"But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."  (1 Timothy 6:8)

What do you think of on hearing "content"?  Do you think of what is in something - like the ingredients or content?  Or do you think of the "table of contents" for the last book you read?  What about being "content" with what we have?  One definition is "satisfied" a "state of peaceful happiness."  In some ways this raises an interesting question - are you content ("satisfied" and "at peace") with the "table of contents" of your life.

The Scripture readings are about both types of "content."  Jeremiah is saying, to the exiles, it is safe to buy - have more "contents."  (Jeremiah 32:15)  Paul is reminding Timothy "we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:7-8)  Paul is also pointing out how not being content, having a "love of money" is "the root of all kinds of evil." (v. 10)  The Gospel reading is Jesus pointing out Moses, the prophets and needs of others has not gotten the attention of the rich man or his family.  (Luke 16:29)  The question Jesus raises is if they will listen to a person who "rises from the dead." (Luke 16:31)  Jesus is telling the rich man they probably won't but he is asking us.

So.....   Can we be "content" with where we are OR are we listening to God?  Are we growing, learning, strengthening - basically living our faith and sharing?  Reaching out, with God's Love, and doing what God is calling us to do?  Are we "content" with the "contents of our lives" or can we grow - in our faith and in giving and sharing?  Something interesting to be thinking about..........

"who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy 1:4)

When I say "faithful" what do you think of?  To what, or to whom are you "faithful"?  Is there something you do, or somewhere you go, "faithfully"?  For instance I know some sports fans who do not miss a game of - pick your sport - no matter what time, where or the weather even if it means listening "on line" in the middle of the night.

The readings, today, are about being faithful to God.  In Exodus Moses has taken 'to long' on the mountain and the people have made an "idol" (32:4) and God is angry. (v. 10)  Moses is reminding God of God's promises and God "relents." (v. 14)  In 1 Timothy Paul is writing to encourage Timothy to encourage prayers so "we may live peaceful lives." (v. 2:2)  Paul reminds Timothy "this is good and pleases God our Savior." (v. 3)  In the Gospel reading Jesus is telling another parable - this one is about a manager.  Jesus is pointing out "whoever can be trusted with a little can also be trusted with much." (16:10)  The point Jesus is making is we can't really be serving two masters. (v. 13)  So....  Are we being faithful to the world, and making money, and making more money?  Or are we faithful to God?  Going, doing, living our faithfulness to God?

As Caregivers we are already caring for our "person(s)," following and doing what God is asking us to do but are we "living" our faith?  When others see us do they see our love of, and for, God?  God's LOVE filling us to "overflowing"?  Are we being faithful to the "world" and "money" or are we being faithful to God?

"And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'"  (Luke 15:9)

You put it someplace safe - right?  Have you found it again?  You remember seeing it but you just can't find it - right?  OR you have cleaned up, reorganized and put things "away" - can you find what you were looking for?  The other problem I have is sometehing "slid" off the arm of the chair, the counter, or the table and now I can't find it.  The one that really bugs me is when I just had it, IN my hands - where did I put it down?!  When you do find it, what ever "it" is, are you ready to throw a party?  At least call people? Post it on Facebook?

The Scriptures are pointing out God is searching for each of us.  In Jeremiah God is reminding us He is the Potter and we are the clay. (18:6)  "At any time" (v.7) things can change.  Paul is reminding Timothy, and us, that God sent Jesus to "save." (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul also points out Jesus' "immense patience as an example." (v. 16)  Jesus, in talking with the people around him, is pointing out how we search​ for things we have lost. (Luke 15:8)  Jesus also points out how we celebrate "rejoice with me!" (v. 9) and how God also celebrates. (v. 10)

Now think about where you were 21 years ago.....  What were you doing on a "regular" Tuesday morning?  Are you still looking for the same things?  What about what you, and God, talked about that day?  Have you kept to what you said?  Have you "lost" what God was asking you to do?  The changes, that happened that morning, can you still recognize (find) them?  Or are you like the woman, searching for the one goal/change?  I bet it is someplace "safe."  What a difference a day can make!

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"  (Luke 14:28)

What was the last thing you "prepared" for?  What did you do to prepare?  Do you have something you prepare for regularly?  Can you do any prep ahead of time?  Some things we can prepare for can't we?  For instance ya'll know which crop to plant and harvest.  We keep food supplies in the kitchen and know which supplies need to be replaced.  I don't know how you do it but I have my recipe, where I can see it, and all the isupplies on the counter.  When I use the ingredient it gets put away so I know I've used it.  Some prep we do automatically and some we have to stop, think about and then prepare.

The readings are about preparation and doing.  Jeremiah is hearing from the Lord about how the potter can change.  He is prepared, he has the clay on the wheel, and is working the clay, but the potter changes as the clay forms.  (Jeremiah 18:4)  In Philemon Paul is thanking the people for their faith but also praying for "deepening your understanding." (Philemon 1:6)  And Jesus is talking about our faith in following Him.  He is warning it won't be easy (14:26) and is telling us to be prepared.

We have been listening for what God is calling each of us to be doing - are we prepared to follow where God is leading, do what God is asking us to do?  As Caregivers we are already doing a lot of things we have to be "prepared" for but are we prepared to answer when someone asks "why?"  Would "more" preparation help to strengthen our "understanding"?  Something to think about........