“He that is first in his own cause seemeth right..”
.. but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
This is a verse from Proverbs 18:17 and stands often as a guard to my lips when I would be first to spread a negative story. I spare myself guilt and shame when I realize that eventually truth always shows itself, and decide to stop the spread of a ill rumour about another. My name is all I have for a testimony to the world and to squander it on gossip is a bad investment. But… I have done it plenty of times and still feel the shame. “Discretion shall preserve thee…” said the Preacher ( Proverbs 2:11).
Pastor W Jones
“Give a portion to seven and also to eight.”… Eccles. 11:2
I received a bag of chocolate covered almonds for Christmas this year and amazingly there are still a few left. I actually hid them in an empty can of Quality Street chocolates because I figured nobody would look there, knowing those treats were eaten the day they came. However, someone found them wile “going about seeking what they may devour” and I caught them indulging in my delicacies.I gave them out sparingly ( two each to those who came along and en extra beyond if they still looked longingly at the can) and amazingly I still have a few left – at least I think I do.
… and when they are gone, I will have less chance of diabetes and a couple friends more. Good choice.
“And she shall bring forth a son… Jesus ” Matthew 1:21
Why is it that the best stories and most memorable events are filled with human trauma and trouble? Crisis always brings out the worst and the best in us.. but it is here we get to know ourselves. Here we are forced to reckon with our innate selfishness and are prompted by the Spirit to give ourselves to the need. Mary unhesitatingly gives herself to God because she already trusts Him , but she knows it has a price. Thank you for that legacy, Mary.
But most of all “thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift” II Corinthians 9:15.