Ordinary Time

Pause

Stop.

Dial down the volume in your life. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and listen.

Can you hear it, the still small voice?

You are not alone. God is near. The great I AM is with you — now and always.

Revel in God’s nearness.

Listen

Paul stood up in the middle of the council on Mars Hill and said, “People of Athens, I see that you are very religious in every way. As I was walking through town and carefully observing your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown God.’ What you worship as unknown, I now proclaim to you. God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in temples made with human hands. Nor is God served by human hands, as though he needed something, since he is the one who gives life, breath, and everything else.

Acts 17:22-25

Think

Have you ever done something bold — gone way out on a limb? I really haven’t. In fact, I have some regrets in this department. I remember being in 9th grade and having a bully pick on my best friend during gym. I’ve replayed that one a thousand times. I’ve thought how I would love a “do over” — especially at my present size and weight.

Paul needed no “do over.” He stepped right up to the plate — told it like it was. I’m sure some were gasping: “Now he’s done it! He’s offended everyone here.”

Paul was bold before his “eye opening” on the road to Damascus, yet his boldness was misguided. Here he is bold with a new purpose. You see, he had met Jesus. In fact, Paul was confident that Jesus was with him as he spoke. Can you act boldly for Jesus today?

Remember, God is always near.

Bill Ogletree

Pray

Lord, being bold for you can seem so risky. Remind me today that you are with me, that I can be bold in your name. Amen.

Go

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

from “Whom Shall I Fear” by Chris Tomlin, 2013