As a young Christian I was given a daily devotional by a friend, which I eventually read for almost twenty five years, along with its subsequent series. It was Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman; still one of my favorites to this day. The main reason I began to read this devotional is because of a caption on the back cover, that she had nursed her husband dying with cancer in the last years of his life. Her suffering so touched me that I felt she would have something to impart to my life to see me through my own; and so she did, and became one of my best friends in the Spirit, although we never met.
In one of her devotionals, she shares a story about an older man in a village who keeps to himself, but goes about with his little oil can lubricating all the squeaky gates and doors around the neighborhood, making life so much nicer for all. What priceless gifts such people are who spend their lifetime imparting the oil of comfort and gladness to all they meet. What a goal to aspire towards!
Ephesians 4: 1 – 3 + 23 – 25 + 32: says, “I (Paul) therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore laying aside falsehood, speak the truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 3: 16 – 21: says, “That He (God the Father) would grant you, according to the riches of His Glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, and that you, being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and height and depth, and to know the Love of Christ (Jesus) which surpasses knowledge, and that you be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the Glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so very much for all the wonderful people you have given us as witnesses of Your Graciousness throughout the millenniums. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and fill us to overflowing with gratitude for the depth of mercy and Grace You have provided for each one of us, that we may also impart these mercies to others. Enable us in these very late and dark hours to become carriers of Your sweet Anointing Oil, as representing Your Goodness to all we encounter. Glory to You alone!
