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Many of us spend our days people-pleasing, trying hard
to be liked and accepted. We are the "yes" women and men of the group, always
giving and doing for others. This is not a bad thing, but if it is not the right
thing, then we are not giving, nor can we give, our best to God. Faithful
stewards seek not just to do things for others but to do the things that please
God.
The season of Epiphany opens and closes with the words,
"This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
Finding and doing what is pleasing to God is the hallmark of a Christian's life
and a lifelong discovery process. Epiphany reveals and reminds us of our
baptismal identity in Christ and what is expected of Jesus' followers. When we
discover the distinct revelation God has for our lives, then we can say "yes" to
the right things and hear that we too have pleased God.
This season, use the following devotion in your
meetings or in your own prayer life as a way to invite God to reveal to you how
you can live and give a pleasing godly life.
Leader: Reveal yourself to us,
O God, and this season teach us how to best serve you.
All:
We long to please you, God. Shine in our hearts, Lord Jesus.
Leader: Make us a light
to the nations!
All:
So your salvation reaches to all the ends of earth.
Leader: Teach us to lead with
light and life, and to be dealers of justice in all things.
All:
You are our light and our salvation. We put our trust in you.
Leader: Let your light shine on
others, that they might see your good works and glorify God.
All:
Glory to God in the highest. Shine on us.
All:
Gracious and loving God, you have revealed your justice through Jesus Christ,
the one with whom you are well pleased. Help us to carry the love, joy and light
first given us to all whom we meet as we serve only you. Help us to shine with
your glory every day and in every way. Amen.
Dawn D. Hansen is former director of programs for
Women of the ELCA.
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version
(NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission.
All rights reserved.
 Women of the ELCA Stewardship Planning Guide 2007–2008
Copyright © Women of the ELCA. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced for use in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America provided the copyright information above appears on every copy with
these words: Used with permission.
For all other purposes
contact Women of the ELCA.
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