THE NEW EWE
THE NEW EWE"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"
Luke 15:4-6
July 20, 2022
LIFE
IN THE FOLDWe've had ongoing roadwork on our street for the past year and a half or so.... seems longer! For several months it was on our end of the street; then they started widening down at the next mile intersection.
For the past few days, the streets have been barricaded and completely closed down coming from all four directions towards that intersection, and you cannot get through. From our driveway, we can see the bright orange barricades that had the street closed off, right before you get to a small bridge. I'm guessing that they are taking off all of the old asphalt and paving all the streets leading up to that intersection; which would be much easier to do without dealing with any traffic.
When you turn onto our street there is a big orange sign blocking one lane that says street closed to thru traffic. A few yards later, there is another orange sign that warns that the road is closed ahead. Yet I have seen many vehicles still turn down our street, with the intent of taking this route and driving all the way through. I know that there are cars of residents living on this street who need to get to and from their house; but when I've been outside getting mail or doing various other things, I have seen many vehicles go by.... then they put on their brakes after they get past our home and see the barricades further down the street... then either pull into a driveway and turn around, or they take a neighborhood street and then I see that same vehicle circle through and come out the neighborhood street across from our home. Some have turned around in the street across from us.
Sometimes in life, no matter how bright and big the warning is that God puts in our path, we somehow disregard it or think that it doesn't apply to us. Then we get frustrated and upset when we run into a barricade. Perhaps we even saw the various warnings that God had given, but think that they applied to others and not to us.
The signs posted on our street would be hard to miss, but I'm sure that there have been those who weren't paying attention and totally missed seeing them; then became angry, thinking that the city hadn't posted any warnings that the street was closed. They're in a hurry, on their phone, or have an agenda and aren't aware of things that are right in their path.
Granted, having that section of our street closed these past several days has been an inconvenience, in many ways. Instead of taking a direct route to get to the homes of relatives living nearby, we have to go a mile out of our way to take the detour. But we know that once the workers have that section of road finished, it's going to be nice.
There may be times in our lives when we participate in conversations that are really gossip, and could cause hurt to someone should they overhear what we're saying or if they found out what was said. We can get caught up in talking about people and what we don't like about them or things that they do that we think they should do differently; especially when we are in a group setting and we want to feel as if we belong. We can say things that we later regret or wish we hadn't said. We can take on another person's perspective and feelings for an individual, due to something that they experienced, when that other person has never done anything to us; and we are only hearing one side of what took place, and we may or may not be hearing the whole truth. But it affects our feelings toward that individual, when they've never done anything against us personally. We hear that little warning in our head, while we are participating in such conversations and joining in, yet ignore it, thinking that we aren't doing anyone any harm.
Ephesians 4:29 tells us to let everything we say be good and helpful, so that our words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Sometimes that may mean walking away from conversations and groups where there is gossip or words that are putting others down or are critical. We need to not be a partaker in idle talk; which is hard to do at times.
Verse 31 of that same chapter tell us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
We generally have those warning signs that God gives us, through the Holy Spirit, that speaks to us and convicts us of wrongful attitudes or behavior. We are told to get rid of such things and repent. We know when we should forgive or be kind or show love; but sometimes we just don't really want to. So we disregard those warning signs. If we keep going on that path, it will lead to destruction. If we ignore the barriers that God erects and try to push past them, we could end up hurt or in danger.
Here's what we need to do instead: "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
God never blocks our path to good things and blessings. He never stands in our way when we are honoring Him and doing the things that He has called us to do. When we repent, He immediately forgives us. If we do become misguided or miss a warning sign, God gently leads us back to safety and to where we need to be. He would much rather we admit that we messed up, then turn around and continue following Him; than to continue on the road that leads to destruction, because we are too prideful to admit that we were wrong and sinned.
There are times when we really want to do something and assume because it's something good, that it must be God's will. Yet God puts a barricade in our path and tries to stop us, but we are so determined that we want to do it, so ignore the signs. Other times, we try to look for signs that aren't there because we don't want to do what God is asking us to do. We urgently try to look for barricades and "road closed" signs or detours, thinking surely they are there, yet the road is cleared in front of us and God is directing our steps. We balk and argue and look for reasons why this surely isn't God's will; yet He is saying, "This is My way and my plan for you.... just keep going!"
Aren't you so thankful for the Holy Spirit that so kindly corrects us.... leads us... directs our steps.... stops us when we are headed the wrong way and gently shows us the way the Lord is wanting us to go.
JON'S
PERSPECTIVE:Not only do the Road Closed signs warn drivers they can't get through, they also include a Detour arrow. True, there was a problem ahead that could destroy your car if you continued. But there was also a way to escape it.
God does that, too. 1st Corinthians 10:13 says, "...And God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." We may be headed toward some kind of destruction. God doesn't always remove the temptation entirely. But He always provides a way to avoid it.
Just like the sign about the road closure was more than 1/2 mile away, long before the last place to turn around, sometimes the best way of escaping destruction comes long before the end. It could come when you first get invited to hang out with friends from your life before getting saved. That could be the first detour sign. But you might think the danger doesn't apply to you because you might be able to influence them for the better. The second detour sign may be when they offer you some addiction you fought so hard to overcome, and you feel very tempted.
God doesn't put temptations in front of us. And He doesn't allow temptations to come along for our destruction. But He can use those temptations to teach us, help us grow stronger, and to hear His voice more clearly. Listen closely, learn, and grow.
ON
THE MENEWE:Freezing Peaches
Peel, pit and slice peaches as you would for a pie. It is best to prepare in smaller batches at a time; such as 2-3 quarts.
Sprinkle cut fruit with sugar (approximately 1/3 cup for each pint); mix gently with a large spoon until juice is drawn out and sugar is dissolved.
Pack fruit and juice in freezer containers or freezer bags. Seal well and freeze.
THIS,
THAT AND THE OTHER:I urge you to join many other believers who are praying for rain, at this time. It's not only a matter or our yards and plants becoming brittle and dying; but many farmers are struggling to survive. Crops are drying up or not producing very much this year. This is going to affect prices and food supplies.
My sister and I have bought peaches from a nearby orchard for a few years, and I recently read that they've lost 90% of their crop this year. That is going to really hurt their business and ability to survive for another year. We ordered peaches that were supposed to be shipped in from another state, and it has already been delayed for about 3-4 weeks from the original delivery, due to crops being so limited there.
I have family and friends who generally have large gardens and do a lot of canning; but they are having a lot of issues with the heat and various things eating their plants.
I truly believe if we join together and begin praying for rain, that God will hear our cries and will send rain; even though there may be none in the forecast. Pray for the farmers, that God will bring provision for their families throughout this next year. Pray for the families who depend upon their gardens to feed their families over this next year, that God will provide for their needs. And pray for all those areas that are under a burn ban, due to the heat and extreme dryness, that God will protect from fires and danger.
THOUGHT
TO PONDER:Your mistakes don't define your character.
It's what you choose to do after you have made the mistake that makes all the difference. - unknown
OUR
HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:We love you!
Loretta & Jon