June 4: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   June 4, 2025

Living with Gratitude: Thankfulness opens our hearts to experience God’s goodness.

Wednesday Verse

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I cultivate more gratitude in my daily life by focusing on giving thanks to God in all I do and say, as a reflection of His goodness and grace?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Our reading this week is a fascinating episode in Jesus’ life. His enemies have orchestrated what they believe is the perfect political set-up where no matter what Jesus does, He will ruin His reputation and public standing. Using a woman who has been caught in adultery as their prop, they spring a public trap. As Kim wrote on Monday, Jesus turns the tables on His enemies and brings the spotlight to their hypocrisy. Rather than bask in a “mic drop” moment, Jesus turns His compassionate attention to the publicly humiliated woman. He doesn’t minimize her sinful action or condemn her. Instead, He offers her grace and a path forward. Wow! I wonder what would happen if this were the framework we operated from in our country today?

I have read daily from a classic book by Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, for several years. The reading for June 1 includes this,

“If the Spirit of God has ever given you a vision of what you are apart from the grace of God (and He will only do this when His Spirit is at work in you), then you know that in reality there is no criminal half as bad as you yourself could be without His grace…God’s Spirit continually reveals to His children what human nature is like apart from His grace.”

Jesus’ encounter with this woman doesn’t endorse ignoring laws or consequences, but it does underscore the need for humility and grace in all our interactions with others. This is the only posture that allows us to see and discern clearly. When we lack humility, we can quickly slide into condemnation of others with no remorse. People become targets, obstacles, and props for our own agendas. With genuine humility, we recognize how similar we are to others and that we are capable of any sin under the sun. Micah 6:8 underscores this and should be constantly on our minds and hearts,

“O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org