Pastor’s sermon this morning was on the gospel reading which was the story of the demon possessed man in the tombs in the region of Gerasenes (Luke 8:26-39). The man couldn’t be contained by chains, didn’t wear clothes and basically scared everyone with his wild and scary behaviour. Jesus removed the demons (called Legion) from him. Not only did he remove the demons but he gave them (the demons) permission to go into a herd of pigs rather than being sent away into the Abyss. Unfortunately for them, the pigs went wild once possessed and plunged over a cliff and into the sea.
But that wasn’t the main topic of Pastor’s sermon. He discussed what Jesus did for the man who had been possessed. It was very interesting and he ended the sermon with the question “What has God done for you?”.
Pastor had the usher hand out index cards and pencils to the congregation as they came in. As a closing to the sermon, Pastor asked the congregation to take a moment and write out on their card “What has God done for you?”. Either as a list, a story, a picture, prayer or any other way a person wanted to express themselves.
I’m not going to share what I wrote just because it is too personal. But I can share that I wrote down all the blessings in my life. I don’t know about you but I have to remind myself to thank God for all he has done for me. I pray for what I need, for people who are sick, for people who have lost someone, for my church, my country, my family and friends.
Now, if you were God, would you want the only conversation you receive from people to be a list of demands? Do you think the angels in heaven spend their time asking God for what he can do for them? If all you received from your children were a list of what they wanted, wouldn’t you get annoyed after a while?
Actually, in thinking about the heaven thing, it clearly states in the Bible that the heavenly beings spend their time praising God and singing. PRAISING GOD AND SINGING! Not making a list of demands. Not whining and complaining. Not asking for anything. Just praising God and singing.
I’m as guilty as the next person. I spend such a small percentage of my time in prayer praising God and thanking him. I do try to remember to thank him and praise him. But I certainly could do it more.
So, what has God done for me today? Reminded me to thank him and praise him. For all that he has done in my life. All the blessings in my life. All the things that are right in my life.
I am going to do better. With God’s help. I also pray that you will also be uplifted and filled with joy so you will praise God and thank him. We are all blessed. Thank you, God, for all the blessings, joy, happiness and love in our lives.
Amen.
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thanks….