Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
James 1:22-27
New Revised Standard Version
22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Reflect
Be doers, not just hearers. There are a lot of people who show up in the pews on Sunday and hear a lot but do little about it. Paul says we are saved by grace and not by works. James tells us that they go hand in hand. We don’t do things to be saved but once we are saved, we are compelled to do.
Jesus called us to love. He also called us to do and give. “When did we see you naked or hungry… when you did it for the least…” Jesus’ love pushes us beyond just ourselves and to understand that we are part of a community. There are going to be times when we must sacrifice our desire for the need of another.
Working at the hospital, often there were clothing requirements for entering the room. Putting on the backwards gown, putting on the gloves, masking and all that takes time. It isn’t comfortable. Medical personnel go through great many things to do for others.
True Christians find ways to give of themselves, not selfishly but from a deep sense of gratitude. They heed the call and give. Some through little things like a card ministry or morning calls to the elderly in the congregation. Others spend their time with what others would call undesirable. They take care of the homeless. They care for the suffering of others. Each of us has a calling to give to the good of the Kingdom. Some are leaders and some are supporters but all work together to get things done.
Pray
You give us such wonderful things and you call us to share. Show us those who need our help. Give us opportunities to be there for others and for you. Let us show that we are not just hearers only but are willing to be what you call us to be. Amen.
Go with God!
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