Ordinary Time: Monday, October 9, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Hosea 14:1-9

Here in this passage, the Lord is pleading with the people to repent of their sins; and promising that if they do, they will be forgiven. The Lord wants to forgive us. In fact, sometimes it is harder for us to forgive ourselves for than it is for God forgive us. He willingly gave us His son so that we can be forgiven. The only thing stopping us from being forgiven is us. If we will repent, if we will turn from ourselves, we will be forgiven.

In spite of our many sins, His grace is great. In spite of our rebellion, His grace is greater. God longs to forgive. Will you accept?

New Testament Lesson

Acts 22:30-23:11

Paul was able to stand boldly before all of these religious leaders and give testimony to God. But, he did not stand alone; God stood with him. There will be times in our lives when the mountain ahead of us looks bigger than our ability to climb. The task may seem great than out ability to to do. But, God is with us. He has promised us that when we do not know the words to speak, He will speak for us. When we are unable to climb, He will climb for us. When we are unable to stand, He will stand for us. Today, God had a great task for you. Today, will you allow Him to work through you in a powerful way?

Gospel Lesson

Luke 6:39-49

I was in a Sunday School class one day, and the teacher said something that has stuck with me to this day. You cannot say "No, Lord." For, if you say no, then He is not your Lord. You do not disobey you Lord, or if you do, He had no real authority over you.

Today, the Lord says "Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you?" Friends, that is the test of our faith. It is easy for us to stand in church on Sunday and say that He is our Lord. It s easy for us to speak with our lips that He is Lord. Do we obey? That is the true test of faith. Do we obey. Why do we call Him Lord, and not obey. If we do that, if we call Him Lord and disobey, He is not our our Lord. IF we do this, then who is our Lord? We are. And, we cannot serve two masters. WE must either serve God, orserve ourselves.

Today, who will you serve?