People Matter Daily Devotional: September 23

A Word From God’s Word
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. 2 Corinthians 3:1-2 (NASB)

A Word From Karen Cassidy
When was the last time you asked for a letter of recommendation? It’s a scary proposition choosing someone to write a recommendation. You’ve got to pick someone who REALLY likes you, otherwise you worry, “What’s he going to say about me?”

What’s even more sobering is the realization that God chose people who love Him (YOU AND ME!) to write His recommendation. In Second Corinthians, Paul tells believers, “You are a letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” Sounds suspiciously like a letter of recommendation for Christ! My heart is a letter; my life an open book, a novel that reveals to the community what God is like, and whether God thinks they matter or not. What message am I giving them?

I’m not alone feeling uncomfortable inviting people to church, or witnessing in the community, but make no mistake, even a lack of witness sends a message about the importance of a relationship with God. After all, the Bible doesn’t say you might be a letter, it says you ARE a letter, so even now, this very moment, someone in WNY is “reading” my “letter”. (Ouch!)

This humbling prospect brings repentance and gratitude for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I ask,

• What “letter of recommendation” has the community been reading in my heart, and seeing in my actions?
• How can I be a “letter” that reflects an awesome God, His amazing love, and the freedom found in His forgiveness?
• How can I be a “letter” that tells my community – “You matter to me. You matter to God.”
• If my heart is full of love, God’s love, where can I let my love spill out in WNY?

May God give you power to be the “letter” He wants you to be.

Karen Cassidy is the Fine Arts Coordinator/Drama Team Leader.

A Word With God
Dear Father in Heaven, write me as the letter You want me to be for this community. Amen.