Be Devoted

Good Morning, and T.G.I.F. (Thank God I'm Forgiven)!!! I wish I could be the poster child for "right" living,...that many may think,...but I struggle a lot, just ask my wife. My father use to tell me; "don't do as I do,...do as I say". Only now, do I know what he meant,...now that I'm a parent and grand-parent. Knowing right and doing right are not always the same thing.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.—Romans 12:10-13 (NIV)

We all want to do right, but because of our human nature, we fall short,...a lot. People are always watching us, even if we don't realize it,...especially those closest to us. And often, after the fact, I see how my actions did not point anyone to Christ. The Lord knows that without Him, without the power of His Holy Spirit,...we just cannot do this with consistency. And so we can take comfort in reading Philippians 2:1-2, below.

"Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words."
(Saint Francis of Assisi)

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2)

"No matter how difficult of a time you may be going through, you always have a long list of blessings for which you can thank God."

(STAND FIRM, Lifeway Publications, November 25, p. 34)