Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you!! We had a rain shower yesterday and everything looks fresh and green. Today I am going to
make an enchilada casserole and do some food prep and writing.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Have you thought much about how you live in the world matters to God? We can observe the lives of missionaries, monks, pastors, etc. who serve God full-time, but what about ordinary people like you and me? Shouldn’t we also serve the Lord in our everyday lives and commune with Him as we go about our various mundane activities? How can we change our lives to praise God and connect with Him as we do our chores?
Professor Gerald Sittser writes about some extraordinary people that did many wonderful, courageous and sacrificial things for God. But he also asks the question, “Is it possible for ordinary people to be true disciples, too?” Of course! When Paul was writing to the Colossians, he said in Col. 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I think that could include all of us that are ordinary believers who want to serve the Lord, as well as the saints we read about.
During the Medieval times, the laity was considered the lowest position because they would be doing secular activities.  Next was the clergy, who filled the middle position and served the church as they lived in the world. Thirdly, the monks and nuns were held in the highest position because they lived apart from the world and spent their time in worship and prayer. Lay people depended on monks for their salvation. Things gradually changed in the Middle Ages as laypeople began to experience a more spiritual life themselves and were active participants in the Chrisitan faith. Many lived like monks and nuns, practicing prayer, fasting, poverty, service to the poor, etc. while at the same time, remaining in the world and serving the people.
Calvin encouraged lay people to use their gifts to serve God in the world and said that all work has dignity and purpose, no matter how lowly. God uses ordinary people like you and me, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to live in the world and claim it for God’s kingdom. Even our mundane tasks can have divine purpose to them and become holy activities. Let us pray as we work, serve others, love all those God puts around us and share the Good News with all.
Challenge for today: Begin the day by visualizing the presence of God in your ordinary life and ask Him what He wants to do through you.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy