Bee Stings

​Dinner with Carlos and his family turned out to be quite extraordinary.  We arrived looking to encourage them with our Hope and instead enjoyed rich fellowship.  Francisco, Rocio, and their three children all have a strong faith in God.  While eating Rocio’s incredible Tamales, I asked Francisco how he came to meet the Lord.

As a child, Francisco worked for a farmer.  One day this man was badly stung by bees on his head.  Francisco waited to see him swear and raise a commotion but nothing of the sort happened.  The farmer despite his pain remained calm and amazingly serene.  Francisco asked him how this was possible when he had been so unfairly attacked and stung.  The farmer responded by sharing that God made the bees and they were His creatures.  He went on to share that it was because of God’s Son, Jesus that he was able to live with the power not to lose his composure and become angry.  Francisco was so amazed that he determined that day to place his faith in such an amazing Savior.  The farmer proceeded then to help him become a disciple of Jesus.  
 
Meditation
Philippians 4:9—Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
 
The power of the gospel is not complex.  It is the manifestation of simple appropriation of God!  He offers freely His Son.  When received, heaven’s Gift of Life, changes our lives.  We knew this soon after entering the threshold of Carlos’ home.  His parents radiated joy and the peace that is not purchased in super markets. Francisco regaled us with story after story of God working in their lives.  We gained special friends and we left with a work of art Francisco painted that was both beautiful and touching.  
​
Bee stings! How we react to intrusive attacks reveals what we have learned and received and heard from the Truth. Someone once said, “The bubbling brook would lose its song if you removed the rocks.” What music plays from your speakers?  May the God of peace reside in you that others may see His presence and want what you have!  Truth to trust to tranquility to triumph—the way is paved by the love of our Father who gives us His strength to live nobly!   
 
Inspiration
Open or closed, the response to the Christ of the Bible is often determined by the material found in the book of our lives.—Joseph Aldrich in Gentle Persuasion
 
©2010 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)