Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 17, 2006

Sorry about the lack of posting this week, everything should be back to normal now

Old Testament Lesson

Judges 14:1-19

Sampson is really a hothead. He had been blessed by the Lord with great strength, and we see at the beginning of this passage that the Lord has a plan in all that would in sue, but as we see from reading this passage, he would act impulsively and do things just to show how strong or smart he was.

In life, we have been blessed. But, how do we use those gifts? Do we used them to give glory to God? Do we use them for His kingdom? Or do we use them for our glory? For our pride? Or our stuff? We must remember that we are to worship the giver of the gift, not the gift itself.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 6:15-7:16

This is Stephen's great sermon for the the council, the one that would lead to his death. Here he was, in front of these men that had the power to put him to death, and he still proclaimed the gospel. Friends, we should not fear other people, we should fear God. They do not have the power of judgement over us; only God. He is the one we must live to please, live to serve.

And when the moment comes when we are before a hostile crowd, He will give us the words. Do not fear. He will not leave you in that time of need; He will not abandon you when you are in front of those that desire your destruction. He will give you the grace to stand firm and speak boldly. He will not abandon you at that time.

Gospel Lesson

John 4:27-42

There is that great statement at the end of this passage. The people say they believe now not because of what they have been told, but because they have seen and experienced. Friends, it is not for you to hear that I believe in Jesus Christ and that He is my savior. It is not enough that I tell you how He has called me; how He has carried me; how He had provided for me. It is not enough for me to tell you of His mercy and grace and strength. For, you me telling you these things is not enough.

You must believe them and experience them for yourself. Do you?