As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:14)
Of all the gospels—in fact of all the books in the New Testament—none contains more Old Testament scripture quotations applied to Jesus than Matthew. Could he have followed Jesus because when Christ approached him he saw before him the fulfillment of all that he had studied for years before?
Idyllwild Pines is counting down the days until Christmas. With 11 Days until Christmas, many are singing about the 11 pipers piping, symbolic of the eleven faithful apostles who preached the good news following the chief piper and becoming like Him. Everyday until Christmas we will post a personal interview by our employees who will share their Christmas blessings.
Click here to view how Andrew and Joseph share how they spend christmas with family.
We wish you Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Tip on the tongue #3: Harsh and angry words only add fuel to the fire of an already angry person. However, soft, gentle, kind words are a wet blanket to the fire of anger. As light dispels the darkness, so gentle words quench another’s anger.
“He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks harshly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
Tip on the tongue #2: Our words can not only be used as a powerful force for good or evil toward others, but toward ourselves. Our own harsh, hastily spoken words can bring great injury to us. Which is why taking great care with how and what we speak is a way to take care of ourselves.
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
You’ve heard the common expression, “on the tip of my tongue,” right? We’ll the book of Proverbs is filled with “tips on the tongue,” which will be our theme this week. Tip on the tongue #1: Our words can be used as a powerful force for good or evil. Foolish words cut like a sword, to injure; wise words cut like a scalpel, to bring healing.
This week, Idyllwild Pines begins construction of the new Idyllwild Pines Wood Workshop. A local craftsman will be complementing the upcoming teaching of our own Dr. Ted Ewing by having attendees craft a project using local cedar and pine. Watch for details in upcoming announcements of IPC Father-Son Retreats or incorporate it into your own group’s schedule!
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Psalm 119:32).
Commands have a bad rap. They’re frequently seen as restrictive, limiting our enjoyment of life. But the psalmist proclaims that when God sets our hearts free, we choose to exercise that freedom through obedience.