Cornerstone

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

Rom. 8:29

A familiar slogan for young basketball lovers is “I wanna be like Mike.” Michael Jordan brought a new element to the game of basketball with his expertise and grace. His personality only enhanced his skill at the game. People all across the nation were charmed by him even when they did not like the team for which he played. The book of Acts tells us that something similar took place early in the history of the church. When the enemies of God called the believers “Christians” at the Antioch church they meant it to be a term of derision. The Christians, however, happily accepted the term with pride. “Christian” means “to be like Christ.” This is God’s will for us . . . that we be transformed into the image of His Son. (Rom. 8:29) That is the will of those who truly love Him. To be holy even as He is holy. (1 Pet 1:16) “I wanna be like Jesus.”

Dr. Gayle Woods