Read Jeremiah 17:7-10. Key Verses: "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." (v.7&8).
My paternal grandfather was named Carlos. He was an interesting and loving man. From him I received the gift of humor. He came to the Lord late in life, having never had time for church nor the things of God. When he did come to Jesus, look out. He did not learn to read until he was in his 50s and once he could, he loved reading the Bible. His favorite verse was about trust, much like this one, but his was Psalm 20:7. It reads differently in Spanish for "chariot" reads "coach" and has more of a modern meaning, for he loved his "coches." (Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." KJV). Though he had an assortment of what I would consider fine cars and those part-car, part-truck, the El Caminos and Rancheros, his trust was always in the Lord and not things. His bedtime prayers seemed meant for the neighborhood, for he prayed loud! He also had not air conditioning, so the neighbors could hear that if Carlos said he would pray for you, he prayed for you. My grandpa, materially speaking, never had much, but because of his trust in God, he had it all. Because of Carlos' trust in God, the little church in Alice never had to pay for someone to do their yard work or repairs, he did it all free. The rest of today's passage speaks of giving, that which God gives according to our hearts and minds, and in the case of my grandpa, God gave so much that Carlos had to give away of what he had.
Our churches should be filled with Carloses; people whose trust in in the Lord and live their lives that make true the power of verse 8: They're like trees planted by water, sending out roots, whose lives show faith instead of fear; fruits instead of frustration; gifts instead of gripes. But honestly, they're filled with people who trust things more than the One who gives all things. And their lives should it. Is it any wonder we find ourselves where we are?
Let our prayers for the Church begin today and trust God to change hearts and lives, to make real the promises of God's word.
PRAYER: Loving God, for the beauty of life, we are thankful. For the beauty and power of Your Word we are thankful as well. May the two come together in our hearts, minds, and service to and with You, for You and Yours; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
