11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Now is the day of salvation.

We human beings are prone to procrastinate, but that’s not God’s way. He revealed his name as I AM (Exodus 3:14)—not “I will be” or “I might be.” He lives with us in the present, doing his saving work right now, and he invites us to join him in that work. That’s right: God is right here with you today, and today has a holy purpose. Today, as Paul wrote, is the day of salvation.

Today is the day that God is loving you. No matter who you are or what you have done, he loves you unconditionally, and he always will. He has even sent his Spirit to live in you so that, whatever happens today, you don’t have to face it alone. No matter how you might feel, you are never abandoned or unloved.

Today is the day that God wants to forgive you. He is eager to wipe your slate clean so that you can make a fresh start with him. Even the most ingrained pattern or embarrassing fault cannot change his mind about you; he still looks upon you with mercy and compassion. So there’s no reason to distance yourself from him.

Today is the day that God invites you to put him first in your life. In the midst of all the commitments and priorities that fill your day, he invites you to lift your gaze to him. No matter what you have to do today, he is asking you to set your heart on loving him and pleasing him above all else.

Today is the day that God is bringing you closer to other believers in the body of Christ. Today you can remember that you are united to other Christians who are praying for you and with you—whether you know them or not! And together your prayers are changing the world—whether you can see it or not!

Today is the day that God is pointing out people who need his love. When your heart is stirred toward a stranger on the street or a difficult family member, ask the Holy Spirit to show you a concrete way to love that person. Then do it. Today.

“Thank you, Lord, for your presence in my life today. I don’t want to miss any opportunity to advance your saving work.”

Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42
2 Corinthians 6:1-10

WORD AMONG US