11/9/07
Psalm 103 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits
I just came from the sanctuary where the temperature is 67 degrees. This may not seem like an important detail, but we have been installing a new HVAC system and were without heat for a month. God cooperated magnificently and all of our Saturday and Sunday services were comfortable during this time.
Then I started to ponder, especially after listening to Barbara Dresher talk about the sacrifices that missionaries, both historic and contemporary most make. How much they endure and we are worried about a little chill in the church. It was a good time to put things into perspective and thank God for all the wonderful ways in which He blesses us, even if it is something as relatively unimportant as a little extra heat.
11/14/07
Matthew 25:37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
As I write these lines, about 8 people are putting the finishing touches on 125 Thanksgiving baskets for an equal number of families. On one hand, I give thanks to God that we have both the resources and the people to provide Thanksgiving dinner for over 300 people. What a powerful witness. On the other hand, it is a somewhat sad commentary on our society that so many people need help in this holiday season. Would that the resources with which God has so richly blessed us could be more equally distributed. It quote a current ad, "It's a start."
11/20/07
Colossians 3: 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
If you are like me, you are probably thinking about Thursday. We will be sharing Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family. There is a certain granddaughter I am anxious to see. Also, truth be known, Jen discovered a new pie place that has totally outrageous creations. How wonderful to share with family and enjoy some wonderful food.
But in all this sharing, let's remember the One who makes this possible and leave a little room for God as well as a small second slice of that pie.
11/29/07
Psalm 78:
5 He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
I have a weekly calendar from the Smithsonian Museum on my desk here at the office. It features some artifact from the vast collection. Let me quote what is currently facing me. "Louis Armstrong's First Cornet. Born in New Orleans in 1901, Armstrong grew up in utter poverty. Arrested for juvenile delinquency in 1912, he was sent to the Colored Waifs' Home. There he learned to play, taught by Peter Davis. Released two years later, he decided to make music his life's work. It is believed that Davis continued to teach Armstrong using the cornet during lessons.
How have we touched the lives of the young people around us? Who knows how some time spent, some lessons imparted, or a gift may prove a turn point in one of their lives?
