The Sword of the LORD

In my last message I used a waffle iron to briefly illustrate the principle of abiding in Christ, the True Vine.  God often uses the simplest of everyday things to speak His truth to us so that we can easily understand His ways.  The more that I have thought about this particular illustration, the more I have seen the powerful lessons and applications that it holds for simple-minded believers like me.  To God be the glory! The first U.S. patent for a waffle iron was issued on August 24, 1869 by Cornelius Swarthout.  Waffles had been around since the 14th century, but were just two plates of metal hinged together and mounted on long poles so that they could be held over a fire.  It was Mr. Swarthout, though, who invented an improved design that could be used on a wood or gas stovetop.  In 1911, General Electric introduced the first electric waffle iron. Every inventor/designer has a very specific purpose in mind for what they cre

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.  For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit ." (Jeremiah 17:5-8). It is difficult - even heartbreaking - to watch a person self-destruct, but it's even more devastating to watch one fall apart who has professed to know and love the Lord.   Though we see this way too often, it is all so preventable.   There is a simple, yet elegant secret to happiness and success in life that can be found in the p