01.24.2025

-22°F S1mph SR0727 SS1703

Morning Offering given

Village still shivers with the cold, streets are quiet, nothing stirs unless it has to

Coffee warming

St Frances de Sales reminds us we are all blessed with certain gifts and responsibilities in serving our neighbors. May we choose to use them correctly.

Meditations for Each Day, pg. 32, Following Through… John 14:6, 8:12

Scripture Readings for Day 24
•Cultivating the Quiet Heart, 1Peter 3:13-15 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?14But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, 15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you fora reason for your hope,^f
•New Beginnings, 2 Peter 3:12-13 ^* waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,^k because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. 13But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth^* in which righteousness dwells.^l

The cold is slowly seeping into every crack and crevice. A while back, when the cold began, it was uncomfortable but livable. As the cold slowly moved downward, it became familiar and even accepted as the way things were going to be. Then it even fluctuated up and down until finally it once again began its descent. Only this time it has surrounded us. It encompasses everything. There is no getting away from it.

Sin is like that. It begins with discomfort, slowly winding into a habit, with us accepting it as the way things are. Here we sit in what was once freedom but is now bondage. Some knew all along where it was leading, but didn’t care. Others are truly surprised at where they have ended up, and some lead the way, as it was their intent for everyone from the beginning.

Don’t let this be you… “Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble, because he doesn’t want them turning to God. Sin is like a jail-cell except it is all nice and comfy, and there doesn’t ever seem to be any need to leave. The door is wide open, until one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly, it’s too late.” _{(Mia’s Mom in God is Not Dead)}

Know you are prayed for.