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

Acts 10:34-38 (38)

In 1871 H. M. Stanley went to Africa to find and report on David Livingstone. For several months he traveled with the missionary. During this time he observed Livingstone’s patient compassion for the African people. Except for Jesus, Livingstone had no reason to sacrifice his life for these backward people. Stanley wrote in his journal, “When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal, and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word.”

Peter stated in Acts 10:38 that Jesus worked among the people healing them and doing good because God was with Him. Do you work daily to take the message of salvation to the lost? Do you work daily to show Gods love by making the lot of the needy and hurting more bearable?

You say, “Why should I?” I like the humble attitude of John Brodie, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. He was asked why a million-dollar player should have to hold the ball for field goals and points after touchdown. “Well,” said Brodie, “if I didn’t, it would fall over.” The work needs to be done. Are you going to do it? Jesus did His work because God was with Him. Does that mean that if we dont God is not with us?

Dr. Gayle Woods