Ordinary Time

Pause

Consider this text from John Newton's, The Lord Will Provide.

Though troubles assail and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail and foes all unite;
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide.

Still your heart. When you are ready, read today's scripture and open yourself to the One who provides.

Listen

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well—since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:27-30

Think

The phrase attributed to Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words,” could be said here. Paul is writing from prison and asks us to live in a way that is worthy of Christ’s gospel. In other words, may all we do and say reflect Jesus.

When we help out a hurting friend, God provides. When we make life better for someone else, God provides. When we pray for our sisters and brothers, here and around the world, God provides. When we make the Kingdom here on earth, God provides. We show others how God provides when we live lives that reflect the one who cares for us.

Marnie Fisher-Ingram

Pray

God, help me to be a person of the Kingdom. Help me to be a person that reflects you at all times. Amen.

Go

No strength of our own, or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known the Savior's great name;
In this our strong tower for safety we hide,
The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide.

The Lord Will Provide, by John Newton