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Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…

NUTS AND BOLTS EDITORIAL:

The Hammer and Chisel - I recently took on a home project to repair a worn and weathered sidewalk. Extensive damage from last winter made it unsightly and unsafe. Something had to be done before next winter. The old hammer and chisel seemed to be the perfect tools to start the job - basic but very effective.

I knew that patching the surface to cover up the flaws would only be a temporary fix so I began removing the damaged sections with a hammer and chisel to give a solid foundation to the repaired areas. 1 Corinthians 3:11 - For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

As I proceeded chipping away the bad concrete I realized that the damage was much deeper and much more extensive than first appeared. What I thought would be a couple hour job began to grow into days, but I knew that it was not worth doing unless it was done right. It just wouldn't last if it was not done right. 1 Corinthians 3:13 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Hammering and chiseling on your hands and knees is arduous work but the time allowed me to ponder the situation. As I looked back over the vast damaged areas that were exposed and how far I had yet to chip away, I realized something important. There is a point where it is better to completely demolish the old and rebuild. I thought that I'll make the best with plan as I started, but it may eventually come to the complete rebuild. Jeremiah 18:4-6 …the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter?

A few days later after the patch material was laid and the surface was finished, I stood back to admire the work. I was satisfied but only to a certain extent. It was a big improvement but not perfect. Some of the flaws still showed under a close examination. I concluded that next time I would have to completely tear out the old and build new. Isaiah 64:8 - But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand.

I am thankful that the Lord has the tools and the know how to make us new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

-- Submitted by Deacon Richard Ronzka.

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(Nuts and Bolts Editorial is a monthly reflection and insight that men can apply to their lifes based on scriptures from the Bible. Check back each month for a new tool that be used for day-to-day living.)

Reverend W. Howard Burton, Sr. Pastor & Founder
".....upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" - Matthew 16:18