DAILY?READINGS: Ruth 1; Isaiah 41; 2 Corinthians 1
But patient, not a brawler, not covetous. 1 Timothy 3:3
It is hard to imagine a true Christian, let alone an elder, being a brawler. Perhaps it is because we tend to think of a brawler as one involved in physical fist-fights or wrestling. But brawler means literally “un-peaceable.” Sadly there may be elders that are contentious at every turn, upsetting people, insisting on their own agendas without regard for the thoughts and feelings of others or the clear teaching of Scripture. And on the home front, how often do we find fault or flare up at our beloved spouses when we should be lovers of peace, making peace? —Tom Steere
Peace, troubled soul, thou need’st not fear; thy great Provider still is near;
Who fed thee last, will feed thee still: be calm, and sink into His will.
—Samuel Ecking