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 heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.

Psalm 19:1-6

Think

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been is the Grand Teton National Park. Last summer, we took a camping trip there. As the Grand Teton mountains rose up in front of us, I could find no words to describe their beauty. They spoke for themselves. The mountains’ beauty would not be so intense were it not for their setting. Every day those mountains sit with snow on top, causing light to reflect off the tips of them. Green forest leans in next to the mountains, providing a colorful display for our eyes to behold. The wind and the sun play with the mountains all day long in glorious beauty. I found myself trying to make sense of the pleasure this view caused in me.

What if we were to tell the glory of God in the way of these mountains? When we make God the center of our being, the beautiful person God created us to be rises up for all to see. Light just comes out of us, showing the way for others. How we live can change everything, causing more beauty, and proclaiming brightly God’s shining love for all.

Katie Sciba

Pray

O Creator God of glory and beauty and light, be the center of my life. Form me again into the person you intended all along. Give me your light and your truth, and allow me to share that with all around me. You want everyone to know of your glorious love. Thanks for wanting me to help. 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.