Matthew 9:32-38
“You did what?” I exclaimed. “I took my hammer and beat the windshield out of my car.” “Why did you do that!” I asked. “I can’t seem to help it, Bro. Woods. Something just seems to come over me when I get mad.”
Cleo could not afford any more misfortune. He drank. He smoked. He couldn’t hold down a job because he couldn’t seem to control his temper. He had led his family one step at a time deeper into the bondage of poverty. At one time he had to sell the chain saw he used to cut wood for their wood stove to pay the electric bill. His house was little more than a shack. Their rent at one time was $25 per month. Sometimes they didn’t have enough money to make this small payment.
I guess that was what brought such a thrill to me when I saw their tears puddle on the altar. This is what caused me to be so excited when I listened to them testifying to the grace of God who had delivered them from that life. On their own they just dug the rut of sin for their life deeper and deeper. But when they called upon God and sought His forgiveness, a dramatic change was effected which dramatically altered the direction of their lives.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Acts 9:36-42 (36)… “… this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” As the old story goes, a wood cutter became very angry because his wife failed to put salt in his morning porridge. After a heated argument he went to work in a foul mood. Still infuriated he lashed out at a tree with such force that his axe head flew off. At just that time his employer’s favorite horse was being led to the blacksmith’s shop. The axe head struck and injured the horse. This was doubly tragic for his employer was an important nobleman and was planning to ride this horse to a meeting of the lords to discuss their differences with the King. The nobleman upon finding out about his injured horse angrily went to the meeting where he successfully argued for an uprising against the King. The rebellion developed quickly, many were killed and the land suffered from poverty and famine.
Why did all of this take place? Because a wood cutter’s wife failed to salt her husband’s porridge. Although this story could be used to illustrate various things it does emphasize that little things can have a widespread effect. The effect can be good or bad, positive or negative. Have you ever thrown rocks into a pond? Did you notice the ripple effect? Your good works have an effect on someone, somewhere.
You are God’s hands and feet. What are you doing for Him?
Dr. Gayle Woods
