by George | Jul 15, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
James 1:19
Did you ever wonder where the expression “flying off the handle” came from?
It is first found in Thomas C. Haliburton’s The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England, 1843
“He flies right off the handle for nothing.”
Writing.org explains:
“… the allusion is to that of an ax flying off its handle. Imagine if you were cutting a tree with an ax, and the metal part of the ax suddenly flew off the handle. It would happen very quickly and be very dangerous.”
What if I get my ax ready to chop down a tree, and I spend hours meticulously sharpening the ax, and I forget to make sure it’s firmly attached? Yes, you guessed it. It’s “an accident waiting to happen.”
I raise the ax in the air, and summoning my strength I take a swing, but all that hits the tree is the wooden handle. The sharp metal part is zooming towards a window. I turn to react, but it’s too late.
And so it is with our reactions… If I only work on knowledge in my life, and I’m not grounded, at peace with God and my lot in life, I won’t be ready to react right. It’s a matter of preparation. Deciding in advance a plan of action.
I resolve to listen first. Take a deep breath, think and pray. Then… I will speak.
Hopefully the ax will stay in one piece!
by George | Jul 8, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
I met a man named David today. He has a tumor on his esophagus and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for it. He can’t swallow. A feeding tube is the only way for him to get nutrition.
But, he said he’s near the end of his treatments. David has a simple goal once this is over. To eat a tomato sandwich.
He has his mind fixed on the goal. Throughout this ordeal, I’m sure he’s had times when he felt like quitting. But he hasn’t.
David continues to imagine how delicious that tomato sandwich will taste.
Paul didn’t keep his eyes on his present sufferings which included beatings, imprisonment etc. He kept his eyes on Jesus, who patiently endured His suffering.
“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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy that was set before Him…”
Jesus stayed focused on the goal of being reunited with the Father, and the inexpressible joy that awaited Him.
Paul also kept this in mind.
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.””
I Corinthians 2:9
One day these sufferings will be over. Though we can’t fully comprehend how wonderful it will be, it helps to keep your mind focused On Jesus and on eternity with God.
Don’t give up.
Keep your eyes on the goal!
by George | Jul 1, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
In the Morning
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”
Psalms 5:3
There’s something to be said of rising early, while it’s quiet, before everyone else gets up.
If I linger in bed, and wait for the absolute last minute to get up, I risk not having time for the most important thing. Being quiet, and listening to God’s still small voice.
My personal preference is to start out with the Lord’s prayer. Not merely repeating the words, but trying to make it heartfelt. It focuses my attention on God.
Remember the first part?
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10
We are praising God, putting Him first. Then we say in essence, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Like you, I struggle to get out of bed sometimes, but I firmly believe that if we put God first, He will bless our efforts.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Give it a try!
