Sweet Fellowship

I really enjoy fellowship with other Christian churches. I find it thrilling to sing God's praises with brothers and sisters from different denominations, ethnic groups, nationalities, and socio-economic levels. The varieties of music, preaching, and worship styles remind me of a garden filled with hundreds of kinds of flowers. Look around at this beautiful Earth and you can tell God loves variety in colors, textures, fragrances, tastes, and sounds. And yet we insist that others must be cookie-cutter Christians made just like us. How boring! Let's not shun other believers in Christ just because they are different. Let's embrace our family members, expecting that the only similarity between us is the love of Christ. Several years ago, I had the privilege of singing with a community choir at a Billy Graham Crusade in the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. When I heard the voices of 20,000 people singing together, I was overcome with emotion. This is just a small taste of what it will be like in Heaven, I thought. What a blessing! Let's practice here for the great choir concert in Heaven. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."--Revelation 5:12

In (Blank) We Trust

How would you complete this phrase: In (Blank) We Trust? Many of us are accustomed to seeing "In God We Trust" as a national motto. However, some folks feel any reference to God in our government should be abolished. I would agree that in many respects America has turned her back on God. Perhaps removing the motto is the only logical step for a group of people who think they have outgrown a childish notion. Should our national motto read, "In Man We Trust" or "In the President We Trust" or "In Government We Trust"? Perhaps these are more accurate statements of our national sentiment. The Bible has much to say about whom we should trust. There are too many references to quote here. But a few come to mind. "He who trusts in his riches will fall." (Proverbs 11:28a) "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool." (Proverbs 28:26a) The prophet Jeremiah contrasts two types of people--those who trust God and those who do not. "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited.'" (Jeremiah 17:5-6) "'Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.'" (Jeremiah 17:7-8) God is the only one who deserves my trust. All others, no matter their intentions or gallant efforts, have proven unworthy.

Memories of Mom's Ministries

As we watched The Secrets of Mr. Sperry, my husband said Mr. Sperry reminds him of my mother and her ministries with young people. Children really do need someone to invest in their lives. I'm glad Mom was willing not only to impact her own children but also a host of others. Mom worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship in their Good News Clubs and Five Day Clubs. She helped with vacation Bible schools, too. I was fascinated with the flannel board figures and backgrounds she used to tell the Bible stories. She made memorizing scripture verses fun. Her illustrated songs helped us remember them easily. She donated her Chevrolet to pull the "Chapel on Wheels," a trailer set up like a tiny church. Later Dr. Dahlberg hired Mom to do the children's church for the First Presbyterian Church. Before they moved to their current location, she used their chapel. I remember her creative efforts: Peter (aka son-in-law Mark) with his fishing boat on the shore of the lake, a simulated jet ride to Africa, and elaborate sets for special puppet shows, to name a few. At their new location, Mom continued using special effects and guest appearances by Bible characters, a pirate, and clowns. She always made sure to teach Bible truths instead of focusing on entertainment. Years later, young adults or their parents would stop by to express their thanks for the solid Bible foundation they received. Mom even visited the Christian fellowship clubs at my public school and my husband's Christian school. Each school year, she would volunteer in my classes so she could pick out a troubled child who needed a mentor. Like Mr. Sperry, Mom made a difference in the lives of countless children. It reminds me of someone dropping a pebble in a pond. It may be a small action, but the effects keep rippling out farther and farther away.

Glenn Beck, a Radical Guy

I prefer to listen to music on the radio, not talking. But when my husband drives, he chooses. I haven't heard Glenn Beck in a long time, but it was good to hear him today. He said that he has been reading Jeremiah lately. He believes Jeremiah's words could just as well be for America today. I love how Glenn talked about God getting our attention. First He uses mild means. But if we continue to ignore Him, He continues to use stronger methods. I had to smile at Glenn's description of this process, for God has had to knock me down more than once. It's a hard lesson, but well worth it. I still remember the Christmas program a few years back in which Glenn shared a story about his sweater gift. I may not agree 100% with his political views, but I admire the way He talks about the Lord. No apologies offered. May God bless and protect Glenn Beck.

Rest

The Lord knew what He was doing when He set up a day of rest each week. Life in the fast lane can burn out an engine. God longs to share some quiet time with me. But I rarely get quiet, much less want to spend time with Him. I am faithful to the television set, cell phone, and computer screen. Misplaced loyalty, to be sure. I should be less like Martha and more like Mary. How refreshing it could be to sit at the feet of Jesus and just listen a while! "Be still, and know that I am God."--Psalm 46:10a

How will I fill this day?

It's a new day. Here's a fresh page. How will I fill it? Lord, help me to be more conscious of your plans for my life. When I reach for the director's baton, the music doesn't sound as sweet. I want my life to be full of your majesty. I want to bring a smile to the face of someone who needs you today.