Ready, Willing and Able   Scripture Reading: Romans 12:13 - 16

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”  

Have you ever met someone who thinks that they know it all? Usually they are quick to dominate the topic of discussion, with an opinion on almost everyone and everything, that in their minds is always the right one. Quite the opposite of a person that is quick to listen and slow to speak, which is something as God’s children we are called to emulate.

In our waking moments God calls us to be, ‘Ready, Willing and Able’, to show ourselves as people who are not motivated or controlled by the human spirit, but are filled and led by the Spirit of God. May the Lord give us an eager attitude that is open to others, willing even to entertain strangers in our homes or at our tables. In so doing, we may be hosting angels, certainly we will be surrounded by them.

When it comes to difficult people, those who are using or even plotting against us, God calls us to respond in exactly the opposite ways of the world. Instead of talking dirt against them, we are to be praying for them. Rather than cursing them, we are actually to praying and asking God to bless them, hoping that they will come to a living faith in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit not only awakens our senses to the will of God, but gives us a rich sensitivity to others. Sometimes we feel as though other’s successes are coming at our expense, and this simply is not true. God calls us to share in the happiness and successes of others. When people are going through sadness or times of grief, God will use us to comfort and console them with the same grace and comfort that He has given to and will continue to give to us.

If we will be those who align ourselves with the prayer of Jesus that we would live as one in the body of Christ, choose to be peace-makers and bridge-builders, people both in the church, and in the world will see the glory of Jesus in our lives. And when we choose to be those who promote and live in unity, our Father in heaven will command His rich blessing in and through our lives.

True, we don’t know it all – we never will – but we all know the One who does, and He will give us grace and wisdom to shine as bright lights even in the darkest of nights.  

Prayer My Father in heaven, I want to be ready, willing and able to live life today as You have purposed and planned for me. So I come to You, open up my heart and life once again to You in Jesus name, and pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit to shape me from the inside out in thoughts, words and deeds, that I might bring honor and glory to You in how I respond to others. I commit to this high and holy calling once again through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen.  

Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”