"Today's Devotion": (08/20/03) Always Ready

Read: Colossians 4:2-6 Psalm 96

ALWAYS READY by Rev. Richard Boeck

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."(I Pet.3:15)

A while back I mentioned that as I cool off from my workout, I greet people coming into or leaving the health club and try to get them to smile. Yesterday, when I did that a man stopped, looked at me, and remarked at how much I was sweating. He then proceeded to tell me how little he perspires, even when he works out. One thing led to another, and before I knew it he was sitting down and pouring out his heart to me.

This man has been feeling sorry for himself. His second marriage is ending in divorce just as the first one did. From his account, it's happening for the very same reason that the first one did. According to him his wife is leaving him because he cares only about himself and is terribly self- centered. He appears to be terribly narcissistic and in need of both pastoral and psychological counseling. He is aware that he's sinning but seems unable to stop his self-destructive behavior. As he's a Roman Catholic Christian I recommended he call the archdiocese and seek information concerning pastoral counselors he might see. And I also recommended some professionals in this field that I know.

It's so important for us to realize that, from time-to-time, God sends people into our day so that we can share His love in Jesus Christ with them. St. Peter encourages us to always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us. We have God's promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say and the wisdom to say them. He promises that He'll give us the courage to be bold in our witness for Christ. And, most of all, He provides us the opportunities needed to share His grace, mercy, and love with others. I'm not able to help this man with pastoral counseling. I suspect I'd probably refer him to a Christian Psychologist for further counseling. But I can offer him the Word of God, the Gospel of salvation in Christ alone. It's just a question of being "Always Ready" to give an account of the "hope that is in" us, and be a blessing to others for Jesus.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have brought me into the household of faith, founded on the Gospel of Christ. I thank You also, for the opportunity to share Your love in unexpected ways, with unexpected people, and in unexpected places. Keep my heart, mind, and spirit always prepared to "give an account of the hope that is in me." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

--Pastor Boeck Copyright @2003. All rights reserved.

************************************* Pastor Richard Boeck is writer and publisher of “Today’s Devotion,” a brief, daily devotion that brings the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ to bear on the events of the day and people’s lives. If you wish to receive a free subscription please send an email to: . Please put “Send me‘Today’s Devotion’” in the subject box. Please also include your first and last names in the body. You may also address any questions to the same address. ************************************