August 6, 2024 — suggested reading: Romans 1:18 – 32

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.” Romans 1:19-23

Max Lucado is a pastor, an author and a speaker. He is actually a prolific author, writing a lot of different kinds of devotional books. He was once named the “Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest magazine. I have included a quote from one of his devotional:

Max Lucado: “God does not save us because of what we’ve done. Only a puny god could be bought with tithes. Only an egotistical god would be impressed with our pain. Only a temperamental god could be satisfied by sacrifices. Only a heartless god would sell salvation to the highest bidder. And only a great God does for his children what they can’t do for themselves. God’s delight is received upon surrender, not awarded upon conquest. The first step to joy is a plea for help, an acknowledgment of moral destitution, an admission of inward paucity. Those who taste God’s presence have declared spiritual bankruptcy and are aware of their spiritual crises…Their pockets are empty. Their options are gone. They have long since stopped demanding justice; they are pleading for mercy.”

Do you feel as if all your options are gone — financial options — relationship options — options for work or rest? G-d will provide, as G-d sees fit, and as G-d determines is the right time, place, and way. Just remember G-d does not always work as we expect – but we expect that G-d works for our sakes.

Pastor Dave