Ordinary Time

Pause

Of all the things you could be doing at this very moment, nothing is more important than experiencing God’s presence. Don’t let anything interrupt this special time with God. Set aside any worries, lists, and distractions.

Listen for God speaking to you and to whatever challenges you’re going through today. Seek wisdom. Expect to be changed and empowered.

Listen

They entered Capernaum. When they had come into a house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about during the journey?” They didn’t respond, since on the way they had been debating with each other about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be least of all and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:33-35

Think

When I was in tenth grade, one day my teacher was late to class. I started entertaining my classmates by impersonating my tardy teacher. I didn’t see him walk in behind me while my show went on. After watching for a moment he calmly asked the class, “What’s everyone laughing about?” I was mortified! Thankfully, the teacher was kind enough to drop the issue.

Jesus knew what the disciples were arguing about on the road. But instead of humiliating them, he humbled them by teaching them what true greatness looks like. It was a tough lesson — one that the disciples needed to learn if they were going to change the world.

Not every lesson God teaches is easy to hear, but if we are willing to be humbled we will find that God speaks clearly, regularly, and lovingly.

Jeff Gibelius

Pray

Stop me in my tracks, Lord. When I’m full of myself, make me remember who you truly are. Help me to give up my desire to be great so that I might be truly good. Amen.

Go

Before you return to your normal routine, think: What piece of God’s wisdom do you want to carry with you today? How did this encounter with God and God’s word touch you?

And as you go, know this: God is still speaking.

Keep listening.