Daily Jewel

by  Pastor J.T. Carnell,  McAlester, OK

In like a "Lamb..." so March begins.  Let's see how it goes out.

Witnessed Mason's last Basketball game of the season.  It was a great intense nail-biter that truly went down to the wire!  He and his team finished the season undefeated so congratulations to them.

Several of our families will have children involved in baseball or t-ball.  If you are one of them please make us a copy of their schedules so that we (Dianne and I) can attend a game or two.  We truly enjoy watching!

Ashes to Fire begins a week from Wednesday...I am looking forward to the Journey!!  If you have not yet "secured" your daily journal please let me ASAP.

Elvin Smart's service is today.  Please remember the family as they prepare for that.

As always, if you have any news to share please do not hesitate to let me know!

Getting an Eyeful”  

“Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye...” – Proverbs 7:2b (NIV)

The original Hebrew for this idiom was 'iyshown 'ayin (אישון עין), and can be literally translated as "Little Man of the Eye." This is a reference to the tiny reflection of yourself that you can see in other people's pupils.

Our understanding of the phrase is often thought of in terms of endearment.  Indeed, poets and authors for centuries have used it as such to draw out an emotional attachment—to show one’s love and affection for a certain individual.  Shakespeare from A Midsummer’s Night Dream wrote:

Flower of the purple dye,

Hit with Cupid’s archery,

Sink in apple of his eye.

I am no expert on Shakespeare or old English literature so I will leave any and all interpretations up to others…but it sounds poetic and looks good on paper.

Without question there are certain people in each of our lives that would fit this description.  Certainly my wife would be first in that category but that does not rule out each of my children and now grandchildren.  For those of you who are parents, when your children were (or are) in a play at school or church, where is your focus?  Do you keep your eyes fixed on other people’s children (or grandchildren) or do you fix your gaze upon that child that is yours?  Do I even need to answer that one? 

Both of my daughters were in dance-class growing up.  The hightlight of the recitals were of course when they were on center-stage!  When we got the program I always looked to see when one or the other would be performing.  My oldest daughter was also a tennis player.  My wife and I would travel hundreds of miles to go to her matches.  As much as we were there to support the team, our main purpose was to watch and support her.  She was the one we wanted to watch play.

My son ran Cross-Country in High School for four years.  When I would go the meets I would situate myself in strategic spots so I could see him as he would come by.  Often he would ask “where he was” in regard to the other runners so I would try to keep count.  And although I was attempting to keep count I always kept my eye out for him…because he was my son and he was the most important runner in that race.

My youngest daughter was on the High School “Drill Team.”  Whether she was in parades or on the field during the half-time activities at football games or during time-outs at basketball games, my purpose was to find her and watch her perform.  It’s not I didn’t care about the other kids—but they weren’t my child!  I was there to watch her and support her!

A man came up to Jesus one day and said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” To which the Lord replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61-62, NIV)

The jist of that statement was, “You cannot follow Me while looking back.”  It would be like attempting to drive your car while looking in the rear-view mirror.  Not only is it dangerous but also counter-productive.

God’s Words/Laws/Commands are the source and strength of life.  Fix your “gaze” upon the source.