Monday, August 24, 2015

Devotion - Monday, August 24

Reading my Bible brings me the greatest of all joy.  It also lifts up the greatest of challenges.

Realizing the opportunity entrusted to me - to preach and to teach - I am very aware of how such an office could be misused.  So, in my prayers I continually ask that God would guard me from such temptation and tendencies.

I am a firm believer in GRACE.  I like to say that you either believe in GRACE or you don't.  If you are firmly convinced that GRACE is God's mindset, then everything changes.

You cannot exclude from God's family those who hold differing opinions.  It is GRACE, not right thoughts which bring us into God's household.

You cannot exclude from God's family those who worship differently.  It GRACE, not particular rituals which bring us into God's household.

But one of the scripture verses I need to remember and understand is Acts 20:30.  "Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them.  Therefore be alert..."

I struggle and I pray continually that God will help me to see His way.  I will not turn a blind eye to Acts 20:30 and I will not merely assume my words are true and faithful.  With one message I will preach the confidence of a GRACE-filled life; with another I will tell the discerning to always question and wonder.

The place I am honored to occupy allows me the opportunity to preach and to teach; it does not give me the right to spew forth my own ideas and opinions.  Test the words of these humble offerings.  Stand firm in your faith; but do not shun away from the questions or doubts for these will make your own proclamation of the Word more sound.

I remain, unquestionably, committed to GRACE.  If not for GRACE, I would be lost.  It is God's GRACE which holds me firm, when I preach or teach as well as when I wonder and question.

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