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Men of Integrity, Jan/Feb 2001
Swing Vote
This Week's Theme: Motivation—2 Corinthians 1-5
Tuesday, January 30
Key Bible Verse: If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10b).
Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6
I was a relatively young pastor when a volatile issue arose with the potential of splitting the church. Our strongminded elders were equally divided. My vote would break the tie. The climactic board meeting was set for a Thursday evening.
I told Cynthia I had to be alone overnight to think everything through. I got into my Volkswagen early Wednesday morning, turned onto the highway, and rested my New Testament on the steering wheel as I drove along. I opened to Galatians and began reading, glancing up onto the road then back down at my Bible. Suddenly [today's Key Bible Verse] leaped off the page like a tiger with sharp claws. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine and read the words aloud again and again.
I not only had my answer, I'd stumbled upon a life-changing principle. Confidence replaced fear and now my only goal was to please God. I did a U-turn and returned home. The following night I openly declared my conviction, which displeased some of the elders but resulted in what proved to be the best decision. A few left the church—yet for the first time in my ministry I experienced a surge of freedom.
—Charles R. Swindoll in The Grace Awakening
Respond:
Seek truth from the source. Let Scripture fill you with the very mind and words of God.
Thought to Apply:
I believe in getting into hot water, it keeps you clean.
—G. K. Chesterton (English journalist and writer, early 20th century)
Adapted from The Grace Awakening (Word, 1990).
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Prayer for the Week |
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Oh, God, show me your thoughts and your ways. Lead me into your goodness and mercy.
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