Thursday August 11, 2022

Today is Thursday, August 11 and this week we are studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapter six.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause to be still and be with the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, here I am to meet with you. Open my mind to understand your word. Teach me, guide me, and transform me today. Amen.

I praise my God with the words of Psalm 9.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;

Psalm 9:1-2

Pause and Pray

Today we explore more of the new multinational, multicultural family of God made through Christ’s reconciling work as Paul continues to give instruction for slaves. Now that Christ has come, the practice of slavery has not been abolished, completely changing the structure of the Early Church culture. However, by his Spirit, God is working to restore the brokenness brought by sin. It is significant to note that Paul introduced himself as a slave in Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1, and Titus 1:1. Paul wanted believers, including slaves, to see their world in a new way.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

It is easy to notice the injustices that I encounter in my vocation. The enemy would want me to dwell on these things to keep me from living into God’s glorious plan for my life. Perhaps I am at a job that does not fulfill me. Perhaps I have a difficult boss or coworker. Maybe my daily tasks include caring for my children and my home and I feel unseen. Maybe I am not employed or retired, looking for what’s next. God has work for me to do for him right where I am each day and he wants all of my daily tasks to serve his kingdom. God is not an afterthought; he should be my only thought. I may not get the recognition from people around me, but the Lord sees my work and he will reward me.

Ask: How can I keep my mind on serving God with my whole heart in all I do today?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, help me to serve you wholeheartedly and in every circumstance, for I know that you see me and you will reward me for the good I do in this world. I reread the words from Ephesians and seek your message for me today.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

Ask: What word or phrase stands out to me in this passage?

I think about the word or phrase in light of my current circumstances. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me today?

Pause and Pray

Lord, thank you for knowing me and walking with me through this life. Help me to keep my eyes open to be able to serve you. Give me strength to endure injustices that come my way and help me give grace as you have given me. Amen.

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Matthew 16:27

I leave this time of prayer ready to serve Christ today.

Amen