DEVOTION:
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
THOUGHT:
This passage, as I was reading earlier this week, made me think of our Sunday mornings when my children were young. Sunday morning was at times hectic, and we found ourselves in a hurry. There was coffee to make, something to find, and the familiar question, “Are we ready yet?” For our family, we might ask, do we still have time to stop at McDonalds for breakfast? Meanwhile, someone has already arrived at church, usually Burleigh Shibles, to turn on the lights, and make sure everything is in place.
But when does our worship begin? Perhaps we sometimes leave it waiting at the church door. We plan to worship when the music starts, when we bow our heads, or when the Scriptures are read. Yet Paul reminds us that whatever we do, in word or deed, can be done in the name of Jesus, with thanksgiving.
That includes the words we speak before we leave the house. It includes our patience with someone who is moving a little slowly. It includes noticing the person sitting alone when we arrive. We do not have to wait for the service to begin to honor God. And if this morning has already gotten away from us—if we have been impatient, distracted, or worried—we can pause right where we are. We can ask forgiveness, take a breath, and turn our attention toward Jesus.
This Sunday, let us arrive with more than the hope of receiving something. Let us come ready to offer something: our attention, our kindness, our willingness to listen and be changed. Before we sing about His love, may someone experience it through us. I wonder if the best gift we can give to God is ourselves to each other.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, good morning. Thank You for this Sunday and the blessing of belonging to You. Before we gather for worship, help us honor You through our words, our kindness, and our care for one another. Bless our church family and all who are sick, grieving, lonely, or worried about making ends meet. Watch over our children, our loved ones, and those serving in the military, including their chaplains.
We pray for our President, our leaders, and our nation. During this election season, give us kindness, love, and patience—especially when we disagree. Help us listen with respect and remember that every neighbor matters to You. Bring peace where wars rage, protect those in danger, and teach us to pray for our enemies. Open our hearts to Your Word and guide us to live it today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
THOUGHT:
This passage, as I was reading earlier this week, made me think of our Sunday mornings when my children were young. Sunday morning was at times hectic, and we found ourselves in a hurry. There was coffee to make, something to find, and the familiar question, “Are we ready yet?” For our family, we might ask, do we still have time to stop at McDonalds for breakfast? Meanwhile, someone has already arrived at church, usually Burleigh Shibles, to turn on the lights, and make sure everything is in place.
But when does our worship begin? Perhaps we sometimes leave it waiting at the church door. We plan to worship when the music starts, when we bow our heads, or when the Scriptures are read. Yet Paul reminds us that whatever we do, in word or deed, can be done in the name of Jesus, with thanksgiving.
That includes the words we speak before we leave the house. It includes our patience with someone who is moving a little slowly. It includes noticing the person sitting alone when we arrive. We do not have to wait for the service to begin to honor God. And if this morning has already gotten away from us—if we have been impatient, distracted, or worried—we can pause right where we are. We can ask forgiveness, take a breath, and turn our attention toward Jesus.
This Sunday, let us arrive with more than the hope of receiving something. Let us come ready to offer something: our attention, our kindness, our willingness to listen and be changed. Before we sing about His love, may someone experience it through us. I wonder if the best gift we can give to God is ourselves to each other.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, good morning. Thank You for this Sunday and the blessing of belonging to You. Before we gather for worship, help us honor You through our words, our kindness, and our care for one another. Bless our church family and all who are sick, grieving, lonely, or worried about making ends meet. Watch over our children, our loved ones, and those serving in the military, including their chaplains.
We pray for our President, our leaders, and our nation. During this election season, give us kindness, love, and patience—especially when we disagree. Help us listen with respect and remember that every neighbor matters to You. Bring peace where wars rage, protect those in danger, and teach us to pray for our enemies. Open our hearts to Your Word and guide us to live it today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.