Our Need to Simmer Down

Our Need to Simmer Down

Martha Meister Kiely

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Any good cook turns the heat down when the pot begins to boil. She knows that nothing good is accomplished by uncontrolled boiling. Either the mixture being cooked sticks to the pan and burns, or it boils over the side and is lost.

Some of us are better cooks than we are Christians. We know enough to keep our meals from burning and boiling over, but we have not learned how to control the boiling within our souls. We often allow resentments, jealousies, and hatreds to burn high within us until they boil over and make a mess of everything. How many home-comings have been ruined by a "boiling house-wife" who "blows off" at the wrong time.

A good cook learns to turn down the heat and keep her cooking under control. In this manner she reserves all the goodness and the very best flavor. This demands watchfulness and patience, but the results are worth the effort.

Today allow the warmth of love to replace burning passions.

SCRIPTURE VERSES

Matthew 5:38-48

You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

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"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. "

PRAYER Father please forgive me when I reach my boiling point and make a fuss! Help me to be warm, gentle, and kind even to those who are unkind to me. When I am tempted to be impatient, remind me of thy fatherly patience with me. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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Devotions for Women at Home, Martha Meister Keiley,

Abingdon Press, ISBN #0-678-10679-6

HAPPY SATURDAY...

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