Preaching Daily - January 13

 

Today's Word for Pastors...

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Today's Preaching Insight...

Footsteps in the Garden: Guilt and Grace

Does anyone ever say, "I did it because I wanted to. I chose to do it. I wish I had never been caught." Does anyone say, without being forced, "Now I see how I hurt others. I am ashamed." How refreshing this would sound.

There is something deeper here. Why the inability and unwillingness to confess and repent?  When do we feel the guilt and shame most deeply? It's the moment we confront the person offended or when the person confronts us. Behind the initial guilt, is the shadow of someone we have betrayed. Sin is always a personal matter, even if the person betrayed, is ourselves. That's why people hide their faces from the T.V. Cameras. They are hiding from the one betrayed, the face they do not want to see. A mother, a father, a friend, a teacher, a public, God.

It's the pain we want to run from. It is the judgment we feel we deserve but which we cannot bear. So, when the confrontation finally happens, the first response is denial.

(To read more of this article, click here to visit the official website.)

Today's Extra...

Encouragement

Joel Manby is the CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, a company that operates theme parks, aquariums and other family attractions. Manby was featured in the TV hit, "Undercover Boss." In the show, he mentioned that he took a job with Herchend because of their Christian values. While working undercover, Joel discovered what most of the bosses discover. Their employees work hard, have overcome many challenges and have good ideas. At the end of the show, when the workers find out they're working with the boss, Manby seemed genuinely touched when people wept at the words, "Well done," from him. In a later interview, Joel said he has come to the conclusion that CEO ought to stand for Chief Encouragement Officer.

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