Ordinary Time: Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Judges 18:1-15

We see these men set out, and their concern most of all is that God had blessed there mission. Do we worry more about what men think about our mission, or about what God thinks? He is the one we should be concerned with. It is His blessing we should seek. It is His wisdom we need to have. We can have all the human praise in the world, but if we do not have God's blessing, if we are not following His will, in the end, it will not work.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 8:1-13

We see Paul enter the story here. But, at this time, he was named Saul, and he was working against God and working against His church. Here, he approved of the stoning of Stephen for preaching the Gospel. No matter what you've done in your life, if you allow, God will use you. He used Paul to start churches all over the world. He used Paul to write so many books in the Bible. He used Paul in a mighty and powerful way. He used Paul as much as any person has ever been used in history.

And Paul started off with the approval of Stephen's killing. No matter where you are right now, you can turn around, you can come home, you can be used by God. Paul was. You can be to.

Gospel Lesson

John 5:30-47

Jesus says that He has given witness to the truth, and He was not believed. Others have come and given witness to the truth, and they were not believed. Signs have been given. We just are not looking. God speaks to you ever day. Are you paying attention. God is not silent. We do not listen. Today, will you open your eyes, open your ears, open your soul to receive Him? He is there. Waiting and watching. Waiting for you. . . .