1 Peter 3:8-11 (8)
In Sri Lanka, more than 30,000 people were killed. But all the elephants, deer and other wild animals survived, says H. D. Ratnayake, deputy director of that nation’s wildlife department. In the 12 hours before Hurricane Charley hit Florida, 14 electronically tagged sharks off Sarasota who had never left their home region before fled into deep waters and stayed away for two weeks before returning. The same sharks reacted similarly when Tropical Storm Gabrielle was about to strike according to Biologist Mike Heithaus.
Although animals are not in as much agreement when the weather is peaceful it illustrates God’s desire for His people. Peter says, “be ye all of one mind . . .” 1 Pet 3:8. After speaking of being “of one accord, of one mind,” Paul goes on to say “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Vs. 5
For His pleasure can we try harder to get along with our brothers in the Lord? For His pleasure can we try harder to work together to accomplish His mission for the Church? If we try to think His thoughts we will find that this comes easier. If the Word of God comes to life in our lives we will find that working with our brethren in unity comes more naturally.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Jn 6:43-51 (44)
FORTUNE, a leader among American business publications, also provides conferences for senior executives of the nation’s corporations. Bringing together leaders from a variety of fields, including top corporate executives, economists, technologists, entertainers, scientists and government officials they encourage the generation of ideas regarding the trends that embrace all within the larger context. The programs include panels, short vignettes, and interviews during which time those involved in the brainstorming sessions seek to think strategically toward the future.
These conferences are by invitation only. That explains why I have never attended a Fortune Conference. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is by invitation only as well. In this I have enjoyed the esteemed privilege of being recognized.
I was not invited to a relationship with God because of anything that I was able to accomplish on my own. I was not invited because of my intellectual prowess or my profession status. God took the initiative. From the cross He heralded an invitation to all mankind. Unlike the Fortune Conferences, God did not only choose the best and most promising. He invited the unlovely, the undesirable and the unlikely. Through the work of the Holy Spirit the Father continues to send out reminders to individuals encouraging each one to come to repentance. Have you received yours?
Dr. Gayle Woods
