Cornerstone

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus was always saying things that caused people to stop to ponder. For example: “The only way you can expect to get into the kingdom of God is to do so like a child.” What in the world could He mean? Since we haven’t totally understood we have hammered on the door of the kingdom trying to force our way in.

Napoleon did not follow the direction of Jesus but he seemed to understand the truth. He thought he could be great because he founded a kingdom on force. Toward the end of his life, however he said, “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love. And at this hour millions of men would die for him.”

So then, how do we enter the kingdom as a child? First we must consider the characteristics of a child. A child is dependent, weak, pliable, teachable, forgiving, loving, and humble. This does not exhaust the list but sets a workable template for those who would come to Christ. To be forgiven of your sinfulness you must come to Him in sorrow confessing the error of your ways while being willing to cast yourself totally upon His guidance for your life. Can you become childlike in order to find peace with God?

Dr. Gayle Woods

Psalm 119:1-8 (2)

In this little town the speed limit was 25 mph EVERYWHERE! I was SO frustrated. Things had not gone well that morning. It was cold. My son didn’t want to get out of bed. We soon found that it had sleeted during the night. Ice covered my windshield. Then the car wouldn’t start. A jump start to the battery took more time. Ahead were slick roads, heavy traffic and 15 miles to the school

Traffic was moving at about 22 3/8 mph! If I hurried my son would not be tardy. Finally there was no one in front of me. We were 2 mile from school I had 2 minutes. I stepped on the accelerator.

Then I saw him. He was headed toward me. I glanced at my speedometer. I was driving at 35 mph. We met and passed. In my rearview mirror I watched him make a u-turn. His lights came on. As I pulled into the school parking lot, ON TIME, the city patrolman pulled in behind me.

I accomplished what I wanted to do. It seemed right at the time. Others would not have faulted me. Yet, I had to pay a fine. So it is with God=’s Word. It is our guide to a productive, happy life with Jesus. When we violate its precepts we must pay the consequences.

Dr. Gayle Woods