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          OUR DAILY BREAD                        Monday, January 17, 1994
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          READ:  John 4:7-27

                                A MATTER OF THE HEART

                          How is it that You, being a Jew,
                       ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?
                                     --John 4:9

          I  have a confession to make.  From time to time old feelings  of
          prejudice  and  intolerance well up within me.    Even  though  I
          seldom  express  them, and never want to, these  sinful  thoughts
          still spring up in my heart.

          I grew up as a white, lower middle-class, midwestern, blue-collar
          American.  My prejudices came from hearing such absurd statements
          as:

                "Rich people are arrogant snobs."
                "Minorities just want a handout."
                "Women are weak and can't think rationally."
                "Management is out to rip off the working man."
                "Jews can't be trusted in business dealings."

          I  know  that  these are untrue stereotypes.  I  sensed  it  even
          before I became a Christian.  As a follower of Jesus, I know  too
          that I must treat all people with respect because they have  been
          created  in the image of God.  The Savior modeled this  accepting
          attitude  with  the Samaritan woman.  She was surprised  when  He
          spoke  to  her  and asked her for a  drink.  Even  the  disciples
          marveled when they found Him speaking with her (John 4:27).

          I'm  ashamed to admit my prejudicial thoughts.  But I  pray  that
          the  Lord  will keep working in my heart until I am  as  free  of
          prejudice and intolerance as He is.

          Author:  David C. Egner

                        Lord, cleanse me from all prejudice,
                               Remove its subtle lie;
                       Then help me share Your love with those
                              For whom You came to die.
                                      --Fasick

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          Prejudice is a great time saver:  it enables you to form opinions
          without getting the facts.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Job 5-7

          
          




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