Revelation 1:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

I believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning works of the Cross, death and resurrection. I believe that I will not be allowed to be compromised on this issue.

I believe His Word is true. I believe I will not be compromised on this issue.

Then why have I not read aloud the words of this prophecy? Do I believe that only preachers have the right to read these words aloud? No. So why have I not read the words out loud to receive the blessing?

This will always be an issue within our ministries. Why do we hold to certain practices and ignore others? It is not ignorance, we know His word. We even believe this to be true and yet leave some things undone.

I will make no excuses for the things I have left undone.

Romans 14:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Approving of a thing that is left undone might fit into His Word here. I should not take it upon myself to do a thing simply to avoid self-judgment. Judging ourselves is not the same thing as being commanded by the Lord. How many things do we practice in the name of faith that are nothing more than self-condemnation?

A wise elder once told me, “If you don’t feel like doing it, don’t.” It was an object lesson about motivations of the heart.

To be continued tomorrow.