Today's Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
As I mentioned above, I have had the privilege to serve in many different roles, within many different ministry areas, and most recently joined the staff here at Grace where I help communicate all the ways in which we are seeking to share the Gospel and our everyday lives in our ministry areas. But, that doesn’t come without some sacrifices, and it’s not always easy. However, in this verse, God promises us that “our ministry will not be discredited." Even in the toughest hours and days, He will equip us. Others are watching us as we serve and in the ways in which we honor God in our actions. Even though life and ministry is not always promised to be easy, when we are working for His kingdom, when we are showing His power, love, and mercy, we can remain steady in Him.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
As it says in the Scripture, we are God’s co-workers. We have received this undeserved gift of His mercy and grace, and so as His ambassadors, we are to be united to seek first the Kingdom of God. We all walked through a lot of unknowns as Covid hit; ministry had to be done in different ways that we had done in the past. This wasn’t unique to us or our church as we saw this with most churches in general. We saw people nervous to reengage. But, in that time, which can definitely be described as tough, we did not waiver from our commitment to bring together families of every generation through our beautiful, blended Worship style to learn and grow in their faith. In staying steady, with our focus on living our lives in this genuine community and being able to dig deeper into what it means to be a disciple out in the world and within our families, we are now seeing how what previously looked like stumbling blocks, were avenues for us to come together in new and powerful ways. There are sweet faces in the congregation that I might never have met otherwise, and I am truly so grateful for this gift of their friendship and fellowship. The halls of our church are brighter and more joyful because, what at first seemed like challenges in ministry, difficult roads to navigate, and unsure days ahead, we now get to come together in the most beautiful way.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
I think this verse is a reminder to constantly be discerning the ways in which God wants to use you to engage in ministry. It may not be something that comes naturally or that you feel equipped to do, but I firmly believe as He has called and then equipped me versus the other way around many times. We are called to serve, so as I continue serving at Grace both as an Elder and as a staff member, I want to keep my eyes open to His calling on my life and my ministry. Days can be hard, without a doubt, but staying committed, living together in community, and working to glorify God, we will succeed in our ministry areas and ultimately our success is God’s success.

About Jamie Horton:
I am a mom of three to Scarlett (7) and twins Luke and Andrew (5). I have been married for 12 wonderful years to my husband, Thomas. I am the Director of Communications and Connections on staff at the church after answering God’s call to leave my stay-at-home mom gig and lean into my passion for God’s church and His people here at Grace.
Our family has been at Grace for 8 years, and during those years, I have been the Director of Foundations, VBS Preschool Co-director, in the Women’s Bible Study, served on the Pastor Nominating Committee, and currently serve as an Elder on Session. I am on the Worship Strategy Team, and most recently, I joined the Grace staff in January of 2023. It has been a joy to serve in many different ways here at Grace. I love our church and our sweet church family.