But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Memory of the Month: Psalm 33:4
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
Today's reading: JEREMIAH 27-29 TITUS 3
Time To Gather
After the fall harvest, it is time to gather.
Well, after the harvest, people would rest up-not for long. It was time to fix what was broken after the ground had been 'turned over' for winter.
But folks found time to gather. Barn dances were held where the folks joined for a time of music and dancing.
My grandmother told my mother this story in 1949. She told how she stayed home with her daughters while the men folk went to play music at a dance. It was during the depression but some hillbilly always had corn liquor. They came dragging in in the wee hours under the influence-heavily. Granny let them get into bed and asleep and then, one by one, she tied the legs of their overalls in knots.(each of the four men only had one pair each)
Granny, then, got the fiddle out and sat in front of the fireplace and rocked away as she sawed on the fiddle until milking time-really early(she could not play a note...). Then, she got up, put the fiddle away, walked into the kitchen and got her iron skillet and tin ladle. She walked back in beating on the iron skillet, yelling, "It's milkin' time, y'all get up-milkin time!"
The consequences of sin are sometimes not so immediate but here are some things to remember when gathering for fall celebrations(I know I may be 'preaching to the choir' but some of you hillbillies always have some 'wine for the stomach'-sometimes a little turns into a lot):
1. It is impossible to sleep it off when mama saws the fiddle.
2. You can't get your overalls on with the legs tied in a knot-in the dark.
3. The smell of fresh milk and manure does not favor a bad stomach nor swollen head.
4. You can't live like the devil and blame God for the consequences.
5. You can't live for Jesus and leave the door open for the devil
You and you alone-we all are responsible for our own sins. It is good to see everybody at gatherings and it is good to have a good time, but there is no excuse for excess and gluttony and riotous living. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Anyone who walks with Jesus knows better, but for some, the temptation is always there. It is time we took those cravings captive and pray for the same cravings to be turned to righteous cravings. Pray for temptations to be recognized and used as opportunities to turn to the Holy Spirit for strength, growth, and reaching out in Jesus name.
It's time to love. It's always time to love. There is always loving to do.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me my large appetites and let my soul, body, and mind be satisfied in You. Thank You for all our blessings.
Mighty God of provision.
In the name of Christ Jesus,
Amen
Seriously, employ and encourage self control this holiday season. It starts with sitting before God and letting Him fill us with His peace.
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