Wednesday November 1, 2023

Today is Wednesday, November 1 and we are learning what the Bible says about proclaiming.

As a new day dawns, I slow my breathing, focus my mind and turn my heart to the presence of the Holy One. I inhale his joy, peace and kindness as I exhale my burdens, worries and concerns.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, I come quietly to this sacred space before I embark on a busy day. Meet me here in the stillness. Remind me of your steadfast love and help me hear the message you have for me. Amen.

In the morning I praise God and worship him with the words of Psalm 96.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:1-3

Pause and Pray

As we continue our study of Life Together, we come to the ministry of proclamation in the community. This is otherwise known as “speaking the truth in love.” In the book of Ephesians, Paul encourages the community to stand firm in times of instability, uncertainty and difficulty. He emphasizes his teaching with the use of ocean imagery. When out on the sea, a small boat can be tossed back and forth by waves or blown off course by strong winds. Paul uses this familiar imagery to warn Christ followers to beware of false teachers and deceitful people.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:14-16

The community of faith inevitably will encounter storms, uncertainty, setbacks and even attack. The enemy loves to tell lies, play tricks and lure the people of God off course and toss them about. The enemy loves to twist the word of God and use deceitful schemes to get people to fail in their walk and fall into temptation. Believers must learn how to walk in the dark – in times of uncertainty knowing they are not alone. Believers must learn how to walk with “sea legs” – staying steady on the deck of a ship while storms are raging. Christ followers learn to walk holding onto faith and staying connected to the surrounding Christian community.

Ask: How can I speak the truth in love to someone in my church community? What relationships do I have that are so close I feel comfortable receiving words of truth from someone else?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, move me on to sanctification. Surround me with people who are strong in the faith and can speak the truth in love to me. I no longer want to be an infant, tossed about and blown around by false teaching and the craftiness of the enemy. I want to grow mature in the faith, joined with other faithful Christians, built up and held together in love. Show me my place in the body of Christ, your Church. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:14-16

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

As I ruminate on this passage of scripture, I consider where I am in my journey of faith. I ponder the current state of my soul. Am I an infantile or mature believer? Perhaps I feel tossed back and forth or blown here and there. Have I unknowingly chased after the winds of false teaching? Maybe I have been duped by deceitful scheming. I want to be a part of a body of believers where relationships are formed deeply enough for me to speak and receive truth from others. If I am in danger of erring, I want someone to correct my false thinking or point out harmful behavior. I consider whether I have deep, safe relationships in the Body of Christ. What might it take for me to find those relationships in my current faith home?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and Holy Lord, you created me for community and it is in the Body of Christ the Church where I am destined to grow and mature. Protect me from false teaching and wrong beliefs. Put people in my life who faithfully listen to you and follow your word. Give me humility to hear what you might be saying to me through them. Amen.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

I leave this time of prayer to listen to my brothers and sisters in Christ, to seek their love and knowledge, and serve them with a humble heart.

Amen