Aug. 5, 2010
DEVOTION: Staining Power
By Beth Bondurant
Cutting up fresh cherries for a pie is a good reminder of the staining power that comes from our daily nourishment. In every crevice of the hand and fingers... cherry juice leaves a residue of deep color.
So much of what we touch and taste has strong staining power. Years ago we would frequently hear folks say... "Coffee stains your soul." Looking at a coffee filter used only once can almost verify the possibility of this statement.
"Live like people who belong to the light.. for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and truth."
What we touch, taste, hear, feel and speak is embedded with staining power so we choose what type of residue we want others to see.
Some days it's easier ... when things are going smoothly and life isn't being cut to pieces by difficult circumstances ... dripping with the scarlet juices of pain and distress. What do we do with the staining power of hurt and grief... how long will we bare the results.
Just as dark cherries taint our skin with lingering intensity... so do the everyday trials and tribulations we choose to embrace.
Some experiences wash away with ease... but others take time to slowly dissipate and finally clear away.
God's redeeming presence empowers us to be renewed... restored... be washed and refreshed ... one day at a time.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Daily ... through the minutes and hours of our life, we seek God's peace that flows in and around us to compensate for the staining power that words... events... people...places... circumstances and choices bring to touch us... to impair our purity and wholeness... to affect our ability to become people who reach out in love... no matter what. has impregnated their lives.
O God... forgive me when the staining power of life doesn't easily wash away. Hold my hands and heart and help me feel the clean love of hope and healing conveyed in your touch. When I see deep color in the eyes of those around me... empower me to bring your pure and unconditional love in union with those at home, at work... wherever you lead me to be. If possible, help me nourish others with your sustaining power of compassion and care today.
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DEVOTION: Staining Power
By Beth Bondurant
Cutting up fresh cherries for a pie is a good reminder of the staining power that comes from our daily nourishment. In every crevice of the hand and fingers... cherry juice leaves a residue of deep color.
So much of what we touch and taste has strong staining power. Years ago we would frequently hear folks say... "Coffee stains your soul." Looking at a coffee filter used only once can almost verify the possibility of this statement.
"Live like people who belong to the light.. for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and truth."
What we touch, taste, hear, feel and speak is embedded with staining power so we choose what type of residue we want others to see.
Some days it's easier ... when things are going smoothly and life isn't being cut to pieces by difficult circumstances ... dripping with the scarlet juices of pain and distress. What do we do with the staining power of hurt and grief... how long will we bare the results.
Just as dark cherries taint our skin with lingering intensity... so do the everyday trials and tribulations we choose to embrace.
Some experiences wash away with ease... but others take time to slowly dissipate and finally clear away.
God's redeeming presence empowers us to be renewed... restored... be washed and refreshed ... one day at a time.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Daily ... through the minutes and hours of our life, we seek God's peace that flows in and around us to compensate for the staining power that words... events... people...places... circumstances and choices bring to touch us... to impair our purity and wholeness... to affect our ability to become people who reach out in love... no matter what. has impregnated their lives.
O God... forgive me when the staining power of life doesn't easily wash away. Hold my hands and heart and help me feel the clean love of hope and healing conveyed in your touch. When I see deep color in the eyes of those around me... empower me to bring your pure and unconditional love in union with those at home, at work... wherever you lead me to be. If possible, help me nourish others with your sustaining power of compassion and care today.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
