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Posted by Dion Todd December 15th, 2024 1,070 Views 28 Comments
Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" So they were offended at him. Mark 6:3 WEB.
Wood, I grew up around it. My Dad was a carpenter for fifty-five years. I helped him at times, so there was a lot of carrying, sawing, nailing, and pulling splinters from my hands. Since then, I've always enjoyed building things. I find carpentry a valuable skill in our life every day, and I am thankful for the years that I spent working with him.
Dad always started the project by picking the right lumber. He was meticulous. Dad would go through the whole pile to find one piece that was straight. Then he would take that piece and cut it to the perfect size, fit it into place, nail it down, and then smooth the rough edges out with sandpaper. Sometimes He would use clamps and patiently bend the wood to create an arched doorway. It was a lot of work, but the end result would always be beautiful.
The Lord Jesus Christ worked as a carpenter, and He takes the rough and shapes it into something polished. He will search through thousands of people until He finds the right one. He will draw you to Himself (John 6:44) and cut away your past baggage (2 Corinthians 5:17). He will fit you into the body of Christ (Colossians 3:15) and nail you to your own cross (Galatians 5:24). Then He breaks out the sandpaper and goes after those rough edges. The first part of being drawn to Him is pleasant, but some of the rest aren't, especially the cutting, nailing, and sanding.
To accomplish this, He will often place people in our lives that help shape and smooth us. Of course, we hate those irritating people and would like to avoid friction and scraping. Yet, we can't see our own rough edges without them. It's natural to want to separate from the friction, but you will retain the roughness that God is trying to smooth out if you do that. And He may bring coarser sandpaper next time. You can and will get through this. When He is done, you're going to be a smooth work of art handcrafted by the Master Carpenter.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the grace to endure the things I face. Help me love those around me and to be nice. Please set a guard over my mouth and help me represent You in a positive light. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: Happy Sunday! For those who would like to join us, today we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of interactive worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! The service starts at 10am EST. Here is the link to join: RHM Live. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.
AMEN!!! Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the grace to endure the things that I face/that we face as a family!! Help me to love those around me and to be nice! Please set a guard over my mouth and help me to represent You in a positive light that draws everyone to You! Please let the light of You shine out of me and draw others to You, and please give me the right words to say that would bring honor and glory to You, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN!!!🙏
Heavenly Father, I pray for grace and boldness within myself to endure things I face, while seeking Your Word, Your paths. Help me love those around me, to be kind, and so I please You. Please help me by Your Spirit, that I use wisdom to always set a guard over my mouth, that I may represent You in a positive light. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Comment from Susan Petho
1 week ago
Debi, I just said a prayer for Joey to have the wisdom and ability to finish your bathroom today.