Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Thought for the Day: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his book Strength to Love, wrote:
The church must be reminded
that it is not the master
or the servant of the state,
but rather the conscience of the state.
In our culture today, this is a very difficult place to be. For one thing, the church has absolutely obliterated its reputation in the minds of many. Its voice, in many settings, has become an embarrassment that has little or nothing to do with Jesus. The church has allowed itself to be compromised and co-opted by political entities and corporate powers, and for that reason, many in society see the church offering zero value to any conversation. When Paul references boldness, he is not suggesting arrogance or belittling others. It is about speaking forth in truth and love for the sake of God’s vision. Of course, we need to have a clear understanding of that vision before we can speak.
Prayer: May the richness of this world be respected, O Creator of Life and Love. May its abundant beauty and complexity be honored in all things. Amen.
