Quiet Devotions is a daily devotion based on one of the readings from the Daily Lectionary (as it appears in the back of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Augsburg Fortress, 2006). All biblical quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) unless otherwise noted. May these devotions help bring you in closer relationship with the Triune God.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Year B, Epiphany 6, Monday


Inspired by 2 Chronicles 26:1-21

“[Uzziah] did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done…But when he had become strong he grew proud, to his destruction.  For he was false to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to make offering on the altar of incense.”  2 Chronicles 26:4, 16

Blessings often come to us when we obey the will of the Lord.  The laws of the Lord were given to us so that in following them ‘it might go well’ with us, and so it often does.

But when things ‘go well’ with us for a sustained period of time, we sometimes lose sight of the source of our well-being.  We might begin to believe that it is our own wisdom, strength, or abilities that bring us such good fortune.  When that happens we lose sight of the Lord, we stop seeking his will and assume that we can do whatever is right in our own eyes, as we rely on our own wisdom and understanding.  Perhaps we still give lip service to God, falsely giving him credit while ignoring his will and trusting in ourselves.  Invariably we begin to lose our way, and suddenly things don’t go as well with us as they did when we actively sought the Lord.

We were created to live in relationship with the Lord our God.  He has shown us his ways that we might live rich and full lives, enjoying the goodness of the earth and all of God’s creation.  He has given us gifts and abilities to participate in his world, but he is, was, and always will be the source of all good things we enjoy and experience.

Let us pray.  Generous God, you have blessed us with many things.  Help us to always recognize you as the source of our blessings, that we may not grow proud and arrogant in our ways.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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