21January2017 Rejoice

"So, being sent on their way by the Church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers."  Acts 15:3

As Paul and Barnabas reported what God had been doing among the Gentiles, their Jewish brothers responded in joy.  They rejoiced to know that a people their former Judeo outlook abhorred, had accepted the Message of Truth.  Rejoiced!
We've seen this very thing first-hand.  Over the last few months, as we have shared what God is doing among refugees, many of our western brothers and sisters have cried tears of joy.  To be honest, it's been refreshing.  In spite of the society around us saying we are supposed to hate or fear refugees, the Body of Christ is rejoicing that they are hearing and many are receiving the Message of Truth.  In the middle of this crisis there is reason to rejoice.

12January2017 Wedge

Splitting firewood is one of my favorite chores and I've got the blisters and sore biceps to prove it.  I love the smell a freshly split log emits.  I love the measurable progress, a steadily growing stack.  I even love the implements.  A sharp axe, a heavy maul, I mean, what's not to love?  Right?  My favorite tool is a splitting wedge.  This small, conical shaped piece of steel, with proper placement and proper amount of brute force, can split even the largest piece of wood. 

There is a unique sense of satisfaction in putting a wedge in the middle of a big chuck of red oak and smashing the stuffing out of it with a sledge hammer until it splits. 

As we've been back in the States we've noticed one negative undercurrent.  The United States are not quite so united.  Maybe it's the political season we just went through or maybe it's just a sign of the times but we seem to be divided like never before.  Even worse, the Church seems to have succumbed to this same spirit of division.  This ought not be!   Jesus prayed in John 17 "...on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me"  Christ prayed that we, His family, would be one.  Amazing.  Brothers and sisters, let us throw off these things that have divided us.  Let us forgive and love one another as He forgives and loves us.  Let us refuse to allow the concerns of this world become a wedge of division, splitting apart the Family.  Let us remain united in Him!