Pause

The ability to do something – something creative, something useful – that kind of ability is called a gift. It’s not something intended for personal use and benefit alone. Gifts like these are meant to be used for the benefit of others.

That’s because these gifts come from God, who has in mind not only the individual, but everyone all together.

Think now about how you might use your God-given gifts for the benefit of all the world.

Listen

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb....Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:7-10,14

Think

The psalmist tells us that God’s law gives wisdom, following God’s ways gives joy, and obeying God gives clarity. Nothing is worth more. Nothing is sweeter. These are vivid images; we all understand gold and honey. God’s love for us is so rich; God longs for us to know about these rich blessings waiting for us.

If we accepted these gifts by following God’s ways and obeying God, our eyes would be open to the truth that we are gifted for mission. When we make God the center of our lives from which everything spins, God’s Holy Spirit guides our way. We begin to understand that everything we need, we already have.

How do we join God on mission? Following God’s ways, knowing the Lord’s precepts, giving God honor leads to a prayer of yielding. If our words and our hearts are then the Lord’s, we are already on mission with God, gifted with everything we need to accomplish it.

Who do your heart and words belong to today? Is God the center of your life?

Katie Sciba

Pray

I offer my heart and my words to you today, Lord. I want the wisdom, joy, and clarity that comes from following you. I want to make you the center of my life. Thank you for gifting me for your mission. Thank you for providing everything that I need. I pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen

Go

May your gifts burn like a fire,
Bringing warmth to everyone you meet.
May your gifts light the world
And reveal the goodness of God.
May your gifts today be embraced
And expressed
With creativity,
Making you useful in God's mercy.