Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV)
“Measure once, cuss twice,” it’s a favorite saying of Ben Napier, from the HGTV show Home Town. On the show, Ben and his wife Erin renovate properties in Laurel, Mississippi. One of the latest episodes features the Napier’s taking their old Airstream to Sunny Campers, a business that restores vintage travel trailers. It was fascinating to watch, as they described the process to Ben and Erin.
First, they completely clear out the inside of the trailer–all the way back to the shiny aluminum skin. As it turns out, many older Airstreams have moisture issues. They leak. A ‘full gut’ makes these clearly visible. The company then moves to the outside of the trailer, where they pull EVERY rivet, clean out seams, reseal and re-revit to make the trailer better than new.
Once everything is replaced and triple checked, it’s time for the ultimate test– the water chamber. The chamber resembles a car wash, with high press jets soaking the trailer from every direction. Everything must be leak-proof. Only after passing the water test, can the empty shell become a camper again.
Sunny Campers says the biggest mistake people make is to take an older Airstream and fix it up on the inside, without considering that it probably leaks.
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7b NIV)
When it comes to dealing with the old David, I’d be satisfied with a surface remodel. God, on the other hand, prefers a frame-up restoration.
This was the story in the third chapter of John, when Nicodemus came to Jesus. He was a respected religious leader (undoubtedly a good man) but Jesus told him, “You must be born again.” (John 3:3)
Nic wanted a superficial remodel, but Christ called for a complete re-do.
Today, and everyday, may we allow the Holy Spirit to restore and test our hearts. He’ll go farther than we ever could on our own.
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3 NIV)
https://davidsdailydose.org/2020/06/13/measure-once-cuss-twice/
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
11 responses to “Measure Once, Cuss Twice”
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
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That’s fine with me, Chris. Thank you! Enjoy your sabbatical. Blessings.
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I’m taking my annual sabbatical in a couple of weeks. Mind if I use this post while I’m taking a break?
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Thank you for reading and commenting. The verse you quoted goes with this piece perfectly! God’s best to you.
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Thank your today’s words of Faith & encouragement. This is my favorite, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7b NIV)“ With God, we can be our true selves .
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AMEN! You’re welcome, Chris. Faith, hope and LOVE.
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First of all, my wife and I love that show. May we be open to God searching us and knowing us inside and out so we can be fully used by Him. Thanks.
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Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. 😀
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God’s work is always from the inside out. Never just surface deep.
Loved the analogy David. I love a good analogy.
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Thanks, CG. And I leak in different places than I care to admit. Thankfully, God finds them ALL. As you say, blessings.
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Great analogy. God pressure tests us to find leaks so our internal remodel doesn’t corrode away.
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