September 29

Today's Reading

If Isaiah 58 is any indication, God has a particular disdain for the times we act religious without repentant hearts. O God, be merciful to me for the times I have spoken prayers with my lips while my heart was far from you. Forgive me for the times I enjoyed looking pious, but my life was totally self-centered. Forgive me for the times I have played the role of publicly following you while privately I ran the other way.

Someone wrote a commentary on Philippians a number of years ago and called it "God's Book For The Joyful Look." Paul even found joy in the fact that some people preached with wrong motives, but the Gospel changed lives anyway. I struggle sometimes when I see the outward success of those who seem to use their preaching as a way to build a personal kingdom. I need to have the same attitude as the apostle.

Psalms. "15 I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
though I am not skilled with words." I have found that it's easy to make this promise and often not so easy to follow through with it. I am growing in this area. When shared in love, the Gospel gains reception among many unbelievers.

Proverbs. "10 If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small." Ouch! Maybe it's because I don't rely on God's strength during those times!

What strengthens you today as you read the Word?