Strength to Heal


Break a lazy man’s leg and he may waste away to nothing.  He will favor his injury until he begins to die from lack of exercise.  Break a diligent man’s leg and he will begin to walk on it long before it heals.  It doesn’t matter to him that he may limp for the rest of his life.  He will not sit for a “slight injury”.

Reprove a fool and he will waste away for lack of knowledge.  Reprove a diligent and wise godly man and he will leap up to render corrected service to his Lord.

Honorable Mention


There are two blogs I follow which are worthy of honorable mention.  One is http://togodbetheglorybettysverseoftheday.wordpress.com/  And the other is  http://www.soulsupply.com/

The instruction we receive regarding the sources of our help is that we should share all good things with those from whom we have received instruction.

It is impossible that these two reverent Christians should accept praise.  But they have labored vigorously to glorify our Lord.  I give them mention here that their work might prosper before the Holy Lord of Life.  We labor together in an undefined field.  We cast seed into the Holy Wind.  Where it goes belongs to the One who has given the seed.

They spread a table from which good nourishment might be found.  Go and eat.  They provide the delicacies of eternal life.

Trouble


God has created us all so that trouble among us cannot be removed without Him.  One man thinks a thought.  Now he is hard pressed to convey that thought to others.  His thinking was in experience, Scriptural truth, “pictures”, and the limits of man’s understanding.  Now he must use what is in his control to convey what he has understood.

He begins with the words he knows to speak his thought to another.  But the one who is listening is using all he knows to hear.  Even while God is among the two, the willingness to receive finds a limit.  What shall come of the conversation?

Often, when subjects of difficulty are discussed, we need a time of reflection before we answer.  We need humility (considering ourselves as if less than the other) to intervene.  We need compassion to destroy division.  We need to take the time to learn what God is saying.

“I hear what you said.  I assume you mean only what is best for all.  Please allow me time to consider what you said before I respond.”  For the sake of the Holy Son of God, be patient with one another!  If, in your speaking, the other does not understand, ignore frustration.  WAIT!

Pray as you receive.  A few short words are all that are necessary; “Father, please help me understand.”  Then listen without pride or expectation.  Perhaps the other is saying nothing.  Perhaps the other is saying all.  Regardless, your brother is trying to speak what is true.  Listen with the heart of a loving servant.   Speak with the heart of a loving servant.

If he is saying nothing, what is that to you?  He spoke to you because he needs to love and be loved.   If he is saying all, what is that then to the both of you?  Perhaps Christ has determined to give you both direction.

Regardless, there will be trouble among us for the sake of our limitations.  Recognize that.  Accept that.  Have mercy and refrain from beginning trouble.