Going Forth in Joy

Living in the Spirit

August 3, 2023

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-5
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
   come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
   and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
   and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
   listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
   my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
   a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
   and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
   for he has glorified you.

How much of our lives do we just go through the motions of living? I woke up this morning contemplating a busy schedule this week that will pull me out of my routines, wondering how to get it all done. It, however, is a labor for which I will gain satisfaction. God calls us to live our lives fully in love and service that is meaningful.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunities to serve you with joy and gladness. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.