Ordinary Time

Pause

Discovery is about exploring to find something new. On the road of discovery you may find a new world, a new perspective, a new person, or a new idea about the world.

God may have a good surprise in store for you today.

So, let us begin a journey of discovery. Let us seek out the goodness of God in this world. Let us take time to think about what “good" means to us. Let us praise God, for God is good.

Listen

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:1-3

Think

In Philippi there were two leaders of the church who had a disagreement that nearly broke the early church in half. Unfortunately, this still happens in the church today. Someone gets mad or disagrees with someone, and it causes division amongst God’s people. I have heard many young people struggle and leave the church because of disagreements, arguments, or splits.

Paul tells us it is good to stand together even in times of struggle. It is good to stand firm as a community and to be in the same mindset of the Lord. Jesus came to show us what is good, and his mind is always set on grace, love, and mercy. We seek to discover this goodness for each of our communities.

The world wants us to see the things that divide us, like race, sex, wealth, poverty, and religion. But God wants us to see the good things that bring us together as the family of God. Let us show the goodness of God by keeping our minds set on grace, love, and mercy today.

Brenda Thompson

Pray

God, help us to find you in the midst of disagreement and struggles. Help us to keep our minds set on you, so we can stand together. Amen.

Go

Go out into the world looking for the goodness of God.

Go out with the courage and faith to trust in God’s goodness.

Go out with an open mind and heart.

You may discover something new.