[The Mayor]

April 13, 2006

When The Pressure Is On

Read:
Romans 5:1-5

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. —Romans 5:3

Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31

What makes a shiny apple look so delicious? The skin, of course. But what is it about an apple that actually makes it delicious? The juice and substance inside. That's the apple's real "character."

I learned this as a boy watching my mom make applesauce. With a wooden pestle, she would mash the soft, boiled pieces of apple through a metal colander and into a bowl, until all that remained in the colander were drab, flattened skins. But oh, the sauce tasted so good!

God uses life's pressures to bring out the sweetness of Christlike character in us. Tribulation (which means "pressure" in the Greek) also helps us realize the awful potential of our sin nature and see it for what it is—ugly and tasteless. Under pressure, all kinds of sins begin to surface—greed, selfishness, lust, pride.

Pressure, whether from without or from an unrealistic perfectionism within, is a fact of our fallen world. God controls its intensity and duration so that we can recognize, confess, and renounce those fleshly "skins" that obscure Christ's character in us.

Tribulation is not something anyone seeks. But when it comes, the Holy Spirit will use it to create in us perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4). —Dennis De Haan

All God's testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

The gem of Christlike character is formed by pressure and refined by friction.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges

April 13, 2006

When The Pressure Is On

Read:
Romans 5:1-5

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. —Romans 5:3

Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31

What makes a shiny apple look so delicious? The skin, of course. But what is it about an apple that actually makes it delicious? The juice and substance inside. That's the apple's real "character."

I learned this as a boy watching my mom make applesauce. With a wooden pestle, she would mash the soft, boiled pieces of apple through a metal colander and into a bowl, until all that remained in the colander were drab, flattened skins. But oh, the sauce tasted so good!

God uses life's pressures to bring out the sweetness of Christlike character in us. Tribulation (which means "pressure" in the Greek) also helps us realize the awful potential of our sin nature and see it for what it is—ugly and tasteless. Under pressure, all kinds of sins begin to surface—greed, selfishness, lust, pride.

Pressure, whether from without or from an unrealistic perfectionism within, is a fact of our fallen world. God controls its intensity and duration so that we can recognize, confess, and renounce those fleshly "skins" that obscure Christ's character in us.

Tribulation is not something anyone seeks. But when it comes, the Holy Spirit will use it to create in us perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4). —Dennis De Haan

All God's testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

The gem of Christlike character is formed by pressure and refined by friction.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges

[DollyCali]

Pressure, whether from without or from an unrealistic perfectionism within, is a fact of our fallen world

That is absolutely the lesson I have been learning the past few weeks. How timely!

Thanks as always for making this part of our day here & at other threads Rus.

Today appears to be a good day for construction. Sunny, warm.. I have a pretty full plate of commitments & wish I could be doing some outdoor yard-work. Our Lake County Republican club is sponsoring a forum of the three candidates tonight who are running for Supreme court in our area. Having media coverage & anticipating a good meeting. About 8 FReepers are members so this is the group we hope will be our Regional FReeper Core.

[dutchess]

Very good Our Daily Bread today Rus. As always, thankyou. Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter weekend.

[.30Carbine]

With a wooden pestle, she would mash the soft, boiled pieces of apple through a metal colander and into a bowl, until all that remained in the colander were drab, flattened skins. But oh, the sauce tasted so good!

LOL! So that's what's been going on (as seen from Above)?! What a picture you've given me to meditate upon! Thanks.