During this October, my 15th anniversary of living in Kenya, I read some of Paul's letters in The Message. As I often do with Scripture, I re-wrote bits of it to apply specifically to my life.
Perhaps you'll be prompted to do something similar yourself. God's Word is rich and so very relevant to each one of us!
Galatians: I am God-commissioned. He had designs on me and set me apart in my mother's womb, calling me out of his sheer generosity. My life is not mine; I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I will stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed, sharing their burdens. I will not allow myself to get fatigued doing good, and will not give up or quit.
Ephesians: I, Deb, am under God's plan as a missionary. My eyes are focused and clear so I can see exactly what he's called me to do. God created me to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for me to do, work I had better be doing. He wants me on the road he called me to travel, as I pour myself out for others in acts of love. I will do this in the same way God loves me, not cautious but extravagant.
Philippians: My prayer is that my love toward others would flourish, that it would be sincere and intelligent. As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. I will be energetic in my life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, God willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
Colossians: I, Deb, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God's master plan. Like Epaphras, I am a reliable worker for Christ. I am living well for the Master, making him proud. I stay grounded and steady, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted.
1 Thessalonians: Troubles don't come as a surprise to me, as I know it's part of my calling. I will keep on doing what pleases God: gently encouraging the stragglers, plus reaching out for the exhausted and pulling them to their feet. I'll be patient with each person and attentive to individual needs. I will look for the best in others and be cheerful no matter what. I will thank God no matter what happens.
2 Thessalonians: God gives me everything I need and makes me fit for what he's called me to be. He fills my good ideas and acts of faith with his energy so it amounts to something. May my life honor the name of Jesus Christ, as he puts a fresh heart in me and invigorates my work.
... and from the Old Testament:
The prophet, Amos, said, "I never had plans to be a preacher. I raised cattle and I pruned sycamore-fig trees. Then God took me off the farm and said, 'Go preach to my people Israel.'"
My personalized version -
I never had plans to be a missionary. I did remodeling, worked at my church, and was a mentor for two children in the public schools. But God interrupted my life and said, 'Go be a missionary to my people in Kenya. Love them as your neighbor, especially single mothers and their children to whom I will introduce you.'"
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