Ordinary Time: Wenesday, October 3, 2007

I won't be posting the rest of this week, I've got to be in Jackson, MS early tomorrow for the Pastor's Leadership School. I'll start back again Monday. Have a great weekend!

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 18:9-25

We see the northern kingdom today defeated. And things aren't looking too good today for the southern kingdom of Judah. The king of Assyria comes today, taking gold and mocking God. He comes tells Hezekiah that it would be best to go ahead and submit to him, don't rely upon Egypt to come and save you, and surly don't rely upon God.

That is a message that we hear today and we may even think sometimes ourselves. In a dangerous world, in a world with a lot of trouble, in a world where everything seems to be shifting, we are tempted to place our trust in many things. Do not forget that our ultimately safety, strength, and hope comes from nothing else other than God.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul reminds us that we live not just for ourselves, but for the entire body of believers. So, there may be something that does not bother us; that is not a problem for us, but if we do it, it may cause someone else to stumble. Paul tells us that in that case, we should refrain. We live not just for ourselves. We live as part of a body, which is the church. And we should live in a way that helps to build up each other, strengthen each other, and encourage each other.

We must listen to the spirit, and hear what He says. Remember, we live not just for ourselves, but for each other. May we live in a way that really does strengthen the body and that gives glory to God.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 7:13-21

Jesus tells us this morning that things are not always what they appear. The broad gate looks like the way that leads to life. It doesn't. False teachers look like they preach truth. The don't. So folks that say Lord, Lord, look faithful. They aren't.

Then, what are we to do? How are we to know? How do we know which way to go? Remember, we follow not paths or humans. We follow Jesus. Listen to Him, stay close to Him, fall in love with Him. And, when the time comes for choices, He will lead us where we need to be.