Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

In a devotional by Nicky Gumbel, an English Anglican priest and author and also the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity, I read this from a series of John Newton quotes.

“I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I wish to be.
I am not what I one day will be.
But, by the grace of GOD, I am not what I once was.”

With Thanksgiving Day nearby, I have been pondering how far GOD’s love has brought me from where I once was. How the Lord met me in the time of my greatest need, revealed Himself to me in a way that was tangible to me, heard my plea for His supernatural help and began the process of leading me out of darkness and into His light.

In Hosea 7:7 GOD expresses His complaint that His people will not call on Him. Rather, they prefer to do their own will, in their own way, in their own time. Without repentance GOD will say, “So be it!” He will not force us to join Him in the light and life He desires for us. If we choose to stay in the shadows and darkness, GOD will respect our choices (Revelation 22:10-12). We can only escape the darkness by being in right relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:12; 14:6).

Be thankful! Our Lord allows us to participate with Him along the way as He leads us from darkness into ever increasing light. What a joyful adventure this journey is. The fellowship along the way is pretty impressive as well.

I’m praying a truly joyful Thanksgiving holiday for you and yours. May our Lord’s light fill your path along the way.
Pastor Bill