by Pastor Tom
“In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” -Ephesians 1:13-14
I was delighted to return from a trip out of the country to find that we have finally received some much needed rain during this past week. And, along with the rain comes the lightning. Not far from here, in a 60 mile wide path that cuts across the state down around Tampa, known as “Lightning Alley,” lightning strikes occur more than 90 days each year. Of the 40 million strikes per year in the United States, 400 actually hit people. Half of them die as a result, and the majority of those deaths happen in Lightning Alley. The most dangerous spots, by the way, tend to be grocery store parking lots.
It’s true that one of the safest places to be in a lightning storm is an automobile. Contrary to what most folks think, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the rubber tires. The real reason that most cars are safe is because they have metal bodies. They do indeed get struck by lightning from time to time, but the metal body of a car acts as a Faraday Cage. The electrical charge of the strike is dispersed around the body and remains on the outside of the car. Those inside are kept neutral and perfectly safe.
People should be aware of the fact that convertibles and cars with plastic bodies also get struck with lightning on occasion, but offer no electrical protection for the occupants. These types of cars might look a lot like other cars, but without the metal cage surrounding the people inside, there’s no protection from a sudden strike.
Lightning has incredible power. It’s is kind of comforting to think that, while in your car, lightning could literally crash down on you, and you’d be snug as a bug in a rug. It would sizzle and crash and flash all around you with no ill effects. It makes me think of what Paul says about the way we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Those who have heard the word of truth and believed have this amazing shield of protection all around them. Nothing will have the power to come along and blast them out of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit will keep and protect them until the day comes when they can acquire personal possession of the eternal life that Christ won for them on the cross. Amazing!
Cars and religious systems share something in common. From the outside, they might look a lot alike, but there are some models that offer no real protection at all to those inside, and they may never know until lightning strikes.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Fountain of Youth
by Pastor Tom
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” -Psalm 103, 2-5
It’s going on five hundred years ago that a Spanish fellow named Ponce de Leon landed on a strip of Florida beach just a few miles south of where we live here in Jacksonville. The locals weren’t all that crazy about his appearing and they were pretty crafty individuals, so they made up a story about a fountain of youth. Quickly, old Ponce and his men took off through the swamps and the scrubs hunting for it, just as the natives knew he would. Who could resist? What he found was bugs and snakes and heat and a bunch of misery while he continued to grow old in the process.
It’s ironic that the land of the fountain of youth has the highest median age of any state in the nation. And quite a few of us are still searching for that magical thing that will ward off the aging process. Workouts, hair dye, face lifts, health food and gallons of Oil of Olay are just a few of the things we try in order to avoid the inevitable effects of aging.
I’m getting to the point where I think about it every now and then, particularly when I take a look into the mirror. I could try some new hair or some such thing, but it’s not likely.
Over the years, I’ve been watching people age and I know a lot of folks who have quite a few years on them. I’ve been convinced that the youngest “oldsters” I know are the ones who not only have a strong faith in God, but also an active interest in serving others. It’s not surprising.
Statistics bear out the fact that active church members enjoy a healthier and higher life expectancy than others. Regardless of age, the people I know who are out of touch with God in their lives and more interested in themselves than anything else seem to act the oldest.
We didn’t really need modern statistics to figure all this out. It’s been in the Bible all along. While it’s true that the body will ultimately manifest the effects of time, our minds and our spirits can be renewed by the power of our relationship with God. The Lord designed us not simply to grow old, but to grow up, higher and higher, into a greater likeness of his Son, and into an experience with life that is constantly renewed.
As it says in Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life!”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” -Psalm 103, 2-5
It’s going on five hundred years ago that a Spanish fellow named Ponce de Leon landed on a strip of Florida beach just a few miles south of where we live here in Jacksonville. The locals weren’t all that crazy about his appearing and they were pretty crafty individuals, so they made up a story about a fountain of youth. Quickly, old Ponce and his men took off through the swamps and the scrubs hunting for it, just as the natives knew he would. Who could resist? What he found was bugs and snakes and heat and a bunch of misery while he continued to grow old in the process.
It’s ironic that the land of the fountain of youth has the highest median age of any state in the nation. And quite a few of us are still searching for that magical thing that will ward off the aging process. Workouts, hair dye, face lifts, health food and gallons of Oil of Olay are just a few of the things we try in order to avoid the inevitable effects of aging.
I’m getting to the point where I think about it every now and then, particularly when I take a look into the mirror. I could try some new hair or some such thing, but it’s not likely.
Over the years, I’ve been watching people age and I know a lot of folks who have quite a few years on them. I’ve been convinced that the youngest “oldsters” I know are the ones who not only have a strong faith in God, but also an active interest in serving others. It’s not surprising.
Statistics bear out the fact that active church members enjoy a healthier and higher life expectancy than others. Regardless of age, the people I know who are out of touch with God in their lives and more interested in themselves than anything else seem to act the oldest.
We didn’t really need modern statistics to figure all this out. It’s been in the Bible all along. While it’s true that the body will ultimately manifest the effects of time, our minds and our spirits can be renewed by the power of our relationship with God. The Lord designed us not simply to grow old, but to grow up, higher and higher, into a greater likeness of his Son, and into an experience with life that is constantly renewed.
As it says in Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life!”
Monday, June 05, 2006
Sixth Month, Sixth Day, Sixth Year
By Pastor Tom Fuller, Lake Shore United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (our beloved pastor from our home church!)“This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number of the beast, for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty six.”
-Revelation 13:18
Some numbers are more famous, or perhaps infamous, than others, and for a variety of reasons. Many consider the number seven to be lucky. And everyone knows about the number thirteen. Just this past week, I was riding an elevator in a twenty story building that curiously had no thirteenth floor. Of course it really did have one, even if it was marked as fourteen. And the number thirteen is particularly troublesome if it happens to fall on Friday.
The Bible has several prominent numbers that pop up repeatedly, and seem to have significance beyond simple math. One of those numbers is twelve, from the twelve tribes of Israel to the twelve apostles, and at least twelve dozen more in between. The number forty is another. It rained for forty days and nights during the great flood. The children of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years, on a journey to the promised land that would typically take eleven days on foot. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for forty days, and he also appeared after his resurrection for forty days. The number three, in addition to its association with the trinity and the three days between the death of Jesus and his resurrection, shows up in the Bible well over four hundred times.
But hands down, the most famous biblical number has to be six hundred and sixty six. Just the sight of “666” tattooed on somebody’s arm or printed on a black t-shirt or perhaps spotted on a movie poster is enough to elicit visions of devils and demons and all kinds of evil. Not long ago, I made a purchase in a local convenience store, and my total came out to be $6.66. The poor cashier suddenly had a look of horror come over her face. She said, “Oh my goodness, six, six, six! Do you want to buy something else?” I said, “No, that will be fine,” and just for fun gave her the best sinister stare I could muster. This week, we will see the arrival of the sixth day of the sixth month in the sixth year of this century. Who knows what evil will rear its ugly head on such a day!
Actually, the number 666 is not presented in the Bible as evil in and of itself, although it is no doubt an important and revealing number. When the Bible was written, numbers did not as yet have their own symbols. Various letters of the alphabet were assigned numerical value. Most of us are quite familiar with Roman numerals, which are letters of the Latin alphabet that have numerical value. Greek, the language John used to record his Revelation, also had numbers assigned to the letters. It was revealed to John that the numerical value of the letters of the name of the beast in his vision, when added together, would total six hundred and sixty six. This beast is undoubtedly an evil and violent deceiver who stands in opposition to God and everything good. The number of his name, on the other hand, is presented as a code provided for the benefit of the people of God.
John made it a point in this chapter of his Revelation (can you believe it, chapter 13?) to call for the use of wisdom in regard to this particular prophecy. To a large degree, his plea has been ignored. Over all however, the message is clear. The path of sinful human history will lead to catastrophe, but to those who receive Christ and are faithful to his gospel, there will be salvation and deliverance.
We never know what a day may bring, and in that regard, June 6, 2006 is certainly like any other day. The most significant day for any of us is today, because this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, and be glad in it.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Toxic Fruit
by Pastor Tom
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissentions and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful. He is self-condemned.” -Titus 3:9-10
On September 26, 1830, a man named Col. Robert Gibbon Johnson stood on the courthouse steps in Salem, Massachusetts before a crowd of several hundred cheering spectators as he held a basket of potentially toxic fruit. Despite warnings that the fruit, if consumed, would turn his blood to acid, he announced that he was going to eat the entire basket.
His own doctor, who stood among the other spectators, shouted out that if the Colonel was foolish enough to carry on with his plans, he would foam at the mouth, develop an instant brain fever, and drop dead. Johnson, however, dressed in black, did indeed eat the entire basket filled with fruit, and he survived!
He not only survived, but showed not a single ill effect. The “toxic” fruit contained in the Colonel’s basket was none other than the tomato. For many years, dire warnings about the poisonous quality of the tomato had been universally accepted. Thanks to the brave actions of the Colonel and a number of others, today we regularly enjoy the flavor and health benefits of the tomato. Where would the world be without the BLT?
A lot of grave warnings about all kinds of things have in time been demonstrated false. It was commonly believed for a time that any human being moving at a speed in excess of 35 miles per hour would instantly die. And most of us can still remember all those warnings about Y2K.
Although some warnings are bogus, we should not become numb to all of them. There are some very destructive things out there. When Paul writes to his friend Titus, he delivers a warning that should certainly be heeded by all who are members of the family of God. It has to do with individuals who have slipped into the practice of constant controversy and criticism. For some reason, these people have developed a pattern of never-ending nit-picking. For such people, life is a succession of problems and dilemmas. Their negative attitude is infections. If left unchecked, the church goes nowhere. If it was up to them, we never even would have had the tomato!
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissentions and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful. He is self-condemned.” -Titus 3:9-10
On September 26, 1830, a man named Col. Robert Gibbon Johnson stood on the courthouse steps in Salem, Massachusetts before a crowd of several hundred cheering spectators as he held a basket of potentially toxic fruit. Despite warnings that the fruit, if consumed, would turn his blood to acid, he announced that he was going to eat the entire basket.
His own doctor, who stood among the other spectators, shouted out that if the Colonel was foolish enough to carry on with his plans, he would foam at the mouth, develop an instant brain fever, and drop dead. Johnson, however, dressed in black, did indeed eat the entire basket filled with fruit, and he survived!
He not only survived, but showed not a single ill effect. The “toxic” fruit contained in the Colonel’s basket was none other than the tomato. For many years, dire warnings about the poisonous quality of the tomato had been universally accepted. Thanks to the brave actions of the Colonel and a number of others, today we regularly enjoy the flavor and health benefits of the tomato. Where would the world be without the BLT?
A lot of grave warnings about all kinds of things have in time been demonstrated false. It was commonly believed for a time that any human being moving at a speed in excess of 35 miles per hour would instantly die. And most of us can still remember all those warnings about Y2K.
Although some warnings are bogus, we should not become numb to all of them. There are some very destructive things out there. When Paul writes to his friend Titus, he delivers a warning that should certainly be heeded by all who are members of the family of God. It has to do with individuals who have slipped into the practice of constant controversy and criticism. For some reason, these people have developed a pattern of never-ending nit-picking. For such people, life is a succession of problems and dilemmas. Their negative attitude is infections. If left unchecked, the church goes nowhere. If it was up to them, we never even would have had the tomato!
Monday, May 22, 2006
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” -Proverbs 1:22
I have an old telephone in my house that is commonly called a “candlestick” model. The base features a rotary dial, and the receiver is mounted on top of a column. The speaker hangs on the side, and to use it, one generally has to hold the phone in one hand and the receiver in the other. Believe it or not, it still works. Every now and then, just for old time’s sake, I place a call on this phone. It’s fun to hear that old rotary dial click out each number.
Back in 1963, AT&T introduced the Touch-Tone telephone. It didn’t take long for a nation obsessed with push-button convenience to warm up to the new thing. It was said that to dial a seven digit number on a rotary phone took an average of ten seconds, but only five seconds on the new push-button variety.
Our family was very excited with our first push-button phone. In short order, we were punching out numbers at lightning speed! Back then, each button created a different tone, and before long we were calling friends and irritating them with push-button renditions of our favorite songs. At one time, I even had a push-button phone songbook.
Well, if only we would have known then just where all this push-button convenience would lead. Now, thanks to push-buttons, we never have to actually connect with a live human being when we call a business or agency. Instead, we get a recording that tells us to push more buttons, offering us a myriad of options that have nothing to do with what we really need. We end up stuck on the phone forever, pushing one button after another, with a good chance of eventually slamming the phone down in disgust. But, we should remember that, on the average, it only took us five seconds to dial the initial number, instead of the previous ten it took back in the old days when we actually connected immediately with a helpful, living person. Boy oh boy, aren’t we smart?
I’m not really against technology or opposed to progress. Actually, in a lot of ways it’s great. But, more and more, as our technology gets increasingly complex, I think we tend to get increasingly simple. We don’t think things through. We don’t look at the whole picture. We accept everything. We don’t evaluate much. Overall, it seems to me that we are not really doing a better job at anything. And thanks to technology, we can be stupid a whole lot faster.
The Book of Proverbs in the Bible was written, “That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, and receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity” (Proverbs 1:2-3). Psalm 111:10 tells us that, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.” Is it any wonder that, as our nations falls away from God, and in spite of all the technological advances, America seems to be in the process of “dumbing down?”
There is no push-button device that can make us smart. Our technology creates as many problems as it solves. Wisdom comes from God, and those who desire to be wise will seek him.
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” -Proverbs 1:22
I have an old telephone in my house that is commonly called a “candlestick” model. The base features a rotary dial, and the receiver is mounted on top of a column. The speaker hangs on the side, and to use it, one generally has to hold the phone in one hand and the receiver in the other. Believe it or not, it still works. Every now and then, just for old time’s sake, I place a call on this phone. It’s fun to hear that old rotary dial click out each number.
Back in 1963, AT&T introduced the Touch-Tone telephone. It didn’t take long for a nation obsessed with push-button convenience to warm up to the new thing. It was said that to dial a seven digit number on a rotary phone took an average of ten seconds, but only five seconds on the new push-button variety.
Our family was very excited with our first push-button phone. In short order, we were punching out numbers at lightning speed! Back then, each button created a different tone, and before long we were calling friends and irritating them with push-button renditions of our favorite songs. At one time, I even had a push-button phone songbook.
Well, if only we would have known then just where all this push-button convenience would lead. Now, thanks to push-buttons, we never have to actually connect with a live human being when we call a business or agency. Instead, we get a recording that tells us to push more buttons, offering us a myriad of options that have nothing to do with what we really need. We end up stuck on the phone forever, pushing one button after another, with a good chance of eventually slamming the phone down in disgust. But, we should remember that, on the average, it only took us five seconds to dial the initial number, instead of the previous ten it took back in the old days when we actually connected immediately with a helpful, living person. Boy oh boy, aren’t we smart?
I’m not really against technology or opposed to progress. Actually, in a lot of ways it’s great. But, more and more, as our technology gets increasingly complex, I think we tend to get increasingly simple. We don’t think things through. We don’t look at the whole picture. We accept everything. We don’t evaluate much. Overall, it seems to me that we are not really doing a better job at anything. And thanks to technology, we can be stupid a whole lot faster.
The Book of Proverbs in the Bible was written, “That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, and receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity” (Proverbs 1:2-3). Psalm 111:10 tells us that, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.” Is it any wonder that, as our nations falls away from God, and in spite of all the technological advances, America seems to be in the process of “dumbing down?”
There is no push-button device that can make us smart. Our technology creates as many problems as it solves. Wisdom comes from God, and those who desire to be wise will seek him.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The Real Picture
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.” -1 Corinthians 13:12
Although people have seen themselves reflected in water since the beginning of time, they haven’t had the benefit of viewing themselves in all their glory in what we would call a mirror until recent history. Early attempts at making mirrors have been mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman literature, but generally these devices were made out of polished brass or bronze. The medium, as well as the primitive polishing techniques, were never able to produce a very clear reflection.
The earliest glass mirrors, backed with shiny metal, appeared in Italy during the fourteenth century. The original process for creating a glass mirror was to coat one side of the glass with mercury and polished tin foil. But the process for creating what we would call a genuine glass mirror was perfected by a German chemist in 1835 named Justus von Liebig. His process consisted of pouring ammonia and silver on a sheet of clear glass, and then adding formaldehyde, which produce an incredibly shiny surface that reflected light with great clarity. For many years, all mirrors were produced using this process.
Today, of course, there are many materials and processes used in making mirrors, and the expensive ones are of very high quality. Sometimes, when I catch my reflection in a mirror, particularly the full-length variety, I wish they weren’t so clear.
When Paul wrote about seeing himself in a mirror, he didn’t have the benefit of a clear one. When he saw his reflection, a lot of details weren’t very visible. His reflection was hazy and out of focus. Try as he might, he just couldn’t make everything out. He could never get much better than a fuzzy, distorted picture of himself.
That didn’t worry or upset Paul, because he knew that some day, the perfect would come. Knowledge would be complete. He would see Jesus, not through the eyes of faith, but face to face. On that day, he would understand. He would see things, for the very first time, with complete clarity.
In our own day, we have the benefit of seeing ourselves clearly reflected physically, and maybe that’s why we are so consumed with our appearance. But we have the same problem Paul had when it comes to knowing ourselves. Our self-perception doesn’t always jive with reality.
Perhaps a mirror is not the best tool for knowing one’s self. Generally, our encounters with mirrors reflect only our own face. Maybe we need to look at more of the faces around us. This week, I have had the image of a beautiful, young girl in my mind. Even though I have never met this girl, her image is so very clear that it’s breaking my heart.
You see, this young, beautiful girl was murdered this past week in our city as she sat reading in her own home. She was yet another innocent victim of the senseless violence that has become a common part of everyday life in Jacksonville.
Her image in my mind reveals more about who I am and who we are than a glimpse of my own sorry face in a mirror. It’s a picture that I would rather not see, but it’s the real picture. And maybe, if we can begin to see ourselves as we really are, we can work on being transformed into the kind of people we’ve thought we were all along.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.” -1 Corinthians 13:12
Although people have seen themselves reflected in water since the beginning of time, they haven’t had the benefit of viewing themselves in all their glory in what we would call a mirror until recent history. Early attempts at making mirrors have been mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman literature, but generally these devices were made out of polished brass or bronze. The medium, as well as the primitive polishing techniques, were never able to produce a very clear reflection.
The earliest glass mirrors, backed with shiny metal, appeared in Italy during the fourteenth century. The original process for creating a glass mirror was to coat one side of the glass with mercury and polished tin foil. But the process for creating what we would call a genuine glass mirror was perfected by a German chemist in 1835 named Justus von Liebig. His process consisted of pouring ammonia and silver on a sheet of clear glass, and then adding formaldehyde, which produce an incredibly shiny surface that reflected light with great clarity. For many years, all mirrors were produced using this process.
Today, of course, there are many materials and processes used in making mirrors, and the expensive ones are of very high quality. Sometimes, when I catch my reflection in a mirror, particularly the full-length variety, I wish they weren’t so clear.
When Paul wrote about seeing himself in a mirror, he didn’t have the benefit of a clear one. When he saw his reflection, a lot of details weren’t very visible. His reflection was hazy and out of focus. Try as he might, he just couldn’t make everything out. He could never get much better than a fuzzy, distorted picture of himself.
That didn’t worry or upset Paul, because he knew that some day, the perfect would come. Knowledge would be complete. He would see Jesus, not through the eyes of faith, but face to face. On that day, he would understand. He would see things, for the very first time, with complete clarity.
In our own day, we have the benefit of seeing ourselves clearly reflected physically, and maybe that’s why we are so consumed with our appearance. But we have the same problem Paul had when it comes to knowing ourselves. Our self-perception doesn’t always jive with reality.
Perhaps a mirror is not the best tool for knowing one’s self. Generally, our encounters with mirrors reflect only our own face. Maybe we need to look at more of the faces around us. This week, I have had the image of a beautiful, young girl in my mind. Even though I have never met this girl, her image is so very clear that it’s breaking my heart.
You see, this young, beautiful girl was murdered this past week in our city as she sat reading in her own home. She was yet another innocent victim of the senseless violence that has become a common part of everyday life in Jacksonville.
Her image in my mind reveals more about who I am and who we are than a glimpse of my own sorry face in a mirror. It’s a picture that I would rather not see, but it’s the real picture. And maybe, if we can begin to see ourselves as we really are, we can work on being transformed into the kind of people we’ve thought we were all along.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Enduring Love
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
I’ll never forget my first encounter with diaper changing. Our brand new baby girl had just been home from the hospital for a couple of days and Cindy thought I was ready to take care of her all by myself. Since I had taken the time to carefully study a number of baby books, I was filled with confidence in my baby managing skills. And, considering the fact that Cindy was only going to be away for about an hour, I anticipated a delightful, special moment between father and daughter.
About ten seconds after the door closed behind Cindy as she left, the baby began to cry. Utilizing my vast, recently gained knowledge from all those baby books, I knew to check the diaper before anything else. Sure enough, a diaper change was in order. Without going into great detail, let me just say that this simple, little task turned into quite a messy ordeal. Who could have anticipated those kicking legs, which in short order kind of transformed an isolated problem into a room-sized environmental catastrophe? And back in those days, the cloth diapers we used required pins. I think I only stabbed myself about half a dozen times.
Diaper changing is not what I would classify as a fun kind of thing. It’s dirty, smelly, and messy. I suppose if we only changed diapers when we felt like it, then a whole lot of babies would be in a world of hurt. But we do it because of love. And that’s how love is. When it’s real, it means more than just the fun stuff and the things we feel like doing. It takes endurance.
Mother’s day is coming up, and the greatest thing about mothers is that they are willing to suck it up and do the hard work of love. I’m sure that my mom never once thought to herself, “Gee, I wish little Tommy needed a diaper change. I’m really in the mood for one!” I know that when we had a dessert shortage, she really wanted some when she said she didn’t for fear that we wouldn’t have enough. I bet that if the truth be known, she would have much rather had a new dress than to buy a Cub Scout uniform for me. I imagine that on many a night, she really could have used some relaxation time for herself, instead of reading bedtime stories to us.
Love can be a very confusing thing to some folks. Love can even be completely missed, when the “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things” part of it is left out.
I’m thankful that my mom got it right. And I’m thankful for God’s great love. Jesus didn’t die on the cross for our sins because he wanted to die that way. He did it because of a love that takes guts, sacrifice and endurance. To all the moms who have risen to the high calling of this kind of love, I wish a Happy Mother’s Day!
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
I’ll never forget my first encounter with diaper changing. Our brand new baby girl had just been home from the hospital for a couple of days and Cindy thought I was ready to take care of her all by myself. Since I had taken the time to carefully study a number of baby books, I was filled with confidence in my baby managing skills. And, considering the fact that Cindy was only going to be away for about an hour, I anticipated a delightful, special moment between father and daughter.
About ten seconds after the door closed behind Cindy as she left, the baby began to cry. Utilizing my vast, recently gained knowledge from all those baby books, I knew to check the diaper before anything else. Sure enough, a diaper change was in order. Without going into great detail, let me just say that this simple, little task turned into quite a messy ordeal. Who could have anticipated those kicking legs, which in short order kind of transformed an isolated problem into a room-sized environmental catastrophe? And back in those days, the cloth diapers we used required pins. I think I only stabbed myself about half a dozen times.
Diaper changing is not what I would classify as a fun kind of thing. It’s dirty, smelly, and messy. I suppose if we only changed diapers when we felt like it, then a whole lot of babies would be in a world of hurt. But we do it because of love. And that’s how love is. When it’s real, it means more than just the fun stuff and the things we feel like doing. It takes endurance.
Mother’s day is coming up, and the greatest thing about mothers is that they are willing to suck it up and do the hard work of love. I’m sure that my mom never once thought to herself, “Gee, I wish little Tommy needed a diaper change. I’m really in the mood for one!” I know that when we had a dessert shortage, she really wanted some when she said she didn’t for fear that we wouldn’t have enough. I bet that if the truth be known, she would have much rather had a new dress than to buy a Cub Scout uniform for me. I imagine that on many a night, she really could have used some relaxation time for herself, instead of reading bedtime stories to us.
Love can be a very confusing thing to some folks. Love can even be completely missed, when the “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things” part of it is left out.
I’m thankful that my mom got it right. And I’m thankful for God’s great love. Jesus didn’t die on the cross for our sins because he wanted to die that way. He did it because of a love that takes guts, sacrifice and endurance. To all the moms who have risen to the high calling of this kind of love, I wish a Happy Mother’s Day!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Rob and the Rock of Ages!
Inscription on the plaque:
ROCK OF AGES
This rock derives its name
from the well known hymn
written about 1762 by the
Rev AM Toplady
who was inspired whilst sheltered
in this cleft during a storm
inscribed 1951
ROCK OF AGES
This rock derives its name
from the well known hymn
written about 1762 by the
Rev AM Toplady
who was inspired whilst sheltered
in this cleft during a storm
inscribed 1951
We are Hiding in the Cleft of the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages is Rob's favorite hymn. What a blessing to be able to visit the actual rock that inspired this great hymn. The words to the hymn are below.
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
We recently visited the great cleft in the Rock that inspired Rev. Toplady to write this hymn in 1762.
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
We recently visited the great cleft in the Rock that inspired Rev. Toplady to write this hymn in 1762.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Read the instructions
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“As [Jesus] spoke, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that fed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!”
Most of us are not inclined to read the manual. We purchase appliances and electronic equipment and skip right over that thick booklet of instructions that came along with the product. Because that’s so true, there are now toll-free technical assistance hot-lines for consumers to call when they can’t get that new device to work.
The majority of problems received by help hot-lines aren’t really problems at all. For the most part, the calls are a result of the fact that the consumers never bothered to read the manual. The number one reason owners of new washing machines can’t get them to start is simply because they have the lid open, and those darned things just won’t run with the lid open. It’s automatic for washing machine help-line operators to first suggest that they close the lid. That normally does the trick.
Computer tech lines receive thousands of calls a day from new computer owners. In the majority of cases, the failure of a new computer to work is directly related to the failure of the consumer to plug something in. When printers fail, the number one cause is that they never removed the protective plastic tape from the ink cartridge, in spite of the bold faced type instructing them to do so that can easily be found in the manual. But, consumers don’t generally read the manual. By the way, the second most common cause for printer failure is that the printer has not been loaded with paper.
We all get to pay more for products so that the employees hired to tell consumers what they already should have known can be paid. We also pay higher costs due to the large number of perfectly good products that are returned because the people who bought them never took the time to read the instructions.
When we don’t read the manual, we pay the price. That’s particularly true when we don’t read God’s manual for living, the Bible. We just want to jerk life right out of the box and skip the instructions. Small wonder life is not working well for quite a few people. When it goes bad, we get the feeling we’ve been dealt a faulty product. Truth is, the life God gave us is just fine, but we never bothered to read the instructions.
Are you wondering about the why, when, where and how of your life? Do you think you have the gumption to plow through the manual so that you can get it right? It will take a little time and effort. God’s manual is pretty thick, and you’ll never get it all in just one read. But reading it won’t cost you near us much as not reading it. -Tom
“As [Jesus] spoke, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that fed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!”
Most of us are not inclined to read the manual. We purchase appliances and electronic equipment and skip right over that thick booklet of instructions that came along with the product. Because that’s so true, there are now toll-free technical assistance hot-lines for consumers to call when they can’t get that new device to work.
The majority of problems received by help hot-lines aren’t really problems at all. For the most part, the calls are a result of the fact that the consumers never bothered to read the manual. The number one reason owners of new washing machines can’t get them to start is simply because they have the lid open, and those darned things just won’t run with the lid open. It’s automatic for washing machine help-line operators to first suggest that they close the lid. That normally does the trick.
Computer tech lines receive thousands of calls a day from new computer owners. In the majority of cases, the failure of a new computer to work is directly related to the failure of the consumer to plug something in. When printers fail, the number one cause is that they never removed the protective plastic tape from the ink cartridge, in spite of the bold faced type instructing them to do so that can easily be found in the manual. But, consumers don’t generally read the manual. By the way, the second most common cause for printer failure is that the printer has not been loaded with paper.
We all get to pay more for products so that the employees hired to tell consumers what they already should have known can be paid. We also pay higher costs due to the large number of perfectly good products that are returned because the people who bought them never took the time to read the instructions.
When we don’t read the manual, we pay the price. That’s particularly true when we don’t read God’s manual for living, the Bible. We just want to jerk life right out of the box and skip the instructions. Small wonder life is not working well for quite a few people. When it goes bad, we get the feeling we’ve been dealt a faulty product. Truth is, the life God gave us is just fine, but we never bothered to read the instructions.
Are you wondering about the why, when, where and how of your life? Do you think you have the gumption to plow through the manual so that you can get it right? It will take a little time and effort. God’s manual is pretty thick, and you’ll never get it all in just one read. But reading it won’t cost you near us much as not reading it. -Tom
Monday, April 24, 2006
Hold On!
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.” -Psalm 91:14
This is a true story reported in the September 3rd, 1987 edition of The Boston Globe. On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine to Boston, the pilot, a man named Henry Dempsey, heard a strange rattling noise coming from the back of the plane. He turned the controls over to his co-pilot, and made his way through the plane to the rear for an investigation. As he entered the tail section, the plane was rocked by an air pocket, and he was thrown against the rear door, which had been the source of the strange noise because it hadn’t been latched properly. As Dempsey’s body collided with the door, it popped open and he was sucked out.
The co-pilot immediately noticed the open door light and soon became aware that Dempsey was no longer in the plane. He radioed for an emergency landing at the nearest airport, along with his coordinates and a plea for rescue aircraft to search the area of ocean over which they had been flying when the door came open.
Upon landing, the emergency crew dispatched to greet the plane on the runway made an amazing discovery. Somehow, as Dempsey was being sucked out of the open door, he had managed to grab on to the door ladder as he fell, and for ten full minutes, as the plane traveled at over 200 miles an hour at an altitude of four thousand feet, he held on for dear life.
Dempsey narrowly avoided a major head-but with the runway when the plane touched down. He was in fact alive and well. Dempsey was holding on to the aircraft with such force that it took several minutes for the rescue team to pry his fingers from the ladder.
Wow! There are times to let go, and there are times to hold on. Thankfully, this pilot was able to hold on when he needed to, and for that reason he lived to fly another day. I can only imagine his resolve in that moment. His determination not to let go was stronger than the fear and the wind and four thousand feet.
We should understand our connection to the Lord in those very same terms. It’s not always immediately clear to us just how dangerous letting go of the Lord really is. But he is our life. He is our deliverance and our protection. To let go means to take the big plunge. When we cleave to him in love, it means life, and even more. The psalmist goes on to use the words answer, be present, rescue, honor, satisfy and save (Psalm 91:14-16). So, hold on, tight! -Tom
“Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.” -Psalm 91:14
This is a true story reported in the September 3rd, 1987 edition of The Boston Globe. On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine to Boston, the pilot, a man named Henry Dempsey, heard a strange rattling noise coming from the back of the plane. He turned the controls over to his co-pilot, and made his way through the plane to the rear for an investigation. As he entered the tail section, the plane was rocked by an air pocket, and he was thrown against the rear door, which had been the source of the strange noise because it hadn’t been latched properly. As Dempsey’s body collided with the door, it popped open and he was sucked out.
The co-pilot immediately noticed the open door light and soon became aware that Dempsey was no longer in the plane. He radioed for an emergency landing at the nearest airport, along with his coordinates and a plea for rescue aircraft to search the area of ocean over which they had been flying when the door came open.
Upon landing, the emergency crew dispatched to greet the plane on the runway made an amazing discovery. Somehow, as Dempsey was being sucked out of the open door, he had managed to grab on to the door ladder as he fell, and for ten full minutes, as the plane traveled at over 200 miles an hour at an altitude of four thousand feet, he held on for dear life.
Dempsey narrowly avoided a major head-but with the runway when the plane touched down. He was in fact alive and well. Dempsey was holding on to the aircraft with such force that it took several minutes for the rescue team to pry his fingers from the ladder.
Wow! There are times to let go, and there are times to hold on. Thankfully, this pilot was able to hold on when he needed to, and for that reason he lived to fly another day. I can only imagine his resolve in that moment. His determination not to let go was stronger than the fear and the wind and four thousand feet.
We should understand our connection to the Lord in those very same terms. It’s not always immediately clear to us just how dangerous letting go of the Lord really is. But he is our life. He is our deliverance and our protection. To let go means to take the big plunge. When we cleave to him in love, it means life, and even more. The psalmist goes on to use the words answer, be present, rescue, honor, satisfy and save (Psalm 91:14-16). So, hold on, tight! -Tom
Sunday, April 23, 2006
More than Words
by Julia McGuinness
Scripture:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
Devotional:
It wasn't just what the early Christians said that made an impact on those around them, it was how they lived.
Luke recounts how these believers shared a material as well as a spiritual life. Whilst they had separate home and had personal possessions, these were not held on to tightly as private property. Christians were willing to share what they had. When fellow believers faced hard times - through the famine and political unrest affecting employment in first-century Jerusalem, or discrimination as followers of the Way - those with financial assets sold them, and released the money to meet the need. No wonder the apostles' testimony packed a punch, backed up by the Christian community living out kingdom values with such integrity.
In our consumer society the emphasis is on getting and guarding. Communities are fragile and families fragmented. Many find it hard to know who to turn to when times are tough. As Christians we may worry about words when it comes to giving our testimony, but perhaps we are at our most eloquent when we express our practical concern for one another. Such love extends to more than simply sharing a pew: our faith is not just about who we are, but who we are together. As Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
People Come Into Your Life for a Reason
This came to us in a forwarded email.....it gives us reason to think and ponder the people in our lives and our relationships with them. I brings to my mind..... I need to focus on those relationships! May you be blessed as you think of the people in your life!
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Let the Heavens Declare!
By John Hensman
I got my inspiration based on a Solar Eclipse that West Africa recently experienced (Wednesday 29th)
Scripture:
"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat." Ps 19:1-6 (NAS)
We are a strange people. Many times we look to our own physical abilities and believe we have the aptitude to control any situation; we slap each other on the back when things go right, stating, “look at me…I did this!” When things go wrong, however, we complain and try to place blame on others as to not hurt our own reputations. Sometimes we may even be so bold as to question God asking “why He is not cooperating with our efforts to complete a certain task.”
Scripture again always places our abilities into the correct perspective. Yes, we can build widgets that proclaim our knowledge in technology, but we should always be humbled by God’s power.
On Wednesday the 29th of March 2006 there was a Solar Eclipse. Unlike others that have happened before, this one should hold some significant meaning to Mercy Ships. The Eclipse’s path came across West Africa, almost directly above Ghana. If one believes in a “glass half-empty verses half-full”, they would tend to look at the dark side of this event as those in this area have for centuries. But for Mercy Ships, we believe in God’s power to control events. Remember, “Let the heavens declare the glory of God.” God still expresses His power and shows His glory in everything…even heavenly bodies. For us, it might take an Eclipse once and awhile to acknowledge that He is still God and we are not. So, whether your day goes well or not, never stop giving Him the glory He desires.
There will (without doubt) be some additional unanswered dark days ahead for both the Anastasis and Africa Mercy that may force us to question why! Remember, for every dark day experience, it is but a prelude to God’s Son, who gives all light. God is still in control; we just need to just keep believing…there will be a brighter day tomorrow…in fact it is just around the corner.
To all who reads this…please continue to pray for our ministry as we move forward in Him, especially for resolution to ship concerns!
I got my inspiration based on a Solar Eclipse that West Africa recently experienced (Wednesday 29th)
Scripture:
"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat." Ps 19:1-6 (NAS)
We are a strange people. Many times we look to our own physical abilities and believe we have the aptitude to control any situation; we slap each other on the back when things go right, stating, “look at me…I did this!” When things go wrong, however, we complain and try to place blame on others as to not hurt our own reputations. Sometimes we may even be so bold as to question God asking “why He is not cooperating with our efforts to complete a certain task.”
Scripture again always places our abilities into the correct perspective. Yes, we can build widgets that proclaim our knowledge in technology, but we should always be humbled by God’s power.
On Wednesday the 29th of March 2006 there was a Solar Eclipse. Unlike others that have happened before, this one should hold some significant meaning to Mercy Ships. The Eclipse’s path came across West Africa, almost directly above Ghana. If one believes in a “glass half-empty verses half-full”, they would tend to look at the dark side of this event as those in this area have for centuries. But for Mercy Ships, we believe in God’s power to control events. Remember, “Let the heavens declare the glory of God.” God still expresses His power and shows His glory in everything…even heavenly bodies. For us, it might take an Eclipse once and awhile to acknowledge that He is still God and we are not. So, whether your day goes well or not, never stop giving Him the glory He desires.There will (without doubt) be some additional unanswered dark days ahead for both the Anastasis and Africa Mercy that may force us to question why! Remember, for every dark day experience, it is but a prelude to God’s Son, who gives all light. God is still in control; we just need to just keep believing…there will be a brighter day tomorrow…in fact it is just around the corner.
To all who reads this…please continue to pray for our ministry as we move forward in Him, especially for resolution to ship concerns!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Scriptures:
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:21)
Devotion:
Lately it seems I’ve been reflecting more and more on lesson’s that the Lord has already taught me…and this has caused me to be thankful and a little wondering at the same time. Thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught…yet wondering what message is there in bringing these lessons to my memory at this time?
Sometimes I have a thought or desire to set out to accomplish this task or that. Along the way am reminded of how if it wasn’t for the faithfulness of the Lord in our lives, His daily protection and provisions for us, we wouldn’t even be in a place to consider doing some of the tasks that come to mind. I guess that is a long winded way of saying I’m thankful for a changed heart.
Early on in my walk with the Lord there was a young minister named Clarence who saw much more of the potential God had placed in me than I saw myself. He told me one day to ask the Lord for the desires of my heart and He would give them to me. I wasn’t very comfortable with this statement and couldn’t believe that God actually would give me the desires of my heart, that there had to be a catch…a condition somewhere that must be fulfilled and I just kind of dismissed it as an over zealous preacher.
From time to time this seed planted so many years before has come back again and again to my thoughts. Each time I’d ponder it a little and then move on to something else. Slowly I’ve come to the point in my life and a relationship with Jesus to understand that as He has changed my heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh that along the way I’ve come to love Him more and more…and now the desires of my heart are to love Him and to please Him, to love my wife and family more and more. It would not seem possible, but please believe me when I say it is so.
He has shown me forgiveness and along the way shown me how to forgive those who had hurt me in the past. He has shown me, His desires for Denise and me, as husband and wife, and empowered us to live a life for Him. We don’t have all of the answers, but are confident as He continues to mold us into His likeness that we will continue to grow in wisdom, love and understanding.
We pray that if you haven’t already come to this place in your life that this devotion may serve to plant a seed, such as the one planted for me so many years ago, and given time and love from Him the seed may grow to full maturity in each of you.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:21)
Devotion:
Lately it seems I’ve been reflecting more and more on lesson’s that the Lord has already taught me…and this has caused me to be thankful and a little wondering at the same time. Thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught…yet wondering what message is there in bringing these lessons to my memory at this time?
Sometimes I have a thought or desire to set out to accomplish this task or that. Along the way am reminded of how if it wasn’t for the faithfulness of the Lord in our lives, His daily protection and provisions for us, we wouldn’t even be in a place to consider doing some of the tasks that come to mind. I guess that is a long winded way of saying I’m thankful for a changed heart.
Early on in my walk with the Lord there was a young minister named Clarence who saw much more of the potential God had placed in me than I saw myself. He told me one day to ask the Lord for the desires of my heart and He would give them to me. I wasn’t very comfortable with this statement and couldn’t believe that God actually would give me the desires of my heart, that there had to be a catch…a condition somewhere that must be fulfilled and I just kind of dismissed it as an over zealous preacher.
From time to time this seed planted so many years before has come back again and again to my thoughts. Each time I’d ponder it a little and then move on to something else. Slowly I’ve come to the point in my life and a relationship with Jesus to understand that as He has changed my heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh that along the way I’ve come to love Him more and more…and now the desires of my heart are to love Him and to please Him, to love my wife and family more and more. It would not seem possible, but please believe me when I say it is so.
He has shown me forgiveness and along the way shown me how to forgive those who had hurt me in the past. He has shown me, His desires for Denise and me, as husband and wife, and empowered us to live a life for Him. We don’t have all of the answers, but are confident as He continues to mold us into His likeness that we will continue to grow in wisdom, love and understanding.
We pray that if you haven’t already come to this place in your life that this devotion may serve to plant a seed, such as the one planted for me so many years ago, and given time and love from Him the seed may grow to full maturity in each of you.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006
For four years now we have been inspired and challenged each day by a devotional written by a Mercy Ships coworker somewhere in the organization. If you are visiting this site, we pray that you will join us in the focus for the day and pray the prayer points with us.
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 40
Focus: Finishing Well- The Resurrected Messiah
By Don Stephens, Founder/President
Scripture Reference:
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” and with those words, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (NLT).
“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NLT).
‘Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! . . . Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us . . . and explained the Scriptures to us?’ Luke 24: 31-32 (NLT).
Devotional:
What a powerful model of ‘finishing well’ is our Risen Lord! He endured suffering and the cross that he might accomplish the will of his Father and in so doing, provide redemption for us.
Perhaps we can each one look again to Jesus example of ‘finishing well’, as most of us experience some level of suffering in the ending of the Anastasis era of Mercy Ships. The organizational resurrection we are all experiencing has a new body – the Africa Mercy.
More importantly, as we encounter others on their individual Emmaus roads, may we warm the hearts and minds of those walking alongside us on our journey. Jesus explained His role from the Scriptures as he spoke. As He said a prayer over the evening bread, their eyes and minds were open to the risen Messiah.
Prayer Points:
* Ask God to give us grace to individually finish well.
* Ask God that each person met as we journey may see Jesus through our word and deed.
* Ask God for grace when His will involves suffering and is not our will.
* Ask God that we may corporately finish well.
* Praise God for the thousands of lives we will see in eternity through the service of Mercy Ships.
* Praise God for using each of us in this process.
* Thank God that we are privileged to have a part in what He is doing.
* Thank God for all the stakeholders of the past 28 years. Some have greatly sacrificed that we might serve. Some have been greatly blessed through our service.
By Don Stephens, Founder/President
Scripture Reference:
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” and with those words, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (NLT).
“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NLT).
‘Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! . . . Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us . . . and explained the Scriptures to us?’ Luke 24: 31-32 (NLT).
Devotional:
What a powerful model of ‘finishing well’ is our Risen Lord! He endured suffering and the cross that he might accomplish the will of his Father and in so doing, provide redemption for us.
Perhaps we can each one look again to Jesus example of ‘finishing well’, as most of us experience some level of suffering in the ending of the Anastasis era of Mercy Ships. The organizational resurrection we are all experiencing has a new body – the Africa Mercy.
More importantly, as we encounter others on their individual Emmaus roads, may we warm the hearts and minds of those walking alongside us on our journey. Jesus explained His role from the Scriptures as he spoke. As He said a prayer over the evening bread, their eyes and minds were open to the risen Messiah.
Prayer Points:
* Ask God to give us grace to individually finish well.
* Ask God that each person met as we journey may see Jesus through our word and deed.
* Ask God for grace when His will involves suffering and is not our will.
* Ask God that we may corporately finish well.
* Praise God for the thousands of lives we will see in eternity through the service of Mercy Ships.
* Praise God for using each of us in this process.
* Thank God that we are privileged to have a part in what He is doing.
* Thank God for all the stakeholders of the past 28 years. Some have greatly sacrificed that we might serve. Some have been greatly blessed through our service.
Friday, April 14, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 39
Focus: A Doorkeeper in the House of my God
By: Rene Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”(Psalm 84:10).
Devotional:
The compound of our team house in Freetown, Sierra Leone is surrounded by a wall, topped by broken glass and razor wire. Two uniformed security guards patrol the compound, equipped with radio, baton and panic button alarm system to keep us safe. This is part of land based life for Mercy Ships staff in West Africa, and it’s quite different from life on a “Mercy Ship”. These guards are not considered Mercy Ships staff, but are employed by the security company. Yet, they get a taste of “mercy ship”, as they say here, and our team house compounds and Aberdeen Clinic and Fistula Centre have become popular postings for the guards.
Psalm 84 emphasizes the theme of God’s dwelling place and the desire to be in God’s presence. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Ps. 84:1-2).
The birds have nests to protect and feed their young. This is the kind of safe haven God offers us in his presence. When we are close to him, we have reason to praise him and we experience God’s protection and strength. Yet, this is not just about being stationary in a home. The Psalm speaks about setting your heart on pilgrimage . . . and this was a song pilgrims were singing as they traveled the long road to their destination, the literal “house of God”.
Sometimes, I see my life in Mercy Ships as a 26-year pilgrimage, having served on the Anastasis, the Rotterdam office, the IOC and now in Sierra Leone. Some legs of the journey have felt like dark valleys, other parts have been on sunny hillsides. Even as we pass through the driest desert lands, we can turn them into a place of springs. In God’s presence, as we follow Jesus, we can go from strength to strength.
Although we may not always feel significant or like a hero of the faith, even as a doorkeeper in God’s compound, we can be in his presence and make a difference in the world we live in. In Sierra Leone we aim to serve some of the forgotten poor afflicted by child birth injuries, such as women with fistulas (VVF) or children with disabilities, such as polio. As we meet their physical needs we also share God’s love and compassion with them and bring them into his presence.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God’s protection for staff in Sierra Leone, and for crew and staff around the world.
* Pray for God to send workers into the harvest field of Sierra Leone, especially 1) VVF surgeons (short term/long term), 2) a ward nursing supervisor, and 3) a financial administrator.
* Pray for continued good relationships with all our local and international stakeholders/partners.
By: Rene Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”(Psalm 84:10).
Devotional:
The compound of our team house in Freetown, Sierra Leone is surrounded by a wall, topped by broken glass and razor wire. Two uniformed security guards patrol the compound, equipped with radio, baton and panic button alarm system to keep us safe. This is part of land based life for Mercy Ships staff in West Africa, and it’s quite different from life on a “Mercy Ship”. These guards are not considered Mercy Ships staff, but are employed by the security company. Yet, they get a taste of “mercy ship”, as they say here, and our team house compounds and Aberdeen Clinic and Fistula Centre have become popular postings for the guards.
Psalm 84 emphasizes the theme of God’s dwelling place and the desire to be in God’s presence. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Ps. 84:1-2).
The birds have nests to protect and feed their young. This is the kind of safe haven God offers us in his presence. When we are close to him, we have reason to praise him and we experience God’s protection and strength. Yet, this is not just about being stationary in a home. The Psalm speaks about setting your heart on pilgrimage . . . and this was a song pilgrims were singing as they traveled the long road to their destination, the literal “house of God”.
Sometimes, I see my life in Mercy Ships as a 26-year pilgrimage, having served on the Anastasis, the Rotterdam office, the IOC and now in Sierra Leone. Some legs of the journey have felt like dark valleys, other parts have been on sunny hillsides. Even as we pass through the driest desert lands, we can turn them into a place of springs. In God’s presence, as we follow Jesus, we can go from strength to strength.
Although we may not always feel significant or like a hero of the faith, even as a doorkeeper in God’s compound, we can be in his presence and make a difference in the world we live in. In Sierra Leone we aim to serve some of the forgotten poor afflicted by child birth injuries, such as women with fistulas (VVF) or children with disabilities, such as polio. As we meet their physical needs we also share God’s love and compassion with them and bring them into his presence.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God’s protection for staff in Sierra Leone, and for crew and staff around the world.
* Pray for God to send workers into the harvest field of Sierra Leone, especially 1) VVF surgeons (short term/long term), 2) a ward nursing supervisor, and 3) a financial administrator.
* Pray for continued good relationships with all our local and international stakeholders/partners.
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