Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Romans 15:14-21 (NRSV)

I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him shall see,
and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”

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Reflect

I am a hometown girl. When I graduated from high school and left to attend college, I never dreamed that I would return. However, God had other plans and, due to life circumstances, that is exactly what happened. Truth be told, I am glad that I have landed back home. It was the plan that God set out for me long ago, and I am grateful.

While I am grateful that my ministry has led me back to my hometown, I am also grateful that God has called others to “proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named… (but to those) who have never been told of him…and those who have never heard of him.”

Life as a missionary is not easy and we are blessed as a denomination to have many faithful servants who are spreading Christ word throughout the world. Let us remember all of our missionaries who are working diligently to tell others about Christ. Let us hold in our prayers today those who have given up the comforts of home and family, who have sacrificed the comforts to which we are accustomed, who have stepped out in faith, following in the footsteps of Paul, to live into their calling as missionaries. Blessed are they, and grateful am I.

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Pray

God of all peoples, be with all the missionaries of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church spread throughout the world. May their ministries be fruitful and may your word spread near and far. Through them may many come to know your love, grace, and saving powers. May the missionaries feel your presence and may your Holy Spirit uphold them, strengthen them, and provide all that they need to do your work. May each one feel the support of this denomination and of your people. May they know that their work matters and that we are grateful for their willingness to serve you in that way. Watch over them and keep them safe, multiply the fruits of their labors, and give them joy in their path. Amen.

Go with God.