CARVE 

Brenda Lineberger 

Today’s Scripture: “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” John 14:23, ESV 

Theme: Love for God reaches beyond Sunday into everyday obedience and the Holy Spirit as a permanent resident within us. 

EFFORT 

The definition of the word “carve” is to create, form, divide, and obtain something through dedicated effort. I recently saw a quote by Michelangelo: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” That actually reminded me of my son trying to carve a boat out of a bar of Ivory soap when he was in Cub Scouts. It kind of looked like a boat, and he was very proud of it. And it’s amazing to watch a craftsman use a chainsaw to carve an eagle or bear out of a tree stump. 

BLOCK OF TIME 

Someone once told me they didn’t have time to go to church or study the Bible. The church was where for when they went for weddings or funerals. But they had every intention of finding a church, getting involved there, and getting into the habit of reading the Bible as soon as they retired. Being very careful with my words, and with love, I reminded them that we don’t really know when we will be leaving this earth, and it could be before retirement. This person is in my daily prayers.  

What if we could think a bit like Michelangelo and look at our daily block of time and imagine seeing wisdom, understanding, a relationship with Christ, and maybe even a cross, and carve on it until we set that free, carving at our time to daily chip away a little of the things that we allow to distract us from getting to know God better. This is precious time that could change our lives now and for eternity. 

BENEFITS 

Billy Graham once said, “A knowledge of the Bible is essential to a rich and meaningful life. For the words of this Book have a way of filling in the missing pieces, bridging gaps, and turning the tarnished colors of our life to a jewel-like brilliance.” Billy had a way with words. I love the picture his words painted. 

TIME IS A GIFT 

If you’re still concerned about having the time to come to church, serve, be in a life group, and study the Bible daily on your own, don’t be. The time left from your carving of wisdom, understanding, and a relationship with Christ every day will miraculously be enough for everything else you need to do. The word “carve” came to me when I prayed for my friend who decided to put off getting to know Jesus because of time, or the lack of it. Time is a gift from our Creator, Father, but I think we are tasked with using it wisely. Putting anything at all before Him, even time, is idolatry, and that’s a dangerous thing. He gives us everything, from breath to a mind, heart, body, and soul. We can certainly take or make the time to know and worship the God of the galaxies who carved, for us, a Cross for the plan of salvation and breathed words into a Book so we can learn how to live a life worthy of eternity with Him. 

Make It Personal: Are you willing to do some carving of your own to get to know the Maker and Savior of the world? Do you need to find some missing pieces, maybe bridge some gaps? 

Pray: Lord, I pray for an awakening in the hearts of those who feel so bogged down with the world’s demands. Help them to see that nothing can ever replace knowing You! Whatever seems more important is a weapon used by our common enemy. Open the eyes of our hearts to see that You are worthy of our time. Yes, worthy of it all. Amen. 

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:1 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8, ESV