Pay Attention - November 14

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52; Hab. 2:1-4,9-20; James 2:14-26; Luke 16:19-31

On Wednesday nights, I lead two Bible studies, one for a group of Men at Saint Stephen’s, and the other to a group of Young Adults at Saint Stephen’s.  A typical week includes asking two questions to the entire group before we dig into the appointed scripture passage.  The first question is always the same: “Where did you see God this week?”   

While the Bible studies are open to everyone, we have built over the past year, a pretty committed group.  Most people who attend are regular in their attendance, and the experiment that we are trying is asking the question – if we begin to look for God every week, does it get easier to see God in our lives?  Now, a year into this process rarely does someone lack an answer to this question.  What is even more amazing to me, is we have moved from primarily seeing God in the early morning walks, the vastness of the sky and stars, and the beauty of creation, to also seeing God in the ordinary actions of strangers and friends.  The more people pay attention, the easier it is to see God in all things. 

But it requires paying attention.  Our reading from Habakkuk begins, “I will stand at my watch-post, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.  Habakkuk is waiting for the Lord, standing attention, and expecting a response.  And the Lord answers him in verse 2 offering a vision of seeing God. 

How different are our lives when we actually pay attention! I have no doubt that God is in your life actively working for we believe that is what it means to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit.  And I have little doubt that the more we pay attention, the more we will realize the gift of the Spirit.  So may we stand at our watch post looking for what God is doing in our midst.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  Where have you seen God this week?  How easy or difficult is it for you to ask that question?

Daily Challenge: Consider going to one of the Bible Studies at church this week, or if you are a member of another faith community, go to one there.  We have 14 offerings every week and you can find the program guide here.