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In my toolbox are the tools to repair, rebuild, and create - to fix broken things, to remove flaws, to beautify, and to give purpose and value to things otherwise useless.
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…
NUTS AND BOLTS EDITORIAL:
A Killer Frost - Spring - my favorite season and time to get out the garden tools. A recent forecast of a killing frost caused me to prepare for the impending dangers to my garden. I had just invested money and time into planting spring flowers. Although temperatures seemed suitable to plant, there were still weather risks that needed monitored closely.
Proverbs 14:12-12 - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
It is not unusual for the temperature to dip below freezing during early spring in the northeast even after a warming trend. Such a freeze was predicted. Fortunately I had time to plan the best defense and build protective shelters for my delicate plants.
Psalms 61:3 - For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
While thinking through the process and gathering materials and tools I realized a spiritual parallel and lesson. There are far more serious dangers in the spiritual realm that are predictable for which I can also prepare a defense in advance. I asked myself, "Seeing how I take a physical threat so seriously, shouldn't I be more concerned and ready to fight off eminent dangers of evil?"
2 Corinthians 10:3&4 - For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
I had constructed elaborate wood frame and plastic shelters like little greenhouses. They seemed very well suited for the job and they gave me peace of mind to not worry about what the weather may bring.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
The killing frost may not even come as predicted but the devil is certain to try to kill and destroy all he can. I realized that I needed to be even more prepared in the spiritual sense.
John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Praying, praising, fasting, Bible study, putting on all the armor of God, seeking God, focusing on God - all things I can step up to be ready.
Luke 12:40 - Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
The killing frost never materialized but I had taken time in advance to heed the warnings and was more than prepared. I had invested much in those flowers and didn't want to see them perish just as Jesus has invested much in us. He loves us and doesn't want to see us perish. He has made the way and will provide for every need.
Psalms 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Psalms 32:7-11 - Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
-- 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.)
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