Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 10, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Judges 8:22-35

We see after his great success and trusting in God, Gideon leads the people in idolatry. He makes this ephod (a garment of high priest) and leads the people in worship of an idol. After all God had done for them, they now turn their backs; they now worship a false god, they now abandon what they know to be true.

I don't know why he did this, but could it possible be because Gideon became prideful? Perhaps he began to think that his victories where of his doing, not of God's. Friends, we must always be mindful that God deserves the glory and the praise and the honor. Any good we do is through His power and His grace. Let us never think too highly of ourselves for as the Proverbs says, its the pride that goes before the fall.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 4:1-12

Peter, who once denied, know boldly proclaims the gospel in front of the very group that worked to put Jesus to death. Notice, though, why he was able. The Word says he was filled with the Holy Spirit. That is why and how he could boldly proclaim. Apart from God working through us by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can't accomplish anything. But, through Him, we can do more than we could ever imagine.

Gospel Lesson

John 1:43-51

Phillip almost missed out on meeting Jesus because he thought that nothing good could come for Nazareth. One of the worst mistakes we can make is when we make snap judgements of people that we don't know. Phillip almost did that and almost missed Jesus. What chanced to minister have we passed up because we wrongly judged? What chances to experience God's grace have we missed because we already had our minds made up? Jesus came to Philip in an unexpected way. Today, be aware. Be on the look. God may approach you today in an unexpected way. Be looking, so that won't miss Him like Phillip almost did.