Cornerstone

John 4:7-(10)

While constructing a new stairway at our house I ordered a dumpster so we could dispose of the old concrete. The transaction was made. I agreed to the price. When the job was complete the company picked up the dumpster and I paid the bill. To my surprise I received another bill a few weeks later for almost twice the amount of the price I had agreed to pay. I called to question the account. I was told that I was being assessed an overweight charge. I had not been told of an overweight charge and had not agreed to pay an extra fee. If had known I would have disposed of the excess material by other means. The accountant told me to write a letter disputing the account. I wrote a letter. I received a bill with interest. I wrote another letter. I received another bill with interest. I called to question the account again. I was told that the bill was in error and that I had a zero balance. I was amazed. I had expected much less. I was planning to compromise on the price. Yet, by asking I received much more than I expected. In like manner, when we come to God asking for deliverance from our old account of sin, He does much more for us than we would ever hope. He doesn’t just relieve the guilt, or only forgive our sins. He adopts us into His family making us an heir.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Rom. 12:9-21 (16)

She walked with brisk steps into the guest bedroom. There was just enough light to see where she could place her suitcase. Then suddenly she saw the other person! She jumped back and whirled around in surprise. There looking at her was her own reflection in the full length wall mirror.

I remember how amused I was when I walked by a group of distorted mirrors. I could hardly recognize myself. One mirror made me look tall and skinny. I liked that one. Another mirror made me look short and fat. I moved on quickly to look at the others. Other people near me were not acting their age. They forgot that they were dignified adults as they admired a strange image of themselves.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus is startled or feels chagrin when He sees the image of Himself that we portray by our conduct. When people look upon our lives they should see a perfect likeness of Jesus Christ. Holiness is a reflection of Christ living in our lives. I wonder if they recognize Christ when they look at our lives. Does Christ even recognize Himself when He looks in the mirror of our lives? I wonder.

Dr. Gayle Woods