[The Mayor]

February 13, 2006

A Lesson From The Oak Tree

Read:
Galatians 5:16-26

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16

Bible In One Year: Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75

Have you ever noticed that in winter some oak trees retain their crisp, dry leaves long after the maples, the elms, and the walnuts have become bare skeletons? Even the strong winter winds and the early spring rains do not completely strip the oak branches of all their old leaves. But as springtime progresses, warmer winds blow and something wonderful begins to happen. Tiny buds start appearing at the tips of the twigs, and the dried remnants of the preceding season fall off. New life replaces the old.

At times, old habits cling to our lives with the same tenacity as those oak leaves. Even the winds of adversity do not remove all the lifeless leftovers of our fallen human nature.

But Christ, who dwells in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is at work. His life within us continually seeks to push off the old habits—renewing us when we confess our sins, steadying us when we falter, and strengthening us to do His will.

When every effort to cast off an old sinful habit ends in failure, remember the mighty oak. Thank God for His Spirit who lives in you. Keep saying yes to His gentle urging to be kind, loving, compassionate, honest, and faithful. Those "lifeless old leaves" will eventually drop off. —Dennis De Haan

When stubborn sins tenaciously
Hold to their former place,
We must rely on Jesus' strength
And His unfailing grace. —Sper

To get rid of a bad habit, start a good one—trust God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Knowing God Through Galatians

[deadhead]

My heartfelt 'Thank You' to our Military

[Mama_Bear]

Wonderful news! Its_Me_K.E.T.'s son is returning from Iraq the end of this month! I am so very happy for her and for Brian and his family. His safe return will be another prayer answered. He is my hero!

[.30Carbine]

Amen and thank you so much!

[Kitty Mittens]

When every effort to cast off an old sinful habit ends in failure, remember the mighty oak. Thank God for His Spirit who lives in you. Keep saying yes to His gentle urging to be kind, loving, compassionate, honest, and faithful. Those "lifeless old leaves" will eventually drop off.

Thank you for Encouraging Devotional, Mr. Mayor! And Thank All of you for the Wonderful Things I Saw when I was Lurking Over the Weekend, Thank you for the Slide Show of the Wake of one of our Marines, Meg!

I Loved So Many of your Posts, but don't have Time to Respond as I'd Like. Our Lord Bless you All, and Keep you in His Love.

[Billie]

[Victoria Delsoul]

Happy Military Monday, everyone.