Scripture: Exodus 18:20
Teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.

Thought for the Day: This is advice given to Moses from his father-in-law Jethro in what might be the first evangelical call in the Bible. It starts a theme that runs from Pauline thought, sick through the Gospels, recipe ultimately to the creation of the church. Knowledge of how to live right with God is to be shared with everyone! How can people find connection with God if they don’t get to see the map?

The church exists at least in part to share its knowledge of God, to be a map that helps people find their God connection. The church (at its best) is a place of calm, rejuvenation of spirit, and powerful connection to God and humanity. Church can show us our intimate relationship with and duty to God and each other. When we worship together, we teach each other the meaning of grace and love, by being graceful and loving.

Prayer: Thank you Gracious God, for showing us so many paths to You. May all our faith journeys—whatever they are named, create in us all a gentler, more giving nature of love, peace, and respectful curiosity. Amen.