Worry Zaps Your Strength

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. - Corrie Ten Boom

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

No Pat Answers

This morning Carol and I were briefly discussing how annoying (and angering) pat answers can be when one is in the midst of a difficult and trying situation.

Years ago I remember reading a book entitled NO PAT ANSWERS penned by the well-known novel writer Eugenia Price. It cut me to the bone because I had been guilty of just that...giving out pat answers to all who would listen. I naively thought I knew it all.

Now, many years later when I actually DO know it all...

Honestly...I'm just kidding...

The older I get the more I realize just how little I DO know. I have discovered that indiscriminately dispensing pat answers for the problems of others is not wise and often can be very damaging. Usually the hurting friend we want to help just needs a loving pat on the back, a listening ear or a loving note of encouragement saying that we care.

But aren't the scriptures God's truth on every matter? Yes they are! But to load someone down with a bucket full of Bible verses without adding a large dose of compassion and empathy could drive them deeper into the depths of despair.
We need discernment when dealing with those who hurt! Watch what you say! A kind deed done in love will mean more than empty words even though the words are truthful.

NO PAT ANSWERS PLEASE!

Developing a Disciplined Devotional Life

This morning I discovered this note as I was going through some old files. I believe that it bears repeating:

Quiet Reflections on Developing a Disciplined, Devotional Life . . .

Those of us on the faith journey have to admit that we often grow weary as we travel. Not only weary but hungry, thirsty, tired, discouraged, disappointed, frustrated, annoyed and even angry.

Since I was a young boy I’ve always been encouraged to have a daily “quiet time” with the Lord. These moments have often been contrived, rushed, obligatory exercises when, in fact, I was not quiet and I did not sense God’s presence. Futile attempts to calm my anxious heart.

As I’ve grown older (and, hopefully, wiser) I’ve recognized that these “quiet times” can come in many disguises. God meets with us in the midst of our circumstances in serendipitous ways that could never be planned. Looking back we can attest to the fact that our Father came alongside when we needed Him most. That, though, doesn’t excuse us from developing a disciplined, devotional life!

Life’s journey is not easy! Our lives need to intersect with God on a daily basis or we won’t survive. The titles of some of my “quiet time” books remind me that we need to be refreshed regularly along the way. Volumes in my library include:

STREAMS IN THE DESERT – Charles Cowman
A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS – Watchman Nee
SANCTUARY – David Jeremiah
SPRINGS IN THE VALLEY – Charles Cowman
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY – Joseph Stowell

As you make your way towards “home” today, reach out and take His hand. He provides nourishment, refreshment and His loving touch as we travel down the path.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)

Mountains, Valleys, Deserts, Streams

Fellow pilgrim, where are you today? What circumstances have caused you to wonder, to question, to stumble? Have the trials along the road stolen some of your joy? Has the sense of wonder and amazement disappeared? Has the God of heaven who launched you on this earthly pilgrimage suddenly become distant and detached?

Perhaps you're having one of those welcomed days when the sun is shining in the midst of the storm. Maybe the situations you're facing today seem inconsequential when lined up against the awesomeness of the all-sufficient One. Do you feel like you and God could handle anything today? If so, praise His name! There are many other pilgrims who'd like to be in your shoes today.

Truthfully speaking we are all are differing stages of the journey. Some have just left home. Others have criss-crossed the landscape and have discovered that God is who He said He is and have found Him to be faithful. Others, perhaps, have disembarked temporarily with a sense that God has forsaken you. Be assured, no matter how convinced you may be that He has...He hasn't! Get back on board!

Today as you struggle to put one foot in front of the other, allow the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, Christ Himself, to come alongside. Walk with Him! Draw from His limitless resources! Cross the valley with the Divine Deliverer! Drink at His well if you are tired and thirsty! Rest awhile before journeying on!

Together let's keep our eyes on Jesus. In our deepest despair He is there! Allow Him to lift you above the crashing storm and take you to your place of quiet rest.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1,2 (NIV)

Goals Galore

Last year Matthew was a goaltender for the Don Mills Diamonds. This year he wanted to be a forward and today he played his first game. Most games are on Saturday but we had to miss church for today's season opener. Carol couldn't come because we were having an OPEN HOUSE here so she told Matthew that she'd give him $5.00 if he scored a goal.

She'll have to use another means of motivation because Matthew scored 5 goals and added 2 assists in the Diamonds' 8-7 win over the Durham Dragons. He was so excited he could barely contain himself. The coach, realizing that Carol and I were going to be in the poor house, put Matthew back on defence partway through the game but he still scored while playing back.

CONGRATULATIONS Matthew! Your dad was proud of you!

Bending and Breathing

Yesterday I received the latest issue of Heartcry magazine issued by Life Action Ministries. Just inside the magazine I saw this excellent definition of revival:

"Revival is God bending down to the dying embers of a fire just about to go out and breathing into it until it bursts into flame." - Christmas Evans

O how we need some of God's bending and breathing in these dark days!

Clearing Another Hurdle

Yesterday I took a chance and tried to reach Colorado Rockies' manager Clint Hurdle by phone. My intention was to leave a message of encouragement so I waited until later in the afternoon when I knew he'd be at Fenway Park in Boston. To my surprise Clint picked up the phone and we had a wonderful visit hours before Game 1 of the World Series.

We prayed together before we hung up and it was so good to have that time together. Unfortunately the Rockies had grown rusty from a long layoff and they were pounded 13-1 by the Red Sox. It would be easy to think that my prayer accomplished nothing but I refuse to believe that lie. Clint remarked that our prayertime was the best gift he received all day.

Check out this link for an account of the hurdles that Clint has had to clear over his checkered career.

God bless you, Clint!

Getting Better

On October 23rd I took a sick leave from my employer and I'm embarking on a journey to wellness.

Over the last two years I've had cellulitis three times, osteo-arthritis has taken up residence in one knee and the other foot and bursitis came for a visit in my right hip and elbow.

For over three weeks I've been battling an ear infection and I'm ready to get well...I think.

Most important, I want to be spiritually alive and vitally connected to my God and Savior Jesus Christ.

I'll be posting during my 30 Days to Wellness and trust that my reflections will be an encouragement to you.

We serve an awesome God and we're trusting Him for good things.

Theologically I believe that God can and does heal His people according to His will and purpose and that before sin entered the world it was God's intention for everyone to be well and whole. Since the fall we have inherited sinfulness. Sin was dealt with at the cross. Atonement was made for every sin. Some people believe that the atonement provided healing for every believer in Jesus Christ and that it is our birthright. I don't hold that view. I believe that God allows sickness in the lives of some of His children to work out His purposes. I'd rather be well and that's my prayer but until then I will rest in the knowledge that the Father knows what's best for me.

Whew...I was preaching there.

Better run!

~ David

God's Handiwork

God's handiwork is oft displayed

Such beauty by His hand was made;

The things of man will pale and fade...

Compared with God's creation!

"Thank you Father for such a portrait...painted for a fallen world to see. O let's rejoice with what you've done and worship Christ Your only Son! AMEN!" - David

The Incomparable Christ

Due to computer problems, health issues and financial concerns, my posts on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS have been periodic or sporadic at best. I've missed being able to post on a daily basis.

This morning I'm rejoicing in the One who is above all things. The One who created all things. The One who so lovingly redeemed me and set my feet upon the Rock.

Here's what the beloved apostle Paul writes about our wonderful Savior:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." - Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)

God's eternal Word says it better than I ever could. Let's revel in the Supremacy of Christ today. He is the Pre-eminent One and is worthy of our praise.

Fishing In The Archive Pool

The following post was written back in the fall of 2004 when Pilgrim Scribblings was still young:

The old hymns hold a special place in my heart! I’ve always enjoyed reading the biographies of the great hymn writers from a bygone day, writers like Isaac Watts, William Cowper and Fanny Crosby.

I marvel at the lyrics penned by Fanny Crosby who lost her sight when she was only six (6) weeks old. When she was only eight (8) she wrote the following poem:

"Oh what a happy soul am I!
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't.
To weep and sigh because I'm blind,
I cannot and I won't."

What a positive attitude! She has written meaningful words to close to 9,000 hymns. Many of them have references to seeing, sight, etc.

Here are just a few examples that reveal Fanny Crosby’s deep-seated faith that one day she would see Jesus face to face:

“My Savior First of All”:

“When my life work is ended and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see.”
“Oh the soul thrilling rapture when I see His blessed face
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye.”

“To God Be the Glory”:

“But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.”

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus”:

“Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep while your whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.”

“Near the Cross”:

“Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day, with its shadows o’er me.”

“Redeemed”:

“I know I shall see in His beauty, the King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night.”

“Give Me Jesus”:

“Take the world but give me Jesus; let me view His constant smile.
Then thro’-out my pilgrim journey, light will cheer me all the while.”

“Blessed Assurance”:

“Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.”

“He Hideth My Soul”:

“A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, a wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, where rivers of pleasure I see.

”“All the Way My Savior Leads Me”:

“Tho my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.”

What a glorious faith Fanny Crosby possessed! One day we will see Jesus face to face. Until then, let’s revel in His love and rejoice in His provision. - David W. Fisher

My Hero, Bud Fisher

My nephew, Bud Fisher, plays goal for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. Needless to say I'm very proud of him.

The following information was taken from the Bobcats' web site:

As a Sophomore in 2006–07:

Appeared in 39 contests...Recorded a 20–14–5 mark for the Bobcats...Registered three shutouts...ECACHL All-Tournament Team selection...An ECAC Hockey League All-Academic team selection...Made a career-high 43 stops in the win over Robert Morris on 10/13...Named ECACHL Goalie of the Week on 10/16...Stopped 53 of 56 shots over the weekend sweep of Colgate and Cornell on 11/17-11/18...Stopped 23 shots to earn his third career shutout at Princeton on 1/6...Made 17 saves in the win over Brown on 1/12...Made 24 saves to earn the win at Colgate on 2/17...Stopped 42 of 44 shots in a quarterfinal round sweep of Cornell on 3/9-3/10...Turned away all 23 shots he saw in 3/9 contest...Named ECACHL Co-Goalie of the Week for his performance against Cornell....Registered his fourth shutout of the season and sixth of his career against St. Lawrence in the ECACHL semifinals on 3/16...Tied an ECACHL tournament record with his third career playoff shutout with the St. Lawrence blanking.

As a Freshman in 2005–06:

Ranked second among all NCAA freshman goalies with 18 wins, trailing only Maine’s Ben Bishop (21)...Finished the year with an 18–14–1 mark to go along with a 2.54 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage...Registered three shutouts...Selected to the Quinnipiac Cup All-Tournament Team...Appeared in 34 games...Stopped 30 shots in the season opener at Michigan...Turned away 11 shots to earn his first collegiate win on 10/14 against RIT...Made 18 saves to earn his first collegiate shutout on 10/15 against Bentley...Stopped all 23 shots he saw to earn his second collegiate shutout against Robert Morris on 10/28...Turned away 35 of 37 shots to backstop the Bobcats to a ECACHL opening win over Harvard on 11/4...Stopped 27 shots to earn the win against Princeton on 11/22...Stopped 53 of 55 shots in a weekend sweep of RIT on 1/20–21...Made 23 saves to earn the win against Niagara on 1/28...Came up with 17 saves in the win over Clarkson on 2/3...Stopped 31 shots in the win over No. 18 St. Lawrence on 2/4...Made 33 saves in the win over Yale on 2/24...Stopped 57 of 60 shots in the playoff series win over RPI on 3/3 and 3/4...Pitched his third shutout of the year with a blanking of Colgate in game one of the ECACHL quarterfinal round series.

Before Quinnipiac:

Identified by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau as a draft prospect in early 2005...Played two seasons with the Lindsay Muskies (Ontario Jr. A) club...Played in 42 games between the pipes in 2004–05.

Personal:

Born in Peterborough, Ontario...Son of Karen and Jim Fisher...His older brother, Mike, currently plays with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League...Plans to major in business.

SEASON HIGHS
Saves • 43, vs. Robert Morris, 10/13/06
Least Goals Allowed • 0, three times
Most Goals Allowed • 5, three times

CAREER HIGHS
Saves • 43, vs. Robert Morris, 10/13/06
Least Goals Allowed • 0, six times
Most Goals Allowed • 6, at St. Lawrence, 11/18/05

Challies' October Book Give-Away

My friend Tim Challies is again offering a great Book Giveaway during the month of October. Here's what he posted on his blog.

41 BOOKS TO THE WINNER…

Last month’s Great September Giveaway was a great success with three readers taking home some excellent prizes. Of course I extend my sympathies to the multitudes who didn’t win; I can identify with your disappointment since I don’t think I’ve ever won anything in my life! But I am confident that my time is coming.

This month you’ve got another chance to win a great prize. Or forty-one of them to be exact.

The Sponsor

First, a word about sponsors. Each of these giveaways is sponsored by a different ministry or a Christian company. I’d ask that you express your gratitude to these sponsors by clicking through to their sites and looking around. All of them have something interesting to offer. By clicking to their sites you support them and you support these giveaways.

This month’s sponsor is Ligonier Ministries. And really, what can I say about Ligonier? It is, of course, a ministry based upon the teaching of R.C. Sproul. It was established in 1971 to equip Christians to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. And it has been doing that faithfully ever since. Dr. Sproul’s most recent book, The Truth of the Cross is ideal for both personal growth and for evangelism. To that end Ligonier is offering it at a volume discount (‘spread-the-word’ pricing) when purchased through their site.

Buy 1———————————-$15
Buy 2-5——————————-$12 each
Buy 6-39—————————-$9.75 each
Buy a case of 40—————$6.75 each
Buy two or more cases—$5.25 each

You can learn more about this offer right here.

The Prizes

I’ve got some amazing prizes to offer this time around. As with the last giveaway there will be three winners.

First prize: One case (Forty copies!) of The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul along with a copy of Jesus the Evangelist by Richard Phillips (that’s a retail value of over $600!). The forty books are not to be sold, but are to be given away or used for evangelism. Just think what you could do with forty of them. That’s ten for people in the church, ten for family members, ten for Christmas gifts and ten to hold on to for just the right moment.

Second prize: One copy of Jesus the Evangelist by Richard Phillips and admission for two to the Ligonier Ministries 2008 National Conference, Evangelism According to Jesus.

Third Prize: One copy of Jesus the Evangelist by Richard Phillips and admission for two to the Ligonier Ministries 2008 National Conference, Evangelism According to Jesus.

Note: If the second or third prize winners are unable to attend the 2008 National Conference, they may substitute admission for two to The Cross of Christ Regional Conference in Dallas/Fort Worth (November 2-3, 2007) OR any two books published by Reformation Trust.

Small Print
As with previous giveaways, you can increase your chances of winning by referring others. Details and other smallish print is available in the contest area. I recommend you read it. Last time a potential winner forfeited the prize because he did not join the mailing list!

Enter the Draw

You can enter the draw here. Please click on the graphic below so I (David Fisher) will receive credit for your entry. Thanks! ~ David



ENTER NOW!

Not Good If Detached

The following devotional thought came from Turning Point Ministries (David Jeremiah) today and I felt it was worth passing along. Abide in the Vine today, dear friends!

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." John 15:4

Recommended Reading John 15:1-8

After horrendous experiences in the Nazi death camps during World War II, Corrie ten Boom became a roving evangelist, taking the message of Christ to the world. In bringing her story to the United States, she frequently traveled by rail. She noticed that the train tickets were perforated in the middle. The whole ticket had to be presented to the attendant, who then separated it. In prominent letters on each ticket were the words: "Not Good if Detached."

That became the title of Corrie's book about John 15 and the reality of abiding in Christ. A branch must be connected to the vine for the sap to flow uninterrupted and for the fruit to appear. If it's severed, it withers and dies. It cannot bear fruit on its own.

Our daily connection with Christ allows the Holy Spirit to flow through us, producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Christlike qualities come as a result of our relationship with Christ, and we become more like Him by spending time with Him in abiding fellowship in His Word and simple trust.

Are you "attached"?

Without Him, I am nothing. Like some railway tickets in America, I am "not good if detached."

~ Corrie ten Boom

Bibliophiles Make Good Friends

The following article was posted in October 2006 but I felt it was worth repeating. Thanks Vicki!

Fellow blogger Victoria Gaines of Light For the Writer's Soul and Windows To My Soul writes about the value of good reading and literature in her life. Check out her sites...they are excellent!

She listed the following "quirky pointers", as she called them, about herself:

- No sense in wasting time with books that don’t challenge or edify.
- Not everything on the Bestseller’s list is worthy of my time.
- Life is too short to waste on fluff or nonsense.
- Every now and then I read for fun.
- I prefer meaty spiritual classics over contemporary spiritual writers.
- My books reflect my journey, where I’ve been, and where I’m going.
- My favorite books are dog-earred, highlighted, and written in.
- Books evoke a warm feeling in me.
- I don’t understand people who won’t read.
- Friends who give books as gifts are true friends, indeed.
- A person’s bookshelf tells me a lot about that person.
- I could vacation in the public library and not miss home.
- Books are all over my home and car—I read every chance I get.
- I need to know and share truth.
- My Bible is the most important book in my life.

Good stuff! If they are quirky points then I'm really "off-the-wall".

"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." - 2 Timothy 4:13

Happy Thanksgiving

"Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; His love endures forever." - Jeremiah 33:11 (NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadian readers of PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS and God's best to all the others who visit this site.

God is good and we have much to thank Him for!

Gratefully,

~ David

Freed From Fog

Norman Harrison in his In a Life of Prayer tells how Charles Inglis, while making the voyage to America a number of years ago, learned from the devout and godly captain of an experience which he had had but recently with George Muller of Bristol. It seems that they had encountered a very dense fog. Because of it the captain had remained on the bridge continuously for twenty-four hours, when Mr Muller came to ham and said, "Captain, I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec on Saturday afternoon." When informed that it was impossible, he replied: "Very well. If the ship cannot take me, God will find some other way. I have never broken an engagement for fifty-seven years. Let us go down into the chartroom and pray."

The captain continues the story thus: "I looked at that man of God and thought to myself, What lunatic asylum could that man have come from. I never heard such a thing as this. 'Mr. Muller,' I said, 'do you know how dense this fog is?' 'No,' he replied, 'my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life.' He knelt down and prayed one of those simple prayers, and when he had finished I was going to pray; but he put his hand on my shoulder and told me not to pray. 'Firstly,' he said, 'because you do not believe God will, and secondly, I believe God has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it.' I looked at him, and George Muller said,'Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up and open the door, and you will find that the fog has gone.' I got up and the fog was indeed gone. George Muller was in Quebec Saturday afternoon for his engagement."

-from I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Glenn Clark

Sunburst

"Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who has transformed my life and given me a new and living hope. Thank You for forgiving my sin and removing them as far as the east is from the west. Today I pray that Your Son will shine through my brokenness and bring blessing and encouragement to those I encounter. Thank You for loving me in spite of my sin. I give You praise and worship today in the name of Your Son, Jesus. AMEN!"

Riding the Rails

This pilgrim is riding the rails to Montreal as I type this post. I'll be attending the Hockey Ministries International staff conference from this afternoon (Monday) until Wednesday at noon. I've always enjoyed taking the train to Montreal. In the years that I conducted chapel services for the Montreal Expos I rode the rails dozen of times. I always take a selection of books, my laptop, a newspaper or two and my Bible.

I'll be posting from the conference so I'll keep you "posted"...pun intended.

Be encouraged today! God cares for you and will meet your needs.

David