Cornerstone

Matt 13:1-9 (3)

Jesus was always ahead of His time. Even in our own day many do not seem to either accept or realize this truth., If we can understand this little picture lesson of the receptivity of the soils then we will be more likely to have a direct influence on those whom we are trying to win to Christ.

Not all people have the same level of interest concerning their salvation at a given time. They are at different points in their spiritual pilgrimage each day. This truth cannot be even limited to the four soils that Jesus described. He was not trying to limit the possibilities to four but was trying to teach a concept.

Due to varying circumstances, levels of training, understanding, emotional, psychological and spiritual concerns a person may be more willing to listen to the gospel at 9 a.m. on a given day than he will at 2 p.m. On the other hand his receptivity may wane again in a few hours and not return to the same level of interest for several days, weeks, or months. Knowing this we must seize the moment of opportunity to present the gospel when we see that someone is ready. We must continue to cultivate relationships with those who are not presently ready to come to Christ.

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