That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT) As I get a little older, I realize my body is not getting 'better', it is getting 'frailer' and less 'durable' than it once was. Bones creak, joints crackle and pop, eyes tire while reading, and stairs make me a little more winded than they once did. It is a 'given' that we will all 'age' physically, but isn't it amazing that even when our bodies may be failing, our spirit can grow stronger with each passing day? This continual renewal of our spiritual man is never to be taken lightly. God has prepared a place for us in his family, and we are given every spiritual blessing as a member of that family. Our minds are being renewed, though they may not be as 'sharp' as th...
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. (Edward Everett Hale) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT) Unity is something we must strive for - it doesn't come naturally to selfish, self-centered humans. We want what is best for us, but we might pursue it at what bears a significant cost to another. We must lay down our own agenda in order to focus on the agendas of peace and unity. Only then will we actually be able to pursue both! Humility and gentleness are the backbone to unity. We should not raise ourselves up while putting another down. We must focus on what brings good to ALL, not just one. We might encounter individuals in our lifetime that seem to pride themselves on what they can do, have accomplished, or 'know' in th...