The right way to receive correction based upon Scripture is to be humble. The humble person welcomes every chance the Holy Spirit might be using to burn off the rough edges and forever make him more like his blessed Savior. The humble person doesn’t respond harshly, regardless of the criticism or the messenger, but is concerned with the content and takes everything with a grain of salt, considering it, praying about it and diligently seeks to determine where the correction, to whatever degree, is appropriate. God is given time to work in his heart. Energy and contemplation is placed on, “What is the Lord saying to me” and “how can I learn from these comments” as compared to, “How am I going to defend myself against this attack.” It is about not flying off the handle when corrected, but exercising self-control. Don’t we know that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). You see, when we run away from even the slightest hint of criticism, we forfeit the very means by which the Lord wants to use to make us more godly.

Randy Smith

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Vegetables, Grains		Vegetables	4	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2	lb	Asparagus
1	ds	Salt
3	ts	Fragrant peanut oil or olive
2		Shallots, peeled and minced
1	ds	Finely chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Snap off tough ends of asparagus.  If asparagus is thick, old or tough,
peel bottoms.  Add asparagus to pan of boiling salted water. Boil gently
until cooked--bright green and tender--but still firm, about 5 to 8
minutes.  Remove; drain on towel; put on platter and drizzle with oil,
lifting spears to coat.
Sprinkle with shallots and parsley.  Salt slightly.
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

A Message from our Provider:

“God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it. #Kay Arthur”

We, the unclean, are not just washed; we are in the Holy One forever. We, the rebellious, are not just pardoned; we are in the King forever. We, the sad, are not just encouraged; we are in the Blessed One forever. We, the defeated, are not just empowered; we are in the Victor forever. We, the confused, are not just instructed; we are in the Sage forever. This is radical reconciliation, full provision, an astounding advantage. This is how the Jesus who lived 2000 years ago becomes our living Friend and Power today - union with Christ. God announces to us that He has relocated us in His universe of grace. We are no longer outside Christ, and now not just before Christ or near Christ or beneath Christ, but in Christ. Let’s inhale deeply from this new environment.

Lewis Smedes