[The Mayor]

July 6, 2005

Dusty Leaves

Read:
Psalm 32:1-7

I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. —Psalm 32:5

Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 18-19

The rubber plant I bought for my wife Dorothy added a touch of life to our home. But one morning its leaves were dropping as if in a state of dejection. I wondered what happened.

When I came home for lunch that noon, the plant was completely transformed. It looked as hearty as it did the day I got it from the store. Its leaves were extended outward once again. When I asked Dorothy about it, she told me of reading a household hint on how to keep plants looking fresh. It stated that dust accumulating on the leaves can actually prevent the light from getting to them, so it's necessary to wipe them off regularly. She had done this and the result was amazing.

As we live in this world, tiny "particles" of sin can easily build up in our lives. Resentments, sharp words, impure thoughts, or selfish attitudes all take their toll on our spiritual vitality. Unless they are confessed right away, they begin to form a layer of "dust" that prevents us from experiencing the light of God's grace in our hearts. Those around us will sense that something is wrong.

If the accumulation of unconfessed sin has gathered on your soul, do as David did—confess it to the Lord (Psalm 32:5). Wipe off the "dusty leaves" of your life and enjoy once again the glorious sunshine of God's love. —Dennis De Haan

Before the cross of Him who died,
Behold, I prostrate fall;
Let every sin be brought to Him
And Christ be all in all. —Bridges

Confession of sin lets the light of God's forgiveness shine through.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The Forgiveness Of God

[JustAmy]

7-6-05

Graphic by MamaBear

Dilemma

How fortunate for us that we don’t have to make such choices,
It isn’t hard to listen to such loud internal voices.
The kitty’s all too eager to have friends who come to call,
But doesn’t seem to realize he cannot have it all.

The concept of to have and hold is not on his agenda,
But somehow his is not the shade you’d choose on your veranda.
He’s going to botch the rental on this cozy place to snooze on,
It seems they’ll be left winging it; they’d better get a move on.

There must be someplace near enough the cat will not intrude,
He doesn’t seem to understand his being there is rude.
For these love birds it will not do to have to live with mom,
But even that is better than to have a peeping tom.


NicknamedBob . . . . . . . April 16, 2004

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Mayor. Happy Wednesday.

Thank you for bringing us our Daily Bread. It nourishes our soul.

Have a great Republican Day! Good luck in the Republican run-off.