Food for Thought

"Jesus is not content to live only inside our minds." (Christian Century, August 11, 2009)

"Many have drifted away from the church.  Most have not drifted away from God and faith.  Studies suggest religious yearning is as strong as ever."  

Bill Tammeus, former Faith columnist for The Kansas City Star

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Proverbs 11:25 NIV

"A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, a baseball cap on his head, ball and bat in hand. He was muttering, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung at it and missed. “Strike one!” He picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, “I’m the greatest hitter ever!” He swung at the ball again. “Strike two!” He paused, examined his bat and ball and threw the ball into the air, missing a third time. He cried out, “Wow! I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

Yes, the pursuit of joy is a matter of choice and perspective. It is also a matter of obedience. As Christians, one of our spiritual priorities should be joy.

'One ship sails east.
 One ship sails west.
 Regardless of how the winds blow,
 It is the set of the sail
 And not the gale
 That determines the way we go.'"
 (Author unknown)

Devotional By: Mary Southerland

The highest truths God has to offer are rarely wrapped in a beautifully wrapped or elegantly presented package and handed to us on a silver platter.  I am convinced that our Father takes heaven-sent treasures, buries them at the heart of a huge problem, then watches and applauds when we have what it takes to break that problem apart, finding the wealth hidden there in the darkness.  The words of Isaiah say it well.

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness - secret riches.  I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.  Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)

Some things cannot be learned in the light.  The greatest treasures are often buried in the deepest pits and require a step of faith to discover.

By: Mary Southerland