From Beside the Still Waters...
Neglect - Read Proverbs 24:13-34
"I went by the field of the slothful ... and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." - Proverbs 24:30-31
One day I passed by an old farmstead and observed its deplorable condition. The roof of the barn was partially off. The barn had leaning walls, broken windows, and sagging doors. The house looked much the same, and a few old cars sat in tall weeds that mostly hid the other unsightly junk.
If we neglect our walk with God, our spiritual life will soon become as unsightly as the old farmstead. When we become complacent, our roof begins to leak. Structural damage may not be immediately noticeable, but with time the results of neglect are sure to show.
A partially missing roof could indicate a life not under God's approval. Slowly but surely, it will cause our spiritual protection to diminish. Leaning walls could indicate a poor foundation due to a spirit out of tune with God. These walls suggest careless habits, weak convictions, and failure to give God first place. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).
Broken windows may symbolize casual attitudes towards winds of change that can carry undesirable influences into our life. They may also suggest neglecting to guard the window of our heart (our eyes), which can lead to unwholesome thoughts and desires. Sagging doors could represent failing to try the spirits, thus leaving the door of the heart open to false doctrines and whims of change. Old cars in tall weeds could symbolize carelessness in full bloom and unconcern about results. The solution? "Return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy ... and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7)
Denver Yoder - Somerset, OH
"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord." - Hosea 10:12
From In Green Pastures...
Growing Through Habits
One whose daily life is careless is always weak; but one who habitually walks in the paths of uprightness and obedience grows strong in character. Exercise develops all the powers of his being. Doing good continually adds to one's capacity for doing good. Victoriousness in trial or trouble puts ever new strength into the heart. The habit of faith in the darkness prepares for stronger faith. Habits of obedience make one immovable in one's loyalty to duty. We can never over-estimate the importance of life's habits; they lead our growth of character in whatever way they tend.
Thank You, God for Little Things
Thank you for the little things that often come our way,
The things we take for granted but don't mention when we pray,
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed -
A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need,
Oh make us more aware, dear God of little daily graces,
That come to us with "sweet surprise" from never-dreamed-of places.
- Helen Steiner Rice
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