Duct Tape for the Soul

Do you find yourself searching for rest or trying to escape life’s burdens? In Matthew 11:28 - 30, Jesus tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ Only Jesus can provide us true rest from our burdens, and we need to allow Him to take our burdens from us daily. Are you allowing enough margin in your schedule to rest in Jesus? It’s easy to fill our schedules with work, social media, fun activities, and entertainment and forget to spend time with the Lord. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 KJV...

April brings a fresh spring feel to the air. It is a pleasant time of the year when the earth comes alive from the cold winter. Just a few months ago, we celebrated Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Easter completes the story of Jesus coming to earth and dying on the cross for you and me. Death often has a negative feeling associated with it. However, we can rejoice that over 2,000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross and rose victorious over death and hell to give us hope beyond the grave. Some of us have family and friends waiting for us to join them in Heaven. Let us all remember that each day is a gift from God and handle it with care. Heaven will be a gift from God and worth it for all those living for Him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...

Depending on your life’s path you will answer this differently. To some, Jesus is the Great Judge looking to condemn wrong. Others may say he is the Great Forgiver and only wants to forgive. Still some may say he is full of grace and peace and only wants the best for you. Others do not know of whom I speak.  

John 15:12-14 (KJV) says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Jesus wants to be our friend. You see, Jesus is all these things. What would a friend be if he did not correct us when we are wrong (Judge)? What would a friend be if he did not forgive us when we mess up (Forgiver)? What would...

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1. 

In this life, the hands of the clock never stop as time continues moving us onward. It wasn’t long ago that we were in the heat of summer and then transitioned into the Fall season, and now we are on the cusp of Winter! 

There are many different “life” seasons of time that we go through, which we can read about in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Whether this finds you in a time of mourning, or a time of dancing, may you find the courage and strength that Paul writes about in Philippians 4:12-13; I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

So, finally, when you conclude the last season of...

"...that they may teach the young..." Titus 2:4. 

The context of this verse is for the older women to teach the young women. The Bible is filled with reminders to honor and value our older generations. It is no mistake that God placed "Honor Thy Father and Mother" as commandment #5 and then attached a promise for those who do it! Today much of the "seeking of advice" happens as an internet search or a social media scan. Though many of the younger authors are excellent at presenting info, there are just some things that can not take the place of the rich life experiences of our elders! We can be confident that if our elders are willing to share their experiences (mistakes and all) and the younger generation is being intentional to seek out their elders' input, we will all make God smile as we fulfill His commands!

- Rex Blevins, PaulB Retail District Manager...

Titus 2:10 reads, "...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Nowadays we don't typically use words like "embellishment" or "adorn", yet I think most of us understand what those words mean. Growing up I would have said words like "dressed up", "done up" or "fancy" to describe someone or something that was really decorated above what was seen as normal. God is encouraging us to "adorn" the truth of God with our good deeds and attitudes....to really dress it up! Imagine the impact of The Good News being lived out by good people! Next time we are getting ready for work or church, let's remember to think about how we can continue to add our contribution of adorning God's good news with our life's deeds. The world needs more fancy Christians like this...wouldn't you agree?

- Rex Blevins, PaulB Retail District Manager...

There is much concern about the freedoms we enjoy, and many advocate groups are trying to protect our freedom of speech, choice of parenthood, voting rights and many other rights they think we should have. These freedoms that are affected by the situations around us, only bring short term pleasures to do as we please. True freedom only comes through Jesus Christ and the blood He shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and is not affected by the situations around us. Jesus has promised to give us this true freedom that no one can take away from us. Jesus said If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. May we daily serve the Lord in all we do and experience this true freedom.

– Ernie Zimmerman, Lititz Ag Parts & Industrial Associate...