"thanks be to God"

Read: 1 Corinthians 15

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul was called to his ministry, and he acknowledged that his labors were of God. We are called to serve our communities through our roles in the field of education. If we acknowledge that our labors are of God, imagine the magnitude with which He could affect our communities through us. In what ways do you acknowledge God's grace working in your life? In what ways do you outwardly reflect God's grace that is with you to others in your life? Do you draw others closer to Him?

Paul also shared that "some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." Let us not be ashamed to express our gratitude for God's blessings bestowed upon us or to pray for the needs of our communities. Let us have confidence as we share with our colleagues and community members the ways He has blessed us and ways that we serve Him. Let us express concern for others and pray for them during their times of need. Let us be ready and willing to share our knowledge of God so that others may grow and find peace in Him as well.

Along this journey of life, we all face trials that we must work through, but the journey is made so much sweeter when we live it for Him. Paul praised Him, saying, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." As we serve our communities, let us be ready always to help others experience this sweet victory with us.

PRAYER: Dear gracious, heavenly father, we thank you for your grace that is with us as we work to serve you. Please lead us to make decisions that ultimately lead people closer to you and edify the body of your church. We serve you and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.