Ordinary Time

Pause

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore.”

Neil Weatherhogg, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,” 1990

Listen

God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves.

Ephesians 1:4-6

Think

Nothing raises anxiety quite like a schoolyard pick. Thoughts race through our minds: “Please God, don’t let her pick me,” or “I don’t want to be on his team.” Worst of all is the thought that we might be the last one standing there, alone, unwanted.

As we wait to be picked, our self consciousness meter rises to alarming levels. Too often we assign hidden meanings to the whims of others and allow self doubt to creep in. Nobody likes to feel like an afterthought, only chosen when the person picking is out of options.

With God there are no afterthoughts. God doesn’t take the “wait and see” approach, only to draft the best player available. God chooses us all to be part of God’s family. We were chosen before the creation of the world! God adopts us because of God’s love! Emmanuel — God with us — means the assurance that we are never alone. God chooses to be in relationship with us. Good news like that deserves a #blessed!

Neil Myer

Pray

O God, thank you for choosing me to be your child. Help me to remember you are always with me, no matter the circumstance. Amen.

Go

Go into the world remembering God’s richest blessings are not found in the randomness of everyday life but in the gift that is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.