November 16
Time to face my fear of big suspension bridges and trust God. The Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay looms in the distance.I can feel my heart pumping. The sky is overcast.
I start up the main span saying, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” I’m shaking, “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” My hands steady on the wheel, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I reach the highest point, “You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil.” The sky brightens. “My cup runs over.” Fear knocked, faith answered, and no one was there. God is faithful.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (From Psalm 23)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Anniversary
November 15
It is our tenth wedding anniversary and we exchange hugs and a card at breakfast.
During breakfast Mr. A.calls he and his wife are arguing, counselors and ministers are away. Mrs. A arrives wanting to talk with Joy. That night we have the couple over for dinner. We listen, first to one and then the other and urge more professional help. We pray together. Hearing their complaints reminds us how blessed we are in our own relationship and keeping God in the center of our lives. The fresh realization of what we have is a priceless anniversary present.
“Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16)
It is our tenth wedding anniversary and we exchange hugs and a card at breakfast.
During breakfast Mr. A.calls he and his wife are arguing, counselors and ministers are away. Mrs. A arrives wanting to talk with Joy. That night we have the couple over for dinner. We listen, first to one and then the other and urge more professional help. We pray together. Hearing their complaints reminds us how blessed we are in our own relationship and keeping God in the center of our lives. The fresh realization of what we have is a priceless anniversary present.
“Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16)
Love Light
November 14
She said she felt sick and could I come right home. I just had a thought to call.
I found her in bed with a temperature.
Seeing her eyes, I was struck by how real love can be. I remembered a preacher saying, “Our love is like a light, which instantly dispels the darkness. Sometimes the light is shut out when a door is closed but that isn’t the light’s fault. The moment the door is reopened the light is there.”
God’s love is like that, I thought. On this night our bedroom was filled with His love light. We left the door wide open.
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
She said she felt sick and could I come right home. I just had a thought to call.
I found her in bed with a temperature.
Seeing her eyes, I was struck by how real love can be. I remembered a preacher saying, “Our love is like a light, which instantly dispels the darkness. Sometimes the light is shut out when a door is closed but that isn’t the light’s fault. The moment the door is reopened the light is there.”
God’s love is like that, I thought. On this night our bedroom was filled with His love light. We left the door wide open.
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Asking for a Sign
November 12
We first met her at a divorce recovery small group Joy and I facilitated. She said at her lowest point a friend invited her to a birthday party for a six-year-old boy. While there she felt so lonely she retreated from the party and wandered into the living room and stood before a stone fireplace with her head bowed and prayed.
“I asked for a sign of help from God. I lifted my head and through my tears I saw a framed copy of “Footprints” hanging over the fireplace."
“Call on Me in your day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will give me the glory.” (Psalm 50:15)
We first met her at a divorce recovery small group Joy and I facilitated. She said at her lowest point a friend invited her to a birthday party for a six-year-old boy. While there she felt so lonely she retreated from the party and wandered into the living room and stood before a stone fireplace with her head bowed and prayed.
“I asked for a sign of help from God. I lifted my head and through my tears I saw a framed copy of “Footprints” hanging over the fireplace."
“Call on Me in your day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will give me the glory.” (Psalm 50:15)
Veterans Day
November 11
On this 11th day of the 11th month bells will toll at the eleventh hour to honor our military veterans everywhere, past and present. Honored to be among them.
Today's rememberance is made all the more poignant as the brave members of our military fight a war where the enemy is everywhere and can be wearing anything even a US Army uniform.
To all, thanks for serving.
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13)
On this 11th day of the 11th month bells will toll at the eleventh hour to honor our military veterans everywhere, past and present. Honored to be among them.
Today's rememberance is made all the more poignant as the brave members of our military fight a war where the enemy is everywhere and can be wearing anything even a US Army uniform.
To all, thanks for serving.
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Coming Up Short
November 10
“I need a little change for food," he asks?
“I don’t have any change but I have a dollar,” which I hand him.
“Thanks,” he says, “a hotdog costs $1.49. Do you have fifty cents?”
I bristle. “That’s it, I told you I didn’t have any change,” I say, knowing I have another dollar in my pocket.The man hurries off.
I have given to the poor but reluctantly. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I return to my Bible lying on the park bench and read:
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
“I need a little change for food," he asks?
“I don’t have any change but I have a dollar,” which I hand him.
“Thanks,” he says, “a hotdog costs $1.49. Do you have fifty cents?”
I bristle. “That’s it, I told you I didn’t have any change,” I say, knowing I have another dollar in my pocket.The man hurries off.
I have given to the poor but reluctantly. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I return to my Bible lying on the park bench and read:
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Pathways to God
November 9
The preacher cites different pathways people take to feel close to God:
1. Relational…with other people
2. Contemplative- solitude ( Joy’s path)
3. Serving- feel closest when serving
4. Creation- feel God through nature
5. Intellectual-reading/study (mine)
6. Activist-the action people, leaders,
7. Worship- feel closest when worshiping
What is your pathway? Maybe it is different than any of the above.
An appropriate verse for my pathway number 5,is:
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)
The preacher cites different pathways people take to feel close to God:
1. Relational…with other people
2. Contemplative- solitude ( Joy’s path)
3. Serving- feel closest when serving
4. Creation- feel God through nature
5. Intellectual-reading/study (mine)
6. Activist-the action people, leaders,
7. Worship- feel closest when worshiping
What is your pathway? Maybe it is different than any of the above.
An appropriate verse for my pathway number 5,is:
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)
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