Cornerstone

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

Romans 15:1-6 (5)

Cleo could be so frustrating! He was saved from sins that were even considered socially disgusting. He and his family all came to God. It pumped new life into our church. We saw redemptive lift in action as a family was literally lifted from the gutter to a place of acceptance and respect. But then . . .

Cleo could be so frustrating! He got a job. But he squandered his money and was destitute most of the time. He quit his habits to the amazements of his friends. He returned to his habits repeatedly to the pleasure of his friends.

Cleo and Bobbie were in love with Jesus and were learning how to be Christians. When I and the church people felt at times like giving them an ultimatum . . . “shape up or ship out” we refrained. When we felt like withholding a helping hand we instead smiled in pain as we lifted them up once again. Raising children is sometimes a painful process. Paul reminded us in Romans 15:1 that the “strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” As we are patient with those struggling to grow in Christ it will help us to remember “the God of patience and consolation” vs. 5 was considerate of us as well.

Dr. Gayle Woods