| What do people regret more, a bad decision made (action) or a missed opportunity (inaction)? There have been numerous studies on this question stating most people regret opportunities missed rather than mistakes made. In addition, “time” plays a factor in what we regret. In the short term, a bad decision (action) is regretted more than a missed opportunity (inaction); however, over longer periods of time, say years, people regret more the missed opportunities. Abraham had his share of bad decisions, but he didn’t miss opportunities. When God called him to follow, he followed. He acted in faith, and it was counted as righteousness. It was not Abraham’s perfect actions that denoted righteousness. It was his faith to follow when given an opportunity. Many consider holiness the absence of sin. If I don’t do bad actions, then I will be holy. There is some evidence of this in scripture. But at the same time, there are people who are considered holy and yet they sin. Perhaps holiness has more to do with us walking in faith and not missing the opportunities to follow. God wants us to follow, to trust, in Him in all things. Does this mean we will get it right every single time—I hope so—but most likely not. The key is to not miss the opportunities that God places in front of us beckoning us to follow. This is what we don’t want to miss; therefore, look for those God-given opportunities to follow.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Matthew 28 *Tuesday – 1Thessalonians 1 *Wednesday – 1Thessalonians 2 *Thursday – 1Thessalonians 3 *Friday – 1Thessalonians 4 Things to Pray About: -The violence and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world. -Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |