Worry

It would do us all good to remember that the responsibilities of life are not meant to become a heavy burden, but an opportunity to fulfill our purposes in life. When our Lord spoke about the cares of this world choking the word(Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14; 21:34),He used a word meaning division or distraction, something agitating the mind and consequently throwing one's true perspective out of focus.

Consider this: All can be done with rejoicing instead of a worrying attitude. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee"(Isaih 26:3). Nothing and no one can disturb His peace. The trials, tribulations and tumult of life should drive us to God not away from Him. We are to hope(Hebrews 12:11), praise and pray(1 Thessalonians 5:16-17), and not to fret. We should take Him at His Holy Word and cast our care upon Him(1 Peter 5:7). We should not sit down and mope and sorrow, giving way to despair, but rather get up and sing His wonderful praise. We should walk by faith and not sight!

Friends

Everyone should be very careful about the friends and associates they allow into their lives. The scriptures give us wonderful examples of good friendships: Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It would do us all good to study these relationships carefully and determine to be wise in the friends we choose.

True friends are for sharing(Hebrews 13:16). Real friends help in time of need. True friends are also encouragers(Hebrews 10:23-24). There is great and lasting benefit from the friends who are willing to encourage and edify us. True friends offer spiritual support(James 5:16). They have no trouble going boldly to the throne of Grace on behalf of a friend. True friends serve(I Thessalonians 2:6-8). They work for each other's mutual benefit.

May we strive to choose our friends wisely and serve our chosen friends willingly.

His fireplaces

I love an open fireplace. There is something therapeutic in the flickering flame and the crackling of burning wood. Most homes do not have such fireplaces, but God has always had His fireplaces.... The burning bush, the brazen altar of the tabernacle, Mount Carmel, and His people.

The only fireplaces He has today are the hearts of His people.We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The fire of the Holy Spirit is to burn in the fireplaces of our hearts.

Frankly, there is nothing more pathetic than a drowsy and lethargic christian. When the people of the church lack the burning power of the Holy Spirit, it ceases to be a thriving organism and becomes merely an organization. Lacking the spiritual strength to operate as a true church of God, it will rely more and more upon mechanics and machinery.

"For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:29) Our Lord desires to have, and will have a church that is on fire with His Divine Presence and Power. Let us all remember that the steam needed for His work comes from His fire under the boilers.