Today's Lectionary Text2 Corinthians 6:1-2As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Today's Devotional
There was a time in my life when I was all about the future. I had plans for the future, goals for the future, and was working toward making that future a reality. There was only one ‘small’ problem with my approach. I tended not to be present in the moment, and I didn’t take the time to experience and enjoy life as it was unfolding.
I carried this same approach into my faith. I was working toward that heavenly reward. I was waiting for that future hope of eternal life and all things made right. But I rarely focused on what God was doing in and through me and others in the moment. I expected all the ‘good stuff’ to come later. I appreciate this Scripture because it takes the future good which God gives and makes it immediate. God’s grace isn’t for tomorrow. God isn’t waiting until next week to show us favor and beam with pride when we do what is good and loving. God isn’t waiting until the day Christ returns to save us and make us new. And our work as partners with God isn’t something that begins down the road. Today is the day all these things are present and available in our lives. Today God sheds grace in your life. Today God shows you favor and is proud of you. Today God saves you from all the things that make your life overwhelming. Today, motivated by love for God and others, you can be a partner in God’s work. It is so wonderful to me that God is present with me in the moment, that I can experience relationship with God right now, and that I can lovingly serve God and others this very second. That, to me, is truly living life – living life here and now for God and with God! -A.G. Turner
Pastor Holton First UMC Prayer for ReflectionGod, thank you for partnering with me today, granting me grace today, showing me favor today, and giving me salvation today. Help me to live and experience each day of my life with you as each day unfolds. Empower me to work with you to continue to grow in my love for you and others. Grant me the grace to share your love each day so others may receive your favor and salvation… today, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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