Thursday, October 29, 2026

Scripture

“You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:9

Reflections

The Apostle Paul was a skilled tentmaker.  When he wasn’t being supported by brothers and sisters in the faith, he relied on his trade to make ends meet.

As we read in Acts 18, Paul went to Corinth and connected with a Jewish couple, Aquilla and Priscilla.  “Because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3)  Over time, they became followers of Christ.  God transformed Paul’s ordinary work to something extraordinary.

It is easy to think that the proclamation of the gospel takes place primarily from pulpits by full-time pastors.  What we forget is the impact that ordinary people can have within their daily lives.  It is one thing to speak about the love and grace of God.  It is another to live it.  Others will look at you and think, “What’s different about that person?  When everyone else is being mean and hateful, that person is being kind and loving.  When others are acting unethically, that person is doing the right thing.”

For disciples of Jesus Christ, our ordinary lives are transformed into something extraordinary—our mission field.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for transforming my ordinary daily life into an extraordinary mission.  Help me to not miss the opportunities right before me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13