Bible Readings: Jude 1:20-24; Psalm 25:8-11 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. 10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. 11 For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:8-11 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Doxology24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 1:20-24 Walking with and leading a young child can be quite an adventure sometimes – greatly influenced by their mood! At times the child is happy to go with you, holding your hand in trust, and looking forward to where you will be going together. Because they are still growing and gaining strength and coordination, they may often misstep and their legs give way. However, because they allowed you to hold tightly to their hand, their mis-step does not cause them to fall, but rather they can get their legs back under themselves, with your help, and keep going forward without missing a beat. But there are other times that a young child refuses to hold your hand or walk with you because they want something different than what you want for them. They can become like Jello – difficult to carry, and when you try to stand them up walk them along, they seem very content to simply fall to the ground. Am I like a toddler sometimes? Do I do things my own way, letting myself fall, just so I can get what I want? Our scripture readings today describe the Lord as good and upright (Psalm 25:8), one who is completely “able…to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 1:24). He wants to lead us in his ways which are loving and faithful (Psalm 25:10) but it is the “humble” that the Lord is able to guide – those who willing take his hand in complete trust and obedience. In this we grow (Jude 1:20) as we keep ourselves in God’s love. In fact, we are also able to help others along in the Lord’s way - through mercy we “snatch” them from falling - while we hold tight to the Lord. What a way to wake up in the morning…looking forward to where the Lord will lead me today! It will be an adventure, but if I hold on, I know that he will never let me fall! Heavenly Father, help me to trust in you. Teach me a humble heart. Protect me and lead me in your love and faithfulness. Help me to show mercy to others just as I received mercy through Christ, so that they too may discover Jesus and the journey of grace which will lead them into your good presence with joy!Amen.