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Tuesday, January 12, 2016
We encounter a lot of interesting traffic here in Lancaster County. This horse and Amish buggy are pulling a trailer with two small black calves near Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
"A Lesson From A Bad Tooth"
Message Summary: We need good friends who are loyal and faithful, particularly in times of trouble. I sure want to be known as that kind of a friend. I certainly don't want someone's memories of me to be so dreadful it stirs up the painful analogy of a bad tooth or a lame foot!
Listen to this
message on
your
audio player."Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble" (Proverbs 25:19).
For
several days now I've had a painful tooth, a lower molar on
my left
side. Unless the Lord intervenes I'll eventually visit my dentist but
tend to
put this off for awhile until the pain is essentially unbearable.
According to my research and calculations a molar tooth comprises about
1/50,000 of my body weight. But that tiny tooth at times bombards all
my nerve senses SHOUTING "You've got a problem. Deal with it!!" (A
similar Biblical analogy is the damage the tongue can do. See James 3:4-6).
We
are blessed to have adequate access to dental care here in America,
something we usually take for granted. For many years we have gone
to Dr. Dinse (pictured right) who has a very tender touch which is important for the squeamish. But I only need to
muse a few minutes regarding the availability of dental care in
many third world countries and view a few photos of rotten teeth to
remind me of this important blessing! Brooksyne also reminded me of what it must
be like to have a painful tooth where there is no access to dental care.A toothache is something I suppose all of us have experienced at some point in life. I recall a lengthy period in New England when I had a bad tooth that needed extraction. I procrastinated dreading the pain and the cost but it didn't get any better. Finally I had suffered long enough and had it removed. What a blessed relief when the bad tooth was gone - my whole body felt better when that 1/50,000 of my body weight was reduced.
Many
of you can identify with me can't you? You've had a toothache. You've
tried something like Orajel or perhaps a home remedy. Brooksyne suggests
I place a heating pad on my cheek or a bag of ice. Anything to get some
relief. If not a bad tooth you've surely had "a lame foot" at some time
in your life. I've had both! I get the idea that Solomon was speaking
from experience as well in this Proverb. (Note: Photo to left is for illustrative purposes and is not really me.)The Bible has some interesting verses about teeth. The most common reference is the "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" found numerous times in a variety of places. The most colorful reference is when Job describes his physical plight, "I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped with only the skin of my teeth" (Job 19:20). And here's a romantic line for men. Try using this line when expressing affection to your wives: "Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing. Each has its twin, not one of them is alone" (Song of Solomon 6:6). Obviously Solomon is not speaking to a woman who's had any of her teeth extracted.
In the book of Acts as Stephen boldly proclaimed God's Word the angry, unbelieving crowd reacted by gnashing their teeth. "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him."
What a word picture describing intense anger! Our facial expression,
which often includes the exposure of our teeth, can say a lot without
speaking a word. The Proverb "like a bad tooth or a lame foot" is a simile to describe another condition; "reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble." And I suspect most of us have experienced this as well. We've felt the sharp sting and deep disappointment of disloyalty and rejection that is especially painful "in times of trouble". Job stated in the midst of his trouble, "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me" (Job 19:19).
I've been so blessed by faithful friends but have also had the experience of a friend turning against me, although I choose not to focus on those painful memories. Instead I focus on the blessing of steadfast, loyal friends of whom I have many. Yesterday we referred to a visit with Tom and Marsha Neizmik, our long-time friends for over 35 years. In this encouragement I want to consider the wonderful contribution of true and faithful friends who are there and who are reliable in the inevitable times of trouble in our lives.
I especially like lasting, reliable friends. We need good friends don't we; friends who are loyal and faithful, particularly in times of trouble. I want to be known as that kind of friend. I certainly don't want someone's memories of me to be so dreadful it stirs up the painful analogy of a bad tooth or a lame foot!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for Jesus who is a Friend that sticks closer than a
brother. We thank You also for our brothers and sisters in the faith
who are often closer than our blood relations because we are joined
together as a family of believers sharing common experiences and
spiritual goals. So many times we find strength and encouragement from
those who bear our burdens, lend a hand, and hold us accountable for
our attitudes and actions. Thank You for loving, supportive, and
reliable friends who draw us to our true source of hope and strength,
especially in times of trouble. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
"I'll Be Your Friend" Video Michael W. Smith
"Old Friends" Video Gaither Homecoming Great song, especially as you get older!
"Old Friends" Video This is not a religious song but I still like the sentiment and it does go with today's message!
"Prayer For A Friend" Video Casting Crowns
"Friends Are Friends Forever" Video Michael W. Smith
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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