Monday Devotional: February 10, 2025

Bible Reading: Psalm 1:1-6 (NRSVUE)

¹ Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers, ² but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. ³ They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. ⁴ The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, ⁶ for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Bloom where you are. God calls us to different places according to the gifts and graces we have. God sends us where God needs us.

I graduated from college with a degree in journalism during the time when extra-judicial killing of journalism was prevalent in the Philippines. Instead of pursuing journalism as a career, I entered the book and magazine publishing industry, in part to assure my mother that even though I lived far from her, I was safe.

Concurrently, I served as national church youth leader. My publishing experience paved a way for me to work full-time as the publishing coordinator for Discipleship Resources-Philippines. I held that position for 12 years. During that time, I obtained two seminary degrees but have not entered the ministerial work of the ordained. Many have asked me, “Why won’t you become a pastor?”

I know why I did not practice my journalism degree, but as to why I have chosen to work as a layperson and not become clergy, I struggle to articulate a valid reason to those who see ordination as a fulfillment of my potential. But I feel that God calls me to various lay ministries and then enables me to serve in these roles to the best of my ability. I feel rooted in my role as a layperson and intend to bloom there to produce fruit for God.

When we obey and remain faithful to our calling. We will be like trees planted near the water source. Each of us is called to where God needs our hands and feet. When the time comes that I start to think I am like a chaff tossed by the wind or I am no longer bearing fruits, I will be ready for God to plant me somewhere else.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for calling us and planting us where we can reach you as a source of strength and where you can lead us to bear fruit. Amen.

By Earlie Pasion-Bautista, The Upper Room Disciplines 2025, page 62.

Bible Study

“Following Jesus” By Laura Wittman

Session Title: Jesus’ Upside-Down Kingdom
Focal Passage: Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14
Purpose Statement: To see the world through God’s eyes.

Questions:

• What have we learned from children? How do children help you look at the world differently?
• Where do you see yourself in Jesus’ example of the sheep? What does this understanding compel you to do?
• Do you know of someone who feels pushed away by the church? How can you reach out to that person?
• When have you felt hurt and alone and then experienced the care and concern of someone in the church?
• Who needs your care and concern this week? What will you do to reach out to them?

Zoom Session

Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

(For Zoom Link, send an email to [email protected])

In-Person Session

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Conference Room, McGee Building.