140309 AM Where There Are No Oxen

Where There Are No Oxen                A. Three thousand years ago, Solomon wrote:   Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.(Prov 14:4)  B. Keeping and caring for an animal as big as an ox undoubtedly has its rough, unpleasant moments.  C. But, an ox’s incredible strength is useful when it comes to plowing, turning a mill, or pulling a load.  D. Wisdom’s simple point: 1. Never acquire an ox and you’ll never have to ___________ up after it!  2. Never acquire an ox and you’ll never be able to enjoy its potential______________.  E. Consider some similar applications of the same wise principle. Where there are no ______________, the __________________is quiet, but a heritage of___________ is developed through the efforts of godly ____________. Where there are no___________ in Christ, less gentle_________ is required, but God is glorified as futile minds are_____________and lives are________________.  Where there are no ________ members of the church, not as much____________ is necessary,but  the entire _______ is strengthened when the weaker are treated as _______________.  Where there are no _________ people, there are fewer ____________ on our time and resources, but pure and undefiled ________ involves compassionate care for the________ among us.  Where there are no _______ people, the time for_______________ efforts is over, but precious_________are persuaded by those who know the_________of the Lord.