Before you head off into your weekend, here are three things that I have read and been thinking about. Hope they are as helpful and challenging for you as they have been for me.
Have a great weekend!
1
Those who yield to their sensual nature dishonor their conscience and forfeit God’s grace. – Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Grace
If we eradicated one vice per year we should soon become perfect. – Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Grace
When you give in to your selfish desires you walk away from God’s grace. Therefore, pull up and cut off anything that seeks to entangle you in earthly desires of the flesh. I know full well this is easier to write in a blogpost than do in real life. Daily striving to clear your conscience is a great way to begin. Here is one prayer of examen for your consideration.
What did I do today that demands my attention; that needs my confession; and that deserves to be dealt with and not ignored?
2
Love to be unknown and esteemed for nothing. – Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Grace
True humility seeks anonymity. Bright lights and back pats can be poison for preachers. I struggle with my own sanctification in the face of my calling. But I firmly believe that Jesus doesn’t call us to something without giving us the strength to navigate it without losing our faith.
If there is one prayer I could ask for all of us who preach it would be that our hearts be protected from both praise and criticism: neither puffed up or torn down. And that our desire would to be unknown and esteemed for nothing even if, because of our calling, that will be unlikely.
3
I am not interested in knowing if I was right in the past. I am only interested if I am right in the present. – Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase Bank
What little I know of Mr. Dimon is that he doesn’t let yesterdays success or failure get in the way of today’s decision. Growth happens as we learn from our past decisions without being consumed by them. I rarely get consumed by the past positive decisions but often I do by the negative ones. The present is the only raw material God has to work with in order to shape the future. When we don’t live in the present we squander a precious resource. Note to self….
todd nelson 
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