your Word, show me how to talk in your Word.
When I need a brand new song to sing, show me how to let your praises ring, in your Word!
Please order my steps in your Word.
AMEN.

Chyrl Budd