Thursday prayer & verses (21 05 2009)

Thought for the day
A master took his 2 students into a forest. There he took a hollow coconut with a small hole and inserted sweet rice. Then he tied it to a tree and waited with his student nearby.
Soon, a monkey came along, sniffed the rice, inserted his paw, and screeched in frustration when he was unable to withdraw his paw (now a fist clenching the rice) through the narrow opening.

'Let go of the rice, silly! Run!' screamed the students, amazed by its obvious stupidity... but to no avail.

'What was the trap that caught the monkey?' asked the master.

'Rice,' said one student.

'The coconut,' said another.

'No,' replied the wise master, 'The trap was greed - he only had to let go of his attachment to be free. Likewise, we are the ones who trap ourselves. We are always responsible. The real trap is always within, not out there. The causes of suffering are in us. External situations are only conditions.'

With that, he hacked the coconut open... and the unrepentant monkey ran away with a fistful of rice.

'He won't be so lucky every time. This is how they catch monkeys here! Don't be like him! Am I being compassionate trying to teach the monkey and you this lesson? But did he really learn?

What is in your monkey fist that you still hold on to?'
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18

For we do not stare at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are for now, but the things that are not seen are everlasting.

Deuteronomy 7:14

"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.

Deuteronomy 7:9

"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

2 Chronicles 7:1

Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to give you an overflowing measure of all good gifts, that all your wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and you may give of your abundance to every good work.
PrayerFather, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.