October 6, 2008

"When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

I was setting on the dock fishing at Lake Lure. My daughter who was in the fourth grade was riding her bicycle around the campground. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I caught the blur of a pink and purple streak going by, followed immediately by a huge splash. She had ridden her bike right off the dock and into the lake. Being the good father I am, I sat there, holding my rod and did nothing. Her head popped up out of the water and as she thrashed the water her face was covered with terror. Without moving, I looked straight at her and said, "SWIM!" Instantly her face broke into a smile as she began to tread water, and then she started swimming to the dock. I reached down and pulled her out of the water, wrapped my arms around her and said, "Stephanie, THAT is why we took you to swimming lessons every summer since you can remember. You do not have to fear water, you know how to swim." Today you may be shook up big time. You may feel that you are drowning in a sea of trouble, a sea of fears, a sea of responsibilities that you can not meet. Your face may be covered with terror. I promise you, Jesus will NEVER let you drown. He is right beside you, stretching out His hand to lift you up, wrap His arms around you and help you stand again. Read the verse above again. Notice it says, "when", not "if." What a comfort to know he is already there, waiting to save us. (Oh, yes, I got the bike out, good father that I am.)

Thought for the week: There are two ways of meeting difficulties: You alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them. Phyllis Bottome (1884-1963)

Funny for the week: How to get an apartment…

Ira and Esther Goldberg had a large family of seven healthy children. They moved to America from Europe and were having a difficult time finding an apartment to live in. Many apartments were large enough, but the landlords objected to such a large family.

After several days of unsuccessful searching, Ira asked Esther to take the four younger children to visit the cemetery, while he took the older three to find an apartment. After they had looked most of the morning, they found a place that was just right.

The landlord asked the usual question: "How many children do you have?"

Ira answered with a deep sigh, "Seven...but four are with their dear mother in the cemetery."

He got the apartment!

Creativity or deception???? Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: In the Beatitudes, who does Jesus say will be satisfied (or filled)? Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt 5:6)

This week’s question: What musical instrument did David play?