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Key Bible Verse: If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant Galatians 1:10. 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 strong-minded 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

My Response: How are my decisions affected by realizing that God is watching? … that His power is accessible?

Thought to Apply: I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.—G.K. CHESTERTON (English journalist and writer)

Adapted from The Grace Awakening (Word, 1990) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Work in my life, Lord, causing me to be motivated by eternally significant goals.

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