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Monday, June 20, 2011 Read: Acts 9:1-10 & 17-19 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. I love them that love me: and they that in the morning early watch for me, shall find me. Think About "opening your eyes": For years, I've been waking up to the loud, arpeggio-like chimes of the "AT&T ringtone," the default alarm on my cell phone. I use my cell phone as an alarm clock, as my old alarm clock was far worse (trust me!). Though it's done the job for years, the time has come. I no longer want that harsh and abrasive sound to annoy me into consciousness. I've just been too lazy to bother changing it. In this week's scripture from Acts, we're given a harsh and abrasive introduction to Saul. We meet Saul as an angry mob stones the Apostle Stephen. Saul is looking after the mob's coats and watched the murder with approval. Later, Saul begins his own campaign against Jesus' followers, hunting and imprisoning Christians for their faith. Its on one of these hunts that Saul meets Jesus and is struck blind. Saul stumbles on to Damascus, is met by a Christian and, amazingly, becomes a Christian. Saul started his journey with one way of looking at things, was blinded, and finished the journey with a whole new set of eyes (and a new name too)! Perhaps I was inspired by my recent reading of Paul's conversion (or perhaps I merely struggled to find something new to say about it), but I decided to go ahead and change the way I begin my day. No longer will I be slave to the torture of the "AT&T" ringtone - I picked one of the happiest songs on my iTunes, and set it as my alarm (it starts out soft and gently increases in volume). What a difference! For the last week or so, I've been waking up with a smile. I sing along. I sometimes imagine that God's singing the song to me (it's a pretty neat song!). So far, it's been a great way to start my day, and when I finally get tired of the song, God can lead me to another. How's that for a new way to open my eyes? Pray this Prayer: God, let my heart sing a new song. Let my eyes see the world in a new way. Teach me the words. Show me the steps, so my life can be beautiful for you - Amen. Written by the St. Luke's Writing Team Having problems viewing this page? Click here to view it online. Click here to be removed from the Daily Devotions Daily Devotion Archive | St. Luke's Weekly Update © 2010 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere |
