Ordinary Time: Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 21:17-29

We see today in this story of Ahab one of the truths of our walk with God. If we will humble ourselves and come back to Him, God will forgiven, time after time, after time. Ahab had not done anything to earn God's love. He had not done anything to earn God's forgiveness. Yet, when he humbled himself before God, he was forgiven.

No one is beyond God's grace. There is no one that God cannot restore. The is no heart to hard, no sin to deep, if will simple return to God and ask forgiveness. He is gracious and kind and longs to love and forgive His people.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

We see Paul remind us today that our strength and our pride should not come from within ourselves, but should come from God. For God chose us not because we are particularly outstanding, but because He simply loves us.

How outrageous is that? In a world where we have to earn everything, where there is always pressure, always stress, all of this, our God says, I simply love you. Hear that word this morning. You are loved today, and you don't have to earn it. God simply loves you.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 4:12-17

We see Jesus begin to preach today, and His message is a simple one. Repent, for the kingdom of God is near. To repent is to turn from our sins, and turn to God. To turn away from, and to turn to. I think that is a good thing to remember.

Each day, we will face temptation. Each day we will face sin. What do we do at that moment? Do we turn away from that temptation? Do we turn to God? Or, do we turn to temptation. Today, when that temptation comes, turn from it, and turn to God. Take a moment to pray. To breathe. To focus on God. If we turn to God, temptation will not overcome us. If we try on our own, we will fall.

Today, turn to God.