A Daily Reality

 

1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
1:5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1:6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,
1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith--being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1:8 Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
1:9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9    (NRSV)

 

There’s no doubt about it — I enjoy rock concerts! They can relieve stress as they allow us to lose some inhibitions. For a few hours we can sing loudly, dance in the aisles, and generally have a good time with the music we love. Live concerts are once-in-a-lifetime events, moments in time that will never be repeated. They are unique. The music and the event itself often remain in our memories for weeks.



Is the season of Easter a bit like a rock concert in your life? Do we sing loudly and uninhibitedly dance with joy at the amazing gift that God, through Christ Jesus, offers each of us? Is it our favorite season? How long do we remember Easter once we move into the next period of calendar time? Every Sunday is meant to be a mini-Easter for each of us. We intentionally try to recreate the same joy and thankfulness during Sunday worship each week so we can carry this event into every day. Our joy can be a witness to the life Christ offers all of us — and that we are meant to offer others. That way Easter can be a daily reality, not just a memory.

The Author - Roland Rink (Gauteng, South Africa) from the Upper Room

Thought for the Day - Celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection each and every day!

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for salvation through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Teach us to live in joy each day as we remember the reality of Easter. Amen.
 

Prayer focus - Those who serve in Sunday worship

“forget our first Love”

It is easy today to “forget our first Love” [see Rev. 2:4]. Jesus encountered a similar problem is his day [see text].
As servants of the Lord, we must realize that we were called by God for a purpose. Not only are we called by him; we are also equipped by him to complete the task to which he has called us.


We are not called to be “Lone Ranger” [see1 Corinthians 3:9]. God established the Body of Christ and has gifted each of us uniquely for a reason. We need all of us to tend to the ministerial needs within the body.

Having been known for their love and zeal, the Ephesian church was reprimanded for having forgotten their first love merely a generation later

 

 

 

 

(Revelation 2:4). Have we lost our passion? Are we simply going through the motions? In order to be effective in ministry, we all must nurture our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in the community.  It is often said most of us do not think our way into being but act ourselves into new ways of being.

 

 

 

 

 

Many hands do make light work but more importantly our work together also builds bonds of Christian love. All persons who follow Jesus are called to grow spiritually through the practice of various Christian habits (or "means of grace").

 

 

 

 

Jesus taught his disciples practices of spiritual growth and leadership that we, as disciples, are to share with others.  Are you modeling and guiding in exemplary ways a Christian lifestyle?

Where are You?

⁶⁰ When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" ⁶¹ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? …⁶⁶ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. ⁶⁷ So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60-61, 66-69

There is an old axiom that asks; “If every church member acted like me what kind of church would we have?” Well what’s your answer? Everywhere we are challenged by our predominate culture that continually, whether consciously or unconsciously, defaults to the practice of: “leave it up to someone else”. Following the advice of another old axiom; “if you are not part of the solution then you are a part of the problem”. What type of example are you personally setting, in your actions and response to your pledge commitment?

When we join the community of faith we were asked; will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? Followed up with this question; As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and witness? And when new members join we welcome them by a renewed covenant pledge to continue to give in support of the church: As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of

 

The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and witness that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.                                                        

Yor were forgiven

DO THE RIGHT THING

Favor With Man

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel. Daniel 1:9

Sometimes the Lord lays on the heart of an unconverted heart the desire to help one of His children. Yes, God can use those unfamiliar with His purposes to carry out His purposes. The Spirit is indiscriminate in who may come under His influence for godly outcomes. He is not limited by the capacity of the righteous and can use the unrighteous to carry out righteous results.

Daniel was surrounded by authorities unsure of Yahweh, but he never lost assurance from Almighty God. Do you find yourself in challenging circumstances? Do you feel like you are alone in your stand for what’s right? If so, look around you and pray for a man or woman who may not embrace your beliefs, but whom God may use to give you support and encouragement. At times, non Christians can be more supportive of God’s work than the fearful religious crowd.

 

 

God may have given you far more favor with man than you realize. Even while you cease from work, His Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of those in your circle of influence. When you choose to do the right thing, you give courage to others to do the right thing. Your rising tide of trust in Jesus raises the boats of belief with those around you. Expect favor even from enemies. You can trust the Lord with those out of His favor to be moved by the Spirit to show you favor.

True Value

 

Psalm 119:33-40

³³ Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.^[a]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
³⁶ Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.^[b]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 119:33 : ver 12
2. Psalm 119:34 : ver 27, 73, 144, 169; S Job 32:8; Pr 2:6; Da 2:21; Jas 1:5
3. Psalm 119:34 : S Dt 6:25
4. Psalm 119:34 : ver 69
5. Psalm 119:35 : Ps 25:4-5
6. Psalm 119:35 : ver 32
7. Psalm 119:35 : S Ps 1:2
8. Psalm 119:36 : S Jos 24:23
9. Psalm 119:36 : Eze 33:31
10. Psalm 119:37 : ver 25; Ps 71:20
11. Psalm 119:37 : ver 9
12. Psalm 119:38 : S Nu 23:19
13. Psalm 119:39 : ver 22; Ps 69:9; 89:51; Isa 25:8; 51:7; 54:4
14. Psalm 119:40 : ver 20
15. Psalm 119:40 : ver 25, 149, 154

 “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

 

I am privileged to work with remarkable people in a workplace that is largely focused on academic reward. Yet this highly intellectual environment brings the risk of allowing academic achievement to become the measuring stick of a person’s worth. Adopting such a value system is easy. Society often measures our worth by our success, knowledge, or wealth.

But what are these achievements if they are not attained while seeking after God and God’s purposes? Does any of them make us more important in the Lord’s eyes? No. God loves us unconditionally. Reading Jeremiah 9:23-24, we see that strength, riches, and wisdom are not negatives. But first and foremost, God longs for us to be people who devote ourselves to seeking God and understanding God’s ways.

 

The Author - Adele Jones (Queensland, Australia) - from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Consider your value from God’s perspective.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you that our value is not determined by our riches, strength, or intellect, but by your unchanging love for us. May we diligently seek to know and honor you, remembering that our hearts, not our achievements, are most important to you. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those who work in academia

      

Poured Out, Poured In

Read 1 Samuel 1:1-18

Trust in [God] at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

- Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

 

Hannah came to the temple and poured out her misery and troubles to the Lord. She was without a child but her husband’s other wife had children, and she never let Hannah forget it. How vigorously did Hannah pour out her troubles to God? Observing her, Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk and chastised her. Hannah let him know otherwise, and he told her to go in peace.


  When we open our hearts to God the way Hannah did, everything in us that has held us captive can pour out. As we let go of these things, the Holy Spirit gentles us, helping us to rest in God, our true refuge. We find hope, and “hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5, NRSV). When we pour out our misery, trials, and fears to God, we will be wrapped in grace. God pours love into our hearts and brings us healing.

 

The Author - John Eyberg (Oklahoma, USA) - from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Make “poured out . . . poured in” your breath prayer today.

Prayer

Holy God, may we never lose faith in your healing power. Fill us, we pray, with your blessed hope. Amen.

Prayer focus  Hope for those in despair

““‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” -Leviticus 19:18

Pass It On!

10:11 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame."
10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.
10:13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
10:14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?


10:15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
10:16 But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"
10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
10:18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."   Romans 10:11-18  -(NRSV)
 

Normally I read The Upper Room each morning online at my computer. I hadn’t seen a paper copy in years until my husband spotted an issue lying on a bench in the lobby of a restaurant one Sunday afternoon. Apparently someone had left it behind after receiving it at church. Fearing that the restaurant staff might throw the magazine away, we decided to pick it up and take it home. Finding the magazine this way made me wonder how many copies of The Upper Room are taken to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and the homes of invalids. How many are sent to prisons? Since The Upper Room is published in 35 languages and is a convenient size, I imagine that many copies cross national borders and travel to remote locations to be received thankfully. And a few sit on benches waiting for someone to pick them up and say, “I haven’t seen one of these in years!” Then they put it in their pockets or bags to go into homes, perhaps to be read aloud to others and to touch more hearts. God’s message of love and grace nurtures everyone it reaches, wherever it goes.

 

The Author - Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA) - from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day  10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

Prayer  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for those who help us follow Christ more faithfully. We pray for all those yearning for Christian community. Amen.

 

Prayer focus   Editors and translators of The Upper Room

“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.” -Jeremiah 23:24

See The Whole

Psalm 103   Of David.

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—

³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;

¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust. 

- Psalm 103:1-14 (NIV)
 

My mother committed suicide when I was six years old. I found her body. No one spoke to me about her after her death, so I grew up not knowing her as a whole person. I remembered her most vividly at her worst moment. On the fiftieth anniversary of her death, the Lord nudged me to get to know my mother. In response, I spent six months researching her life and traveling to places where she had lived, studied, and worked. With the support of my wife, my dad, and many other people, I was able to “meet” my mother. I learned about her life and how much she loved me. Instead of a distant, unknown, and traumatic figure, she became my mom.

During this healing process, God showed me that as I strive to see others in the way God views them, I must see beyond their worst moments. Jesus did not reduce Peter to the lack of faith Peter revealed when he sank beneath the waves or when he denied his Lord. Instead, Jesus saw Peter as a flawed follower who loved him deeply and who had gifts that transcended his sins. We can extend the same healing grace to those around us and to those who have come before us.

 

The Author - Steve Messer (Indiana, USA) - from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day  -  Everyone has their flaws we must look beyond to see God's gifts

Prayer 

Dear Lord, help us as we seek to extend your grace to family members who have hurt us. Amen.

Prayer focus  -  Families of suicide victims

Reflections

34:29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.
34:30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.
34:31 But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them.
34:32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.
34:33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face;
34:34 but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,
34:35 the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.   Exodus 34:29-35

 

We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

 

Last year my husband and I took a Bible study class together to incorporate the Bible into our daily lives, to better serve as disciples of Christ. I was inspired by the story of Moses who came down the mountain after being in God’s presence, unaware that his face was radiant. How awesome to experience God’s glory so much that others can witness its impact on me just by being in my presence! As I thought about it, I realized that I have experienced God’s presence.

I’ve seen God’s face in my family members. I’ve heard God’s voice in words of love and compassion spoken to me in times of stress. I’ve felt God’s glory while viewing the beauty of the world. When I look back on my life, I see that God’s hand guided me to become a teacher. I have experienced God.




So I ask myself, "Can others see God reflected in my face, or do I wear a 'veil,' hiding God?" I am afraid others too often see a veil. Realizing this has made me consciously try harder to reflect God’s love to others, including strangers I see in passing. As we reflect God’s glory, we are being transformed into God’s likeness.

The Author - Marilyn Walker (Virginia, USA) -= from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day - How can I more faithfully reflect God to those around me?

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving us and for showering us with blessings and guiding us into your service. Help us to share your love with others. Amen.
 

Prayer focus   New disciples of Christ

The Walk of Wisdom

 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." -Proverbs 9:10 

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."  -Proverbs 24:3-4  In life who do you walk with that you feel can offer you wisdom?   Do you walk with your parents, associate with church going people, good friends, neighbors - people who build up or tear you down?  “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).  When you walk with them are you slow to speak and quick to listen?   "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."-Proverbs 20:15   Listen more and talking less to those around us provides the opportunity to build ones knowledge and wisdom.  "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."-Proverbs 18:2

"Begin to weave and God will give you the thread."-German Proverb   
Wisdom may be gained in many ways over the phone with a mentor from a neighbor across the street who, by God’s grace, has already raised God-fearing children.  "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 Look around you and learn from those wise ones the Lord has placed in your life.  "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."-Proverbs 8:10-11

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."-Proverbs 19:11  No one is ever too old or too wise to need a regular wisdom walk.  Take the time for wisdom walks with your spouse, friend, co-worker or neighbor. "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. "  -Proverbs 3:21-23

 Indeed, walk with the wise, and you will grow wise. 

Other words of wisdoms: 

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."-Proverbs 15:1


"Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."-Satchel Paige

"When the passions become masters, they are vices."-Blaise Pascal

"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers."-Proverbs 19:8

"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."-Thomas a Kempis

 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."-Matthew 6:24

"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."-Proverbs 9:8-9

 "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."-Proverbs 14:15

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."-Proverbs 17:1

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."-Proverbs 29:11

 "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD."-Proverbs 19:3

"And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."-Ecclesiastes 4:4

Riding The Waves

Jesus Walks on the Water

⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶ After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

⁴⁷ Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 

Mark 6:45-51

 

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea — the Lord on high is mighty.  - Psalm 93:4 (NIV)

 

During our annual family trip to the beach, our children were learning to swim in the waves. We showed them how to jump at the right time and how to turn away from a wave that was too big or that broke at the wrong time. Most important, we taught them to answer the question, “Are you OK?” After lots of jumps and splashes and a few mouthfuls of ocean, they gained confidence and began to enjoy the water. As I watched my children play in the surf, I began to see that riding the waves is like steering through life.

Our lives are unpredictable. The swell that looks menacing from far off may be a mere ripple by the time it arrives. The wave that passes me by may knock down my neighbor. We cannot predict the hard or easy times; we cannot be prepared for every eventuality. Yet I also realize that God sees our struggles and is with us even when the world knocks us down. No matter how difficult the waters, we are never out of God’s sight. We can remember the mighty Lord who made the seas we navigate.

 

The Author - Nancy A. Johnson (Georgia, USA) - from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - God’s strength is greater than anything that knocks us down.

Prayer

Dear God of land and sea, comfort us with your strength and your love whenever we feel afraid. Remind us that you teach and guide us by your mighty hand. Amen.

Prayer focus  -  Families on vacation

Move It!

 

1:19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;
1:20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.
1:21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
1:22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
1:23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror;
1:24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like - James 1:19-24

 

 This is love, that we walk according to [God’s] commandments. - 2 John 6 (NRSV)

 

Walk - God will lead you in one direction

I am not a frequent flyer, so I was unfamiliar with the “people-mover” contraption at the airport. Stepping onto the large human-conveyor belt, I relaxed as it carried me across the airport. Then, without warning, the machine stopped. Conversations hushed. We all stood, waiting to start moving again. Finally, someone behind me said, “Walk!” Somehow that idea had not occurred to us. As the person in front got the message, we all began to move forward again — the old-fashioned way. 

Sometimes the church is like that moving sidewalk. Saved by God’s grace, we find a fellowship of like-minded people. But sadly many times we do not move forward. Only as each member exercises his or her gifts can we together make progress, serving the world that Christ died to save. The urgent mandate of that airport traveler is the same mandate our Savior utters to every Christian. When we are paralyzed by a status-quo, stand-still mentality, Christ says, “Walk!”

 

The Author - Thomas Buice (Tennessee, USA) from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - Take a step out in the world today with Christ at your side

 

Prayer

Dear Lord, move us to take personal responsibility and to progress toward being the people you want us to be. Amen.

 

Prayer focus  “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” -Mark 8:36

Herb’s Bucket

Read Matthew 25:14-30

To all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.  - Matthew 25:29 (NRSV)
 

When my husband and I moved into our house, we noticed a wonderful garden next door filled with beautiful flowers and wholesome vegetables. Our neighbor, Herb, was a master gardener. But more than that, he was generous.






Herb hung a bucket on our side of the fence that separated our back yards. As he quietly worked in his garden, Herb would fill our bucket with wonderful things. One day it might be tomatoes; the next day, zucchini. Another day it was cucumbers; and the day after, fresh beets. We never saw Herb filling our bucket, but the evidence of his presence was undeniable. One day as I emptied that bucket, I thought about what would happen if I forgot that it was there or perhaps became too lazy to empty it. The vegetables would rot and be wasted.


Maybe God is like Herb . . . working quietly in the garden of our lives, filling our “buckets” with gifts and skills for us to use. Has God given you a gift that you are not using? When we use what is in our buckets, God can fill them up again.

 

The Author  -  Glenys Nellist (Michigan, USA)  from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day 

 Prayer  Dear God, help us to discern and to fully use the talents, skills, and gifts you give us to bring you glory. Amen.

Prayer focus  My neighbors in need

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” -Ephesians 5:25-26