Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 12, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Micah 3:1-8

This is one of the weird quirks in the devotional guide I use, according to the list of scriptures I used each morning (which you can find by clicking here), we once again read Micah 3. This time, only verses 1-8. And this is the passage that warns the prophets that had better not lead the people astray; they had better preach what the Lord has commanded them to preach and do as the Lord had commanded them to do.

And, we see at the end of the passage, Micah condemn the false prophets, and then say that he himself knows the Lord is with him and he feels free, he feels confident, he knows that he can do what what the Lord has for him to do. If you are walking with the Lord, if you are in the middle of His will; you too can have that same confidence. Now, notice, Micah did not say the road would be easy, but he knew he was called to this, and he knew the Lord would give him strength for the days to come. Friends, the Lord has called each of us to something, and if He has called, He will give the strength to complete the task Today, do not cast you eyes to the height of the mountain, rather lift up your eyes to one from whence your help comes (Psalm 121).

New Testament Lesson

Acts 24:1-23

We see that Paul is before Felix at this point and the Word says that Felix is familiar with "the way," which is the faith. And, he decides to wait until later to decide this case. This continues the situation where God is working all things out to give glory to Himself. In everything that happens in life; good or bad, we can find a way to give glory to God. We can even give thanks to God during times of trial and suffering, for if we all; these things can draw us closer to God. Today, God is trying to pull you closer to Himself. Will you let Him?

Gospel Lesson

Luke 7:36-50

If we have been forgiven much, we have much to be thankful for. One of the things that we should always remember is that we were not always Christian. There was a time in our lives when we were apart from God. It was at that time we needed God that most. And it was at that time He came to us with love, mercy, and forgiveness. Today, you do not deserve to be saved. I do not deserve to be saved. None of us deserve the goodness and mercy of God. That is why it is grace, that is why it is mercy. It is poured out freely, for you and for me. Today, are we more like the Pharisee wondering why Jesus would let all these dirty sinners in, or are we more like the woman, falling thankful at His feet that he allows us, a dirty sinner, in.

Today, we are nothing more than sinners saved by grace. Do we realize that?