Are Your Roots Showing?

I have the privilege to lead a Bible study at a nearby senior citizens assisted living center. One of the things I have observed about them is that they say whatever is on their mind at that moment. At the last study, the lady in charge of activities for them stopped by to share some information with them. Now she is probably a lady in her mid to late forties, who apparently cares that her hair is turning gray and colors it to hide it. It was obvious that she was in need of another coloring, so much so one of the ladies in the study decided it was her responsibility to let her know that her roots were showing. Slightly embarassed, the activities director looked at me and asked if I could somehow use that in my Bible study, at which everyone sort of chuckled.

But of course, that got me thinking, and there are several applications to be taken away from that experience. "Do onto others" comes to mind, as well as "love one another", and then there's "speak only encouraging words". Then I got thinking about her roots. She must go to some expense and trouble to cover-up her graying hair, only for it to eventually show again for all others to see; and for her to repeat the process of cover-up again & again. As Christians, do we do that? Do we try to color over the 'gray' in our lives so that others won't see? I tend to think we do, especially when we are in our church settings where we should be most able to be who we are, gray & all.
PJ

Payment Is Never Late

I have a friend who was talking to me about the 'harrasing' phone calls he was receiving simply because he was behind in a payment to a creditor. I asked him about it, and he told his long tale of woe, and how it just wasn't very fair that he ended up with all this debt, and the harrassing phone calls. I attempted (probably not very well) to have empathy for him and encourage him to work it out with the creditor so the calls would stop & he could get the debt paid; whether or not it was 'fair'. I doubt he took my advice.

Made me think about the debt I once owed God because of sin, and how Jesus paid that debt for me. It wasn't His to owe and it surely wasn't fair for Him to suffer in my place on the Cross; but He did, and not just for me, but for all who believe, and accept it, and call Him Lord. That's WAY BETTER than empathy!! That's real love for His Father who sent Him to die in our place, that we might live. When we do we get to experience what REAL DEBT FREE living is all about!
PJ

Thought for the Day

I've been really busy lately and finding time to blog has been hard, but I want everyone, all 4 or 5 of you to know I will get back to this in earnest asap. So for now, here's thought for everyone to consider and weigh in on if so led. 'Jesus had to be born of a virgin, the blood-line of God, in order to NOT be effected by the curse of Adam, and live a perfect and holy life.'
Blessings,
PJ