Ordinary Time: Monday, September 11, 2006

Remember those today that lost loved one's in the attacks of 9/11 as well as those that are in the military all over the world on this five year remembrance.

Old Testament Lesson

Job 32:1-10, 19, 33:1, 19-28

Elihu may have been the wisest of all the people in the book of Job. Job's friends wanted to blame all of his troubles on him. They believed that the reason he suffered so was because of some sin. We know that is not true, ti was a test by the devil.

But, Job, he becomes convinced of his own rightness. And that can be a fearful thing, for in the end, none of us are righteous, only God is. Elihu tells them both they are wrong.

But, he was the one that we least expected to talk. He was young, what did he know. Sometimes, wisdom comes in the unexpected places. Sometimes it comes from people we would think would not have any wisdom. Sometimes we miss what God has to say to us because we have already judged folks; they are too young, to immature, too whatever. Elihu did not look like one that had much to so. In Truth, he was the most wise. Today, listen for God to speak to you and through others in unexpected ways. Today, listen for His voice.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 13:44-52

We see in this passage that some rejected the Word of God, while others accepted. Just like in the Old Testament passage, the results are surprising. Those that expect to follow turn away, while those that have never been God's people accept. Sometimes the worst thing we can have is just a little religion. You know, go to church on Easter and and Christmas, know a coupe of bible stories, actually have our name on a church role. We can think just a little bit of religion can save us.

Unfortunately for those of us this morning with just a little bit of religion, Jesus is not satisfied with that. He doesn't want part of us; he wants all of us. A little bit is not enough. If you are not 100% His, then you are not fully who you should be. It is better for us to cold than luke warm. We have too many folks in churches that luke warm, they want just enough religion to keep them out of hell, but not enough to really change them. They only thing is, according to the word, that doesn't work. If we are just a little religious we are luke warm, and if we are luke warm, we will be spit out of His mouth.

Gospel Lesson

John 10:19-30

The people wanted more signs, and Jesus said, I have done them, you just don't believe. If you believe, you will see the signs. When we see with the eyes of faith, we see signs everywhere. Today, God is at work in your life. Today, God is moving in the life of your family, your church, and and in your life. Do you see it? Do you see what He is doing? If not, you may not be looking right. Today, look through the eyes of faith. Then, and only then, will you see what God is doing.