June, 2020
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As I rested against the backdrop of a bluebird day, with my feet in the sand, a kaleidoscope of umbrellas, flags, and humanity stretched out before me. Ocean City, NJ was teaming with life! Around noon, I headed to the boardwalk with my daughter to scout out lunch and mill around whatever retailers were open. As we entered a shop, I watched a woman spray my daughter’s hands with disinfectant. What struck me was a |
parallel between the world’s efforts to avoid Covid-19 and Jesus’ teaching on the heart.
For good reason, hand sanitizers and face coverings are a sign of the times…ensuring skin and airways neither accept nor spread a deadly virus. While we are overly focused on our outward cleansing, Jesus is focused more on growing the purity of our hearts. In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, he admonished the religious leaders with,
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
Then Jesus went on to teach more deeply…a message full of grace and truth…
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
As I walked along, the Lord convicted me of times when the weeds of impatience would present itself in my interactions with others. I’m so grateful for the Wonderful Counselor that continually opens the eyes of my heart to areas that need change and also gives me the ability to bear fruits of the Spirit.
There is no doubt the Holy Spirit has been active in and through Dr. Russ Cadle and Friendship Ministries! For over 45 years, Russ has been advancing a message of grace and truth to men whose hearts are open and who desire to live lives that glorify God!
As you experience God’s rest this summer, would you give Russ & Virginia rest by keeping them in your prayers and to continue to bless them with your financial support!
For good reason, hand sanitizers and face coverings are a sign of the times…ensuring skin and airways neither accept nor spread a deadly virus. While we are overly focused on our outward cleansing, Jesus is focused more on growing the purity of our hearts. In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, he admonished the religious leaders with,
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
Then Jesus went on to teach more deeply…a message full of grace and truth…
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
As I walked along, the Lord convicted me of times when the weeds of impatience would present itself in my interactions with others. I’m so grateful for the Wonderful Counselor that continually opens the eyes of my heart to areas that need change and also gives me the ability to bear fruits of the Spirit.
There is no doubt the Holy Spirit has been active in and through Dr. Russ Cadle and Friendship Ministries! For over 45 years, Russ has been advancing a message of grace and truth to men whose hearts are open and who desire to live lives that glorify God!
As you experience God’s rest this summer, would you give Russ & Virginia rest by keeping them in your prayers and to continue to bless them with your financial support!
Dr. Russ Cadle, President
Friendship Ministries
Friendship Ministries
Contributions can be mailed to Friendship Ministries, PO Box 55, Devon, PA 19333
or online by clicking the "Donate" button below.
For information on stock donations, please call our office at 610-430-6630
or online by clicking the "Donate" button below.
For information on stock donations, please call our office at 610-430-6630