Here's a great quote that has surfaced at least four times this week - usually a sign that God is trying to say something:

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
- St. Francis of Assisi

Interestingly, with all the times this quote has come up, the concept came up in Bible Study this morning again with this scripture:

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." (1 Peter 3:1-6)

What a firm reminder that we are not just to speak the right words or read the Bible and not let it impact our lives. We are called to live out every breath as followers of Christ and representatives of His great glory and grace. What an awesome task. And a joyous responsibility. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit for all strength and wisdom to walk this out.




40 DAYS OF PURPOSE
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Accepting Your Assignment

Main idea: We received salvation to serve God and serve others (or serve God BY serving others).
Most impactful verse: "He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves. (Romans 2:8 NLT)"
Most impactful concept: "We don't serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what He's done for us. We owe Him our lives. (page 228)"
Other thoughts: This, though it is being called service for the purposes of this book and our own understanding, is WORSHIP. It is a response to the revelation of God and to His amazing work in our lives. Our responding to Him is worship. Our service to Him and to others for His glory is worship. We were saved because God loves us. We serve because we love God. It's all part of His plan. "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1)