Oct 26, 2012 Friday: 29th Week in Ordinary B
How good are you at reading warning signs? Jesus
expects his disciples to accurately read the signs of the times!
Farmers and seafarers know the importance of spotting weather conditions
for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help
of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as
tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earth quakes, and erupting
volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster
hits. Our need for accurately discerning spiritual danger is even more
necessary if we want to avoid a spiritual crisis or a moral disaster. Jesus
used a vivid illustration to point out the urgency of getting right with
God before it is too late. If you got into serious trouble with your neighbor
and did something that could get you severely penalized (like being thrown
into jail and loosing everything you owned), would you not try to settle
the case out-of-court to avoid the worst consequences?
None of us has the power and strength of will for overcoming sin and
evil on our own. We stand in constant need of God's grace, help, strength,
and protection. That is why scripture uses vivid language to describe God
as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty defense. We are also vulnerable
to Satan's lies and deceptions as well as our own spiritual blindspots
for recognizing sin and moral weakness in our own lives. That is why we
need God's help and discernment for distinguishing between truth and error,
right and wrong, good and evil. Fortunately the Lord Jesus, who is a just
judge, is also a merciful advocate who pleads for us at the right hand
of the Father in heaven. The light of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our
hearts and his grace frees us from the tyranny of sinful habits, hurtful
desires, and harmful addictions. God's call is urgent and his grace is
available for total freedom and transformation in Christ. If we want to
turn away from sin the Lord is ready to give us the grace and help we need
to choose for his way of love and holiness. Are you ready for his saving
grace and healing action in your life?
"Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me for all that
would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may discern
what is right and have the courage to choose what is good and pleasing
to you."
-Don Schewager, www.dailyscrpture.net
expects his disciples to accurately read the signs of the times!
Farmers and seafarers know the importance of spotting weather conditions
for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help
of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as
tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earth quakes, and erupting
volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster
hits. Our need for accurately discerning spiritual danger is even more
necessary if we want to avoid a spiritual crisis or a moral disaster. Jesus
used a vivid illustration to point out the urgency of getting right with
God before it is too late. If you got into serious trouble with your neighbor
and did something that could get you severely penalized (like being thrown
into jail and loosing everything you owned), would you not try to settle
the case out-of-court to avoid the worst consequences?
None of us has the power and strength of will for overcoming sin and
evil on our own. We stand in constant need of God's grace, help, strength,
and protection. That is why scripture uses vivid language to describe God
as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty defense. We are also vulnerable
to Satan's lies and deceptions as well as our own spiritual blindspots
for recognizing sin and moral weakness in our own lives. That is why we
need God's help and discernment for distinguishing between truth and error,
right and wrong, good and evil. Fortunately the Lord Jesus, who is a just
judge, is also a merciful advocate who pleads for us at the right hand
of the Father in heaven. The light of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our
hearts and his grace frees us from the tyranny of sinful habits, hurtful
desires, and harmful addictions. God's call is urgent and his grace is
available for total freedom and transformation in Christ. If we want to
turn away from sin the Lord is ready to give us the grace and help we need
to choose for his way of love and holiness. Are you ready for his saving
grace and healing action in your life?
"Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me for all that
would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may discern
what is right and have the courage to choose what is good and pleasing
to you."
-Don Schewager, www.dailyscrpture.net
