Ordinary Time: Thursday, July 20, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Joshua 3:14-4:7

The Lord instructed the people to take these stone and place them in a place where the children could see them. And, when the children ask what they are for, the can retell the story of God's salvation.

Do your children or grandchildren ask you about God? Do they see the way that you live and ask you about it? Or does they way that you live in front of your children even bring God to mind? Do you talk with your children about God? The Old Testament assumes that we will. It says, this will happen.

We teach our children about ball, college, activities and everything else. Are our lives stones that they can see that can then cause them to learn about God? Or is the no evidence of God in our lives, and so they have nothing to ask?

New Testament Lesson

Romans 12:1-8

This is Paul's great statement on what we should be like. We are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by God. Notice how this happens, with the renewing of our minds. So much sin starts in the mind, and then works its self forth into our lives.

We are to make Jesus the Lord of our minds. Today, what impure thoughts pass through? What temptations? What hateful thoughts? We will all be tempted. We will all have these things come though. What do you do then? Do you allow them to take root in your mind? Or do you turn them over to Jesus. Until He is Lord of our minds; Lord of our thoughts, He cannot be Lord of all of us. Today, don't conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 26:1-16

Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. What do we betray Him for? To conform to the world? The approval of peers? The praise of the world. Judas betrayed our Lord for money. Each time we deny, we betray. Each time we disobey, we betray. Each time we live like world instead of as we should as Christians, we betray.

Judas betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. What about you and me?