"Now take an example from the fig-tree: when her branch has become soft and puts out its leaves, you are certain that the summer is near." - Matthew 24:32
This morning, I had been barking out directions and frantically fixing breakfast and lunch at the same time (trying not to confuse the two!), doing my best to get everyone ready for school. Meanwhile, I was still in my sleep clothes when I noticed that we only had about two minutes left till time for us to go. Then Joshua knocked over his cup of milk all over the counter and I had to stop and clean that up, at which point I yelled: “Joshua!” His reply to me? “Daddy, I think you need a nap”. Well, what could I say? I agreed with him and then proceeded to clean up the mess… grumbling to myself the whole time!
How do you know if you are on time or running late? Look at the clock. How do you when summer is near (and I bet some of you wish it was, don’t you)? According to Scripture, you can look to the fig-tree. And how do you know when you’re not getting enough sleep? When your kid tells you that you need a nap!
Sometimes, we need those who truly love us to tell us the truth… even if it doesn’t always feel good at the time. Joshua was right. I was being unnecessarily cranky and fussy. I was setting a bad example for my kids… and they knew it… and he called me on it. And ultimately, I was grateful that he did. I changed my attitude then and there, and we had a better morning… all because my five year old spoke the truth in love.
Daniel
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
#316.1 – “Flat of My Back”
"For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities and powers, against the world-rulers of this dark night, against the spirits of evil in the heavens." - Ephesians 6:12
I spent the majority of last week in the bed… resting and trying to recuperate from a sinus infection. The sickness didn’t show any major symptoms – just a little bit of coughing, a sore throat, and a headache – but it sure made me feel terrible (and I mean terrible). Come Friday, I felt like a truck had run over me. I had no energy. I would lie down because I didn’t feel like getting up to do anything… but I couldn’t nap either, because all I had been doing for the two days prior was resting! I was whipped, and bad!
When you’re accustomed to going and going… and doing and doing… and then you get knocked flat of your back, it really takes a mental adjustment to allow yourself to rest. I wanted to get up and come to work, but I kept feeling so awful, I knew I couldn’t make it. I would try to do a little bit around the house (to help Sarah out), but could not last long before having to go back to bed. I was in a war with a bug… and it was winning!
Spiritual warfare is much like physical sickness: it comes on suddenly… almost out of nowhere; it attacks with a fierce aggression; and it hangs on for dear life, trying to drain every ounce of strength we have. Also much like the physical battles of life, the spiritual fight requires rest and extra help. I went to the doctor and got an antibiotic prescribed, because my body alone was not handling the bug like it should. I also rested… a LOT! These two factors are the primary reason why I feel so much better now. In the same way, we must rely on our Great Physician – Jesus – to help us in our spiritual battles, and we need to rest in Him and rely on His strength.
Daniel
I spent the majority of last week in the bed… resting and trying to recuperate from a sinus infection. The sickness didn’t show any major symptoms – just a little bit of coughing, a sore throat, and a headache – but it sure made me feel terrible (and I mean terrible). Come Friday, I felt like a truck had run over me. I had no energy. I would lie down because I didn’t feel like getting up to do anything… but I couldn’t nap either, because all I had been doing for the two days prior was resting! I was whipped, and bad!
When you’re accustomed to going and going… and doing and doing… and then you get knocked flat of your back, it really takes a mental adjustment to allow yourself to rest. I wanted to get up and come to work, but I kept feeling so awful, I knew I couldn’t make it. I would try to do a little bit around the house (to help Sarah out), but could not last long before having to go back to bed. I was in a war with a bug… and it was winning!
Spiritual warfare is much like physical sickness: it comes on suddenly… almost out of nowhere; it attacks with a fierce aggression; and it hangs on for dear life, trying to drain every ounce of strength we have. Also much like the physical battles of life, the spiritual fight requires rest and extra help. I went to the doctor and got an antibiotic prescribed, because my body alone was not handling the bug like it should. I also rested… a LOT! These two factors are the primary reason why I feel so much better now. In the same way, we must rely on our Great Physician – Jesus – to help us in our spiritual battles, and we need to rest in Him and rely on His strength.
Daniel
Monday, September 20, 2010
#315.1 – “Life Without Momma”
"To the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory." - 1 Thessalonians 2:12
All of you have probably heard the saying ‘When momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Well, I have a new one twist on that for you: “When momma ain’t home, ain’t nothin’ right.” When Sarah left this past week for the beach, the house was in order… clothes were all clean… the kids’ homework was checked… the beds were all made… and the whole outfit was a real bobby-dazzler! But by the time she got back, the state of the union was quite different. Nobody’s bed was made… the laundry was not all done… homework had not been checked over the weekend… some homework had not been done over the weekend… and the house was generally in need of a good going over.
It reminded me of an old Andy Griffith episode where Aunt Bea left home for a few days and the whole place fell apart. Then, right before she was to return, Andy and Opie killed themselves trying to get things back in order… and they did. Then, they got to thinking about how it would make Aunt Bea feel if things were perfect without her… so they messed it all back up again.
Well, that’s my excuse and I’m stickin’ with it: we just didn’t want momma to feel unwanted or not needed!
You know everyone wants to feel wanted and needed and appreciated and loved. The great thing with God and His Kingdom is that we really are! Can you imagine that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – infinite in power… able to do anything, without any help from anyone at all – would actually want our help? He really wants us and He really loves us and He really appreciates us. How much that should compel us to want to give our very best all of the time to Him and towards service in His Kingdom! What an amazing privilege we have – to be called sons and daughters of God… to serve alongside Him in His work… to actually help God! May we rejoice in the opportunities granted to us this week and may we serve wholeheartedly!
Daniel
All of you have probably heard the saying ‘When momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Well, I have a new one twist on that for you: “When momma ain’t home, ain’t nothin’ right.” When Sarah left this past week for the beach, the house was in order… clothes were all clean… the kids’ homework was checked… the beds were all made… and the whole outfit was a real bobby-dazzler! But by the time she got back, the state of the union was quite different. Nobody’s bed was made… the laundry was not all done… homework had not been checked over the weekend… some homework had not been done over the weekend… and the house was generally in need of a good going over.
It reminded me of an old Andy Griffith episode where Aunt Bea left home for a few days and the whole place fell apart. Then, right before she was to return, Andy and Opie killed themselves trying to get things back in order… and they did. Then, they got to thinking about how it would make Aunt Bea feel if things were perfect without her… so they messed it all back up again.
Well, that’s my excuse and I’m stickin’ with it: we just didn’t want momma to feel unwanted or not needed!
You know everyone wants to feel wanted and needed and appreciated and loved. The great thing with God and His Kingdom is that we really are! Can you imagine that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – infinite in power… able to do anything, without any help from anyone at all – would actually want our help? He really wants us and He really loves us and He really appreciates us. How much that should compel us to want to give our very best all of the time to Him and towards service in His Kingdom! What an amazing privilege we have – to be called sons and daughters of God… to serve alongside Him in His work… to actually help God! May we rejoice in the opportunities granted to us this week and may we serve wholeheartedly!
Daniel
Friday, September 17, 2010
#314.3 – “Daddy the Big-Eyed Drooler”
"To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin." - James 4:17
In addition to being a helper, Ruthie is also a conscientious shopper. She helped me make sure we got everything on our list, but she also was cautious about looking at prices and sizes and options.
In spite of her good sense of judgment and restraint, we still managed to spend one and a half times the amount of money we usually spend (that’s because I was hungry when we went… bad news)! The lesson here is not a new one, but rather one I have known for a long time, but simply chose to disregard: eat before you go grocery shopping.
Have you ever known to do something and chosen not to do it? If you’re breathing and you’re old enough, you have. The Bible calls that sin. My sin at that time was gluttony; my eyes were almost bigger than our bank account. I told you that Ruthie helped make sure that we got everything on our list. That was true. However, I was responsible for making sure we got plenty of things that were NOT on the list! I was throwing so much stuff in that basket, I thought for a minute there that we were going to have to go get another one! I knew I didn’t need it, but I’d chunk it in there anyway!
Jesus redeems the sins of those who call on Him for forgiveness. He never fails to forgive when asked. He restores the one who has chosen to do wrong, but has since repented. His love is perfect – without bias or flaw.
Thank Him today for being so willing to forgive.
Daniel
p.s. and eat before you go grocery shopping!
In addition to being a helper, Ruthie is also a conscientious shopper. She helped me make sure we got everything on our list, but she also was cautious about looking at prices and sizes and options.
In spite of her good sense of judgment and restraint, we still managed to spend one and a half times the amount of money we usually spend (that’s because I was hungry when we went… bad news)! The lesson here is not a new one, but rather one I have known for a long time, but simply chose to disregard: eat before you go grocery shopping.
Have you ever known to do something and chosen not to do it? If you’re breathing and you’re old enough, you have. The Bible calls that sin. My sin at that time was gluttony; my eyes were almost bigger than our bank account. I told you that Ruthie helped make sure that we got everything on our list. That was true. However, I was responsible for making sure we got plenty of things that were NOT on the list! I was throwing so much stuff in that basket, I thought for a minute there that we were going to have to go get another one! I knew I didn’t need it, but I’d chunk it in there anyway!
Jesus redeems the sins of those who call on Him for forgiveness. He never fails to forgive when asked. He restores the one who has chosen to do wrong, but has since repented. His love is perfect – without bias or flaw.
Thank Him today for being so willing to forgive.
Daniel
p.s. and eat before you go grocery shopping!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
#314.2 – “Ruthie the Grocery Shopper”
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them..." - Romans 12:6
Ruthie is a helper. She loves to help most anyone do pretty much anything. She especially likes to help one of us do something when it can just be her helping.
Such was the case the other day. I wanted someone to go do grocery shopping with me. Ruthie was the lone volunteer, which was great. It gave us a chance to be together for a while, which we don’t get to do very much.
Ruthie is actually quite happy and content to help someone else complete a task they have. She enjoys being in that role. Though she may not be aware of it, she has discovered at least one of her spiritual gifts, and she loves exercising that gift of helps.
We are all like Ruthie in the sense that we who are Christians are our happiest when we discover how and when and where God can use us to help carry out His work. When we exercise our spiritual gifts in the manner and the means God intends, we find a joy incapable of being matched elsewhere.
Ruthie is a helper. It’s who she is. And because it is who she is, she loves being and doing it. May I love God by joyfully serving Him in the manner and with the gifts He has given me.
Daniel
Ruthie is a helper. She loves to help most anyone do pretty much anything. She especially likes to help one of us do something when it can just be her helping.
Such was the case the other day. I wanted someone to go do grocery shopping with me. Ruthie was the lone volunteer, which was great. It gave us a chance to be together for a while, which we don’t get to do very much.
Ruthie is actually quite happy and content to help someone else complete a task they have. She enjoys being in that role. Though she may not be aware of it, she has discovered at least one of her spiritual gifts, and she loves exercising that gift of helps.
We are all like Ruthie in the sense that we who are Christians are our happiest when we discover how and when and where God can use us to help carry out His work. When we exercise our spiritual gifts in the manner and the means God intends, we find a joy incapable of being matched elsewhere.
Ruthie is a helper. It’s who she is. And because it is who she is, she loves being and doing it. May I love God by joyfully serving Him in the manner and with the gifts He has given me.
Daniel
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
#314.1 – “Grant and His New Bat”
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8
Grant is playing fall baseball this year. One of the things we needed to do for him to get him started was buy him a new bat. So we loaded up the truck and moved to Hibbett’s… Sporting Goods, that is. Sarah and I helped him pick one out – I recognized one that several of his teammates had and suggested it, and she looked at the chart on the wall to make sure we were getting him the right size for his age, weight, etc. He liked it and we took it to practice with us that evening. After struggling to hit the ball with his old tee ball bat a few practices, he seemed to quickly adjust to this new bat. Whether it was just a matter of him getting used to the speed of the machine pitching, or listening to the coach’s instructions on how to swing, or the help of a new bat, or all the above, I don’t know… but he immediately started improving. We watched him hit the ball the past couple of nights at games. He is having fun and learning, which is all we could ask.
It is so satisfying to see your child ‘get’ something, whether it be how to solve a math problem, or the fingering for a new note on the flute, or the proper technique for swinging a bat… it is just nice to watch them learn.
I wonder how frustrating it must be for God to watch me not ‘get’ grace. There are times when I still try to do things in my own power and strength rather than rely upon His grace. I act within the parameters of what I know I can do, instead of letting God do what only He can. I trust myself rather than God.
Lord, help me to not look at things from my perspective, but to trust what You see and say… and to rely upon Your power and wisdom and might… and to trust You with my life.
Daniel
Grant is playing fall baseball this year. One of the things we needed to do for him to get him started was buy him a new bat. So we loaded up the truck and moved to Hibbett’s… Sporting Goods, that is. Sarah and I helped him pick one out – I recognized one that several of his teammates had and suggested it, and she looked at the chart on the wall to make sure we were getting him the right size for his age, weight, etc. He liked it and we took it to practice with us that evening. After struggling to hit the ball with his old tee ball bat a few practices, he seemed to quickly adjust to this new bat. Whether it was just a matter of him getting used to the speed of the machine pitching, or listening to the coach’s instructions on how to swing, or the help of a new bat, or all the above, I don’t know… but he immediately started improving. We watched him hit the ball the past couple of nights at games. He is having fun and learning, which is all we could ask.
It is so satisfying to see your child ‘get’ something, whether it be how to solve a math problem, or the fingering for a new note on the flute, or the proper technique for swinging a bat… it is just nice to watch them learn.
I wonder how frustrating it must be for God to watch me not ‘get’ grace. There are times when I still try to do things in my own power and strength rather than rely upon His grace. I act within the parameters of what I know I can do, instead of letting God do what only He can. I trust myself rather than God.
Lord, help me to not look at things from my perspective, but to trust what You see and say… and to rely upon Your power and wisdom and might… and to trust You with my life.
Daniel
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
#313.2 – “Laughing at Self”
"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John 3:30
This past weekend, Anna was in the kitchen with me while I was preparing supper. I cannot remember what her words were, but she said something that was funny… and she got tickled at herself… which got me tickled… and we laughed out loud for the longest time. And I thought to myself then that she is most beautiful when she is laughing… really laughing… to the point that she isn’t concerned with what others are thinking of her.
I suppose that is true of most Christians: that we are the most beautiful reflections of Christ when we get into a position where we don’t think of ourselves… where we only let Christ in all of His beauty shine through us… where we let go of self and embrace Him and all that He is… and simply reflect His love and joy in our words and actions.
Lord, help me be less, that You may shine more through my life today.
Daniel
This past weekend, Anna was in the kitchen with me while I was preparing supper. I cannot remember what her words were, but she said something that was funny… and she got tickled at herself… which got me tickled… and we laughed out loud for the longest time. And I thought to myself then that she is most beautiful when she is laughing… really laughing… to the point that she isn’t concerned with what others are thinking of her.
I suppose that is true of most Christians: that we are the most beautiful reflections of Christ when we get into a position where we don’t think of ourselves… where we only let Christ in all of His beauty shine through us… where we let go of self and embrace Him and all that He is… and simply reflect His love and joy in our words and actions.
Lord, help me be less, that You may shine more through my life today.
Daniel
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
#313.1 – “Be Proactive”
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27
One day last week, in the rush of the morning – trying to get kids not only fed that morning, but have their lunch ready too – I had spent too much time on breakfast and not enough on lunch. We only had a few minutes left until it was time for us to leave, and nobody’s lunch was ready! I realized my flaw and was sharing my mistake out loud with the kids, so that they would know that I needed them to ‘step up’ and help get us out the door on time that day.
Instead, I got a lecture from the little one. Joshua (like any Brookhill child this year) has been learning a set of character traits intended to help our children become model citizens and future leaders. The first lesson they are learning is all about being proactive – thinking things out and planning ahead… being intentional in all you do. Well, I had a very important ‘talking to’ that morning; I learned that, if I had only thought ahead and planned to make the lunches earlier, we would not be running behind. After allowing my miniature inspirational speaker to correct me in my fault, thanking him for the most eloquent way in which he told me what I should do, I told him that his behind would be running if he didn’t get in there and brush his teeth fast!
But you know, I was amazed at how well he knew what he was saying. He really had listened… and paid attention to all the details that went along with this life lesson he had been taught, which reminded me again how important it is that we think about what we do and say in front of our little ones. We sometimes may think they don’t pay attention, but they do… and they look to us to guide them in the right way. May we always seek to show them the Savior in every aspect of our lives. May we love them and nurture them in the Word of God and lead them to a relationship with Jesus. May we be… well, proactive about discipling them in Christ.
Daniel
One day last week, in the rush of the morning – trying to get kids not only fed that morning, but have their lunch ready too – I had spent too much time on breakfast and not enough on lunch. We only had a few minutes left until it was time for us to leave, and nobody’s lunch was ready! I realized my flaw and was sharing my mistake out loud with the kids, so that they would know that I needed them to ‘step up’ and help get us out the door on time that day.
Instead, I got a lecture from the little one. Joshua (like any Brookhill child this year) has been learning a set of character traits intended to help our children become model citizens and future leaders. The first lesson they are learning is all about being proactive – thinking things out and planning ahead… being intentional in all you do. Well, I had a very important ‘talking to’ that morning; I learned that, if I had only thought ahead and planned to make the lunches earlier, we would not be running behind. After allowing my miniature inspirational speaker to correct me in my fault, thanking him for the most eloquent way in which he told me what I should do, I told him that his behind would be running if he didn’t get in there and brush his teeth fast!
But you know, I was amazed at how well he knew what he was saying. He really had listened… and paid attention to all the details that went along with this life lesson he had been taught, which reminded me again how important it is that we think about what we do and say in front of our little ones. We sometimes may think they don’t pay attention, but they do… and they look to us to guide them in the right way. May we always seek to show them the Savior in every aspect of our lives. May we love them and nurture them in the Word of God and lead them to a relationship with Jesus. May we be… well, proactive about discipling them in Christ.
Daniel
Friday, September 3, 2010
#312.4 –“The Master Designer”
"… But God composed the body…" - 1 Corinthians 12:24
I already told you about Tuesday and the van. I ended up getting a new starter put in. After that was when I had my battery light come on… followed by the ‘black out’ of the entire instrument panel. Since then, it has flashed interior lights off and on as we get in; the theft prevention indicator on the dash has gone haywire - flashing quickly, then slowly, then off, when it isn’t even supposed to flash at all while the van is on; and it hesitates more to start now than it did before that morning. I’m beginning to think it is demon-possessed! Are there any good exorcists out there?
That van’s craziness reminds me of the way the devil and his demonic forces behave in the realms of spiritual warfare: they’re sneaky… lying in wait for an opportune time to strike, when it will cause the most chaos and confusion. Their goal is to shut down the movement of the Kingdom of Christ… to thwart any efforts at growth.
Thankfully, we not only have the ‘Owner’s Manual’ to tell us what to do when certain things happen that come against us, we also have the Master Designer on our side… at our disposal, so to speak. We have the One who perfectly created each part of the Body, placing them specifically where they needed to be to help Him carry on His mission. We can draw on the resource of One who knows intimately what each piece does, and how it is to function, and how that part fits into the overall scheme of things. While careful not to take Him for granted, we can safely rely on His wisdom and strength to ‘fix’ whatever comes our way, and lead us on the path He has chosen.
Daniel
I already told you about Tuesday and the van. I ended up getting a new starter put in. After that was when I had my battery light come on… followed by the ‘black out’ of the entire instrument panel. Since then, it has flashed interior lights off and on as we get in; the theft prevention indicator on the dash has gone haywire - flashing quickly, then slowly, then off, when it isn’t even supposed to flash at all while the van is on; and it hesitates more to start now than it did before that morning. I’m beginning to think it is demon-possessed! Are there any good exorcists out there?
That van’s craziness reminds me of the way the devil and his demonic forces behave in the realms of spiritual warfare: they’re sneaky… lying in wait for an opportune time to strike, when it will cause the most chaos and confusion. Their goal is to shut down the movement of the Kingdom of Christ… to thwart any efforts at growth.
Thankfully, we not only have the ‘Owner’s Manual’ to tell us what to do when certain things happen that come against us, we also have the Master Designer on our side… at our disposal, so to speak. We have the One who perfectly created each part of the Body, placing them specifically where they needed to be to help Him carry on His mission. We can draw on the resource of One who knows intimately what each piece does, and how it is to function, and how that part fits into the overall scheme of things. While careful not to take Him for granted, we can safely rely on His wisdom and strength to ‘fix’ whatever comes our way, and lead us on the path He has chosen.
Daniel
Thursday, September 2, 2010
#312.3 – “One of Those Days”
"How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me." - Numbers 14:27
Tuesday was one of ‘those’ kinds of days for me…
EARLY that morning, Sarah and I got up and worked out together (NOT my favorite thing)…
I then had to struggle to get Joshua up out of bed (he always wants to sleep in; me too!)…
We all get loaded up in the van, with barely enough time to make it, and it won’t start…
I try cranking it four times before it finally does, and we’re off…
Naturally, there is major traffic on the road to school (what a difference a few minutes make!)…
After dropping the monkeys off, I take the van in to the shop…
I get it back that afternoon in time to take 3 of our 4 kids to the dentist (Ruthie has a dr appt)…
I find out that Anna has cavities in three teeth (and Sarah tells me Ruthie has strep)…
On the way back from the dentist, my battery light comes on…
Then the entire instrument panel goes black…
I take the van back to the shop…
By the time I get there, all of that has quit and won’t do it again…
Have you ever had one of ‘those’ days?
I had the thought several times that day of how grateful I should be for the things that go right in any given day, including that one. When I stop and count them up, I am amazed at how ‘good’ things are for me. I have a wonderful family… a comfortable home… food on my table… clothes to wear… and so many friends. It is humbling to think about how often I neglect giving thanks for all those gifts, yet am so quick to complain when anything bad happens. I am eternally indebted to God for His love for me, and I especially realize it on days like Tuesday.
God, help me be more appreciative and less complaining, not for any other reason than to be a blessing to You - my patient, loving Father.
Daniel
Tuesday was one of ‘those’ kinds of days for me…
EARLY that morning, Sarah and I got up and worked out together (NOT my favorite thing)…
I then had to struggle to get Joshua up out of bed (he always wants to sleep in; me too!)…
We all get loaded up in the van, with barely enough time to make it, and it won’t start…
I try cranking it four times before it finally does, and we’re off…
Naturally, there is major traffic on the road to school (what a difference a few minutes make!)…
After dropping the monkeys off, I take the van in to the shop…
I get it back that afternoon in time to take 3 of our 4 kids to the dentist (Ruthie has a dr appt)…
I find out that Anna has cavities in three teeth (and Sarah tells me Ruthie has strep)…
On the way back from the dentist, my battery light comes on…
Then the entire instrument panel goes black…
I take the van back to the shop…
By the time I get there, all of that has quit and won’t do it again…
Have you ever had one of ‘those’ days?
I had the thought several times that day of how grateful I should be for the things that go right in any given day, including that one. When I stop and count them up, I am amazed at how ‘good’ things are for me. I have a wonderful family… a comfortable home… food on my table… clothes to wear… and so many friends. It is humbling to think about how often I neglect giving thanks for all those gifts, yet am so quick to complain when anything bad happens. I am eternally indebted to God for His love for me, and I especially realize it on days like Tuesday.
God, help me be more appreciative and less complaining, not for any other reason than to be a blessing to You - my patient, loving Father.
Daniel
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
#312.2 – “Strep and Status Quo”
"Then they said, Do get directions from God for us, to see if the journey on which we are going will have a good outcome. And the priest said to them, Go in peace: your way is guided by the Lord." - Judges 18:5-6
Ruthie has had all kinds of sinus drainage and congestion the past few days, plus a nasty cough… so Sarah took her to the doctor yesterday. It turns out that she has strep throat. A germ living in her was causing her a terrifically sore throat and making it hard for her to rest well.
A problem similar to strep that attacks and affects the Body of Christ is the bug known as ‘status quo’. So cleverly it attacks. With patience, it waits around and lets the Body become happy and satisfied. Once everything is feeling good and contentment abounds, it sets in like arthritis – preventing movement and hindering work. The only antidote to remedy it and prevent it is constant evaluation in light of the Word of God.
As one small part of the Body, help me to be willing to surrender me and everything I am and do to the light of Your Word, Lord. May I always let it bring healing to my bones by lining up my life with It/You.
Daniel
Ruthie has had all kinds of sinus drainage and congestion the past few days, plus a nasty cough… so Sarah took her to the doctor yesterday. It turns out that she has strep throat. A germ living in her was causing her a terrifically sore throat and making it hard for her to rest well.
A problem similar to strep that attacks and affects the Body of Christ is the bug known as ‘status quo’. So cleverly it attacks. With patience, it waits around and lets the Body become happy and satisfied. Once everything is feeling good and contentment abounds, it sets in like arthritis – preventing movement and hindering work. The only antidote to remedy it and prevent it is constant evaluation in light of the Word of God.
As one small part of the Body, help me to be willing to surrender me and everything I am and do to the light of Your Word, Lord. May I always let it bring healing to my bones by lining up my life with It/You.
Daniel
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