Very Special Life Role!

There are many roles that individuals may play throughout a lifetime that can be found to be connected with our life. Some of those roles may seem more important than others even though each may serve a very beneficial purpose. I would say that among the most special roles are those that relate to bringing life, enhancing it, and helping to sustain it.

In the midst of some discussion from Paul to the church at Corinth he made the following statement.

“(11) Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; (12) for as WOMAN was MADE FROM MAN, so MAN IS now BORN OF WOMAN. And ALL THINGS ARE FROM GOD.” (1 Corinthians 11:11-12 ESV)

First of all, let us keep in mind that God is the Creator of life. It all began with Him! He is the One who brought life into existence and set it all into motion. Then, from Adam’s side, God took one of his ribs (Genesis 2:21-22) and made a woman as his suitable companion. Though God made woman from man and gave her to him, it is through woman -- the MOTHERS of this world -- that mankind has continued to be brought forth into this realm and the life of human existence has been sustained. This was God’s plan and the purpose in the design of His Creation. It is a very special God-given role MOTHERS play in this world.

Being a bringer of another life into this world is just the beginning of the many roles a MOTHER plays in the life of her children, some of which never end even after her children have grown. MOTHERS are chauffeurs and coachers, cleaners and counselors, disciplinarians and developers of character, healers and huggers, etc. MOTHERS have many awesome and glorious roles in the lives of their children that can impact not only for this life, but for an eternity to come.

Though today is marked on the calendar as “Mother’s Day”, let us be mindful of MOTHERS every day! MOTHERS need our prayers. MOTHERS need to know they are appreciated. Also remember there are some who did not bring another life into this world who are still fulfilling a MOTHER’S role to those with whom she has become connected for one reason or another. Thank God for all the selfless MOTHERS who have and are fulfilling the purpose He gave them.

Have a great day THANKING GOD FOR A MOTHER’S VARIED ROLES!
Carl

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Respectful Control!

One of the things that has for a long time amazed me about King David, was his sense of self-control. Though Saul continued to threaten his life, David was not willing to lift his hand against "the LORD'S anointed" (i.e. 1 Samuel 24:4-7; 26:9-12) even when provided the opportunity. This was something David LEFT IN THE HANDS OF GOD. (1 Samuel 26:10) After David became King -- at the time of Absalom's attempt to take over the kingdom -- when Shimei cursed David on his departure from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:5-14), he did not give permission to have him killed. David again was willing to LEAVE THINGS IN THE HANDS OF GOD. (2 Samuel 16:12) Though David could have rightfully acted in self-defense in the case of Saul and then in his position as King could have ordered Shimei to have been struck down for
insulting and pelting him with stones, we see a marvelous example of self-control rather than retaliation. David respectfully acknowledged Saul as God's anointed even though God had rejected Saul as king. (1 Samuel 15:28) Also, when David returned to Jerusalem after Absalom's death, he pardoned his enemies, including Shimei. (2 Samuel 19:16-23)

Paul is another example of respectful self-control. The day after his arrest in Jerusalem -- when provided an opportunity to speak to the Jewish council in Jerusalem -- we read. . .

"(1) And looking intently at the council, Paul said, 'Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.' (2) And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. (3) Then Paul said to him, 'GOD IS GOING TO STRIKE YOU, YOU WHITEWASHED WALL! Are you sitting to JUDGE ME ACCORDING TO THE LAW, and YET CONTRARY TO THE LAW YOU ORDER ME TO BE STRUCK?' (4) Those who stood by said, 'Would you revile God's high priest?' (5) And Paul said, 'I DID NOT KNOW,
BROTHERS, THAT HE WAS THE HIGH PRIEST, FOR IT IS WRITTEN, 'YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.' '" (Acts 23:1-5 ESV)

Even though Paul noted the high priest had acted "contrary to the law", he was apologetic for having spoken against him because this was a ruler of the people and the law declared such was not to be done; it was not right for Paul to do the same. However, even when Paul spoke up he had expressed for any ACTION TO BE THAT OF GOD'S.

All of us can probably honestly admit such self-control is not always easy. Sometimes it is not an easy concept to grasp (especially when young), but we should also bear in mind that respect is not necessarily given because it is merited, but because of the position held. Being disrespectful usually accomplishes nothing. However, respectful self-control can be a powerful witness of our trust in God to deal with others for the unkindness or injustice we might have received at their hand. Such is even the example our Lord provided. (1 Peter 2:23) The respect and self-control our life displays could actually become the means of drawing others to consider God's Will for their own life. May we continue to reflect on the example of David, of Paul, and most assuredly that of our Lord.

Have a great day RESPECTFULLY LETTING GOD WORK OUT HIS WILL!
Carl

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Ear Stoppers?

Sometimes people make statements that cause us to stop in our tracks and say, “What?”! When something is said that is just not right, that is an appropriate response. However, if we stop listening either because of prejudice or being overly narrow-minded, we may find ourselves to be kept from fulfilling what God desires us to do in our life.

When Paul was arrested in Rome, he was given the opportunity to speak to his fellow countrymen. As he spoke of his own Jewish heritage and then of his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, his Jewish brethren appear to have listened very politely to what he had to say. (Acts 22:1-21) However, that listening came to a screeching halt when Paul mentioned AN INCLUSION they were not ready to accept!

We read. . .
“(17) “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance (18) and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ (19) And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. (20) And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ (21) And he said to me, ‘Go, for I WILL SEND YOU FAR AWAY TO THE GENTILES.’” (22) UP TO THIS WORD THEY LISTENED TO HIM. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”” (Acts 22:17-22 ESV)

As soon as Paul mentioned “Gentiles” they were finished listening and began to shout as they threw off their cloaks and flung dust into the air. (Acts 22:23) As I recently read this passage I began to wonder what prejudices I might have that would bring my listening to a halt! What one word or statement would cause me to draw the line and stop listening? Is there someone to whom I would refuse to reach out? Do I have the audacity to think I had the right to hear the message of salvation in Christ while others do not? Though salvation must rightly be acknowledged as a blessing received within the parameters of properly acknowledging the truth of God’s Will, if I think having hope from God is only for a certain nationality or social class, then I am no better than those of Paul’s audience that day.

May we -- like Peter who also needed to be guided through his prejudices -- come to clearly recognize that “GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY, BUT IN EVERY NATION ANYONE WHO FEARS HIM AND DOES WHAT IS RIGHT IS ACCEPTABLE TO HIM.” (Acts 10:34-35 ESV) James also noted the partiality of making a distinction between the rich and poor classes of people is to judge with “evil thoughts.” (James 2:1-4) Perhaps it is our own actions and words that should be cause for stopping and taking inventory to make sure we are reaching out to others in the manner in which God desires. After all, His ultimate desire is for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) May we be His tools for offering the opportunity.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF EVERY SOUL AROUND US!
Carl

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The Volumes!

WORDS! We use them every day. Through the course of a day we engage ourselves in many conversations by a number of means. Whether our WORDS are conveyed verbally in face to face encounters, by use of e-mail, phone, or text-messaging, how significant is the volume we produce? Someone has noted that statisticians have determined the average person spends at least one-fifth of their life talking. From this understanding it has been suggested this word usage could add up to an amount sufficient to fill a fifty page book in a single day’s conversations. In one year the average person’s words could fill one hundred thirty-two books of four hundred pages each. What a library could be created! However, how much of it would actually be worth reading?

Our Lord -- at the age of about thirty years old (Luke 3:23) -- began His public ministry spanning about three years. Would we agree that what He did during that time was significant? Would we also agree that the WORDS He spoke were significant?

John stated. . .
“(30) Now Jesus did MANY OTHER SIGNS in the presence of the disciples, which are NOT WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK; (31) but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 ESV)

Then at the very end of this gospel he wrote…
“(25) Now there are also MANY OTHER THINGS THAT JESUS DID. WERE EVERY ONE OF THEM TO BE WRITTEN, I SUPPOSE THAT THE WORLD ITSELF COULD NOT CONTAIN THE BOOKS THAT WOULD BE WRITTEN.” (John 21:25 ESV)

Along with our Lord’s actions it is likely we also do not have recorded all the verbal encounters He had with others. Imagine all the conversations that must have taken place as Jesus walked with His disciples from place to place. Add to that all the conversations that took place around meals shared and throughout the daily encounters He had with people. Still, what is recorded for our reading is of great significance. His teachings were seen as amazing. (Matthew 7:28-29) Even the officers sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Him observed, “NO ONE EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN!” (John 7:46) Lives were changed as they continue to also be changed today when His life and teachings are received.

With all the volume that may pass through our lips, how much of it is truly significant? Certainly it is nice to hang out and spend some time talking about lighter things. However, as we consider the volume of our words, let us seize the opportunities to introduce others to “THE WORD” (John 1:14) Who became flesh and dwelt among mankind. May we never forget about the most important subject matter relating to our eternal destiny that needs to be shared!

Have a great day SHELVING SOME OF OUR TALK AND SHARING MORE OF OUR LORD’S STORY!
Carl

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Regular Cleaning!

Sometimes when we wash our hands it is because we see dirt that is present there. However, we also wash our hands on a regular basis even when we don’t see anything (i.e. bacteria and germs) and know we are healthier for it. Is not the same true spiritually?

A woman who attended Bible studies and church assemblies on a regular basis was questioned by a neighbor who wondered why she went. Asked what the sermon topic was three weeks ago, she was not able to remember. She also could not remember the topic preached on the Sunday two weeks ago. When she could not even remember what the sermon had been on the most recent Sunday, her neighbor asked, “Then what is the use of going?” Pointing to a wicker basket near the porch where she sat, this woman asked her neighbor to take it down to the creek and bring back some water. When her neighbor responded that the water would just run right through it, she replied, “Yes, but the basket will be cleaner.”

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he stated. . .
“(25) Husbands, love your wives, as CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH and GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR HER, (26) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY HER, HAVING CLEANSED HER BY THE WASHING OF WATER WITH THE WORD, (27) so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV)

Through baptism into Christ we are brought into contact with the power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse us of our sins. However, that does not mean there is to no longer be a concern regarding the cleanliness of our life. When we see specific areas of our life in need of being cleaned up, we can go to specific passages of Scripture for the guidance we need that leads to repentance. However, there are also times the reading of the Word brings cleansing we may not realize is taking place at the time, but simply occurs as we continue accepting what we read and put it into practice. Through such REGULAR EXPOSURE TO THE SCRIPTURES, God’s Wisdom can continue to filter through our mind to influence our thoughts and actions. We may not always be able to recite to others what we have recently read or heard from God’s Word, but our lives will be spiritually healthier for having taken advantage of the opportunities.

Have a great day THANKFUL FOR GOD’S PROVISION OF SOAP FOR THE SOUL!
Carl

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Immersed life!

People immerse themselves in all kinds of activities and for all sorts of causes. For some however, that immersion is only partial. There is involvement, but their whole self is not SURRENDERED. What marks our relationship to Christ and His Cause?

A number of years ago I saw an illustration of a man being immersed in baptism, but his hand was out of the water. In that hand was his wallet. The implication of the picture was that this man was SURRENDERING himself, but not his money, to Christ. Such is indicative of only a partial SURRENDER to Christ; withholding certain aspects that one is not ready to yield to the Lord’s Will. Let us remember Jesus gave His all for us.

This week I read an illustration that reflected the opposite of the picture I saw years ago. This was about a man who went forward to be baptized at a country church where there was no baptistery. After arriving at a nearby creek, he emptied his pockets before going down into the water. However, someone noticed a lump in his back pocket and said, “Sir, you forgot to take out your wallet.” The man responded, “I didn’t forget. I figured if I baptize that part of me too, then everything will be okay.”

This latter example reveals a view of SURRENDER to the Lord that acknowledges whatever is in our hands we are merely stewards of and therefore must consider how they are to be used for the Lord’s purposes. Our possessions as well as our lives are to be seen as belonging to Jesus when we have SURRENDERED to Him.

Remember Jesus’ warning when He said. . .
“(19) Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, (20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (21) For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

Whatever we withhold from the Lord is most likely where our heart truly is. To love Him more makes it easy to SURRENDER it. We must bear in mind to whom we belong as Christians.

Paul exhorted those at Corinth to remember. . .
“(19) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN, (20) for YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)

We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19) We are to therefore live acknowledging WE BELONG TO HIM. That implies WHATEVER WE HAVE BELONGS TO HIM as well. Are we willing to use it in His service and for His glory? May the use of our money and other possessions reflect we have truly SURRENDERED to His Lordship.

Have a great day LIVING FULLY FOR THE LORD!
Carl

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Why We're Out There!

[05/05/2008 “teEn-MAIL”]

WHY WE’RE OUT THERE!

In Matthew 20:1-16 we find one of Jesus’ kingdom parables. The setting of this parable was that of workers being hired and sent out to work in a vineyard. At the end of the day, those who had worked longer felt slighted when they saw those who started later receiving the same pay for which they had agreed to work. (Matthew 20:11-12) Under the circumstances they felt they should have received more. Bottom line, this parable reflects the receiving of the same reward for having answer the call of the Lord whether that be early or late in life’s day. However, there is something else we can learn from focusing on the laborers at their work.

The first half of this parable reads. . .
“(1) For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out EARLY in the morning to hire LABORERS FOR HIS VINEYARD. (2) After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he SENT THEM INTO HIS VINEYARD. (3) And going out about the THIRD HOUR he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, (4) and to them he said, ‘YOU GO INTO THE VINEYARD TOO, and whatever is right I will give you.’ (5) So they went. Going out again about the SIXTH HOUR and the NINTH HOUR, he did the same. (6) And about the ELEVENTH HOUR he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ (7) They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘YOU GO INTO THE VINEYARD TOO.’” (Matthew 20:1-7 ESV)

Recently I asked an adult Bible class to tell me what these verses taught us about time. In response to my question, four things were mentioned: 1. “Different workers and different hours.” 2. “Work to be done through the day.” 3. “Lots of workers.” and 4. “It’s never too late to start” (at least as long as it is still the day of our life).

What time is it in our life right now? We might consider this question in light of our physical age or our spiritual age. Where are we at this point in our life? This is a question we would do well to visit frequently and prayerfully! Then we should consider what that time means to us in the sense of how it impacts our activity? Do we say, “I have plenty of time ahead of me”? Do we say, “There will be other opportunities”? Do we say, “I’ve served for many years, I deserve a rest”? Do we say, “I’ll let others do the work now”?

Consider each of the workers in the parable. What did they do at the point of being called? The WENT OUT TO WORK IN THE VINEYARD. They were not called to stand looking at it. They were not called to go lay in it. They were not called to go disrupt or distract the work of others. They were CALLED TO JOIN IN WITH those already working! Such a mutual benefit and fellowship in the work of God needs to continually be a part of our focus.

Consider another point regarding the workers. How long did the labor continue? It went on until the end of the day. Both the ones who were called early and those who were called late, CONTINUED TO WORK TOGETHER. There was no dropping out when others were called. All continued to work together until it was time to quit. Even the eleventh hour was not a time for idleness. All who were called regardless of when they were called were expected to continue to LABOR TOGETHER until it was the end of the day.

On one occasion Jesus said to His disciples…
“(4) WE MUST WORK THE WORKS OF HIM WHO SENT ME WHILE IT IS DAY; NIGHT IS COMING, WHEN NO ONE CAN WORK.” (John 9:4 ESV)

Regardless of life’s hour, as long as it is day -- before life’s night falls upon us -- may our labors continued for the sake of others and the glory of God! The present is no time for idleness, but rather our opportunity to do what we have been called to do! May our LABORS TOGETHER for the Lord’s harvest continue.

Have a great day REMEMBERING WHY WE ARE IN THE VINEYARD!
Carl

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Acknowledged As Not Right!

During the days of the prophet Elisha, Ben-hadad (King of Syria) went up to besiege Samaria. (2 Kings 6:24) Due to this situation food had become scarce (2 Kings 6:25), but God was about to bring some immediate relief. (2 Kings 7:1) I would suggest reading 2 Kings 6:24 through chapter 7, but I’ll try to supply a brief summary in order to bring us to a point we ought to all take to heart.

At this time there were two lepers at the entrance to the gate of Samaria who knew if they went into the city they would die from the famine, but they also knew they would die if they remained where they were. Therefore they decided to go to the camp of the Syrians and if they were spared they would live, but if they were killed they would die. (2 Kings 7:3-4) This latter option was the only one that appeared to provide any sense of hope. However, upon their arrival at the camp of the Syrians they found it completely abandoned with everything left behind. God had caused the Syrians to hear the sound of a great army and thinking Israel had been joined by the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt, the Syrians fled in a panic. (2 Kings 7:6-7) After these two lepers entered a tent where they ate, drank, and then carried off and hid silver, gold, and other plunder, they returned to another tent from which they carried away more that they also hid. (2 Kings 7:8) Then their consciences were struck by what they were doing.

We read. . .
“Then they said to one another, ‘WE ARE NOT DOING RIGHT. THIS DAY IS A DAY OF GOOD NEWS. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; LET US GO AND TELL the king’s household.’” (2 Kings 7:9 ESV)

The lives of others depended on hearing this GOOD NEWS. It was not right for them to save their own lives and forget about others. This was a blessing to be shared!

Should we not be struck by this thought even more so in view of the eternal salvation God has made possible through Christ? “We are not doing right” if we keep that GOOD NEWS to ourselves. It is GOOD NEWS to be shared because the eternal life of others is at stake. Just as God provided the occasion for this GOOD NEWS these two lepers found, so we as sinners were provided the opportunity to receive the GOOD NEWS of our salvation in Christ and it is GOOD NEWS not to be kept to ourselves!

We live in a world of spiritual famine. Let us share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus so that others may also be filled and enriched as we are in Christ. As Paul stated (quoting from Isaiah 52:7), “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15) May we not remain silent.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE NEWS WE KNOW WE MUST SHARE!
Carl

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Plan Of Action! (Part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we noted James’ exhortation toward keeping God’s Will in the picture as we layout life’s plans. (James 4:13-16) James implied that to do otherwise is an act of arrogance (James 4:16) as if we had full control of time and all our plans. James was not suggesting there is no wisdom in doing some planning. Neither was he discouraging activity. In fact, the very next verse brings up a very sobering thought with regard to our LIFE ACTIVITY!

James exhorted. . .
“(17) So whoever KNOWS the RIGHT THING TO DO and FAILS TO DO IT, for him IT IS SIN.” (James 4:17 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads. . . “ Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

Not only can we be guilty of sinning by doing wrong (sin of commission), but we can also be guilty through failing to do the right we know we ought to do (sin of omission). James implied we MUST BE ACTIVE! We MUST BE ACTIVE doing the good we see needs to be done.

We may proudly acknowledge the wrong we are not doing. Jesus told the story of a Pharisee who prayed such a brag session as he proudly patted himself on the back for not being an extortioner, not being unjust, not being an adulterer, and of course not being a tax collector. (Luke 18:11 ESV) However, Jesus went on to point out it was the humbled tax collector who went home justified before God rather than this Pharisee. (Luke 18:13-14)

How much of the right we know we ought to do are we doing? Perhaps that is a very sobering thing to consider, and rightly so! What we do is just as important as what we refrain from doing. To apply this concept to everyday living means our eyes need to remain open to the opportunities God provides for us to serve His Will as we go about our day to day activities. With each day comes opportunities for RIGHTEOUS ACTIONS to take place and today may be the only opportunity for some of those to be fulfilled. May our “plan of action” include a serious focus on the RIGHT ACTIONS that need to be done. Those actions fulfilled today may make a more significant difference in the life of another that we realize.

Have a great day SHUNNING THE WRONG, BUT DOING THE RIGHT!
Carl

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Plan Of Action! (part 1 of 2)

Our calendars and schedules are marked by things to come. Because of so many activities that busy our lives there is the need for planning. On the desk in front of me is my opened day planner, on the wall behind me is a calendar for the year on which are marked events and meetings to be kept in mind, and attached to my belt is an electronic planner that I can consult wherever I am when something else needs to be scheduled. Does this mean I have control of time? Do I believe with certainty I will be present at all of the appointments that dot my calendar?

As in the case with the disciples (Acts 1:6-7) there are some things of which we do not know the time, but they will occur according to the authority fixed by our Heavenly Father. Just as the coming of the Lord into this world was in accordance with God’s timetable (Galatians 4:4), so will be His return. (Matthew 24:36-37) God has a plan. So what of our plans?

James exhorted. . .
“(13) Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ -- (14) yet YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRING. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (15) Instead you ought to say, ‘IF THE LORD WILLS, we will live and do this or that.’ (16) As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (James 4:13-16 ESV)

Periodically I print out my calendar for my wife so that she knows what is on my schedule. If my wife and I plan activities apart from considering each other’s plans, the result is conflict. That is also the result when we have not kept GOD’S WILL in the picture. HIS WILL must be kept in mind as we mark our plans on the calendar because in reality it is only the moment in which we are living of which we can truly be assured. Leaving God out of the picture is where the serious error (note also Luke 12:16-21) occurs. We do not know all that may come with tomorrow; should God even provide it! However, does that rule out all planning? No! James stated the plans of tomorrow are to be looked toward with the understanding they will be contingent on whether “THE LORD WILLS” for those opportunities and plans to take place.

Solomon stated. . .
“(21) Many are the plans in the mind of a man, BUT IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD THAT WILL STAND” (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)

Without planning, our life will lack some needed direction. Life merely lived haphazardly or by chance usually does not lend toward much substance of activity. Perhaps you are focused on the goal of graduating, or a specific summer job, or a future career, or even what retirement might be like. “IF THE LORD WILLS, we will live and do this or that”, but let us also consider the “plan of action” for the day we now have from the Lord. Lord Willing we will consider that further tomorrow.

Have a great day KEEPING GOD IN LIFE’S STRAGETIC PLANNING!
Carl

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Beautiful Bouquet!

Today is marked on the calendar as “May Day”; a day celebrated by some through the tradition of placing bouquets of flowers on the doorstep of a neighbor or passing them along to a friend. Perhaps this is viewed as a way of saying to others, “Welcome to Spring” or “In the freshness and beauty of the colorful spring flowers, you are being thought of.” In some countries the first day of May is a time for focusing on the importance of WORKING PEOPLE.

As I picture a beautiful multi-colored bouquet of flowers, I acknowledge the sight as one of the many beautiful aspects of God’s creation. In my opinion there are no colors like the colors God has used in the world around us. What a masterful artist He is! The GOD-GIVEN WORK of those flowers is to germinate and bloom where they have been planted. Then they may be picked and placed in baskets or vases to grace a table or some other place where they may be enjoyed.

Another masterful work of God is the way in which He is able to bring people from varying walks of life together for the purpose of carrying out HIS WORK. Consider the diverse backgrounds of the disciples the Lord “picked” and the BEAUTIFUL WORK He equipped them to do. Yes, there was some pruning done in their lives, but what a beautiful bouquet they became to the glory of God. The blood of Jesus and the work He has called us to do in reaching the lost in His Name is a work joined in by the colorful mixture of ethnicity and social status that makes up this world. (note Galatians 3:28) I thank God for connecting me through “teEn-MAIL” with so many brothers and sisters in Christ from many countries around the world and for the realization that though geography may separate us, the love of God and HIS WORK in which we are involved beautifully binds us together.

David wrote. . .
“Behold, HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN BROTHERS DWELL IN UNITY!” (Psalm 133:1 ESV)
Part of the beauty of living in unity is the SHARED WORK OF GOD that unites us in a Divine purpose for living. How beautiful this is as each of us does our part for the common good and the Will of God wherever in this world we might be. As God’s people, may our life together locally and the common spirit of our work abroad be such that the world may view us as a beautiful bouquet giving off a fragrance that is sweet before God. With the world’s attention drawn God’s direction because of the way we are with each other, only He knows whose life we may be privileged to grace.

Have a great day BLOOMING WHERE YOU’VE BEEN PLANTED!
Carl

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