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"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming" (Ephesians 4:14).

I walked through the corn canyon across the lane from our house last evening. Around here the term "corn canyon" is used to speak of a road or in this case a long tractor trail between two fields of corn.  As the summer progresses it does seem more and more like a canyon and is a beautiful walk.  This year with plenty of moisture, though it came late in the season, the corn looks vibrant with many of the stalks already over eight feet tall.

But I make an observation that I believe has a spiritual application as well. The corn on the perimeter rows around a field are often stunted compared to the corn planted further into the field. Perhaps the fertilizer isn't as rich toward the edge or I've wondered if the outer rows are more impacted by the wind and weather conditions.

It seems it's that way in Christian growth as well. There are those who seem to stay around the edges, not really entering into following Christ with full commitment. This may be in regard to Bible Study, prayer, church participation and Christian service. But those who take their commitment to Christ seriously grow stronger and more stable in their walk with Him, much like the taller corn stalks.

The daily text describes the result of failure to be built up in the Body of Christ. In this instability we are like "infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming."

Today, let us implement the God-ordained means to stability and health in our spiritual lives.  Through our unwavering commitment to read God's Word and the practice of other spiritual disciplines the character of Christ is developed in us as we are rooted and grounded in Him who is the Head, which results in spiritual stability.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer:  Father, Your warnings regarding the deluge of deceitful tactics from the enemy is evidenced all around us – through the media, books, false prophets and even well-meaning but confused individuals.  Your Word is the stabilizing and authoritative doctrinal manual for all that I need for life and godliness.  You promise to bring maturity into my Christian walk as I apply Your teaching so that I attain to the fullness of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. Help me to be wise, studied, and vigilant so that I correctly discern truth from error. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

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Here's a perspective on Spiritual Stability, a subject I wrote several years ago when I pastored in New England.

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Today's musical supplement is a song of commitment, "All For Jesus" Audio   Video  From the service at the Willingdon Church in BC Canada.

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Several years ago I took a photo of a friend's daughter in this very same corn canyon. (pdf)

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This morning I took our dog Roxie for a walk over through the canyon to get today's photo. The corn fields and perimeter tree lines are just teaming with small animals such as bunnies and she has a great time chasing them through the rows of corn and comes home soaking wet!

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I enjoy classic cars and a man in the church I am now serving in Spring Grove, PA drives a 66 Ford LTD.  I had a great time talking a spin around the block!