Labor Day

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV). The Labor Day holiday as we know it grew out of the efforts of labor unions over a century ago. Records indicate the holiday was first proposed in the late 19th century. Two men are credited with the original idea: Peter J. McGuire, a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, and Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. The purpose of the holiday was, in McGuire's words, to celebrate those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." His insight leaves much of the truth aside. However, it is a time when we may remember some important truths about our work. 1. First, work itself is inherently good. God didn’t mind “getting His hands dirty,” so to speak, in creating the universe. Genesis says He “worked” to bring it into existence. But that means work must be good in and of itself, since by definition, God can only do what is good. It also means work reflects the activity of God. The engineer who designs a bridge, the zoologist who studies animals, and the farmer who raises crops all carry out jobs that God did at the beginning of the world. 2. Second, your work is important; it matters. The work that God gives you has dignity to it. In fact, God created you “in His image.” Just as He works, so He has created you to work. Genesis even says that God has placed human beings in authority over the creation as His managers. As you use the abilities He’s given you, you can be a partner, a coworker with Him to carry out His work. For example, God can use the nurse to meet the health needs of patients; the grocer to distribute food to customers; the researcher to provide accurate information; the lawyer to promote justice for clients; and the career homemaker to nurture growing children. God values these kinds of jobs because they help to carry out His purposes in the world. These things matter to Him. 3. Third, there’s no such thing as “secular” or “sacred” work. God certainly uses ministers and missionaries to meet spiritual and personal needs around the world. But they are not the only people doing “God’s work.” God is just as interested in the physical, emotional, intellectual, and other needs that people have. He also cares about the management of the earth itself. It takes all kinds of skills, and all kinds of people, to do what God wants done in the world. 4. Fourth, you should do your work in a way that honors God. Your work has dignity; you’re created in God’s image as a worker; you’re a coworker with God; you have God-given abilities to carry out important tasks that He wants done. All of this says that what you do for work and how you do it should bring glory to God. He should be pleased with it—and with you as you do it. Any task we do as Christians should be done with wholehearted dedication, for God is never satisfied with a halfhearted effort. H. A. Ironside learned this early in life while working for a Christian shoemaker. Young Harry’s job was to prepare the leather for soles. He would cut a piece of cowhide to size, soak it in water, and then pound it with a flat-headed hammer until it was hard and dry. This was a wearisome process, and he wished it could be avoided. Harry would often go to another shoeshop nearby to watch his employer’s competitor. This man did not pound the leather after it came from the water. Instead, he immediately nailed it onto the shoe he was making. One day Harry approached the shoemaker and said, “I noticed you put the soles on while they are still wet. Are they just as good as if they were pounded?” With a wink and a cynical smile the man replied, “No, but they come back much quicker this way, my boy!” Young Harry hurried back to his boss and suggested that perhaps they were wasting their time by drying out the leather so carefully. Upon hearing this, his employer took his Bible, read Colossians 3:23 to him, and said, “Harry, I do not make shoes just for the money. I’m doing it for the glory of God. If at the judgment seat of Christ I should have to view every shoe I’ve ever made, I don’t want to hear the Lord say, ‘Dan, that was a poor job. You didn’t do your best.’ I want to see His smile and hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” It was a lesson in practical Christian ethics that Ironside never forgot! As you celebrate Labor Day this year, remember that whatever you do, do it unto the Lord.

Life Lessons

From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears. God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. when he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, when he made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:20-28 ESV). The following list is an interesting compilation of “life’s lessons.” As you read it, let the wisdom of God’s truth lead you today. I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night". - Age 6 I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. - Age 7 I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. - Age 9 I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. - Age 12 I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. - Age 14 I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. - Age 15 I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. - Age 24 I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. - Age 26 I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. - Age 29 I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. - Age 39 I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. - Age 42 I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little note. - Age 44 I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. - Age 46 I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. - Age 47 I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. - Age 48 I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. - Age 49 I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. - Age 50 I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. - Age 52 I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. - Age 52 I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. - Age 53 I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. - Age 58 I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. - Age 61 I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. - Age 62 I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. - Age 64 I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. - Age 65 I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. - Age 66 I've learned that when I have a tough decision to make, all I have to do is remember what my Mom always said, "do your best and the reward will justify" - Age 67 I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. - Age 72 I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several. - Age 75 I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. - Age 82 I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. - Age 85 I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. - Age 92 Then, when he had done all this, he saw wisdom and measured it. He established it and examined it thoroughly. And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'"

Life by the Numbers

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139:13-15 ESV). Living life “by the numbers” is an odd outlook! However, when you begin to understand my basis for making such a statement, I think you’ll agree with its logic. I have long been an advocate of high self-esteem and self-confidence. In fact, most people who know me would agree that there is no lack of either in my life! I know that you can go too far with anything, including self-worth, but most people don’t go nearly far enough. The more self-confidence you have the more times you’ll try to do something. The more self-confidence you have the less you’ll be affected by temporary and short-term disappointments. The more self-confidence you have the more likely it is that you’ll live a life full of achievement, riches, satisfaction and joy. The place to begin is in the truth of God. One of the basic fundamental truths in the Scripture is that you are unique! Some mathematician has figured that the odds are greater than 50 billion to 1 against their ever being anyone with the unique combination of talents, skills, and abilities that you possess. The unbelievable achievements that you’re capable of, only God knows. What we do know is that your greatest areas of achievement come from your areas of strength, once identified and capitalized upon will bring you infinite success. The men and women who achieve the most are invariably those who have taken the time to identify their strong points and continually refine them. And further, you’ll never really be happy or satisfied until you can apply your unique God given talents toward the thing you love to do. When you're not where you want to be, you’ll know it. You feel discontentment, uneasiness and unhappy. To enjoy high levels of self-confidence you must be living your life in a way that challenges you, stretches you and makes you grow. The only successful way to achieve this is to do what you are naturally comfortable with. The good news is your discontentment and unhappiness are signs for you to step forward and live a life of joy. Don’t let the “But, I just can’t” attitude keep you from taking steps to becoming who God intended for you to be. Real joy is not in careers, or possessions. Real life is to be found within you. Joy is found within. I have found it true that when I am happy with myself, I can be happy with every thing else! You are “wonderfully complex with a marvelous workmanship.” Who could ask for more than that? Begin this very moment thanking God for making you so wonderful and start living life by the numbers! They are in your favor. The odds are all for you. Start walking in the knowledge of your success! He has not made you to fail!

Invitation to Joy

Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. (Psalm 65 ESV). Every August, when the skies are the darkest, the best-known meteor shower makes its appearance. The annual Perseid meteor shower is now in full sight! There are many legends that have grown up around the celestial sight. Laurentius, a Christian deacon, is said to have been martyred by the Romans in AD 258 on an iron outdoor stove. It was in the midst of this torture that Laurentius supposedly cried out: “I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other.” It is highly doubtful whether this actually happened or was a product of morbid medieval imagination, but King Philip II of Spain believed it enough to build his monastery place, the “Escorial,” on the site of his death, which is commemorated on August 10th. The abundance of shooting stars seen annually between approximately August 8th and 14th came to be known by some as “St. Lawrence’s fiery tears.” Of course, we know that the meteor shower is the dross of the comet Swift-Tuttle. The more I began to think about the heavenly sight; I was reminded of all the beauty that the Lord has surrounded us with! Like the psalmist, it is easy to see God’s inspiration to joy! The American Astronomical Society, meeting in Arlington, Virginia is intrigued by evidence of some kind of a "great attractor", an immense gravitational magnet, pulling powerfully at our Milky Way and at more than a hundred other galaxies. It is causing a dramatic distortion in the all expansion of the universe. It is tugging at galaxies from across more than a hundred million light years of space, pulling them toward a lump of something, something very dense, for which the scientists have no name except "The Great Attractor". Until now accepted theory has been that the universe is expanding. Now there is evidence it is falling inward toward "The Great Attractor." Let Him pull you closer than ever before today! Rejoice in His beautiful works!

In the Groove

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV). When the psalmist wrote this psalm, he spoke of a path that would bring prosperity. His advice is very clear to us. If we delight in doing everything the Lord wants, then we are assured of life. It is another way of saying we need to get “in the groove.” Some years ago I had the opportunity to drive a Winston Cup racer for ten laps at the Texas Motor Speedway. It was quite an experience! For those of you who have watched this kind of racing, you know the speeds can reach in excess of 150 mph! I didn’t get going that fast, though I did reach 135-140 mph. It was thrilling to say the least! There were many things to learn before I ever got in the car. The group I was in spent an hour going over safety features of the car, driving techniques, and most importantly, the line to take when driving the course. The instructor drew the best line on a display of the racetrack. Step by step, he took us through the straight-aways and the turns. He showed us when to be high on the track and when to dive in low. To further instruct us, he took us on the track in a passenger van and drove the course with us. It is amazing to think of traveling at over 90 mph in a 15-passenger van! But, that’s exactly what we did. Finally the time came to get in the car and start my own laps. We were pushed off pit row and by the time we got off the apron we were already going over 100 mph! The first three laps were increased steadily as I learned the groove: slowing down where necessary, speeding up where it was necessary, riding high in the line, or diving down into the turn. After that, it was wide-open speed! Even when it looked like he couldn’t be right, I realized very quickly that the only way to drive the course successfully was to do exactly as he said. As I would come up out of the straightaway, it was necessary to go high, straight at the wall. The first time I did it, it looked like I was going to hit it! But, as I got there and saw how it dove off into the turn, it made all the sense in the world. What a thrill to see a checkered flag at the end of my laps signaling I had completed the course successfully! Out Christian lives are to be run like that! There is a groove that the Lord has established for everyone. It is clearly marked through the Scripture. The more we read and study the Scripture, the more we are able to recognize the way we are to go. It would have been disastrous to ignore my instructor. Are you listening to your instructor in life? If you do, you are guaranteed a “checkered flag” at the end of the race!

Superman

Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:6-9 ESV). Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman! In 1938 those words were first read as the first issue of Action Comics, featuring the superhero character of Superman was published. There were other claims given to the “Man of Steel.” He was able to “leap tall buildings in a single bound,” “to run faster than a speeding bullet,” and “more powerful than a locomotive.” Superman is probably the best-known superhero in the world. Superman comic books have been around for over 70 years, though his appearances in movies and television have probably done more to make him famous. Superman has various superhuman abilities that he uses to uphold good. He captures criminals, rescues people in danger, strives for justice, and has a strong sense of morals. In short, Superman “fights for Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” Superman wears a special costume while fighting crime, but he also has a life outside of being a superhero. As Clark Kent, he grew up in the town of Smallville, Kansas, and attended Metropolis University. Clark is a Pulitzer prize-winning newspaper reporter for the DAILY PLANET, and he strives to keep his Superman identity secret. The entire world needs such a superhero; yet, many have failed to find the only real one. It is the Lord who has the strength to save us. In his beautiful book, I Shall Not Want, Robert Ketchum tells of a Sunday school teacher who asked her group of children if any of them could quote the entire twenty-third psalm. A golden-haired, four-and-a-half-year-old girl was among those who raised their hands. A bit skeptical, the teacher asked if she could really quote the entire psalm. The little girl came to the rostrum, faced the class, made a perky little bow, and said: "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want." She then bowed again and sat down. She may have overlooked a few verses, but that little girl captured David's heart in Psalm 23. Many people never find the true strength for life simply because they do not place their trust in the Lord. The story is told of a Welsh woman who lived in a remote valley in Wales. She went to a great deal of trouble to have electrical power installed in her home. They noticed she didn't use very much electricity at all. In fact, her usage was minuscule. They sent a meter reader out to check on the matter. The man came to the door and said, "We've looked at the amount. Don't you use electricity?" "Oh yes" she said. "We turn it on every night to see how to light our lamps and then we switch it off again." This sounds like the way many Christians apply the power of God in their lives. You may find Him and all the strength necessary for all of your challenges if you will simply turn toward Him today. He’s the real “Superman!”

Green-eyed Monster

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? (Proverbs 27:3-4 ESV). The following story is often told for the truth, however, it cannot be substantiated. It does provide an interesting story to illustrate jealousy and envy and the resulting damage they can do in our lives. Walter ordered a Jaguar the minute he became a partner in the law firm. He'd earned his wealth, now he was intent on enjoying it. Flaunting it, even! It was a beautiful car. However, after a week, he began to notice an annoying rattle. He brought it back to the dealership where they did a thorough check-up. They found nothing wrong with the car and told him he was just sensitive because it was a new car. But the rattle was still there! After two more check-ups by the dealership, Walter vowed not to bring the car to them again. Every time he got in the car, the rattle annoyed him just a little bit more, until he was so enraged that he decided to pull the car apart in his driveway. Three hours later, the rattle was still there each time he started the car. He turned the car off and got out. Enraged, he kicked the door panel just below the handle. Surprise, there was the rattle, even though the car wasn't running! Walter tore the inside of the door off and found what had bothering him all this time. There was an empty bottle of whiskey with a note inside. Walter opened the bottle and read the note: "You finally found it! I drank this fifth of whiskey my last day working for Jaguar, and couldn't resist giving it to someone! I hope it drove you crazy!” Anecdotal evidence dates this story to at least 1969. It gained national prominence in 1986 when Brian "Boz" Bosworth, then a star linebacker at the University of Oklahoma, claimed in Sports Illustrated's preseason football issue to have sabotaged cars in this fashion while working at the General Motors plant in Oklahoma City during the summer of 1985. Boz eventually apologized for repeating a yarn as fact, thus calling into question the quality control practices at that local General Motors plant. A fellow employee said of the incident, "He heard a lot of auto war stories, but we don't even have any nuts or bolts in that part of the plant where Brian worked." It is interesting to think that someone might feel this way about others. We do know many stories of how people have become resentful toward others in their good fortune. The key to life is not in the demise of others, but in blessing them and asking God to do MORE for them! Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18 ESV).

The Red Cross

The American Red Cross was organized in 1881 by Clara Barton and received its first federal charter in 1900. In 1905, it was brought into closer relationship with the government when a new congressional charter was granted. The charter was revised in 1947. The organization, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., is supported entirely by voluntary contributions. The president of the United States is honorary chairman of the society, responsible for the appointment of its president and seven other members of its board of governors. The American Red Cross puts special emphasis on disaster relief, services to the armed forces and veterans, and public health and safety programs. The nationwide Red Cross blood program is a comprehensive system designed to collect, store, treat, and distribute blood and blood products to the ill and injured throughout the United States. Clara Barton was quite a lady. She was born in 1821 and died in 1912. She was an American humanitarian, taught school, and clerked in the U.S. Patent Office before the outbreak of the Civil War. She then established a service of supplies for soldiers and nursed in army camps and on the battlefields. She was called the Angel of the Battlefield. In 1865 President Lincoln appointed her to search for missing prisoners; the records she compiled also served to identify thousands of the dead at Andersonville Prison. In Europe for a conference at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, she went to work behind the German lines for the International Red Cross. She returned to the United States in 1873 and in 1881 organized the American National Red Cross, which she headed until 1904. The symbol of the Red Cross has been recognized as one of safety and healing. There is another cross, however. It is the Cross of Christ. This cross is the real agent of healing and safety. It is such a tragedy that so many people have never really heard the message of this cross. And, often when they do hear it, it seems to be foolish and impossible to believe. The Apostle Paul recognized this when he wrote to the Church in Corinth. For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18 ESV). Officer Peter O'Hanlon was patrolling on night duty in northern England some years ago when he heard a quivering sob. Turning in the direction that it came from, he saw in the shadows a little boy sitting on a doorstep. With tears rolling down his cheeks, the child whimpered, "I'm lost. Take me home." The policeman began naming street after street, trying to help him remember where he lived. When that failed, he repeated the names of the shops and hotels in the area, but all without success. Then he remembered that in the center of the city was a well-known church with a large white cross towering high above the surrounding landscape. He pointed to it and said, "Do you live anywhere near that?" The boy's face immediately frightened. "Yes, take me to the cross. I can find my way home from there!" Perhaps you need to make your way back to the Cross today. It will point you home.

Serenity

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:25-27 ESV). There are two kinds of peace that Jesus can bring to the believer. The first is Judicial Peace. This is that which the Apostle Paul referenced in Romans 5:1. It is the peace that we experience when we are redeemed. It is a declaration that the war between God and us is at an end. However, the second kind of peace is that which we so desperately need in our daily lives. It comes to us after we have been at peace with God. It is Experiential Peace. It is the peace that we can actually have in our day to day lives. Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner. The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil. That’s the kind of peace that God wants to give to His children. Perhaps the following prayer, which is an expansion of the “Serenity Prayer,” will be of help to you today as you seek the place of real peace in Christ today. Rest in His arms today! God, Grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference; living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

The Yellow Shirt

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:7-12 ESV). The following story comes from an anonymous source. However it illustrates perfectly the love of God toward us. After reading it, perhaps you will be able to see the “shield of His love” more clearly. I did. The baggy yellow shirt had long sleeves; four extra-large pockets trimmed in black thread and snaps up the front. It was faded from years of wear, but still in decent shape. I found it in 1963 when I was home from college on Christmas break, rummaging through bags of clothes Mom intended to give away. "You're not taking that old thing, are you?" Mom said when she saw me packing the yellow shirt. "I wore that when I was pregnant with your brother in 1954!" "It's just the thing to wear over my clothes during art class, Mom. Thanks!" I slipped it into my suitcase before she could object. The yellow shirt became a part of my college wardrobe. I loved it. After graduation, I wore the shirt the day I moved into my new apartment and on Saturday mornings when I cleaned. The next year, I married. When I became pregnant, I wore the yellow shirt during big-belly days. I missed Mom and the rest of my family, since we were in Colorado and they were in Illinois. But that shirt helped. I smiled, remembering that Mother had worn it when she was pregnant, 15 years earlier. That Christmas, mindful of the warm feelings the shirt had given me, I patched one elbow, wrapped it in holiday paper and sent it to Mom. When Mom wrote to thank me for her "real" gifts, she said the yellow shirt was lovely. She never mentioned it again. The next year, my husband, daughter and I stopped at Mom and Dad's to pick up some furniture. Days later, when we uncrated the kitchen table, I noticed something yellow taped to its bottom. The shirt! And so the pattern was set. On our next visit home, I secretly placed the shirt under Mom and Dad's mattress. I don't know how long it took for her to find it, but almost two years passed before I discovered in under the base of our living-room floor lamp. The yellow shirt was just what I needed now while refinishing furniture. The walnut stains added character. In 1975 my husband and I divorced. With my three children, I prepared to move back to Illinois. As I packed, a deep depression overtook me. I wondered if I could make it on my own. I wondered if I would find a job. I paged through the Bible, looking for comfort. In Ephesians, I read, "So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attaches, and when it is all over, you will be standing up." I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained yellow shirt. Slowly, it dawned on me. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of God's armor? My courage was renewed. Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to mother. The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer. Meanwhile, I found a good job at a radio station. A year later I discovered the yellow shirt hidden in a ragbag in my cleaning closet. Something new had been added. Embroidered in bright green across the breast pocket were the works "I BELONG TO PAT." Not to be outdone, I got out my own embroidery materials and added an apostrophe and seven more letters. Now the shirt proudly proclaimed, "I BELONG TO PAT'S MOTHER." But I didn't stop there. I zigzagged all the frayed seams, then had a friend mail the shirt in a fancy box to Mom from Arlington, VA. We enclosed an official-looking letter from "The Institute for the Destitute," announcing that she was the recipient of an award for good deeds. I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it. Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I put our car in a friend's garage to avoid practical jokers. After the wedding, while my husband drove us to our honeymoon suite, I reached for a pillow in the car to rest my head. It felt lumpy. I unzipped the case and found, wrapped in wedding paper, the yellow shirt. Inside a pocket was a note: "Read John 14: 27-29. I love you both, Mother." That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses: "I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me." The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she had terminal Lou Gehrig's disease. Mother died the following year at age 57. I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad I didn't, because it is a vivid reminder of the love-filled game she and I played for 16 years. Besides, my older daughter is in college now, majoring in art. And every art student needs a baggy yellow shirt with big pockets.

Wishing Wells

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 11:1-3; 12:1-2 ESV) All of us have “made a wish.” It is custom as ancient as history itself. “Wishing Wells” come from the ancient Greeks who threw coins in their wells, hoping to keep the wells from running dry. There are many other forms of making a wish. The following list is a few of the common practices across the world.  Touch blue and your wish will come true.  Make a wish each time you eat a green M&M.  Make a wish when you see three birds on a telephone wire.  Put a watermelon seed on your forehead and make a wish before it falls off.  Make a wish before you blow out the candles on your birthday cake.  Make a wish on the first star you see at night.  Throw a coin in a fountain; make a wish when the water clears so you can see your reflection.  Make a wish on a new pair of shoes before you wear them for the first time.  Make a wish with another person on a wishbone. Each takes an end and pulls until it breaks. The person with the largest piece of bone gets the “lucky break” and the wish.  Make a wish on the first robin you see in the spring.  Find a penny, wear it in your left shoe and your wish will come true.  Wishes made on Midsummer's Eve (June 23) are most likely to come true.  Hold your breath and make a wish while crossing a short straight bridge. They sound silly don’t they? They are. That is not the essence of faith. Faith is not making a wish. It is not hoping in some formless idea or dream. It is the essence of our belief. It is based in the history of God’s character in keeping His promises. I've always been amazed by what people will believe. In recent grocery store tabloids, the following headlines were observed: “Dinosaurs Honked Like Buicks,” or “”Cow Mattresses Help Cows Produce More Milk,” or “WWII Bomber Found On The Moon,” or “Woman Gives Birth To 2 Year Old Baby: Child Walks & Talks In 3 Days,” and last, “Adam & Eve's Bones Found In Asia: Eve Was A Space Alien.” People will read and believe this nonsense, but refuse the evidence concerning God and Jesus Christ. It is not uncommon to witness in late summer the migration of the monarch butterfly. The careful observer may see hundreds of them clinging to tree limbs and other shrubbery as the flock rests up on their journey to a remote mountain site in central Mexico. Scientists have recently found 16 of these sites, ranging from 1 to 10 acres each, within a 100-mile radius where millions upon millions of butterflies from North America spend the winter. No one knows how butterflies find their way to these tiny plots of land. Each new generation that migrates has never been there before. Something programmed into their tiny bodies directs them to a place they have never seen, but which they somehow know they must find. These butterflies are one more example of God's creatures being drawn along by the mind of their Creator. They are also illustrative of the children of God referred to in Hebrews 11. These heroes of faith walked roads they had not consciously mapped out, following an inner leading to a land they'd never seen, a land prepared for them by God. We don’t need “wishing wells” when we have the hope of Christ within us!

When the Saints Go Marching In

In 1938, Louis Armstrong and his orchestra recorded the New Orleans's jazz classic, When the Saints Go Marching In, on Decca Records. It has been a classic for over seventy years. Perhaps you can recall the tune as you read some of the lyrics. Oh when the Saints go marchin' in All my folks have gone before me, Oh when the Saints go marchin' in All my friends and all my kin; I want to be in that number But I will meet with them up yonder, Oh when the Saints go marchin' in Oh when the Saints go marchin' in Oh when the sun refuses to shine Come and join me in my journey, Oh when the sun refuses to shine Because it's time that we begin; I still want to be in that number And we'll be there for that judgment, Oh when the sun refuses to shine Oh when the Saints go marchin' in It reminds us of the wonderful day that will come when Jesus calls all of His children to their eternal home. It will be a time of reunion and joy. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:1-7 ESV). Some years ago, radio evangelist Charles E. Fuller announced that he would speak the following Sunday on "Heaven." It was to be broadcast on radio. During that week he received a letter from an old man who was very ill. Here's a part of his letter: Next Sunday you are to talk about "Heaven." I am interested in that land because I have held a clear title to a bit of property there for over 55 years. I did not buy it. It was given to me without money and without price. But the donor purchased it for me at a tremendous sacrifice. I am not holding it for speculation, since the title is not transferable. It is not a vacant lot. For more than half a century I have been sending material out of which the greatest architect and builder of the universe has been building a home for me, which will never need to be repaired because it will suit me perfectly, individually and will never grow old. Termites can never undermine its foundation for they rest upon the Rock of Ages. Fire cannot destroy it. Floods cannot wash it away. No locks or bolts will ever be placed upon its doors, for no vicious person can ever enter that land where my dwelling stands, now almost completed and ready for me to enter and abide in peace eternally without fear of being ejected. There is a valley of deep shadow between the place where I live in California and that to which I shall journey in a very short time. I cannot reach my home in the City of God without passing through the dark valley of shadows. But I am not afraid, because the best friend that I ever had went through the same valley alone long, long ago and drove away all the gloom. He has stuck by me through thick and thin since we first became acquainted 55 years ago, and I hold His promise in printed form, never to forsake, nor to leave me alone. He will be with me as I walk through the valley of the shadows, and I shall not lose my way when He is with me. I hope to hear your sermon on Heaven next Sunday from my home, but I have no assurance that I shall be able to do so. My ticket to heaven has no date marked for the journey -- no return coupon -- and no permit for baggage. Yes, I am ready to go and may not be here while you are talking next Sunday, but I shall meet you there some day.

Making Your Own Luck

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. (Psalm 86:3-5 ESV). Happiness and success don’t come from luck. Psychologist Martin Segilman of the University of Pennsylvania advised the MetLife insurance company to hire a special group of job applicants whom tested high on optimism, although they had failed the normal aptitude test. Compared with salesmen, who passed the aptitude test but scored high in pessimism, this group made 21 percent more sales in their first year and 57 percent more in their second. A pessimist is likely to interpret rejection as meaning “I’m a failure; I’ll never make a sale.” Optimists tell themselves, “I’m using the wrong approach,” or “That customer was in a bad mood.” By blaming failure on the situation, not themselves, optimists are motivated to make that next call. Zig Ziglar may be one of the most well known motivational speakers in the country. He is also a very faithful Christian. He said, “I’m so optimistic I’d go after Moby Dick in a rowboat and take the tartar sauce with me. Winners see luck as opportunity. They see the rewards of success in advance. They do not fear the penalties of failure.” The winning individual knows that negative thinking attracts bad luck and that an attitude of optimistic expectancy is the surest way to create an upward cycle and to attract the best of luck most of the time. Winners know that so-called luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. If an individual is not prepared, he or she simply does not see or take advantage of a situation. Opportunities are always around, but only those who are prepared utilize them effectively. Winners seem to be lucky because their positive self-expectancy enables them to better prepare for their opportunities. When asked by a news reporter how she thought she would do in one of her early career swimming meets in the United States several years ago, 14-year-old Australian Shane Gould replied, “I have a feeling there will be a world record today.” She went on to set two world records in the one-hundred and two-hundred-meter freestyle events. When asked how she thought she would fare in the more testing, grueling, four-hundred-meter event, Shane replied with a smile, “I get stronger every race, and besides ... my parents said they’d take me to Disneyland if I win, and we’re leaving tomorrow!”She went to Disneyland with three world records. At 16 she held five world records and became one of the greatest swimmers of all time, winning three gold medals in the 1972 Olympics. She learned early about the power of self-expectancy. And, besides all of this, since God walks beside us, how can we fail? Trust in His strength, move forward, and you will find success! Maybe it’s time to go fishing… oh, don’t forget the tartar sauce!

Belief

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:1-11 ESV). Belief in Jesus is not just for the “then and there.” Faith is the ingredient that gives true zest to life. It does secure eternal life personally for us, but it also energizes us toward a positive lifestyle. The following are some simple suggestions to follow in your application of God’s salvation each day.  Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen.  Love your life.  Believe in yourself and the potential God has placed within you.  Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.  Discover each day the magnificent, awesome beauty God has created in our world.  Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day.  Amaze yourself and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.  Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; this is the essence of your humanity.  Let those who love you help you.  Trust enough to be able to take. Love enough to be able to give.  Look with hope to the horizon of today, for today is the special gift of God.  Let a little sun out as well as in. Let the joy of the Sprit of God within you permeate the world of those around you.  Create your own rainbows. Trust in the coming of Christ to set all things right. Know that the storms of life are only temporary.  Be open to all your possibilities.  Always believe in Miracles. The presence of God is in your heart when you have exercised your faith, believing in Him. Trust in Him today!

Comfort One Another

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV). We are all called to comfort others. Pain is undeniable. We will all suffer in this world, from one affliction or another. We have each been given the opportunity to become a "wounded healer" and reach out to others who are in pain, who feel alone, isolated, and abandoned. However, there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to be a comforter. Here are some suggestions. Always be honest. Admit when you really don’t know what to say. Even when you may have undergone the same thing in your life, your experience is not the same as someone else's. Ask them if they’d like you to pray for them and ask what they want you to pray about. Respect their request. Don’t pray for healing if they want prayer for new medications. Remind them that coping with life’s difficulties is a process and that the length of time is different for everyone. Just listen. Let them share their thoughts and feelings with you and don’t say, “I understand,” if you haven’t been there yourself. Respect where they are with their faith. If you see them struggling, be sensitive to it and don’t tell them to snap out if it, that God is still good. Pray for them silently and be patient. Treat them as though they are still a whole person, despite their limitations. Let them know you are thinking about them. A card or a phone call can make the difference. Avoid giving “God balm.” If you say, “God will heal you” or “all things work together...” they may believe you don’t really understand and avoid sharing their feelings with you in the future. Don’t feel compelled to share every “cure” you’ve heard of for their illness. Be aware of the fact that illness is not just a matter of attitude. Don’t say, “When are you going to get rid of that cane?” or “Did you know illness is caused by stress?” Respect their limitations and be sensitive to them. Don’t say, “A little walk might do you some good” or “No pain, no gain!” Only they know their limits and they will likely change from day to day depending on many factors. What they could do yesterday may not be possible today. Don’t question that. And, you can be of practical help. Offer specific ways that you can assist your friend. Say, “I am going to the drug store. Can I pick something up for you?” Look around her home and see where your friend might need some help. Does the shower need scrubbed? The leaves raked? The carpet shampooed. Offer to take care of these things. Volunteer to pick up some groceries rather than do the cooking. Many times people with illnesses have restrictive diets, so they may prefer some fresh fruits and vegetables than a casserole. Remember that one’s spouse and children have needs too and these often concern your friend. Take the children out for awhile so they can get some rest. It is never easy to be ill. All of us can make it a little easier if we will be thoughtful enough to “bear one another’s burdens” in grace and kindness.

The Right Strategy

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV). So far this week it sounds as if I am advocating living a life without pain. That is not correct. I know that there are those who have prayed and not been healed of their pain. Does that mean their prayers were somehow inferior? Or, was there some sin keeping them from being delivered from their difficulty? Of course not! That is one of the principal messages of Job. Even the Apostle Paul came to the place where he knew he was not going to be healed of his illness, and no greater man of faith ever existed! The key to our brief studies these past few mornings is to learn to face the pain of chronic illness and still dance the dance! Paul says to “pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.” In this we find a strategy for coping with chronic illness. If we are going to live with pain, the way to come to a peace about it is to let God use it in our lives in any way that He sees fit. That happens as we place ourselves at His side through the Holy Spirit’s presence. We rest and wait for the purpose to be revealed. Each of us can find a purpose in the pain. Here are some things I have discovered that have helped me in learning to get along with illness:  God has planned a special purpose for my life (cf. Jeremiah 11:29a). Even when the devil seeks my destruction, God has control of my life. No matter what might happen, He is in ultimate control. That brings me a sense of peace. When I don’t understand the “why,” I can trust Him because He does know.  God is not out to hurt me. I need not fear His plans (cf. Jeremiah 29:11b). Even when it doesn’t seem to make any sense, I can trust Him for my future.  God does not waste our suffering. I will never understand God completely or His reasons for what He does or allows. Those things that seem to make the least sense have turned out to be the most important experiences of life. God loves me, but His greatest desire is for me to become more like Christ, not to become more comfortable. God is in control. I can do all things only through Christ who strengthens me.  God wants my time. God is more interested in who I am than what I do, but He also desires for me to produce fruit and share Him with others. As a person with an illness I am not exempt from picking fruit. Sometimes that means I need to ask Him to carry my basket. The right equipment, the right training, and the right strategy – these three go a long way toward making sure we are victorious in our struggle with the devil! Don’t miss tomorrow’s devotional when I talk about how to help others in their pain.

The Right Training

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV). The attacks of Satan have been our theme the last two mornings. We talked about how the devil sometimes subtly comes at us and how at other times it is like a “blitzkrieg” attack. Just as Hitler did to Poland many years ago, so the devil does to us. However, so many times we face our enemy much the same way that the Poles did Nazi Germany! We are not equipped, we are not trained, and we do not have a strategy! We then fall to the enemy. Yesterday we looked at the need to be correctly equipped. Today we will look at the need to be properly trained. First, we ought to “be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.” There’s a line of dialogue in the movie “8 Seconds” that comes to mind when I begin to think about this truth. Lane Frost, who became the World Champion Bull Rider in 1987, was the subject of the movie. After one ride, he has been hurt and is lying in the infirmary when one of his buddies comes to him and tells him he needs to “cowboy up.” In other words, he needs to ignore the pain and get up. That philosophy has permeated our understanding of life in America. We are the people who pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. We are those who believe that we can do anything if we just put our minds to it. Tragically that is not what the Bible teaches. The Apostle Paul was not saying that we need to “cowboy up”! He said we ought to be strong in the power of the Lord. The difference is in the way we face our pain. Paul is not saying to ignore it. He is saying we can move through it. The world tells us that they can heal our ills. They tell us that if we eat better, try harder, and drink more water we will be healed. They show us commercials where one ibuprofen tablet gives one back his or her life. I tend to yell at the television every time one pharmaceutical commercial comes on that says, "Life is good, if you have your health." In my experience, there hasn’t been a pharmaceutical application developed that keeps me from getting up in the morning and not hurting to the point that I’m not sure how long it will take to be able to type this devotional. And, I know there are those of you who have much more difficulty than I do! Some of us don’t have all the health we may want, but life can still be good! Life can still be worth living. Why? Because if we take our worries and our bruised heart to Him he will mend it. However, we must discard the yoke of the world before we can accept rest for our souls that Jesus' yoke provides unconditionally. That’s being strong in the Lord! Tomorrow we’ll talk more about the “how” for employing the right equipment and the right training. Today as you face your trials, turn to the Lord for His strength and ask the Holy Spirit to bring peace into your mind.

The Right Defense

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV). Yesterday we began to look at the “Blitzkrieg” of the devil. Faith is the beginning of our defense. However, there are other things that we ought to do in order to turn away his attack. You may recall from history that the Poles had strength of numbers. There were over a million men in their army. Yet, when Hitler sent his troops in, it was as if they had little or no resistance at all. Part of the reason for that was in the fact that they tried to fight against tanks, bombers, and fighter aircraft with the horse calvary! They simply did not have the right equipment. Sometimes we try to fight the devil with the wrong equipment as well! In today’s reading, Paul lists the pieces of equipment necessary for our withstanding the devil: First, we need the “belt of truth.” Yesterday I began this little study with a reference to physical challenges we face and the resulting difficulties they bring into our life. With my own ongoing illness, I have noticed that the “belt of truth” that I need most is when I talk to myself. As much as I would like to believe that there will come a day when I do not need to take my medication and regularly see my doctor, that’s not the truth. Like Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” this physical illness is a reminder of how much I need God. It is like a belt of truth to secure everything else. Second, we need righteousness and peace. There is a sense of victory that comes from knowing and doing what is fundamentally right. I have been told that if I had enough faith I could be healed. While I absolutely believe that God can and does physically heal today, I also know that there are times He chooses to strengthen us through the physical challenges we face. Faith in His power and trust in His will bring the peace necessary to defeat the devil. Third, we need faith and salvation. These need little expansion. We would be no more than mounted calvary facing armored tanks without faith and salvation. If you have let some of your equipment sit, pick it up now and put it on. You will find that facing the blitzkrieg of Satan is far easier when you do!

Blitzkrieg

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:7-9 ESV). On September 1, 1939, German forces bombarded Poland on land and from the air, as Adolf Hitler sought to regain lost territory and ultimately rule Poland. World War II had begun. The German invasion of Poland was a primer on how Hitler intended to wage war, what would become the “blitzkrieg” strategy. This was characterized by extensive bombing early on to destroy the enemy's air capacity, railroads, communication lines, and munitions dumps, followed by a massive land invasion with overwhelming numbers of troops, tanks, and artillery. Once the German forces had plowed their way through, devastating a swath of territory, infantry moved in, picking off any remaining resistance. Once Hitler had a base of operations within the target country, he immediately began setting up "security" forces to annihilate all enemies of his Nazi ideology, whether racial, religious, or political. Concentration camps for slave laborers and the extermination of civilians went hand in hand with German rule of a conquered nation. For example, within one day of the German invasion of Poland, Hitler was already setting up SS "Death's Head" regiments to terrorize the populace. The Polish army made several severe strategic miscalculations early on. Although a million strong, the Polish forces were severely under-equipped and attempted to take the Germans head-on with horsed cavaliers in a forward concentration, rather than falling back to more natural defensive positions. The outmoded thinking of the Polish commanders coupled with the antiquated state of its military was simply no match for the overwhelming and modern mechanized German forces. There are several lessons that history may teach us in our own “war” with the devil. There are those times when Satan is subtle and others when he uses the “blitzkrieg” method seeking to destroy us. Peter understood this very well when he wrote that the devil was like a roaring lion prowling for his next victim. You may be feeling such an attack now. Peter makes one observation that sets the stage for a victory over such an attack: Give all your worries and cares to God. This is essence of faith and the source of strength. A friend of mine recently wrote and remarked how much easier it is to deal with spiritual and emotional difficulties than it is with physical difficulties. And, there is a great deal of truth in that. For many years he has suffered from arthritis. Everyday is a struggle just to get up and get going, and yet, I have seen him do just that! He gets up and gets going. He does so because he knows that God cares for him and in that knowledge he finds faith to continue. It is simplistic sounding, but it is the beginning. This week, we’ll look at more specific applications of faith in the midst of physical difficulty. We’re going to look at three things to practically apply: “The Right Equipment,” “The Right Training,” and “The Right Strategy.” For now, give your cares and worries to Him. Force yourself to take another step.

A Fifty-cent Word

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (James 2:14-20 ESV). I have often heard someone say when referencing an uncommon word that it is a “fifty-cent word.” I read such a word recently when I was doing some research in the Book of Acts. As I studied the response of the church in Antioch to the famine in Jerusalem, I read Larkin’s Commentary and he wrote: "For Antioch to model fully what it means to be Christians, it must demonstrate orthopraxy by meeting physical needs." Did you see it too? “Orthopraxy” is certainly a “fifty-cent word”! You may know the term, and it may be in common usage. After I looked it up, I found it had an idea in it that might be of interest to all of us today. "Orthodoxy" is a concept everyone knows. It signifies correct belief. And some people appear to be under the impression that having right convictions about right doctrines makes one right with God. However, that is not the essence of Christianity. "Orthopraxy" points to correct actions. In the case of the Antioch church, it points to a compassionate sharing of goods with those in need. There are many forms of that in our world. And, that certainly is what James meant when he wrote the verses we read this morning. This means that all the sermons, bible studies, and devotionals that get so exercised about doctrinal orthodoxy that they vilify, backbite, and defame their brothers negate their very boast to orthodoxy. Without the orthopraxy of loving one’s brothers whom he has (or can) see and talk with, the attacker proves himself to be a liar. It also means that the church member who salutes Sunday’s preaching of the gospel only to gossip about someone on Thursday is deceiving himself. And so with the person who wants the teens taught biblical morality but who is stingy, the believer who demands sound doctrine but justifies her racist attitudes, and many more like these. We must not compromise our demand for correct teaching. But we must guard against negating your claim to orthodoxy with a conspicuous failure of orthopraxy. What a great word for today! Let’s practice what we preach!

A Penny

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. (Psalm 3:3-6 ESV). Recently a friend sent me the following story. I do not know who the author is, however it carries one of the most memorable lessons. Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some valuable. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America." "No, not that; read further." “One cent?" "No, keep reading." "In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?" "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God, that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!" Maybe you need to start looking for some pennies! I know that I have begun to look at them much differently than ever before. Even though we may be surrounded by our enemies, the Lord is watching over us and He will keep us safe! I know I can trust Him! How about you today? Find a penny and be reminded of the faithfulness of our God who loves us so much that He gave His only Son to save us!

Did You Do Your Best?

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV). For many years Admiral Hyman Rickover was the head of the US Nuclear Navy. His admirers and his critics held strongly opposing views about the stern and demanding admiral. For many years every officer aboard a nuclear submarine was personally interviewed and approved by Rickover. Those who went through those interviews usually came out shaking in fear, anger, or total intimidation. Among them was Ex-President Jimmy Carter who, years ago, applied for service under Rickover. This is his account of a Rickover interview: I had applied for the nuclear submarine program, and Admiral Rickover was interviewing me for the job. It was the first time I met Admiral Rickover, and we sat in a large room by ourselves for more than two hours, and he let me choose any subjects I wished to discuss. Very carefully, I chose those about which I knew most at the time—current events, seamanship, music, literature, naval tactics, electronics, gunnery—and he began to ask me a series of questions of increasing difficulty. In each instance, he soon proved that I knew relatively little about the subject I had chosen. He always looked right into my eyes, and he never smiled. I was saturated with cold sweat. Finally he asked a question and I thought I could redeem myself. He said, “How did you stand in your class at the Naval Academy?” Since I had completed my sophomore year at Georgia Tech before entering Annapolis as a plebe, I had done very well, and I swelled my chest with pride and answered, “Sir, I stood fifty-ninth in a class of 820!” I sat back to wait for the congratulations—which never came. Instead, the question: “Did you do your best?” I started to say, “Yes, sir,” but I remembered who this was and recalled several of the many times at the Academy when I could have learned more about our allies, our enemies, weapons, strategy, and so forth. I was just human. I finally gulped and said, “No, sir, I didn’t always do my best.” He looked at me for a long time, and then turned his chair around to end the interview. He asked one final question, which I have never been able to forget—or to answer. He said, “Why not?” I sat there for a while, shaken, and then slowly left the room. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that he had done his best. It was not the declaration of a proud man, deluded by his impending death. Rather, it was the confession that he had always understood the necessity to follow Christ with all of his being. His commitment was complete and total even to the point of death. God does not ask us to be perfect, but to be perfected! In that regard we can do our best! Have you done your best to follow Him?

Dive Into First

And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:24-34 ESV). Steve Lyons will be remembered as the player who dropped his pants. He could be remembered as an outstanding infielder, or as the player who played every position for the Chicago White Sox, as the guy who always dove into first base, or even as a favorite of the fans who high-fived the guy who caught the foul ball in the bleachers. He could be remembered as an above-average player who made it with an average ability. But he won’t. He’ll be remembered as the player who dropped his pants on July 16, 1990. The White Sox were playing the Tigers in Detroit. Lyons bunted and raced down the first-base line. He knew it was going to be tight, so he dove at the bag. Safe! The Tiger’s pitcher disagreed. He and the umpire got into a shouting match, and Lyons stepped in to voice his opinion. Absorbed in the game and the debate, Lyons felt dirt trickling down the inside of his pants. Without missing a beat he dropped his britches, wiped away the dirt, and twenty thousand jaws hit the bleachers’ floor. And, as you can imagine, the jokes began. Women behind the White Sox dugout waved dollar bills when he came onto the field. “No one,” wrote one columnist, “had ever dropped his drawers on the field. Not Wally Moon. Not Blue Moon Odom. Not even Heinie Manush.” Within twenty-four hours of the “exposure,” he received more exposure than he’d gotten his entire career; seven live television and approximately twenty radio interviews. “We’ve got this pitcher, Melido Perex, who earlier this month pitched a no-hitter,” Lyons stated, “and I’ll guarantee you he didn’t do two live television shots afterwards. I pull my pants down, and I do seven. Something’s pretty skewed toward the zany in this game.” Fortunately, for Steve, he was wearing sliding pants under his baseball pants. The real story in this incident is in how he dove for first! Lyons is remembered for dropping his pants, but he was so caught up in the game that he saw only one option to be safe on first base. He needed to dive for it! He needed to risk everything to be safe! That’s the picture of the woman with the issue of blood. It is at the heart of faith. Perhaps there is something you have been avoiding today. Your fear of loss is so much greater than your hope for gain. Trust in the Lord and place you faith in Him and dive headlong into first base! You won’t be disappointed! Even if you get a little dirt in your pants!

Escaping the Noise

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:23-27 ESV). Syndicated columnist Deborah Mathis recently wrote about a day in her life in our nation’s capital. She told about passing through busy Union Station. The first thing stamped on her memory was the noisy hubbub of sounds. The public address announcer calling out arrivals and departures. Scores of pagers, walkie-talkies, and cell phones crying out for someone’s attention. You could hear horns honking, machines clinking out change, and babies crying. There were voices from every direction. A nervous security guard yelled at a man about to enter a forbidden area. Three women stood up from their bench in order to press the points of their squabble with more emphasis. The man in line in front of her was pacing in tiny, agitated steps. Then she heard someone singing: “What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear; What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.” “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.” She went on to write that the quarreling women closed down their spat and quietly took their seats. Tense shoulders seemed to relax. As the lone voice sang the remaining verses of Joseph Scriven’s lyrics from 150 years ago, Ms. Mathis realized she was singing along now. So were the three women who had been bickering. And several more. “Nice, huh?” offered the man who had been pacing his tiny, tight circle in front of her. “I don’t even believe in Jesus, but that’s nice.” For most of us there’s just too much “noise” in our days. Most of us try to pack too much into our days. So we rush from here to there, appointment to appointment, talking on cell phones as we go. In order for us to escape the noise of the moment, we need to learn to take a break from it. Sometimes that’s as easy as taking a short walk. Even if its only down the hall of your office building, that short walk will help you to clear you mind and return to a focus on the peace God promises. Slow down your pace a little and think on the thoughts of God’s grace. Escape the noise!

Three Essential Questions

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:19-25 ESV). Will Rogers was known for his laughter, but he also knew how to weep. One day he was entertaining at the Milton H. Berry Institute in Los Angeles, a hospital that specialized in rehabilitating polio victims and people with broken backs and other extreme physical handicaps. Of course, Rogers had everybody laughing, even patients in really bad condition; but then he suddenly left the platform and went to the rest room. Milton Berry followed him to give him a towel; and when he opened the door, he saw Will Rogers leaning against the wall, sobbing like a child. He closed the door, and in a few minutes, Rogers appeared back on the platform, as jovial as before. If you want to learn what a person is really like, ask three questions: What makes him laugh? What makes him angry? What makes him weep? These are fairly good tests of character that are especially appropriate for Christian leaders. There are times to laugh. Someone has said that laughter is the air-conditioning of the soul. However, I have found that there are some things that simply are not funny. The ridicule of another because they are different is not funny. Yet, we have seen so many others become the focus of laughter such as this. There are times for anger also. However, our anger must always be directed correctly. Our enemy is not others. The apostle Paul was very clear about this truth. We fight against “principalities and powers of the darkness.” What makes a man angry is an indicator into his character. And, then we ought to answer the question of what makes us weep. What is the source of our grief? Is it the injustices of the world in which we live, or is it our own selfish desires going unmet? I hear people saying, “We need angry leaders today!” or “The time has come to practice militant Christianity!” Perhaps, but your anger can never make things right in God's sight. I believe what we need today is the practice of grace! What kind of grace is there at work in your life? It is a question worth asking. It is a question worth answering!

The Brinks Truck Crash

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:10-15 ESV). The early morning crash of a Brink’s armored truck on a Miami highway sometime ago held up a mirror to the human condition. The news report relates that while the driver and a fellow Brink’s officer lay bruised and bleeding, a festive atmosphere broke loose outside the truck as thousands of dollars blew n the breeze. Motorists stopped in rush hour traffic, then scooped up cash before resuming their commutes to the office. Thousands of crisp bills and shiny coins rained down an overpass onto a Miami neighborhood. Below, mothers with babies grabbed coins and piled them into strollers. An elderly woman filled a box. A young schoolgirl dumped her book bag and loaded it with coins and bills. Onlookers and participants had plenty of justifications and rationalizations. “Which is more moral,” asked one resident of the impoverished neighborhood, “to return the money and leave your children improvised-or maybe send them to college and enrich the family for generations?” “We deserve a little something,” said another. “The Lord was willing for it to happen here,” one man commented. “There’s a lot of poverty. It was a miracle.” Police estimated that more than 100 people helped themselves to money during the melee. Middle class on their way to work made off with thousands. Money is a powerful motivator. It is no wonder at all that Jesus spent so much time in His earthly ministry helping us understand the dangers of focusing on material things. The philosophy that money and possessions is the end to all of our problems is simply a lie of the devil! Tragically many people have discovered the truth too late to make a difference in their lives. Possessions are not the problem, but focus on them. Our task in life ought to be centering ourselves in the will and purpose of the Lord. Then we will be able to recognize true riches. What would you have done that morning when the Brink’s truck crashed? It is a question worth contemplating. There are those opportunities each day to make similar choices. Ask the Lord to give you the kind of wisdom necessary to choose wisely in your life.

It's Their Fault

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. (James 1:12-16 ESV). I read the following story on MSNBC some time ago and it made me think of how easy it is to fail to take personal responsibility for our actions. We’re a rotund nation. Just walk down the street — six out of every 10 of us are, well, supersized. We’re also a rather litigious bunch, home of the multi-million dollar spilled-coffee lawsuit, to name one. So it was just a matter of time before some legal mind asked the question: Who’s to blame for the fattening of America? A movement is brewing to hold the companies that peddle us fatty foods accountable for making us fat, just as the tobacco industry has had to pay for making some of us sick. Last week, Caesar Barber, a 56-year-old maintenance worker from the Bronx, filed a lawsuit against four major fast food chains claiming their fatty fare led to his obesity and health problems, which include two heart attacks and diabetes. His attorney, Samuel Hirsch, estimates millions of Americans could be included in the claim, which charges deceptive marketing practices encourage obesity. This case may just be the first of many. Attorney Richard Daynard, head of the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, is turning his attentions to “Big Food.” He’s planning a strategy session in the fall for lawyers and public health experts to decide on effective strategies to hold food corporations accountable for the public health costs of their fattening fare. “Obviously no one is saying the fast food industry is entirely responsible for the obesity epidemic, but they bear a significant piece of the blame,” Daynard said. “The idea is to find out really what conduct on their part has contributed to obesity, such as misrepresenting the healthiness of the foods they sell.” Barber, who is 5-foot-10-inches and 272 pounds, said he started eating fast food over 30 years ago because it was cheap and he didn’t know how to cook. But, he said, he didn’t know it was bad for his health until his doctor told him so after he had two heart attacks. Sounds ludicrous, doesn’t it? Yet we are all guilty of the blame game at one time or another. Adam and Eve give us the first example of this human characteristic. When asked why, both blamed their sin on someone, or something else. And, that’s the very thing that keeps us from knowing forgiveness! The Scripture is so clear about the necessary steps to forgiveness for believers. First, we must admit that we have sinned. Then, we make confession and accept the gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Even though the devil has a part to play in making sin as attractive as possible, the choice is ours. Whatever failure you have in your life today, admit your choice and ask God to forgive and restore you. He is the Source of forgiveness, not failure.

Making Decisions in the Dark

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 ESV). Life is so full of decisions. British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith once spent a weekend at the Waddesdon estate of the 19th-century Rothschild family. One day, as Asquith was being waited on at teatime by the butler, the following conversation ensued: “Tea, coffee, or a peach from off the wall, sir?” “Tea, please,” answered Asquith. “China, India, or Ceylon, sir?” asked the butler. “China, please.” “Lemon, milk, or cream, sir?” “Milk, please,” replied Asquith. “Jersey, Hereford, or Shorthorn, sir?” asked the butler. It is never easy to make good decisions. Often we feel as if we don’t have enough information to make a good decision. It seems so complicated. It is as if we are making decisions in the dark. I like the story that is told when, back in the days before electricity, a tightfisted old farmer was taking his hired man to task for carrying a lighted lantern when he went to call on his best girl. “Why,” he exclaimed, “when I went a-courtin’ I never carried one of them things. I always went in the dark.” “Yes,” the hired man said wryly,” and look what you got!” Thankfully God does not leave us without “light” to see clearly. James understood that truth very well when he wrote to those young Christians that they should simply ask God and He would give them the wisdom they needed to make a good decision. The last part to that truth is often overlooked however. Once we ask God and receive an answer, we must be responsible to moving on. We must take action. Former president Ronald Reagan once had an aunt who took him to a cobbler for a pair of new shoes. The cobbler asked young Reagan, “Do you want square toes or round toes?” Unable to decide, Reagan didn’t answer, so the cobbler gave him a few days. Several days later the cobbler saw Reagan on the street and asked him again what kind of toes he wanted on his shoes. Reagan still couldn’t decide, so the shoemaker replied, “Well, come by in a couple of days. Your shoes will be ready.” When the future president did so, he found one square-toed and one round-toed shoe! “This will teach you to never let people make decisions for you,” the cobbler said to his indecisive customer. “I learned right then and there,” Reagan said later, “if you don’t make your own decisions, someone else will.” Don’t be deceived. God will give you wisdom. Ask Him believing. Then, once the “lantern” is lit, move ahead trusting Him for strength to go forward.

Another Year Older

Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. (Psalm 37:24-26 ESV). Today’s the day! I celebrate another birthday today. In 1949 (I know that sounds like forever to some of you), I was born in Galveston, Texas. Each birthday has proven to be somewhat of a surprise to me. Sometimes they have been very ordinary and at other times they have been unique and exciting. It’s strange to me how different people handle their birthdays in different ways. For some folks, a birthday is not a cause for excitement at all. Babies have no problem handling birthdays. Mostly that’s because they have no clue what's going on! They cry, wet, burp, hiccup, sleep and do whatever feels good or bad to their heart's content. Bigger kids get very excited. Ask a sixteen-year-old about their birthday and almost certainly they will begin to talk about the prospect of driving and their newfound freedom. And when we reach the midyears, at 40 or 50, our friends go crazy. They bring out the black balloons, the black crepe paper, the wheelchair, the cane, the prune juice and the Geritol to remind us that we are, without a doubt, their dear AGING friend. It's still fun and helps us forget the wrinkle lines, the graying hair, the aching back, the sore joints and whatever else comes with the beauty of old age! Regardless of how old you may be on your next birthday, I have used today as a means to think about how to handle getting older. We really have only two choices. We could moan and groan about the new number, or we could focus on the goodness of the Lord through recounting our past with Him. I am choosing the latter. God has been very good to me. There have been many challenging experiences along the way, but He has never failed to walk with me through every experience. Whether they were hills or valleys, storms or sunshine, year after year, He has been with me. There are so many stories to tell, time does not allow. However, the theme in each one is the faithfulness of God. This causes me to renew my commitment to Him once again. How could I not continue to trust Him? And, of course, I will also use this day to celebrate Him. While I cannot comprehend or anticipate His plan for me, I can trust in it to be good and full of joy. He has never failed to surprise me with His goodness! Here’s my prayer for my day, perhaps you should use it on your day too: "Lord, thanks for birthdays. They're easy to handle when I focus on You, when I recount my blessings, renew my commitment, and rejoice in Your love. Help me to do that, this day and everyday! Thank you for number 63!”