Sunday
Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 5:18-20
The Colossians scripture reminds us that we can work heartily, as for God. It is encouraging to me that my work can be guided by God, rather than men. With this kind of guidance, working brings me satisfaction, knowing it can have a deeper purpose, to benefit others, beyond what I may imagine. So, of course I want to do it heartily. It leads me to remember that Christ has no feet, hands, or voice, but ours, and to want to do the work we are guided to do, and do it well. In this way we can use our bodies given to us, as a “temple to the Lord”. Paul helps us, in his letter to the Ephesians, appreciate the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that we can be filled with it, and give thanks to God. We can even give this thanks through speaking and singing to each other, to lift each other up and praise God. We can make melody with our heart to the Lord. This opportunity to use language and song to lift each other up makes me want to get up in the morning. We are not to dissipate, or squander, our money, energy, and resources, but to do the opposite-use them wisely, with the strength of the Holy Spirit, to guide us.
Giving thanks to God, for me, is a way of entering into prayer. This quiet prayer time helps open my heart to listen and to be guided. Hymns and songs praising God are additional instant gates to prayer for me, and a way to share celebration and worship with others. Sharing our gifts from God helps me to become a stronger member of my family and community. I give thanks to God each day for His many blessings to us, for guidance, and for strength to listen.
Anne Hanke
Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 5:18-20
The Colossians scripture reminds us that we can work heartily, as for God. It is encouraging to me that my work can be guided by God, rather than men. With this kind of guidance, working brings me satisfaction, knowing it can have a deeper purpose, to benefit others, beyond what I may imagine. So, of course I want to do it heartily. It leads me to remember that Christ has no feet, hands, or voice, but ours, and to want to do the work we are guided to do, and do it well. In this way we can use our bodies given to us, as a “temple to the Lord”. Paul helps us, in his letter to the Ephesians, appreciate the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that we can be filled with it, and give thanks to God. We can even give this thanks through speaking and singing to each other, to lift each other up and praise God. We can make melody with our heart to the Lord. This opportunity to use language and song to lift each other up makes me want to get up in the morning. We are not to dissipate, or squander, our money, energy, and resources, but to do the opposite-use them wisely, with the strength of the Holy Spirit, to guide us.
Giving thanks to God, for me, is a way of entering into prayer. This quiet prayer time helps open my heart to listen and to be guided. Hymns and songs praising God are additional instant gates to prayer for me, and a way to share celebration and worship with others. Sharing our gifts from God helps me to become a stronger member of my family and community. I give thanks to God each day for His many blessings to us, for guidance, and for strength to listen.
Anne Hanke