Wednesday June 14, 2023

Today is Wednesday, June 14 and we are learning about serving Christ and others.

As I begin this time of prayer, I center myself upon the goodness of God. I slow my breathing and calm my mind. With every exhale I relinquish negative thoughts, worries and fears. With every inhale I take in God’s love, joy and peace.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, take my hand, guide my steps and lead me on this pilgrim journey. Open my heart, mind and soul and help me comprehend the truth you speak into my life today. Amen.

As another day dawns, I lift my praises to the Lord my God with the words of Psalm 103.

Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul. Psalm 103:20-22

Pause and Pray

Each person is given unique gifts, talents, skills and abilities by God. When these are offered to God in service to his kingdom, for good in the world, amazing things happen. Each person in the Body of Christ is needed and each gift is essential. No gift is more important than another; they are all necessary, valuable and special. When I offer my gift to God and use it to serve the world, I find that I am blessed, affirmed and ultimately fulfilled. This is my purpose in life. I will find that my life feels incomplete until I have fully invested my gifts in God’s kingdom. In Romans, Paul encourages me to use my gifts.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:6-10

My Lord Jesus wants me to invest my gifts in his kingdom. He knows that doing so will give me purpose and meaning at every age and stage of my life. The main reason God gave me these gifts is to witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. He has equipped me to serve others in love and build up the church. I have the opportunity to make a unique contribution to the body of believers, Christ’s holy church. My unique gifts are not to be ignored, undervalued, squandered, buried or allowed to atrophy. I am called to diligently invest my gifts into Christ’s kingdom work every day.

Ask: Am I aware of my God-given gifts and talents? Am I willingly utilizing my gifts to serve God and others?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for the spiritual gifts you have given to me by virtue of my baptism in the faith. Give me clarity surrounding my gifts and reveal how you want me to use them at this place and at this time. Help me pay attention to where and when you want me to serve and let me do so with diligence and faithfulness. Remind me of the giftedness of others and lead me to encourage them to fully utilize their gifts in your kingdom. I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:6-10

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

God wants to remind me about my unique gifts and lead me to utilize them in broader and deeper ways. If I am having difficulty recognizing my gifts, I ask God to show me clearly. If I am reluctant to utilize my gifts, I ask God to reveal what is holding me back. If I consider my gifts more important than others, I ask God to give me a deeper appreciation for my brothers and sisters in Christ. If I am not investing my gifts in service to God’s kingdom, I pray God will provide new opportunities for me to do so. If I am struggling to find purpose and meaning in my life, I ask God to lead me to new discoveries.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, show me what it means to follow you and participate with others in building up your kingdom. I wholeheartedly offer the gifts I have been given to you – to be utilized in your service, spread your love, uphold your truth, witness to the gospel and be a beacon of light in this dark world. Amen.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to serve God diligently and faithfully with whatever gift I have been given.

Amen