Ordinary Time: Friday, July 14, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 24, 32:1-4

Yesterday, we saw that God was preparing Joshua to continue the work of Moses. Today, we see Moses do the same. He knew that the people trusted him, and a good word from him to the people would increase the desire to follow Joshua.

John Maxwell says that the thing that is that the core of leadership is influence. Now, you may be thinking, but Andy, I'm not a leader. Maybe, maybe not. But, whatever you status, if you are a Christan, you have influence. Your words influence others. You life influence others. Your attitudes influence others.

Folks are watching us and how we live is not just a reflection on ourselves, our family, but also our God. Moses made sure the people respected Joshua. Do we live in such a manner that people see our respect and love for God? Or by the way that we live, do we tell people that we really don't take God seriously.

Folks are watching. What does our life say? What do our words say?

New Testament Lesson

Romans 10:1-13

We the great difference between the law and grace today. The law says that we can do it. We can keep it. We can uphold it. Grace says, we can't do it without God. Grace says, that through God, and God alone, can we do any of this.

That is the point "faith alone." This great truth of Christianity shows us that we cannot do it on our own. We can't. You can't be good enough. You can't earn it. You can't undo your sins. You are forgiven! You don't have to struggle with things gone! You can live in grace! You can know love!

And then, grace through faith empowers us to live. We cannot keep the law. But, God, working through us, can do all things. We we do it alone? No. But, through God's grace, we can do more than we can ever know or imagine.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 24:15-31

There are many that will attempt to mislead the faithful. Believe me, you can look on the internet and find false prophets in a manner of seconds. You can find them on TV. You can find them on the radio. There are many that will attempt to mislead the body.

That is why we have to know the Word for ourselves. That is why we must have a personal walk with Jesus. We must know for ourselves. Those that are lead astray are those that are depending upon others for their beliefs. Friends, we must know truth for ourselves. We must not depend upon the word of others,we must, we must, know for ourselves.