Galatians 6:1a - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. ....

I enjoy writing the Daily Devotions (DD).

By that I mean I appreciate the opportunity of reviewing the hundreds of news stories, the suggestions which come in from our readers, and the voluntary devotions which are occasionally submitted by some of the DD supporters who have a message they would like to convey.

There is a joy in watching what the Holy Spirit does with these short daily messages. While my writings are usually trying to make a point, He daily takes these ideas and transforms them into messages which are to His purpose and mission. There have been many times when I have been moved by the confessions, the inquiries, the responses, which have come in from those of you who have been touched by the Lord's power and grace.

Just as importantly, we are all thankful when you report how "This devotion had special meaning to my family, and I have forwarded it to my friends, who needed to hear about the Savior's love." We are impressed when we hear how a congregation puts them on its web page, or how it forwards them to college students and military personnel all around the world.

But ...

yes, you knew there would be a "but," didn't you? It's true. Those buts occur when I mess up.

The most recent mess-up came when I wrote about the theft of Judy Garland's ruby-red slippers from her museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids. While not exactly a sin, I was in error when I reported the museum was in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It isn't. It's in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Well, Garland's fans let me know. People in both Grand Rapids locations let me know. Those who had been visitors to the museum let me know, and lovers of The Wizard of Oz let me know.

So this devotion is my apology to them all (and there were a lot of them) ... but it is also a devotion. And that's why I want to say thank you!

The thanks is because all the many folks who called my attention to this error were kind, gentle, supportive, humorous, caring and understanding. In short, everybody acted like Christians are supposed to act when they find one of their own has made a mistake.

That's the way it's supposed to be.

That's the way it is done by people who appreciate that they themselves are sinners, who have been forgiven by the Savior. We are a family united by the blood of the Redeemer and we do our best to help each other live their Christian lives.

So to all you who have caught this error, and some of the others, God bless you. In Christ treat others with the same spirit of gentleness you have used for me.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for the brothers and sisters who, having been washed of their sins by the Savior's sacrifice, encourage the Christian life to those around them. In the Savior's Name I give thanks. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 4-6    1 Corinthians 7:1-19

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