March 9, 2009

Read Romans 1:1-15

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God's will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.—Romans 1:7-12

We are called by God. As citizens of the world, as people from different faiths and backgrounds, we are called to proclaim and live God’s message of compassion, charity, and tolerance, and to pursue justice and peace. Like Paul finds solace and encouragement in the community of his fellow believers, we should remember one another in prayer as we navigate the difficulties and opportunities of life, and as we work to create opportunity where it is needed. By celebrating the gospel and proclaiming our faith to God and to one another as followers, we strengthen our belief in humanity and we recognize the gifts that God has given to us. We should celebrate our shared faith and vision of God’s world, because it encourages our individual efforts and provides a sense of well-being.

Pray: Dear God, grant me the discipline to recognize your call. Help me take time to honor your name, to live your message, to 'lead by example', to live by your word, and share the good news about your love to those hungry for acceptance, or in need of encouragement. Let me not forget the others that have been called, let me reach out to them and find encouragement and strength in our connection. Help us stay optimistic that with hard work, faith, and devotion we can make a positive change in the things that we encounter. Amen.

Josh Kennerly has attended The Gathering for 2 years. He lives in Maplewood, MO with his wife and two daughters.