Thursday July 21, 2022

Today is Thursday, July 21 and we are exploring Ephesians chapter four.

As a new day dawns, I prioritize the most important activity of the entire day – time with my Heavenly Father. I seek to abide in his loving presence and receive his wise counsel.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I am here to spend time with you. I set aside my cares and concerns, quiet my endless stream of thoughts, breathe deeply and focus on your divine presence and steadfast love. Amen.

I lift up my hands in praise and call to the Lord with the words of Psalm 141.

I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:1-3

Pause and Pray

Paul continues his admonitions for right living for the Christian community. Today he focuses on what we say and do. Our words and actions must reflect our beliefs and witness to the love of Christ. What we do with our hands and what we speak with our tongues should all be done with the purpose of building others up, not tearing them down. Words are very powerful and can do a great deal of good or a great deal of harm. Every word we speak, type, text or post on social media matters – and we will be held accountable for the words we share with other people.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:28-29

Paul expects Christ followers to work. Paul himself, in addition to being an apostle, church planter and evangelist was also a tentmaker by trade. Wherever he traveled, he labored in the craft of making tents and earned money to support himself and help others. I am to labor daily if I am able to do so. I am called to be useful, creating good things with the work of my hands, gaining something to share with other people – especially those in need. Whether I labor for an income or use my time and energy to volunteer, my time is invested in the lives of others. My speech is to be wholesome, kind, good, uplifting and edifying. Every word of encouragement, love, joy, peace, or comfort can build others up and benefit those who are starving for a kind word. My words should never cause harm or create division.

Ask: How does the work of my hands benefit other people? When have my words done good and/or caused harm to others?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, teach me to walk the way of righteousness. Forgive me for the times my words or actions have caused harm or division, I regret those careless moments. Remind me to be ever mindful of the great responsibility I have to speak, type and text words that build others up. Show me ways the work of my hands can bring benefit and joy to those in need. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:28-29

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

What is God revealing to me this morning through these words of sacred scripture? I consider the many opportunities I have to serve others with the work of my hands – have I done everything I can to help those around me? I consider the many instances during the day when I communicate with other people – as I talk on my cell phone, share in conversation, type email messages, text friends and post on social media. Every word has the ability to build up or break down. Perhaps God wants me to carefully consider the potential impact I have every day to do harm or do good.

Pause and Pray

Precious Lord, Come, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). I invite you to analyze the motivations of my heart and scrutinize the sincerity of my speech. Reveal opportunities throughout my day to serve others through my labor and edify others with my words. Help me to make good choices and enlarge my awareness of the impact I have. Amen.

I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter. Matthew 12:36 (NRSV)

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to build up others with the words of my mouth and the work of my hands. May God bless my efforts and lead me to those with the greatest need.

Amen