Ordinary Time

Pause

By God’s grace, just as you are:

You are here.

You are known.

You are loved.

Listen

The people who know the celebratory shout are truly happy! They walk in the light of your presence, Lord! They rejoice in your name all day long and are uplifted by your righteousness because you are the splendor of their strength. By your favor you make us strong because our shield is the Lord’s own; our king belongs to the holy one of Israel!

Psalm 89:15-18

Think

This spring and summer, due to COVID-19, there was a lot of uncertainty, sadness, and frustration. People were sick, scared, and struggling. Everything had to change somehow. Undoubtedly, the world will continue to change and adapt. But there are some things that remain, like the love of God. The psalmist writes, “They rejoice in your name all day long and are uplifted by your righteousness because you are the splendor of their strength.”

When we remember God, we can find strength. Even in the midst of uncertainty, sadness, and frustration, the strength we find in God can be beautiful. Perhaps the ultimate expression of God is the love demonstrated in Jesus Christ. Each Sunday with our faith communities and every day in our lives, we can remember that love. That amazing love of God is what remains. Remembering it together can strengthen us in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Tasha Gibson

Pray

Almighty God, I thank you for your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, I praise you for the life you made possible for us by giving up yourself to overcome sin and death. Now, Holy Spirit, I look to you to empower me to share your love with all I encounter today. Amen.

Go

Before you knew it, you were loved. Now, let the love of God help you live like you are loved today.