Category: Character

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Another Project Begins

I’ve been talking with a number of people who have been doing some very involved DIY projects over the last few months. Years ago a friend of mine, who was going through a home remodeling, told me that that the most important part of the project was having a good marriage. She said the renovation was so stressful at times that she would have given up and lived in rubble if it hadn’t been for the strength and encouragement of her husband.

One of our daughters’ and her husband just completed a complete make-over of their travel trailer; floors, walls painted, cabinets, new cushions, table tops, the works. A friend of mine started slowly with her projects- the master bathroom needed new fixtures. Now, her walls have been painted, new light fixtures added, the garage cleaned and organized, new furniture has been ordered, and some rooms have been rearranged.

Today we start a new project ourselves. In December, we bought an 5th wheel travel trailer. It’s over ten years old and the interior is very nice but dated. Dave and I have been planning this all summer. Dave actually started in July by changing out some of the flooring before we started off on our three week trip. But today is the day we start with the walls and the cabinets.

We’ve taken inventory of what we had and what we needed to buy. Supplies have been gathered and it’s time to begin. We can see in our mind’s eye the completed project. It’s going to be hard work but the end result will be worth the effort.

It’s not hard to relate the changes we make in our homes, our hairstyles and our wardrobes with the changes that God makes in us. Just yesterday I was talking about something and realized I shouldn’t have said what I did and right out loud I said “Father, I’m sorry I shouldn’t said that. Thank you for correcting me”. I’m being changed daily by His grace.

“For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. 9 It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. 10 We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NLV

In one version of these versions it says we are His workmanship. God, the Father, has lovingly designed each one of us for good things. He wants nothing but the best for us. At times, it seems like we are under construction; there is painter’s tape on our walls, some rough edges that need sanding, our counter tops may be covered with drop cloths and supplies but the Master Craftsman can see the finish product and it makes Him smile.

“I am sure that God Who began the good work in you will keep on working in you until the day Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 NLV

Lord, thank you for loving me enough to do a good work in my life!

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Commitment

When our kids were little we lived in a small farming town west of Phoenix called Peoria. Now those of you who are familiar with the Phoenix area realize that Peoria is no longer the sleepy little farming town it once was.

But then, the fields around our subdivision were prosperous with crops of alfalfa, cotton, and vegetables. It was not uncommon to see tractors and farm equipment driving through town on the way to their next field. But what was most fun was getting our vegetables from the fields and then visiting the dairy and the chicken farm.

Fresh milk, fresh eggs and fresh vegetables. Nothing like it!

When our kids became school age I was amazed to learn that many of their classmates didn’t know where their food came from. It seemed almost shocking. It was great when one of the parents invited the class for a field trip to their dairy. Seeing those children’s faces (and some of the mom’s) in the milking barn made me chuckle.

This morning I’d like to tell you a little story about a farmer. Farmer Jones was a wonderful farmer and all his animals loved him. He took such good care of them. One day the chicken said, we should do something special for Farmer Jones. All the animals agreed so they thought and thought – what could they do that would be special.

The chicken spoke up again – “I know we can make breakfast for Farmer Jones on Friday.” Yes, yes – that’s what we’ll do all the animals agreed. All but one. “What’s the matter”, asked the chicken? “The cow will give milk, I will give some eggs and you can provide the bacon.” The pig looked long and hard at the chicken and then said, “Breakfast only requires your participation but for me it’s a total commitment.”

It seems that these days people have a problem with “total commitment”. Get a job, it doesn’t work out, get another one; same with marriage. Things don’t work out, it’s not working for me, I’m not happy – move on. Contracts almost always have a loop hole or escape clause. There’s got to be a way out.

The same was true in Jesus’ day too. When people saw the miracles that Jesus did they were drawn to Him, and rightfully so. However, the crowds started to wane when His teaching included words like love your enemies and if you follow me you will face persecution, deny yourself.

Jesus called his followers to be disciples.

We get the word discipline from the word disciple – a pupil; a learner. There are many who believe in Jesus as Savior but not all are disciples. They are willing to express a relationship with the Lord and even make a few changes to their lives but they don’t want it to impact everything they do.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. 9 I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.” John 15:7-9 ERV

What does it take to be a disciple or a learner of Christ? If we desire to be truly free, it requires that we spend time learning from Christ and His word. Following His example.

“As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30-32 ERV

Let’s go back to the story of our farmer’s breakfast. For years I was a willing participant. I was glad to provide what I could, when it was convenient but I lacked full commitment. The Lord patiently loved me. He was teaching me, correcting me, never giving up on me. (I am so grateful for that.)

Let me encourage you to be more than a participant. Become a disciple, be committed, draw close to Christ.

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A Hard Row to Hoe

Yesterday Dave and I found ourselves “on the road again”. We were making the trip from home to my mother’s in Yuma, about four and a half hours away. The interstate takes us through a big city, small towns, across open arid desert and fertilized farmland. I grew up here, I know the land well.

It was the arid desert that held my attention on our drive. The cactus, greasewood, and dry, hard ground is the natural state of things in the desert. The green fields of alfalfa are not. After many years of working the soil it is able to produce a viable crop but left unattended it quickly reverts to the dry, desert it once was.

Any farmer knows “It’s a hard row to hoe”.

Some of the land in Israel is arid and it too can be hard and dry. I think that may be what prompted Jesus as He told about a farmer who went out to sow seed. Jesus, said we need to understand this parable so we can understand many of the other parables.

The sower sowed the seed on all kinds of ground. He didn’t just see the good soil and sow there but instead seed went on the hard ground, the rocky soil, the soil with weeds and thorns and also the good soil. Every kind of soil had the ability to receive seed.

The same is true for us – the seed is the Word of God and the Word is available to all. We are the soil and it’s our responsibility to determine what kind of soil we will be. Frankly, I still have some thorns and weeds in my soil but am working daily to see that they are removed so that the seed can grow and bring in a healthy harvest.

In the Old Testament we are given this admonition:

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’.” Hosea 10:12 NLT

It’s our job to break up the hard ground in our lives – God shows us the rocks and the weeds but we have to be willing to throw them out and see that the seed has healthy soil to grow in. God promises to send the showers to soften the soil and make it ready to receive the seed.

Once we receive the shower of His love and the ground of our hearts is soften, we can receive His word and our lives will become productive. We will no longer be like that arid desert but our lives will produce like the well-watered farmland.

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Don’t Be Ashamed

These are the words that were going through my mind when I woke up this morning. “I am not ashamed”.

Many times over the past sixty-seven years I have been ashamed. Ashamed of my actions, ashamed of something I have said that was unkind, cruel or untrue. Ashamed when I compared myself to others – not pretty enough, not athletic, not popular, not stylish, not “whatever”.

The worst…there were times when I wanted to be a “secret agent” for Jesus. In high school, it seems everyone knew I was a Christian. Some of my friends and I met together each morning in the library and at lunch time outside Snyder Hall to pray. We prayed about tests, problems with classmates and with family issues. But that meant we were excluded from some of the activities of the more popular kids. Sometimes, I selfishly wished I had not been so vocal.

My faith in Christ is the bedrock of who I am. I want His love to shine through me. I stand on God’s Word. I believe it is 100% true. There is no room for compromise on His principles. Standing strong on His word is the only ground that does not give way in the face of life’s storms. That is a lesson I have learned.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLT

2020 has been a year of rains, floodwaters and winds…but a house built on the bedrock of God’s Word won’t collapse! I believe that with all my heart.

I found quite a few verses that talk about not being ashamed. I think the last two may surprise you.

“They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.” Psalm 22:5 NKJV

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:4-5 NKJV

“I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also. 17 The Good News tells us we are made right with God by faith in Him. Then, by faith we live that new life through Him. The Holy Writings say, “A man right with God lives by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 NLV

“I have been chosen to be a missionary and a preacher and a teacher of this Good News. 12 For this reason, I am suffering. But I am not ashamed. I know the One in Whom I have put my trust. I am sure He is able to keep safe that which I have trusted to Him until the day He comes again.” II Timothy 1:11-12 NLV

“Jesus makes men holy. He takes away their sins. Both Jesus and the ones being made holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers.” Hebrews 2:11 NLV

“But they were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God. And he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16 ERV

If God, the Father, and Jesus are unashamed of us then why should we be ashamed of them? Christ died for us when we were our most unlovable. He followed the plan that God, the Father, had in mind – the plan of reconciliation. Neither of them are ashamed of us!

Let’s live the rest of our lives shameless – unashamed in our stand for Christ.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 NLT

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Where to Find Beauty

When you hear the word “beauty” what’s the first thing you think of? It may be a gorgeous scene like pictured here or perhaps it’s a person.

Not many would think of holiness as beauty but King David did.

“Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory. Come into his presence with your offerings.  Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.” I Chronicles 16:29 ERV

Holiness is about our relationship with Christ who lives within us. It’s so much more than rules set up by people. Holiness is about character – purity of motives – it’s our lives reflecting God’s nature.

As the moon reflects the brightness of the sun and shares that illumination with the night sky, our lives can and should reflect the brightness of the “Son” and illuminate our sphere of influence.

“So don’t let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days)…It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas. 19 They don’t keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

20 You died with Christ and were made free from the powers that influence this world. So why do you act as if you still belong to the world? I mean, why do you follow rules like these: 21 “Don’t eat this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch that”? 22 These rules are talking about earthly things that are gone after they are used. They are only human commands and teachings. 23 These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do.

You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 2:17-3:3 ERV

The Lord will show us what things in our life don’t please Him. Be honest and willing to change those things. Ask Him for His help. All of God’s power is available to us through Christ. Since we live in Christ there will never be a power shortage when it comes to change.

“Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you. 16 In the Scriptures God says, ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” I Peter 1:15-16 ERV

It would be unfair of the Lord to give us an instruction that we can’t live up too. When He gives us an instruction He gives us the ability to walk it out. When God prompts us to change it comes with encouragement and not condemnation.

Let Him clothe you in the beauty of His holiness.

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How Much Do You Owe?

For years, Dave and I have worked hard to be out-of-debt. Let me tell you it has been a real challenge. So a few days ago, while I was reading through the last chapters of Romans, these words lit up the page like a search light.

“Let love be your only debt.” Romans 13:8 CEV

Now you may think that Paul was talking about the debt of love we owe to God but he wasn’t. That would be completely understandable. God’s love for us is unconditional – it doesn’t vary because of our goodness or lack thereof. God’s love never fails and is always the same.

Paul was writing about our love for others.

“Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don’t sleep with another person’s spouse, don’t take someone’s life, don’t take what isn’t yours, don’t always be wanting what you don’t have, and any other “don’t” you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.” Romans 13:8-10 MSG

Did you notice that the things Paul said we wouldn’t do if we loved others were taken directly from the ten commandments that Moses delivered to the children of Israel hundreds of years before? If we love others we won’t lie, steal, or bring them any harm.

Paul says this in his letter to the Christians living in Corinth:

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

That’s a big debt! We can’t fulfill it by ourselves but we can with God’s help.

“For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5b NLT

May I encourage you to go into debt, deeply in debt. Make it your goal to be indebted to love!

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Work in Progress

Have you ever been in an area where new commercial buildings are being constructed? It’s interesting how they print the signage that shows you what’s coming complete with sidewalks, flowers, trees and fountains. These images are called renderings.

I remember when our children were little and there was some construction going on in downtown Scottsdale. We had been driving past this one building for months. On this particular day the kids were so excited. “Look Momma, it’s finished!” The equipment was gone, and it looked like businesses could start moving in. Construction was done but the building wasn’t finished.

Since I was a home-schooling mom we were able to stop long enough to look at the image on the sign and I was able to ask the kids to point out the differences between the building and the image. It didn’t take them long for them to tell me there were no trees, no flowers, no grass, the fountain had no water. No, it wasn’t “finished”.

That was the day these verses came alive to me.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:2-3

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right sideof God’s throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:2-3 CEV

I came to see Jesus as the architect of my faith. He is the one who designed faith, he put that design down on paper (the Bible) and it is He who is overseeing the project of faith through to completion. Faith is trusting in and relying on what God’s word says.

My life is the building that is under construction. Each day the process continues; some days I can become discouraged by the lack of visible progress but if I keep my eyes on Jesus and how he is working in my life, if I see how he endured the ridicule and hardships then I can keep going until the construction is complete.

Here on earth we have some contractors that skimp on the design, run out of money before the project is complete or abandon the project entirely. God isn’t like that. He’s well-financed and has the patience to see us through to completion.

“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.” James 1:2-4 ERV

Now there are some words we don’t like to hear: trouble, patience, suffering. But that’s exactly why we look to Jesus. He put up with trouble – the religious leaders set out to trip him up and destroy his ministry on a daily basis. He suffered ridicule from his own family and was even betrayed by those closest to him. But his patience (persistence) brought Him through to victory. When we follow His example our end result will be good – we’ll be mature and we’ll look like what God designed us to be!

Are we complete yet? No! Some of us are further along in the construction process than others. That should be an encouragement! Keep looking at Jesus; he’ll make sure that we look like the rendering, we are his workmanship.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 CEV

It won’t be long now and we’ll be finished!

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Crying? I’m Not Crying!

A while back the strangest thing happened. Dave and I were sitting in the living room watching a movie and we both started having problems with allergies, or at least that’s what I am claiming.

We both began to get the sniffles and my eyes started to water. Ok, let’s face it – it wasn’t allergies at all, it was the movie. It had me crying. I highly recommend watching the movie or reading the book, Same Kind of Different As Me.

This based on a true story movie tells of the relationship between a well-to-do woman and a down-and-out man. She lives in a big fancy house and he lives on the streets. Their story is one we can all learn from.

This movie portrays how we fall in to the trap of judging others just by their outward appearance. My, that has been going on for a very long time.

When the Lord sent Samuel out to find a king for Israel he went to David’s father and  he looked for a tall, muscular, mature man. However, God had different criteria.

“When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the man who the Lord has chosen.’ 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man’…12 Jesse sent someone to get his youngest son. This son was a good-looking, healthy young man. He was very handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Get up and anoint him. He is the one.’” I Samuel 16:6-12 ERV

Jesse, David’s father, hadn’t even considered that his youngest son was qualified or good enough to meet with Samuel. David was left out with the sheep when the priest came to dinner. But God knew who He wanted, he was looking for someone with a heart for Him.

Jesus never looked at a man or woman’s appearance or their occupation when He was here on earth. He followed his Father’s example and associated with those who had opened their hearts to God. It didn’t matter that they were fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes and others of low esteem.

James, the brother of Jesus, gave this instruction in the book of the Bible he wrote.

“My dear brothers and sisters, you are believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. So don’t treat some people better than others. 2 Suppose someone comes into your meeting wearing very nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes. 3 You show special attention to the person wearing nice clothes…5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters. God chose the poor people in the world to be rich in faith. He chose them to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him…8 One law rules over all other laws. This royal law is found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ If you obey this law, you are doing right. 9 But if you are treating one person as more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God’s law.” James 2:1-9 ERV

I will tell you that I was convicted by that movie. I felt great compassion for the people who were playing the roles. This is a true story but I had to honestly ask myself if I would have reacted with the same loving heart that they did. I pray I would have.

I find myself asking the Lord to show me areas in my life where I need to grow and change. Then I sit down to relax for an evening and watch a movie and God shows up and teaches me a life lesson.

The same loving God has blessed each person on this earth with air to breathe and the sun that shines. He sees a divine purpose in each of us.

We may be different but He loves us all the same!

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Lord, It’s Hard To Be Humble

For the last month or two I have been reading the history of the kings of Judah and Israel. If anyone ever tells you that “God could never want or use you – just look at all the stuff you have done” I would tell you to have them read I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles. Those kings were a piece of work. Not a humble one in the bunch – oh, they may have started out that way or ended up that way but everyone of them had a battle with ego.

The Bible is filled with promises for those who are humble. Psalm 138:6 says that the Lord takes care of the humble. He gives honor and wisdom to the humble. Proverbs 11:2, 15:33

What does humility look like?

It looks like Jesus. He gave up all the glory of heaven and His place at the right hand of God the Father to come to earth. There was no room for pride in His life.

Jesus played with children, gave comfort to the grieving, befriended rough and burly fisherman, spent His time with the lepers, lame, blind and societies outcasts. He never compromised His deity but He never lorded His position over those He was teaching.

The Apostle Paul gave this instruction to Christians in the early church.

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 ERV

A humble person doesn’t need to be in the limelight. They help make others look good and feel elevated. A humble person is one who encourages others, someone who isn’t afraid to get in and help out where needed. They don’t need the praise of others, they do the right thing because it’s right.

“All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say, “God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone who is humble.” 6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:5-7

God helps those who are humble. A meek or humble person will be misunderstood and even be treated wrongly. Look at Jesus, he was despised and hated by the religious rulers of his day because He didn’t measure up to their ideals. He ate with sinners, showed compassion to harlots, healed on the Sabbath. In the face of their objections, He continued on.

Isn’t it better to be humble and know we are pleasing God than to measure up to all of societies ideals and expectations? Yes, it is. When our lifestyle reflects humility we may offend some, we may be passed over because we don’t have the “leadership” skills necessary. If that’s the case, so be it.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV

I love that verse! The Lord will lift us up. Our loving Father will pick us up in His arms and give us a big hug. Or He’ll come in and wrap His arm around our shoulder and encourage us to continue on with what we’re doing. We’re acting like Him.

Thank  you Father for coming to our aid and taking our cares. We rely on you.

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Make It Feel Better

Have you ever skinned your knee, broke your arm, stubbed your toe, or hit your funny bone? Hurts, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ve had something more serious, maybe you have battled cancer or some other disease.

If so, you have learned how amazing the body is in working to heal itself. Blood cells start rushing to provide the infected part what it needs to heal. Swelling occurs to protect the injured part and keep it safe. All systems begin to work together for the good of the whole body.

I remember when I broke my right wrist I had to compensate for the loss of my primary hand. I had to learn to do the simple things with my left hand; things like brushing my teeth, combing my hair, tying my shoes, keyboarding and writing.  Oh my goodness, I was so thankful to have a second hand and wrist that would move correctly, even if they were untrained.

This is the picture Paul is painting in I Corinthians 12. We are all members of one body, joined together, we each have our part to play in keeping the body of Christ healthy and whole.

When we allow prejudice and doctrine to separate us we are bringing cancer into the body of Christ. When we are jealous of what some other Christian has or is doing and wonder why we weren’t able to be in the lime light and do this or that we cause damage to the body.

This is exactly what our enemy wants to happen. Just as he works to destroy our physical bodies, he works to cause dis-ease in the body of Christ. He knows if he can cause division of the members, get us out of joint, the pain will keep us from being effective for Christ.

“A person has only one body, but it has many parts. Yes, there are many parts, but all those parts are still just one body. Christ is like that too…14 And a person’s body has more than one part. It has many parts. 15 The foot might say, “I am not a hand, so I don’t belong to the body.” But saying this would not stop the foot from being a part of the body. 16 The ear might say, “I am not an eye, so I don’t belong to the body.” But saying this would not make the ear stop being a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, it would not be able to hear. If the whole body were an ear, it would not be able to smell anything. 18-19 If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But as it is, God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one. 20 So there are many parts, but only one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you!” 22 No, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are actually very important. 23 And the parts that we think are not worth very much are the parts we give the most care to. And we give special care to the parts of the body that we don’t want to show. 24 The more beautiful parts don’t need this special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it. 25 God did this so that our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other. 26 If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part is honored, then all the other parts share its honor. 27 All of you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body.” I Corinthians 12:12-27 ERV

Each morning I pray and thank God for health and healing in my body and that of my family. As I was writing this this morning I was convicted that I need to pray daily for health and healing in the body of Christ.

Will you join me? We have some hurting parts and they need our love and compassion to help them as they heal!

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