What is Wrong with a Clean Manger?

[S] Proverbs 14:4 --
4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

[O] A clean manger without oxen defeats the purpose of its existence.  It is supposed to house animals like oxen which will work to produce revenue.  That means the manger is supposed to be smelly, dirty, worn out, and messy.  As no one expects the mangers with animals to be clean, no one's Bible who expects to find hidden gems through consistent working of digging into His word should be clean either.  It should bear the signs of being worn out, with constant efforts of wrestling with God.

[A] Ever since I got my new Bible this year, I've not used it much mainly because I've been reading the online Bible and because it's been convenient to turn to today's Life Journal reading and to journal into my blog, I want to start reading using my new Bible (book) to write into it and to use it so it won't stay like a clean manger without oxen.

[P] Dear Father, it is such a blessing to live in a place so full of abundance and convenient tools such as having the Bible right on my smart phone.  There's nothing wrong about reading Your word that way but please protect my heart so it won't become lazy or convenience-seeking when it comes to reading and "chewing" on Your word.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Carrier of Imperishable Seed

[S] 1 Peter 1:23 --
 ²³for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

[O] I see so many products sold which makes people younger because all of us get old and people want to reverse the clock so they can get younger.  We all know this is only a temporary measure because we all grow old and eventually leave this place to eternity.  (Eternity either with or without God but that is another topic.)  However, this concept of growing younger must be a popular idea because many people are sold on these products.  When God saved us he planted the seed which will never perish, and to go further, He provided the ingredient that will keep our soul and spirit young forever through the living and enduring word of God.  What a great deal!

[A] The core of my new-born spiritual life is based on the imperishable seed.  My life is already been given the term of eternity.  How exciting this news is for me and I need to reflect this in my own life.  At times I'm hit with challenges and downers but I must not forget what type of seed I'm carrying and stand up especially during those situations.

[P] Dear God, Your awesome word is the food that will keep me young forever so I need to intake that more and more.  Please continue to infuse in me Your wondrous life so I would pass that power of life to those around me.  I pray for Mr. B who is my neighbor for his health conditions and that my family will pass on Your life to him during difficult times.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.