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Posts Tagged ‘chagrin’

The Deceptive Spirit

December 31st, 2009 No comments

II Kings 5:20‑27 (20)

I was an only child so it was always a treat to have visitors.  This evening my cousins came to visit.  What made it even more special was that they brought some toys among which was a new football.  I did not have a football.  I loved the game.  Toys were soon scattered everywhere.  At one point I saw the football roll under my parent’s bed.  A plan was conceived.  When it came time for my cousins to leave they began to gather their toys. Everything was found except the football.  We looked everywhere.  Finally the search was given up.  My parents said that when we found the ball we would put it aside to return the next time we saw them.

For some reason I looked under my parent’s bed after my cousins left and there was the football!  I told my parents what I found and to my chagrin they put it away so that it would not be lost again.  I didn’t even get to play with the football!  A terrible choice made by a little boy.

A deceptive spirit is always disappointing to those who have placed trust in you.  A deceptive spirit is usually damaging to the potential of a relationship. Although we may fool our friends at times God is never fooled and judgment for sin is certain.

by Dr. Gayle Woods

Categories: News

Practical Holy Living

July 21st, 2009 No comments

Rom. 12:9-21 (16)

She walked with brisk steps into the guest bedroom. There was just enough light to see where she could place her suitcase. Then suddenly she saw the other person! She jumped back and whirled around in surprise. There looking at her was her own reflection in the full length wall mirror.

I remember how amused I was when I walked by a group of distorted mirrors. I could hardly recognize myself. One mirror made me look tall and skinny. I liked that one. Another mirror made me look short and fat. I moved on quickly to look at the others. Other people near me were not acting their age. They forgot that they were dignified adults as they admired a strange image of themselves.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus is startled or feels chagrin when He sees the image of Himself that we portray by our conduct. When people look upon our lives they should see a perfect likeness of Jesus Christ. Holiness is a reflection of Christ living in our lives. I wonder if they recognize Christ when they look at our lives. Does Christ even recognize Himself when He looks in the mirror of our lives? I wonder.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Categories: News