Devotional thoughts that seem so appropriate for the day:

From my devotions this morning:

 ⁹ But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. ¹⁰ I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (TEV)

” The apostle has no aim other than letting God work, making himself available”
” The first Twelve, too, were foreigners in the lands where they taught the Gospel. They came up against people who were building the world on foundations diametrically opposed to Christ’s doctrine. Look: despite these adverse circumstances, they knew that they had been entrusted with the divine message of the Redemption. And so the Apostle cries, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1)

Isn’t it amazing when God provides what we need, when we need it….. AND we realize it is there?

We often, perhaps far to often, reduce the word apostle to the original 12, pretty important guys in our lives – they first received the message and then were sent to pass it on.  Apostles with a capital “A”.  But each of us as well are sent – for instance, this mission trip I am on – I am sent by Concordia Lutheran Church of Cerritos, Ca.  ANd I am being asked to come – much as Paul was onced asked to come help.

It can’t be because I am a great preacher, or that, as the cliche says, “God equips the called” for that leaves the emphasis on me.  And whether y’all believe it or not – I am neither that strong, nor that well equipped.  I know this – and yet… I also know that such weakness will cause me to depend on God’s grace.  on the work of the Holy Spirit – for it is not my reason or strength that points people to Christ – it is His drawing them to Himself.

That is why I like the words of St. Josemaria Escriva – a writer/priest/that I have been  going through for the last 8 months or so.  Just so happens those were the two little statements in th Forge that I read this morning.  I know that any opposition to the gospel, like back in the USA – is purely individual – it is the nature of sin that would cause us to believe we do not need God, that we do not have to depend on Him, that we are strong enough, on our own.  We fight God too far often – wanting to change places with Him, to be in charge – to have our will be done.

How much different the day is…when instead we simply look for His work, to let His will – His desire for a relationship with us be made none, and His work in making it possible – cleansing and healing us, and causing us to trust in Him… for such is His will.

Today, may we all see such, may we all realize that in our weakness – we see His glory, His work, His love… and may that touch people’s lives who presently struggle with it…

Lord Have mercy…

(1) Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 2454-2460). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.(