Tuesday Devotion - August 4
 
PERSONAL OR PRIVATE
 
Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
1 Peter 3:15 (Message Bible)
 
Recently I came across a story about an encounter between a minister and a C&E member of his church (you know what I'm talking about - the ones who only come to church at Christmas and Easter.)
 
The preacher was standing at the door after the service as he always did to shake hands. He grabbed this member by the hand and pulled him aside.
 
The Pastor said to him, "Friend, You need to join the Army of the Lord!"
 
The Member replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
 
The Pastor questioned, "Then how come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?"
 
He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."
 
Folks, we don't need any more members in the secret service. We need Christians who aren't ashamed or afraid to speak up and tell anyone who asks why they're living the way they are.
 
Think about it - we aren't hesitant to speak up about our favorite sports team, we are always ready and willing to brag on our children and grandchildren, and we don't hesitate to voice our political views...so, why do we find it so hard to talk about our God and about all that He has done for us. This is the only way we are going to make disciples. But, we need to be sure that the things we SAY are completely in line with the things we DO in our lives. And we must be gracious and kind. Our lives must reflect the love of the One we profess to love and serve.
 
So, while we all should have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father...We should never keep it private. Let's all "go and tell."
 
Let us pray: Dear God, we know how much we love You, help us to be willing to share that with others. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
 
                                                                    Pastor Ruth
 
820 Almshouse Road  Ivyland, PA 18974
215 357-6998   stjumc@aol.com