Oatmeal

Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NKJV)

I am sure that by today's title, readers are thinking to themselves either "ughh" or "great". I am in the "ughh" camp when it comes to oatmeal. As we were growing up, mom tried all kinds of ways to get us to eat oatmeal. She made every kind that was available. No matter what she did, I always rejected it. I grew up with it in my mind that I did not like oatmeal, and there was no way that I was going to try it again. Rejection of oatmeal was firmly engrained in my mind. When it came time to give our sons breakfast, oatmeal was not on the menu. They were, however, given it by their grandparents, and they liked it. In my place of employment, we use oatmeal, and I have made it many times. With the lifestyle changes that I have made in regards to eating and living more healthily, I am finding that my mindset is also changing, even to the extent that, to my surprise, as I was preparing oatmeal at work, I remarked on how good it smelled. The staff person with whom I was working said that she loved oatmeal. I told her that I didn't. I had no sooner said this than I began to think, Maybe I should try it now. Well, I did, and much to my surprise, I like it, and now, I am having it regularly for breakfast. What I once rejected, I have now accepted into my life.

I also once rejected Jesus from my life, but then an event happened that changed this to acceptance. All of us know someone who is currently rejecting Him, and we wonder how we can bring such people into a relationship with Him. Just as with the oatmeal that I rejected, Jesus is still there, and our friends have exposure to Him in many different ways that can lead to a change in attitude towards Him. We need to share our faith with people, pray for them, and be open about who He is in our lives and what He has done for us. Even though we may not see a change, we need to rest assured that Jesus is working in their lives through us.

So, as with me and my oatmeal, let us all look for ways to share Jesus more in our daily walk.

Romans 12:8 - If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (NLT)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are so grateful that You work in and through us. Help us to renew daily our walk in You, through our prayer time. Show us opportunities to share Your love in our words and deeds each day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada

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Pray for local Women's Missionary Society groups as they wind down their program year. May they continue to be a striving force for mission education in their congregations.

New job - 5/14/12
At church yesterday my son had a new job offer and accepted. Praise God. May God's blessings follow with ability to work regular hours, be paid faithfully, receive benefits, reach his potential and pay off debts. May his shed be rented or sold. May he be a blessing to his children and grandchildren.