From Wednesday's Reading (March 11)

Matthew 20:26-27 Don't miss the tension Nouwen created in our reading last night. The theme of the devotional focused on our frustrated search for happiness or fulfillment. But, the Scripture offered at the beginning teaches us to make service the purpose of our lives. This tension remains. Jeremiah called our efforts to meet our own needs sin. (Jeremiah 2:13) The people reject God, the spring of living water in favor of self-made, broken cisterns. In the sight of the God of all creation we scramble about trying to make ourselves happy. Our loving Father, knowing exactly what we need and eager to give it, waits. In our hands we find nothing but sand. He holds the water we are truly thirsting after. Make a mental list right now. What are the things you chase after to become happy or fulfilled? Now, respond to this blog with a practical suggestion for slowing down and accepting gifts from God.