A Daily Devotion for Friday, October 30

Romans 12:3-13

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

This morning I have all kinds of thoughts and feelings bubbling up from this devotion and the scripture reading. It is the enthusiasm piece that speaks loudest to me. There are so many ways to help those in need. Having worked full-time for so many years, I had learned to be protective of my time and my energies when I was not working. I think I got in the habit of assuming “it” would take over my limited time off if I volunteered to participate in too many things. Now I am finishing my career, and opportunities are already popping up. Just this morning I read about a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that involves knitting every day of the month of November! I am only afraid now that I am too late for that particular one. But there are other things out there to do. We have a church rummage in a week, and more “stuff” to sort than there is room to display it. There is a Thanksgiving food drive at our local food pantry. There are animal shelters all over needing donations and supplies. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” There is always more to do to show Christ’s love.

Holy Lord, I pray that you will continue to open my eyes and my heart to opportunities to show enthusiastic service to your Kingdom. I am yours. Amen

Becky, transforming