July 7
It’s a perfect day on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. We are with a group on an island owned by a successful businessman. Joy and I climb aboard a cigarette boat with six others. We all hang on to stay upright. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters too. Why go? Is it for the thrill?
Today I get that rush of excitement when I feel God is near or is calling.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
A Candle in a Cave
July 6
It is a restaurant in a cave. Although the room is well lit a lone candle burns on a ledge. Our waiter says,"that's our test candle as long as it flickers we’re fine.” Nervous laughter. Half way through dinner a woman yells, "The Candle is out!" Heads turn. "It is OK," her husband says relighting the candle, "the waiter was only joking." My life is like that test candle. I can light up with His truth or be nothing and that is no joke.
"You are the light of the world." Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
It is a restaurant in a cave. Although the room is well lit a lone candle burns on a ledge. Our waiter says,"that's our test candle as long as it flickers we’re fine.” Nervous laughter. Half way through dinner a woman yells, "The Candle is out!" Heads turn. "It is OK," her husband says relighting the candle, "the waiter was only joking." My life is like that test candle. I can light up with His truth or be nothing and that is no joke.
"You are the light of the world." Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
Ike and a Golf Ball
July 5
One summer President Eisenhower made an impromptu visit to the University of Rhode Island. There was Ike standing tall in an open car. Someone yelled, "Hey Ike!" and tossed a golf ball toward the President, prompting a secret service agent to leap and grab that ball in midair. It could have been a bomb and that agent was ready to sacrifice himself for our President. Am I ready to give up this life for Christ? Are you?
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
One summer President Eisenhower made an impromptu visit to the University of Rhode Island. There was Ike standing tall in an open car. Someone yelled, "Hey Ike!" and tossed a golf ball toward the President, prompting a secret service agent to leap and grab that ball in midair. It could have been a bomb and that agent was ready to sacrifice himself for our President. Am I ready to give up this life for Christ? Are you?
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
Friday, July 4, 2008
One Nation Under God?
July 4
Old Glory flies from the deck of our cottage on Cedar Lake, Sturbrdge. Friends arrive for a cookout. At dusk, we will paddle canoes to the middle of the lake to watch home-launched aerial fireworks. First we pledge to our flag, "one nation under God." But we are not one nation under God. There are those who take offense at the word God. We are divided.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Old Glory flies from the deck of our cottage on Cedar Lake, Sturbrdge. Friends arrive for a cookout. At dusk, we will paddle canoes to the middle of the lake to watch home-launched aerial fireworks. First we pledge to our flag, "one nation under God." But we are not one nation under God. There are those who take offense at the word God. We are divided.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Climbing Mountains
July 3
We stand on the narrow summit of Mt. Albert in Colorado, which is something like seven feet higher than Pike's Peak. The view is breathtaking. I reach the top with 16 others who are completing a week at the Executive Course at Outward Bound. There is a true sense of accomplishment at the top. God has put in each of us the ability to reach higher and further in our lives. We learn that failure is not falling short; it is not starting in the first place. What mountains does God want you to climb? Have you started?
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
We stand on the narrow summit of Mt. Albert in Colorado, which is something like seven feet higher than Pike's Peak. The view is breathtaking. I reach the top with 16 others who are completing a week at the Executive Course at Outward Bound. There is a true sense of accomplishment at the top. God has put in each of us the ability to reach higher and further in our lives. We learn that failure is not falling short; it is not starting in the first place. What mountains does God want you to climb? Have you started?
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
A Sailing Day
July 2
It is pre-camp week, I’m the rookie waterfront director trying out sailing with Ray, my division head. We are off in a stiff breeze. I learn the hard way the difference between “coming about and jibing.” We jibe and capsize. A horn sounds signifying a tip over. When they arrive, I say, "Good thing we ran this test. You took your time getting here." Ray blesses himself under water.
Turning the wrong way can be disastrous.
“ Anyone who wonders from the truth…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
It is pre-camp week, I’m the rookie waterfront director trying out sailing with Ray, my division head. We are off in a stiff breeze. I learn the hard way the difference between “coming about and jibing.” We jibe and capsize. A horn sounds signifying a tip over. When they arrive, I say, "Good thing we ran this test. You took your time getting here." Ray blesses himself under water.
Turning the wrong way can be disastrous.
“ Anyone who wonders from the truth…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
Notes From God's Day
July 1
This is God’s day. I’m at the seashore.
Some notes:“ Write the book,” (These entries?) Discipleship is a decision.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
“You were born anew-listen to your Father.” Don't go to Phoenix.” (this is disturbing. I'm flying to Tucson Thursday to drive to Phoenix for a conference.)
“Take off your hat.” (I do.)
“You and I can be one. I am in you and you are in Christ.
“ know me better through My Word.”
"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:l)
This is God’s day. I’m at the seashore.
Some notes:“ Write the book,” (These entries?) Discipleship is a decision.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
“You were born anew-listen to your Father.” Don't go to Phoenix.” (this is disturbing. I'm flying to Tucson Thursday to drive to Phoenix for a conference.)
“Take off your hat.” (I do.)
“You and I can be one. I am in you and you are in Christ.
“ know me better through My Word.”
"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:l)
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