Cornerstone

Deuteronomy 28:58-64(58)

I am afraid of heights. No. I am terrified of heights.

I needed to work on my two-story house in Kansas City. The strategy I had planned didn=t slow down the elephants tromping around in my stomach. I purchased some eye hooks, clamps and strap. Reaching the second story I would screw the eye hooks into the window casing, attach the strap which now had clamps at both ends to the eye hook and to my belt. If I lost my footing at least I would not fall . . . very far.

My brother-in-law, an accomplished carpenter came over to give me some assistance. He quickly climbed the ladder. I followed at a safe pace. By the time I reached the roof, I was quaking and the ladder was shaking.

I hesitantly brought my safety device out of my pocket and explained my intention with some embarrassment. He looked it over in disbelief and tossed my plan to the ground. The rest of the day I clung to the roof like a cobweb clings to the hair of an unfortunate person who walks through its ornate design.

This cannot adequately describe the fear that will paralyze the unrepentant as they fall prostrate before the throne of God. We who know Him fear Him differently. Our fear is not terror but of awe and respect mixed with an overwhelming love.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Eph 6:10-18 (10)

If I were to visualize the people of God in armor as prepared for battle the image of one man would quickly come to my mind. This man has blazed a trail wherever he has served. He has stood as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar in his opposition to individuals who have tried to gain personal advantage at the risk of causing damage to the local congregation. While others have folded in personal compromise he has stood in the battle unflinching in his faithfulness. He has served local congregations well as pastor but he has also served the Church of God (Holiness) well as a leader. He has given and given and given to the work of God but has never given in to the pressures of those who wanted to espouse another way. If I was the Quarterback on a football team I would want him to be my Center. He will still be standing in the battle when the field is carpeted with the bodies of self-styled leaders. He is dependable. He formidable. He is solid in his faith. Silas MeGehee took Paul seriously when he said, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Silas is a warrior of the cross.

Dr. Gayle Woods