Salt in my Kitchen....series

 Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Healthy Fear

 

Bible Reading:

    To the Chief Musician. Set to 'The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.' A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. 2 My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?   

Psalms 56:1-4

 

Your child snuggles close, whispering, "I'm afraid." It may be fear of the dark, fear of "something" lurking in the closet, or even an unnamed fear.

 

"There's nothing to be afraid of," you reassure the little one, trying to soothe his fears. But deep inside, you know there is. You have felt fear's chilling impact. Who has not?

 

Says the noted atomic scientist Harold Urey, a Nobel Prize winner, "I myself am a man who is afraid. All the wise men I know are afraid."

 

There is such a thing as healthy fear, a fear that does something about the problem. Fear of an epidemic, for instance, leads to immunization. Fear of an insecure future keeps insurance companies in business. The wise man of the Bible, Solomon, said: "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days"(Proverbs 10:27) Surely this is a healthy fear, this reverence that leads to a right relationship with God.

 

"The LORD will give you rest from your fear," is the prophet's comforting assurance in Isaiah 14:3. So, while the scientists' fears are understandable, you can confidently trust your today and all your tomorrows to God. His security-filled promise can allay the deepest fear.

 

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Salt in My Kitchen ....series

 

 Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

The Twenty-Four-Hour Virus

Bible Reading:

 

 do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:26b-32

 

A young professional couple in New York take the above verse literally. They admit:

"Although sometimes it's way past our bedtime before we settle a difference, we've made this rule. We never say 'Good-night' to each other until we have cleared up whatever has caused strained relations during the during the day. Better to get it out of our system. Who wants to start a day with a virus of misunderstanding left over from yesterday?"

 

Wouldn't you agree that this is sound reasoning? Why cloud the morning horizon? Each day brings its own quota of human problems. No need to aggravate these by aggregating them.

 

An experienced minister had through the years offered God's cure for the virus of misunderstanding, bitterness, and anger to every couple he has united in marriage.

 

"You think today that you will never need this advice," he tells the shiny-eyed bride and the proud groom as he quotes:

 

"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." vs. 32

 

This is God's prescription and, taken before bedtime, it is guaranteed to work in less than twenty-four hours. Neglecting any virus is asking for trouble and complications. Would not this be a good night to try God's sure cure?

 

 

 

 

Salt in the Kitchen...series

Salt in my Kitchen

By:
Jeanette Lockerbie

The Woman God Calls Great

Bible Reading:

    Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. 9 And she said to her husband, "Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. 10 Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there." 11 And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there.   

 2 Kings 4:8-11

 

What woman does not dream of being great, really great? Not merely to be called by the loose term, "the greatest." Not to be Mrs. America or Mrs. Universe, or even a benefactor of humanity ( a Madame Curie, perhaps), but great in God's sight.

 

It is significant to us who are homemakers that the only woman ever designated "great" in the Bible earned this distinction in her home. Just for being hospitable.

 

She began by inviting an itinerant prophet in for a slice of homemade bread. He must have enjoyed it, for he never passed the house without stopping for more. This unnamed woman's hospitality was expanded to include lodging for the prophet when he needed it. Thus for all time she provided the prototype for the "prophet's chamber"-that blessed haven where preachers, evangelists and missionaries, weary of hotels, motels and travel, find a Christian welcome.

 

Not everyone is in a position to offer room and board, but there is warm fellowship in even a spontaneous, "Come home with us, even for just a cup of coffee," before the stranger goes on his way. And remember what Jesus said about giving as little as a cup of cold water in His name? (Mark 9:41)

 

Sharing the blessings of our home, even though we may not offer homemade bread, puts us in line for God's commendation. Isn't it encouraging that this kind of "Greatness" is within reach of every one of us?  

Salt in my Kitchen...series

Salt in my Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Love Thyself

 

Bible reading:

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near--at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.   
Mark 13:28:31

"Come over for a coffee break," invites a friendly neighbor. But the reply comes, "Not this morning, thanks. I'm not fit company. I don't even like myself."

This young woman had hit a crucial truth. How could she be good for another person when she was in a self-despising mood?

It would be a fallacy to suppose that anyone entirely avoids having such days. But take heart. There is a cure for depression. But it is not to be confused with the "pep pills" sold at the corner drugstore.

"Love thy neighbor as thyself," said the Psychologist of the ages, the only One who can, in an instant, probe the deepest recesses of the mind and heart.

"He could read men's hearts" (John 2:25b, Amplified).

Self-love is akin to self-respect. When the day comes that we are "down in the dumps," that is the day to get on our knees. We should pray:

"Lord Jesus, the devil is tempting me to believe I just don't count in this world. Please show me that I'm Your creation. Help me to feel I'm someone for whom You gave Your life's blood, that I am important to You."

What "mood can last in the light of such a prayer?

And, your self-love restored, you can enjoy fellowship with your neighbor.

Salt in the Kitchen....series

Salt in my Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Stoop Labor

 

Bible reading:

 

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Philippians 2:5-11In some agricultural area farmers have need of what the term "stoop labor." These are workers who handpick fruit such as strawberries, or set out seedlings that have to e specially handle. It's backbreaking toil. Not many flock to this type of job. How often the young homemaker, weary after a morning of "picking up" after a small child and wiping up sticky floors,complains, "I'm nothing but a 'stoop laborer,' and I was trained for better things than this!" A little quiet reflection would bring to the mind of the Christian the One who voluntarily humbled Himself with no griping, no complaining.
"Let this ind be in you" (v.5)- in you, Mrs. Homemaker- writes the Apostle Paul. The mind controls the reactions. It's the mind, no the "dishpan hands," not the tired feet, that rebels. It's the mind too that can make humble housework bring glory to God. The right frame of mind can make a challenge of the most drab, menial job. But the wrong frame of mind makes a miserable chore out of the pleasantest duty. Do you sometimes feel you're nothing but servant? If you will reread verse seven, you will find you are in wonderful company.

Salt in the Kitchen...series

second post of the day

 

Salt in my Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Spock Style  

 

Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:1-6

 

    A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.   

Proverbs 22:1-6

 

"Me? Train a pliable, impressionable, important human being?" Does the enormity of this task cause you to ask, "Where can I turn for help?"

 

The young mother who turns to the child expert Dr. Spock will find herself in the company of some 14 million others* who consider his nonfiction best seller the final authority.

 

On the other hand, the mother who turns to the all-time best seller, the Bible, will join the ranks of those who, from Solomon on, have considered God the final expert on child psychology and training.

 

Read Dr. Spock (and we do not by any means disparage his work) and you are on your won as to how to implement his advice. Turn to God's Word, and the Author, through the power of His Holy Spirit, is with you every step of the way. Often, in thrilling, specific ways, He will guide you and show you what you need to know.

 

Who can better help you than the God who breathed into your baby the very breath of life. He can give you wisdom as you mold this young life for His glory.

 

By following God's guidelines you can be certain you are training the child up in the way he should, not would, go.

Happy is the privileged child whose mother believe this.

 

*Dr. Benjamin Spock's book on baby care has sold over 14,400,000 copies ( as of the writing of this book

Salt in my Kitchen....series

Salt in my Kitchen

 

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

 

When God is Slow

Bible Reading: Psalms 103:8-13

 

    The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.   

 

A young mother answered a hesitant knock on the kitchen door. There stood her five year old daughter Janey, mud- splattered, eyes downcast.

 

Taking in the situation in one glance the mother said, "honey! Whatever happened to you? C'mon, let me clean you up." And she swept the child into her arms.

 

The kind, warm tones of her mother's voice started a flood of tears. Between sniffs, Janey gulped out, "Mommie, you're not mad at me." Then , as though the sun had been turned on, the little girl continued, " I prayed and asked Jesus not to let you be mad at me for getting my nice dress all muddy. I asked Him to let me tell you first that I didn't play in the mud. Really, Mommie." The big, tear-filled eyes pleaded for understanding. "It was that nasty car that splashed me all over." Janey's words tumbled over each other. "And Mommie, Jesus answered my prayer. Your not mad at me."

 

What might have happened if Janey's mother had been quick to rebuke, harsh in punishment? A child's faith (that her mother had fostered!) might have been shattered. A sensitive child might have lost confidence in her mother's sense of justice. Instead, a new bond was formed. In the childish mind Mommie and Jesus were akin in love and understanding. Sometimes it pays to be slow. 

Salt in my Kitchen....series

 Salt in my Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Shut the Door

 

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4:1-7

 

    A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." 2 So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." 3 Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest." 

 

How often in the course of a day, especially in summer, does the command "Shut the door" ring out. We shut the door against the inroads of insects, pets, heat (in winter, cold). Springs insure that doors will swing shut even when manipulated by careless or too-tiny hands.

The Shunammite woman in our reading today had a two-fold need to shut her door. A creditor had come to take her two sons as slaves.  She shut in her two boys. She shut out the world around them. A crisis called for nothing less than intervention from on high and she had no intention of letting outside interests rob her of the answer to her fervent prayer. In her extreme need she gladly heeded the voice of Elisha, the man of God. The abundance of oil that God supplied met her need of paying debts.

 

We might well wonder what would have happened had she done everything else God commanded, but had left the door open. Distraction and possibly derision might have moved her to abandon the instructions given by the prophet. We can only speculate, but we do know that unless we deliberately shut out the world's noise there will be little chance to hear the voice of God.

 

Lord, I have shut the door,

Speak now the word

Which in the din and throng

Could not be heard.

 

_William M. Runyan

 

 

 

 

  

Salt in my Kitchen....series

 

 Salt in my Kitchen 

 

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Step Right Up!

Bible Reading: John 10:7-10

 

    Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

You arrive at the door of the up-to-date supermarket. It swings wide open, apparently of its own volition.

Did you ever pause to figure out what makes it work?

Have you sometimes stood on the threshold doubting that the door would open? Or are you the
technically-minded type of young woman for whom the door poses no mystery? You're aware that by stepping on a specific area you activate the current that operates it.

More likely you simply accept the fact without question. In doing so, you are exercising faith. Faith in an "electric eye."

Apply the same faith - or logic- to the words of Christ, who says:

I am the door....

 

"Enter in," Jesus invites. There is no need to stand outside wondering if the door will really open. No need to figure out by what process He will open the door for you.

 

As simply as the youngest child, on a shopping trip with Mommie, stands expectantly waiting for the door to open, you can appropriate the benefits of heaven's open door. Just step right up!

 

 

I am the door, the Saviour said;

I am the only door.

 

 



Salt in my Kitchen .....series

Salt in my Kitchen

 

by:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Sand, Stars, and Promises

 

Bible Reading: Genesis 22:13-18

 

Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The Lord it shall be provided." 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son-- 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."  

Genesis 22:13-18

 

Traveling through the desert, perhaps pausing to filter handfuls of sand through his fingers, did Abraham ponder God's stupendous promise? Sand. He could relate this to mighty numbers, as God had promised his nation would become. But starts! What similarity could there be in the number of "sands on the sea shore" and the starts visible on even the clearest night?

 

Ah, but Abraham had never stood on MT. Wilson or Mt. Palomar viewing the heavens through giant telescopes. It was never given to him to hear twentieth century scientists speculate:

It would appear there are possibly as many starts

in the sky as there are grains of sand on the seashore.*

 

No longer do astronomers have any basis on which to scoff at God's promise to Abraham. The Lord makes no extravagant promises. Increasing scientific knowledge only brings this into focus.

 

Like Abraham we would o well to "stagger not" at God's great promises. Somehow we muster up faith for the less significant needs. God is waiting to honor our faith in big things.

The late Dr. Roland V. Bingham, founder of the Sudan Interior Mission, grasped this fact amid trying circumstances. His theme song and battle cry was:

 

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees and looks to

God alone;

Laughs at impossibilities, and cries, "It shall be done!"

 

 

*Dr. Irvin Moon, in God of Creation, Moody Science Film. Used by permission.

Salt in My Kitchen ...series

Salt In My Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

The Maker of All

Bible Reading: John 1:1-4

 

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.   

 

What dos a mother say when she is confronted with blatant atheism in childish form? What happens when second-grade jimmy announces, "My friend Phil is the smartest boy in our class. He says 'God is made out of chemicals' "?

Jimmy's mother is well aware of the strong admiration her son has for the "class brain." How can she contend with the problem of destroying blasphemous seed without alienating the friend? How can she plant good seed in its place?

Her answer came, as all such answers come, from the Bible and this is what the Bible itself.

"Jimmy," advised his mother, "ask Phil this question:' If God is made out of chemicals, who made the chemicals?' You can go on then and tell him that God made everything. Don't argue, son. Just tell him you believe the Bible and this is what the Bible teaches.

One thing we can count on: the devil will assail our children. He will strive to plant seeds of doubt that "He (God) is Himself before all" (Colossians 1:17a, Berkeley_.

Being forewarned we can be forearmed. Consistent prayer for and with our family is the best of all bulwarks. We are indebted too, for confidence and assurance, to the hymn writer C. F. Alexander for the words:

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.

(pg 9)



Salt In My Kitchen....series - AND..

Before we get to our devotional for today - I wanted to say a BIG thank you for all the service men and women who have died while defending the USA. Thank you to all those servicing in the Armed Services now. What you do is very much appreciated! May God bless you and your family in a very special way.

***********************************************

 

 

Salt In My Kitchen

by Jeanette Lockerbie

 

"The Early Bird"

Bible Reading: Mark 1:35-39

 

35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." 38 But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

Mark 1:35-39

 

 

There was a time when the words "early bird" had an earthy, catch-the-worm connotation. Today the reference to an early bird will more likely pertain to the Early Bird satellite.

 

Regardless of that generation or season, one "early bird" can be depended on to break the morning stillness: the year-or-so-old baby, herald of the dawn.

This eagerness to start the new day may not be echoed by the average mother, tired by her yesterday. Nevertheless, the one who will surmount the weariness and "rise up a great while before dawn" (or a reasonable equivalent according to the family schedule) will be rewarded for her effort.

In the quiet morning hour comes strength for the day. In the recognition that we are more than flesh and blood that we are spirit and soul, in the deliberate feeding of our inner self, comes power to overcome the turmoil and conflicts of the day. The minutes spent in reading God's Word, in prayer and communion with our heavenly Father, will be reflected throughout long hours.

Admittedly it takes grim determination to roll out when the alarm sounds reveille. But remember the words of Harriet Beecher Stowe:
Still, still with Thee

When purple morning breaketh.

This is the hour when clear- channel communication between the busy homemaker and her God will prove infinitely more worthwhile than any "early bird" system ever dreamed of.

 

 **************************************

 

This devotion really speaks to me. On the mornings that I stay up when my husband leaves for work - I have a much better quiet time than if I do my quiet time later. There is just something about quiet time - first thing in the morning.
What are your thoughts?



Salt in my Kitchen....series

Salt in My Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Better than a Tranquilizer

Bible reading: Philippians 4:4-8

 

Here is a last piece of advice...fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good...and you will find that the God of peace will be with you ( vv. 8-9. Phillips)

 

Surely there is no better psychological restorative than this verse in all of God's word. "Think on these things" the King James Bible says. "These" refers to balance-restoring, nerve-calming thoughts.

Undoubtedly the Apostle Paul wrestled often with his thoughts: thoughts of friends who had forsaken him, converts who had disappointed him, his own physical discomfort, the uncertain future, the very real possibility of a violent death. Far from dwelling on "these things," Paul left us a formula for triumphing over such thoughts.  

His advice to the Christians in Philippi was, "Think on what will uplift you, not on what will drag you into depression and despair." this was not winking at facts as they were. Neither was his exhortation to "make the best of a bad thing."

Paul knew the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual value of such "thinking"; such "fixing your mind." Real value. Not to be compared for a moment with the world's panacea: tranquilizers.
"Whatsoever things are lovely"

Will crowd out the unlovely.(pg.7)  

Salt in my Kitchen....series



 

Salt in My Kitchen

by: Jeanette Lockerbie 

Bible Reading:

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;"

1 Corinthians 13:1-5   

Over the threshold into a world as new as the going away outfit! New china and linens, shiny new pots and pans, new furniture- and new responsibilities.

Over the threshold into a world as old as Eden: one man, one woman. Two individuals "joined in holy matrimony," as the minister intoned in the ceremony.

Individualism is not submerged. You are the same you. Personality is not one whit changed.

God, who made us, knows the propensities in all of us for selfishness, for self-seeking that leads to many other happiness-destroying traits..

We would do well then to take to heart right from the 'carrying over the threshold' - the beginning of a new life - the far-reaching counsel of the love chapter of the Bible(1 Corinthians 13)

 

Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful (v. 5, Amplified).

 

Living by God's pattern you can assure a marriage that will be,

 as Evangelist John Linton entitled a popular sermon for young adults:

A heaven in which to go to heaven.

 

 

Salt in My Kitchen...series

This week- we are going to begin a new series: "Salt in My Kitchen"

I thought that Monday would be a great day for this series since Monday is when we get back into our weekly schedule. The week end is over and the work week has begun. I hope that this series will bless you all. This is a cute little book that I found at the thrift store- it has a copyright date of 1967 by Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. -the book I bought was the 16th printing in 1975. I hope you all enjoy! Have a great day! :O)

 

Salt in My Kitchen

by

Jeanette Lockerbie 

 

"Salt in My Kitchen"

Bible Reading : Colossians 4:2-6

 

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.   

Colossians 4:2-6

 

"Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned ( as it were) with salt. (v. 6, Amplified).

 

Take salt out of our kitchens, and what will be the effect? The finest culinary creation will be tasteless. Eating will be robbed of most of its pleasure.
 

Salt has other notable qualities besides that of taste:
 Salt cleanses. The Prophet Elisha recognized this fact when he used salt to cleanse the waters
( II Kings 2:20-22). Surely the analogy is plain. What is more refreshing than cleanliness? The custom of bathing newborn babies with salt was practiced by the Israelites (Ezekiel 16:4) and continues in some parts of the world today. We apply the "salt" of concern and love in bathing a baby, or cleaning a home to make it a haven after a day in the working world's grime.

Salt seasons. The Bible calls Christians the salt of the earth," and warns against losing our "savour" that seasons the world. We should allow this spiritual "salt" to season our conversation and back up our Christian testimony.  "Let your speech be always with grace, seasons with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).

Salt deices. The layer of ice on the porch steps on a January morning is much like the ice-bound heart, hard as a rock from the impact of bitter experiences. Both melt beneath the application of the salt: one, the literal commodity; the other, the "salt: of kindness and peace. "have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another" (Mark 9:50b).

Can you think of any better place to sprinkle this "salt" than your own kitchen? Or any better time than right now?