Ordinary Time

Pause

What expression of love do I desire from God today?

What expression of love will I offer the world today?

Listen

Dear friends, don’t be surprised about the fiery trials that have come among you to test you. These are not strange happenings. Instead, rejoice as you share Christ’s suffering. You share his suffering now so that you may also have overwhelming joy when his glory is revealed. If you are mocked because of Christ’s name, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory—indeed, the Spirit of God—rests on you.

1 Peter 4:12-14

Think

Choosing to follow Jesus isn’t always the popular choice. Following God’s way, just as Jesus taught us, has gotten people persecuted throughout history. It even got Jesus killed. We are called to do what is good, to love others like God loves us, and to pursue justice and mercy. God’s way isn’t always the easy way, but it is the right way.

So, don’t be surprised if people ridicule you or if you feel tested because of your faith. This is just part of the reality of being a follower of Christ. We can rejoice even when we face scorn if we know that we are doing the work of God. We belong to God and that matters more than any human’s opinion of us.

Samantha Clare

Pray

Joyous God, I am blessed by your presence in my life. When I feel tested and things are unclear, reassure me that I am on the right path. Your Spirit rests on me, and I will follow. Amen.

Go

God’s love for the world is worthy of praise.

Send me out into the world today to glorify God in all that I say and all that I do.