“I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempt to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.  I did this all because of the Message.”  1 Corinthians 9:22 (The Message)

“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NRSV)

“Preach at all times; when necessary, use words.” (Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)

The press is full of the stories.  Such and such Pastor or youth group leader or church elder or even football coach has violated the faith they say they profess.  Scandal is all over the place.  Before we get too angry about the failures of leaders, however, perhaps we can look within our own hearts and lives.  Scandalous behavior isn’t confined to leaders; in fact, the difference between our own shadowy impulses, like anger and defensiveness, and scandal is as thin as the choice whether or not to act.

So, here is the challenge for today.  As we read the scriptures and as we pray, let us ask God to change us from the inside out, to become the kind of people we would like to be.  The old proverb (not in the Bible) says, “Lord, make me as wonderful as my dog thinks I am.”  Let the message of the scriptures take root in your heart.  Then, your life will preach in ways stronger and deeper than mere words.

Silence 

            ²⁶Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.²⁷And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.²⁸We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

            Spend at least15-20 in silence.  Find a comfortable place with as few distractions as possible.  Work on clearing your mind.  Count your breathing if you need to, but clear your mind of the to do list.  Let your thoughts wander to a place of serenity and calm.  Let the Spirit intercede for you.

ROMANS 12:9-19 from The Message

^9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

^11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

^14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

^17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

^20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

 How does your life look these days?  It's always good to stop and evaluate our lives and this is a great text to use as a reminder of living.

             A day to worship.  Spend time in praise and celebration of the Risen Christ.  While you’re at it...talk to someone different at church today.  Be the one to initiate just by smiling and saying hello.  You might just be surprised to find a new friendship begin.

Psalm 121

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?

²My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

⁴He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

⁶The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

⁸The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

To pray the Psalms is an old spiritual discipline.  Read it several times, read it out loud, quietly reflect and let the words feed your day.  God is present and you will know the hand that protects.

Yesterday afternoon and early evening tornados ripped through Indiana, Northern Kentucky and some of the river towns in Ohio.  Please pray for these folks.  If you want to help, please donate to www.weekofcompassion.org  Amy Gopp is a good friend and is doing amazing ministry through this Week of Compassion.  It's THE BEST part of our joint effort as Disciples of Christ.

ARK DAY!

             Acts of Random Kindness.   Today is a day to do something kind for another person you DON’T live with.  Part of living out our faith is sharing it and one of the best ways to share faith is to be kind to another person.  How many ways can God use you today to be kind to other people?

This doesn't have to be complicated...a kind message on facebook, an email, a phonecall....There will be plenty of opportunities.   

³⁰He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?  ³¹It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth;  ³²yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

Faith doesn’t need a mountain top experience to grow and be fruitful...it needs nurture and time.  Can you see where you’ve grown?  Can you see where God is stretching you?

 How is God using you as a Mustard Seed?