WEDNESDAY, March 23

Romans 1:28—2:11. Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

“I believe in a loving, forgiving God. I try to live a good life. If occasionally I slip and do the wrong thing, God understands. God doesn’t expect me to be perfect.”

I’ve heard people say that, and it’s true, to a point. God is indeed loving and forgiving, and God does sympathize with our weakness (see Hebrews 4:14-16). But that doesn’t mean we can go blithely about our business as if all were well. All is not well, and God does expect us to be perfect. God’s kindness is meant to lead not to a self-satisfied complacency, but to repentance and a life of holiness.

Holiness is not something we achieve or arrive at, at least not in this life, but something we grow into. God knows we cannot live a life of holiness alone or unaided. That’s why God sent his Son into the world. Jesus Christ is the strength we need to do what we otherwise could not do, to be what we otherwise could not be. We live in Christ. Day by day, we become more like Christ and his holiness becomes our holiness. A careless acceptance of what we are now is not part of it.

PRAY for the Diocese of Montana (Province VI, USA)

Ps 72 * 119:73-96; Jeremiah 3:6-18; John 5:1-18

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
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Mar 23, 2011 at 9:16 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

I think the concept of the trinity can contribute to the way our minds tend to limit our concept of God. God created reality as we know it. The more I learn about the universe, the more I am in awe and wonder at the incomprehensible majesty of God. The three aspects of God, Father - Son - Holy Spirit, are taught to us, by God, to help us know what we cannot know.

God loves me. That is comforting; but, also frightening.

Complacency

Mar 23, 2011 at 9:55 am

Written by Mary Kier,

It is very easy for me to get complacent, espesioally when things are going smoothly. If I could only remember those are the times when I have to work harder at my prayer life. Inevitably something comes along and I am praying more than ever. during this Lenten season I hope to establish a routine that will stay with me throughput the year-- during both times of qiet and change.

...

Mar 23, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Written by Paulletta Garoutte-Aldridge,

It is overwhelming to think of God's kindness and compassion not just towards me but towards all humankind...I hope that I never grow complacent in my relationship with God. I work very hard to do God's will but I know that I often fall short and mess up...just because I am human does not excuse me from the responsibility of my actions....I am humbled by the fact that God forgives me and then allows me the opportunity to try again....this process by which we can achieve a closer relationship with God should never be taken for granted.

...

Mar 23, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Written by Lois B,

It is so difficult. I want to do the right things, it takes patience and change, and God having my back. Thank you Lord for loving me.

February's writer

Mar 23, 2011 at 5:48 pm

Written by JoAnna M,

I really enjoyed the writer for February. Coming from the South Pacific, he had a different outlook than most of the readers have and his writing really spoke to me. I hope that you will have him back again soon.

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