Sunday, January 23, 2011

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” ~Proverbs 4:23

Oh the nasty, nasty cold, rain that drizzled down from the nasty, cold sky all day today. I like rain, when it’s warmer and leaves behind it the glow of green growing things. Spring rain. Ah, refreshing. But Arkansas nasty, cold Winter rain. Ick. We haven’t seen the sun since Thursday, and even then it was only in a game of peek-a-boo.

Nick delightedly led the way into the kitchen to show me his cooking creations. Crabby Cheese Puffs and Lobster Fried Rice and Deviled Eggs. He was also pretty proud of the fact that he’d made his bed. Mom bestowed a very affectionate pat on his back. Kirby, too, seemed quite willing to have his room inspected and pronounced very orderly. He and Nick have the housekeeping figured out. Nick cooks. Kirby cleans. Together they make a tidy little homemaker. Fun it is, having everyone in on the hosting rotation for church.

Nick shared what he was learning in John chapter eight, and a lengthy discussion followed, regarding the nature of the belief of those Jews to whom Jesus spoke. Papa followed up teaching Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3. There’s a lot to unpack in these few verses as it seems like Paul prays that believers would understand something that is humanly beyond comprehension, then follows it up with a jubilant doxology to the God who can do the impossible. I wish the other guys would be more forthright in sharing what they’ve been learning. I miss Zach’s simple scripture readings and Mike’s practical application studies and the occasional thoughts or provoking questions for Josiah—and even Bobby, Tommy or Dathan. Lord, take control of our hearts and little assembly and teach us to grow and mature in You. Add to our numbers for edification and exhortation and encouragement and accountability. We need more men. We need more leaders. We need more passion. We need more life. We need more iron sharpening iron.

After the meeting and a very satisfying pot-providence, we curled into chairs, couches and futons as Mom read aloud “The Gospel Blimp.” A modern parable, of sorts, with rather a few embarrassing insights. Oh dear. That’s about all I have to say on the subject.

Au revoir!

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