LOVE

1Cor. 13:4, 5, 6, 7 & 8; 4. Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag, and is not arrogant, 5. does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6. does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; 7. bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8. Loves never falls;… (NASB)

Terrie and I just got back from a much needed vacation. Got to ride on my first big plane ride, I really enjoyed it. The trip up was kind of bumpy but still an experience. I don’t know about you but when I’m on vacation I try to cram as much into one day as I can. I mean you have so little time to go and do the things you want to do. As a result people get tired and sometimes personalities can come out. When I get tired I tend to get quit. I’m aware of tiredness and usually more tolerant of other people who are the same way.

The Bible says the hardest thing for a person to control is his tongue. Some of the nicest people can say the most awful things. I work around men all day, and sometimes we men can get on each others nerves. When confronted I could dish out what I was given, I have since learned it is better to turn and walk away. That way you don’t say something you will regret later. Once you have separated yourself from the problem, pray for the person or the situation. That very thing happened to me this week. We were eating lunch in the break room and this guy used some colorful language that was directed at me. I just acted like I didn’t hear him. I went to a different place in the shop and started praying for him. I could have unleashed anger on him but I don’t think that would have accomplished anything. The guys at work know I’m a Christian, and they watch my reaction. I am not weak or afraid of any man, I can get angry without sinning.

I am truly convinced it takes more strength to refrain, than to fight back. I offer you this challenge. The next time some one gives you a tongue lashing try keeping your mouth shut. Then to yourself, start praying for them. The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. (2Cor.10:4)

“All that is within me cries, for You alone be glorified: Emmanuel, God with us”(MercyMe) Posted by Steve Waltrip

The Countenance

In 1971, after graduating High School, my parents, suggested I take some classes at KWC, to get my feet wet for what was coming up that fall (college).  I took American History after 1865, and English 101.  The English class was a creative writing class.  I enjoyed it very much.  I remember one assignment we had, to go to a crowded place and write about the people we observed.  I had the most fun watching people, I still do.  The place was a Mall in Owensboro.  I sat in the center of the mall and started writing.  Mothers holding tight to their children, every once in a while, a mother would get mad and scold her child for doing something wrong.  Young lovers walking hand in hand, old men walking, looking in the display windows.  A father stopping, pulling out his wallet giving their child some money, and them running to the local ice cream store.  Older women carrying bags, with who knows what in them.  But most of all I would watch their countenance.  They were happy, mad, angry, all kinds of expressions.

I still do that, today.  But now I’m a Christian and my observation has a different motivation.  I look at a face to see if I can tell if the person is a Christian, you’d be surprised at what you can see, peace, strife, holiness, turmoil.  Many years ago I attended a church in Owensboro.  I knew a man there, that I would swear had a halo around his head.  I could see a Holy presents around him, over his head.   This man was so into to God his very countenance had an appearance of holiness.  To many people, he was just an average man about my age, with three children.   I often think about him and wonder if or when I can be that way. 

I think Christian teeshirts are great, I have a few myself, but I think it’s a greater testimony when someone comes up to me and say’s, are you a Christian, there’s something about you that is different ?  NASB  Matt. 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” Posted by Steve Waltrip

Just Do Your Job

Several years ago my youngest brother, in the military at the time, was getting very good job performance reviews.  I asked him what he was doing to achieve such acclaim.  He said, “Steve your not going to believe it, but I just do my job.”   He served as a Lieutenant with Air Defense, in Germany.  He went on to say, “there are so many people that don’t do theirs, that I shine by just doing mine.”

You may be wondering what this picture has to do with a job?   For many years I was confused by what my job was.  I’m an electrician.   Early on I worked hard at that.  I had a position at church, I worked hard at that.  By the time I got finished working hard at those things I was tired.  I became mediocre at being a husband and a father.  My family suffered.

I think men, especially young men, get their priorities mixed up.  I know now, God put me here on earth to first be a good husband and father.  Raising children is probably the most important job a man can do.  You could leave work now and in ten years you probably couldn’t find anyone who even remembers your name.   The impact you make on your children will last for generations.

I have become older and wiser now, and my boys are grown up and living on their own.  I have adjusted my job priorities to God first, husband, then church, and occasionally I get to spend time with my children and their children. Posted by Steve Waltrip