THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The financial and political systems of our world are said to be structured for the common good, but there is a lot of evidence that suggests that the benefits of these systems are strongly biased toward those who are wealthy, connected, and powerful. Those who have learned how to use the “rules of the game” to their advantage are able to manipulate our systems to their own gain, while those who are outside the networks of power suffer and are often disadvantaged. This reality was no different in any of the eras in which the Bible was written.
However, throughout history there have been groups of people who have challenged the bias and inequality in the world’s systems. There have been those who have exposed the “gatekeepers” who regulate who gets “in” and who is left “out”, and they have sought to live by different values and priorities. Of course, Jesus was the most significant of these prophets, and he called his followers to embrace his alternative way of living, in which the only law was the law of love, and in which everyone belongs. Now as we seek to follow Jesus both personally and together, we are called to bear the fruit of God’s Reign in our own lives – the fruit of compassion, simplicity, inclusivity, grace, generosity, and justice.
This week we meditate on the contrast between Jesus’ way and the ways of our human systems, and we seek to live according to the values of God’s Reign even as we participate in the systems of our society. This may sound challenging – and it is – but it is definitely worth the effort!
To download this week’s reflections in PDF format, click here.
I’m not liking the new format. Are you not preparing any daily worships in advance anymore???
Hi Carolin,
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you taking the time to give me this feedback.
I would be very grateful if you could give me a bit more information. What is it about the new format that you don’t like?
Also, the Daily Worship notes are prepared in advance, but the way the site has been designed the PDF downloads are now accessed directly through each post. The posts go out a few days before the relevant date, and so as things are now, future Daily Worship PDFs are not accessible in advance. But, if you can let me know how far in advance you would need to access them, I will investigate how we can make them available again.
Once again, thank you for your feedback.
Grace
John
Grateful for all you do. I also know the struggle of trying to update things & there are always good reasons behind changes. So please receive this with that in mind :) Part of what I loved about the old format pdf is it was only 2 pieces of paper that could be folded in half and easily tucked in my planner. 5 pieces of paper won’t work & feels a waste. I like to detach from tech for my devotional time, digital access isn’t possible…especially when travel opens up. That said, yes, it’s absolutely visual pleasing. I’m a practical girl for fail stuff. Thanks again for all you do.
Thank you, Sara. I really appreciate your feedback.
I wasn’t sure if anyone was still printing out the Daily Worship notes, and wanted them to be designed to be more friendly for phones and tablets. You’ve helped me to see that a printable format is still needed. I’m going to see if there’s a way to create a format that looks good both in print and on a tablet/mobile phone. When we succeed in doing that (and I’m determined that we will) then I’ll make sure we switch to that layout.
I hope you’ll stick with us until we get this right. Thanks again for your helpful comment.
Hi John,
I like the new website. It takes a bit of time getting used to the new format, in order to find what I’m looking for – the scrolling around sometimes feels like a maze. Nonetheless, as with all change, my ability to navigate the pages will improve, hopefully, as I continue forward.
I am a bit confused however given that each time I seek to access it, I receive Error Message 404 “Page Not Found” and yet, the page actually appears. Will that be removed some time soon?
I earnestly appreciate all of the work that you have done and continue to do and pray God’s continued blessings be upon you in every way.
John,
Because I prepare your devotions for my congregation not getting until Thursday really makes it difficult. I am only in the church office Tues – Wed – Thurs. I print bulletins on Thursday. If the devotion could be available on Tuesday for the next week that would make my life so much easier. I appreciate all that you do and my congregations really enjoys getting a printed copy of the devotion as many do not have access to a computer.
Thanks again and have a blessed day.
Carolin Moorman
East Mesa Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Could you please tell me exactly when you get the 4040 error? What page are you trying to access when you get this? I do know that the Daily Worship emails that were sent out last week had the wrong link which went to a 404 error page. But that’s the only broken link I’m aware of. I did send a correction email as soon as I discovered the error. So that should mean that the error has been dealt with already. But, if you’re finding a different broken link, please let me know and I’ll make sure it gets fixed as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Thank you, Carolin. I sent you an email reply, which I hope you have received. But just to say here that I am working on your feedback and trying to find a solution that will work for you. I ask for your patience as we work out a system that will hopefully make things easier for you.
Thank you for your feedback – it helps me to make the site even better.