Prepare To Be Opposed

The following thoughts appeared on David Jeremiah's Turning Point online devotional today:

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:3

In 1786, a young Englishman named William Carey raised the subject of world evangelization with a group of ministers. He was reportedly told, "Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid and mine." But he would not be dissuaded. By 1792, he published a revolutionary book on the church's responsibility in world missions and founded a missionary society with several other ministerial supporters. When he prepared to sail to India to preach the Gospel, his wife refused to accompany him, though she eventually agreed.

The resistance William Carey encountered is not unusual. Young David's family resisted his efforts to slay Goliath. Jesus' family and friends thought He was crazy (Mark 3:21). And Paul's friends tried to talk him out of his obedience to God. There will always be opposition against those who desire to carry out God's will for their life.If you have something you want to do for God, prepare to be opposed. If you are being opposed now, commit your way to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Word of God never yet prospered in the world without opposition. Iain H. Murray

Pilgrims Hiking

Yesterday Matthew and I went for a hike. Nathan wasn't able to join us for our usual Sunday afternoon adventure.

We walked down a road (pictured) that we had attempted to navigate last Sunday. The roadside sign advised us that we would drive it "at our own risk" and we decided that the foot-deep ruts in the mud were adequate warning NOT to attempt the ridiculous. Walking was a much better alternative so that's what we did yesterday.

The hike gave me a lot of fodder for future Pilgrim Scribblings posts. The book I'm working on will be entitled "TAKING THE BUMPY ROAD HOME...Pilgrim Scribblings by a fellow pilgrim on the journey home". The road we traveled was certainly a bumpy one...not unlike my life's journey.

In the midst of the dirt, mud, dust and dead leaves we saw new life bursting forth. These small, white flowers (pictured) reminded me of new life that springs forth when a life is touched by and redeemed by our Creator, God.

It was a great pilgrimage and the sense of the presence of God along the path was rich and meaningful.

Prone To Wander

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

~ Robert Robinson

Sad to say, the hymnwriter who penned these lyrics wandered far from the God he loved after the hymn was written. God used a Christian lady who "happened" to be riding in a coach with him to get his attention and point him back to the One he had deserted.

"Father, keep us, as struggling pilgrims, from leaving the path and forsaking the One who redeemed us and calls us by name. Thank You that You are mighty to save and able to keep. We pray in the strong and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord. AMEN."

The Only True God

With so many "new" gods these days, we need to determine where our allegiance lies and stand for truth in the midst of all the perversions.

It's frightening to see how large a following Oprah Winfrey and her latest flavor of the month, Eckhart Tolle, have garnered. Their "cyberchurch" is numbering in the millions.

"Father, give us discernment during these troubled times. May we seek after truth and follow the One who said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and God, the Son. AMEN!"

These random scribblings were born out of my concern:

THE ONLY TRUE GOD

God, we know, is awesome, holy,
Not the god of Eckhart Tolle;
He, the Sovereign, reigns on high,
Those who trust Him never die.

God, we know, is faithful, mighty,
Not the god of Oprah Winfrey;
His Son Jesus died one day
Now He is the only Way.

God, we know, must get the glory
His Word, truth, inerrant wholly;
Trustworthy in every line
How I love to call Him mine.

He, with passion, we pursue,
Not some strange New Age guru,
He's my King, Ancient of Days,
To this God, I give my praise.

~ David W. Fisher, April 27th, 2008

Swamped?

Feeling swamped today? Mired in the mud of a mad busyness? Is that sinking sensation threatening to pull you under? Desperation flooding your soul? The clouds of uncertainty moving in unabated?

I've been there! And, when it seemed like hope had evaporated, God whispered forcefully yet lovingly, "Be still and know that I am God."

Hear His still small voice today in the midst of your crisis. Fall into His arms. Give up your striving and yield every thread of your being to Him. He cares! He really does!

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. " - 2 Chronicles 20:15,17 (NIV)

God Still Provides

If you take note of the comments that readers post on Pilgrim Scribblings you will have read the following testimony. If not, be blessed as you read this current account of God's provision:

A good friend of mine writes:

"I've been learning a lot about prayer from men like Hudson Taylor and George Muller who pursued God and trusted in Him. Prayer, over the last 3 months, has been a focus of mine (or rather of God with me) and I have been blessed incredibly by a new and greater passion for it.

Just today a very cool answer to prayer (akin to the work God did in the lives of Taylor and Muller). I have a friend who is going to Columbia to work among orphans and I wanted to support him. Sunday I asked how much was still lacking. He responded "$200", which I very much wanted to cover. He leaves Thursday, and I could not make the money available by then - however God has blessed both of us!

This morning I received a phone call (very unexpected) from a company in Ajax who wishes to hire me for a Scuba dive. $250 for ten minutes work - cash paid on site! After my expenses, this will leave $200 for the work! (I made no effort on my own to obtain this work and I only do about 8 dives a year in Peterborough, an hour away - God clearly is the provider)."

Yes, God is still Jehovah Jireh - our Provider.

Gabe's A Ray

My good friend Gabe Gross was traded yesterday by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Tampa Bay Rays. I haven't spoken with Gabe or heard from him by e-mail so I don't know what his reaction to the trade has been.

From my perspective I'll get to see him when the Rays come to Toronto for three series this season as he will be back in the American League again. The Brewers have two other outfielders who will be activated this week and Gabe's playing time there would have been reduced. It seems that he would get more playing time in Tampa.

Regardless, Gabe and his wife Kelly have placed their trust in a sovereign God who makes no mistakes and they will continue to let Him lead them and use them for His glory. God bless you, Gabe, as you begin a new chapter!

The Place of Prayer

The following words were penned by one of my favorite authors, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. What a challenge! Too often we shove prayer to the background while carrying on the "important" things of life. Father forgive me for not availing myself of the access I have into Your very presence!

Dr. Lloyd-Jones writes:

"What is the place of prayer in your life? What prominence does it have in our lives?

It is a question that I address to all. It is as necessary that it should reach the man who is well versed in the Scripture, and who has a knowledge of its doctrine and its theology, as that it should reach anyone else. What part does prayer play in our lives and how essential is it to us? Do we realize that without it we faint?

Our ultimate position as Christians is tested by the character of our prayer life. It is more important than knowledge and understanding. Do not imagine that I am detracting from the importance of knowledge. I spend most of my life trying to show the importance of having a knowledge of truth and an understanding of it. That is vitally important. There is only one thing that is more important, and that is prayer.

The ultimate test of my understanding of the Scriptural teaching is the amount of time I spend in prayer. As theology is ultimately the knowledge of God, the more theology I know, the more it should drive me to seek to know God. Not to know about Him, but to know Him. The whole object of salvation is to bring me to a knowledge of God.

I may talk learnedly about regeneration, but what is eternal life? It is that they might know Thee, the only true God in Jesus Christ whom God has sent. If all my knowledge does not lead me to prayer there is something wrong somewhere. It is meant to do that. The value of the knowledge is that it gives me such an understanding of the value of prayer, that I devote time to prayer and delight in prayer.

If it does not product these results in my life, there is something wrong and spurious about it, or else I am handling it in a wrong manner." - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Recently several family members pulled off for a coffee at Canada's favorite watering hole, Tim Hortons. Actually we didn't stop we went through the famous Drive Thru.

We paused to give the attendant our order and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Nobody was coming on the intercom to take our order.

One of us, and I won't reveal which one, began to murmur and complain. "They are awfully slow here. I've had trouble here before. There's nobody else in line. What's the problem?" I added that I had experienced a few "slow" attendants at this particular Tims.

The driver (it wasn't me...or Carol, I might add) was getting exasperated when I observed and realized, much to our chagrin, that we had stopped at the menu board, not the speaker where you place your order. We were "barking up the wrong tree" so to speak. We drove ahead a few feet, placed our order and we were on our way in moments. Great service...and quick!

How often do we park ourselves at God's menu board, where all His blessings and gifts are listed. Instead of moving ahead and thanking Him for what He has given us, we linger and wait, expecting more. Need a fresh infusion of grace, mercy or power? Go to the source of "every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ". Speak to the Father, don't linger at the blessing board.

Background Worship

Our worship of the King should always be at the forefront of our lives but I enjoy listening to Spirit-anointed background music while working at my office desk.

This song (click here), although previously unknown to me, has been a blessing. Check out some of the other hymns and worship songs played so reverently by this organist/pianist.

What's In Your Stack?

There's always a stack of books beside our bed. Carol gets upset when the stack becomes a skyscraper and asks me to sort through them and take some back downstairs to my office. About eight (8) is the maximum number that can be stacked. I bet some of our readers do the same thing. Am I right?

Anyhow, I'm wondering what books are in "your stack". I took a picture of mine. I'm presently either reading or re-reading all of these. Thanks to Tim Challies for his excellent book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment and for his recommendation to read Vintage Jesus (Mark Driscoll) and A Tale of Two Sons (John MacArthur).

Now, tell me, what's in your stack? Let me know. Leave a comment. THANKS!

If Need Be

Today I received the following in an e-mail update from someone I have never met but have corresponded with, Billy Daws, at ReFocus Ministry. This is excellent and I wanted to pass it along to our Pilgrim Scribblings readers. Thanks Billy!

Billy writes:

The call comes that ushers you into the worst crisis of your life. Over time, hope begins to disappear. You are well aware of your utter helplessness. It is time to stand still and consider your God.

If need be, God can speak and hang the sun and the moon.
If need be, God can operate, remove a rib, and create a helpmate.
If need be, God can cause it to rain for 40 days and nights.
If need be, God can send confusion to a mis-directed building crew.
If need be, God can direct you to a land you do not know.
If need be, God can provide a sacrifice when one is needed.
If need be, God can cause a womb to flourish even when it is past the time of child bearing.
If need be, God can bring you out of prison and give you the position of Vice President.
If need be, God can protect a baby in a crocodile infested Nile.
If need be, God can speak from a burning bush that is not consumed.
If need be, God can cause a rod to turn into a snake.
If need be, God can send frogs, flies, boils, gnats, locusts, darkness, disease, and death to our enemy.
If need be, God can cause our enemy to give us his gold and silver.
If need be, God can part the sea.
If need be, God can dry up muddy ground so we can walk on it.
If need be, God can drown the whole advancing enemy army.
If need be, God can give water from a rock.
If need be, God can send manna in the morning every day for 40 years.
If need be, God can cause clothes and shoes not to wear out for 40 years.
If need be, God can speak from the darkness.
If need be, God can give us the land occupied by others.
If need be, God can defeat our enemies and drive them out of the land.
If need be, God can send angels to surround us.
If need be, God can raise up a righteous judge.
If need be, God can bring down the house using a blind strong man.
If need be, God can stop the rain.
If need be, God can use a 17 year old boy to slay a giant.
If need be, God can remove a king.
If need be, God can shut the mouths of lions.
If need be, God can cause the sun and the planets to stand still.
If need be, God can rescue a prophet out of a well.
If need be, God can provide plenty of food for two widow ladies.
If need be, God can arrange a wedding for you with your kinsman redeemer.
If need be, God can provide food for you during a famine.
If need be, God can take your last container of oil and flour and fill it up again and again.
If need be, God can restore life to your son.
If need be, God can remove the reproach of barrenness and give you a child who will bless God.
If need be, God can cause a whale to swallow you to get you back on course.
If need be, God can send fire to consume a soggy altar and sacrifice.
If need be, God can stand with you in the fire, insuring that not even your hair gets singed.
If need be, God can turn a king into a crazy man in order for the king to give God glory.
If need be, God can give you a dream.
If need be, God can interpret the dream.
If need be, God can feed you with ravens.
If need be, God can pay taxes from a fish you catch.
If need be, God can make the lame walk.
If need be, God can calm the sea.
If need be, God can cause writing to appear on a blank wall.
If need be, God can make a donkey talk.
If need be, God can multiply fish and bread.
If need be, God can heal a leprous hand.
If need be, God can touch a little girl and restore life.
If need be, God can roll the stone away.
If need be, God can knock the hell out of the grave.
If need be, God can do anything He wants to do.

So why do we ever worry?

2 Chron. 20:12-18 (NLT) - "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!" Then King Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. "

Miller Going To The Dogs

Peterborough Petes Head Trainer Brian Miller (pictured) has joined the Saint John SeaDogs of the QMJHL on an interim basis as Equipment Manager. The SeaDogs approached the Petes about borrowing Miller on an interim basis for the playoffs while their Equipment Manager attends a wedding in Cuba.

Brian is familiar with Saint John after spending six seasons with the Saint John Flames of the American Hockey League before joining the Petes in 2003. Miller will be in Saint John for approximately 10 days.

Note: Brian is a Christian and attends our local church, Auburn Bible Chapel. He and I work closely with the MONDAY WE HAVE FISH chapel program that we offer to the Peterborough Petes. Pray that Brian's time in St. John will be well spent. THANKS!

It's All Over But the Crying

What more can I say?

The Senators just didn't have it! We're left to wonder what might have happened if Mike Fisher hadn't been hurt and if Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley hadn't gone into their post-season funk. Remember Anaheim last year?

Guys like Antoine Vermette and Dean McAmmond have nothing to hang their heads about. Chris Neil was hurt. These three guys hold a special place in my heart (like Mike does) so it's hard to remain objective when writing about them.

The Sens President, Roy Mlakar, is a good friend so I grieve along with him today as well.

Like we always say, "Oh well, we'll get 'em next year." Maybe we've run out of chances though.

Prayer Changes the Man

Here's another gem from the pen of the late A. W. Tozer:

"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." - John 14:13-14 (KJV)

In all our praying, however, it is important that we keep in mind that God will not alter His eternal purposes at the word of a man. We do not pray in order to persuade God to change His mind. Prayer is not an assault upon the reluctance of God, nor an effort to secure a suspension of His will for us or for those for whom we pray.

Prayer is not intended to overcome God and "move His arm." God will never be other than Himself, no matter how many people pray, nor how long nor how earnestly.

God's love desires the best for all of us, and He desires to give us the best at any cost. He will open rivers in desert places, still turbulent waves, quiet the wind, bring water from the rock, send an angel to release an apostle from prison, feed an orphanage, open a land long closed to the gospel.

All these things and a thousand others He has done and will do in answer to prayer, but only because it had been His will to do it from the beginning. No one persuades Him.

What the praying man does is to bring his will into line with the will of God so God can do what He has all along been willing to do. Thus prayer changes the man and enables God to change things in answer to man's prayer.

from The Price of Neglect, pp. 51-52

He Giveth More Grace

Lately I heard that a dear lady who is awaiting cancer surgery has been reading these Pilgrim Scribblings and has been blessed during these uncertain days. Our prayer is that Christians and non-believers alike would be encouraged and uplifted by these random, scattered "scribblings".

Pilgrim Scribblings was born out of my own struggles and pain. When we turn our trials around and use them as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks others can be enriched in their own walk with God. That is our prayer.

A singer who never ceases to bless my soul is Larry Ford. He has often appeared on the Gaither videos and his rich tenor voice can move me to tears. Of course the lyrics play a huge part as well.

Horatio Spafford wrote It Is Well With My Soul after tragically losing his daughters at sea. Click here to hear Larry Ford's powerful rendition of this beloved hymn. Then when you have been blessed by this song, click here to hear him sing He Giveth More Grace. I praise God that He often uses music to minister to our spirits.

(Note: With both of these links, the YouTube screen will come up and you may have to click on the screen again for the song to continue.)

May these wonderful hymns lift you up and give you a sense of His presence as you journey home.

~ David, the Pilgrim

United We Stand...and Skate

...but is it too little too late. The Senators top line will be re-united tonight as they attempt to stave off elimination. They will need a miracle tonight and then three more miracles...

Possible?

I'm not going to answer that question...

I can only hope and pray...

Mountain Reflections

Our Pilgrim Pal Lisa J. often posts her Morning Coffee on her excellent blog - Thoughts From the Teahouse. She always combines a photo with a passage of scripture. Here's one of Lisa's recent posts. ENJOY!

"You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work."
- Psalm 104:10-13

He Is No Fool

One of the most familiar missions quotes of the 20th century is one penned by Jim Elliot (see previous post). This phrase has often been misquoted but this graphic is taken from Elliot's journal and is the original quote. Click on the graphic for a larger, easier-to-read rendition.

Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

So profound!

The Elusive Song

I was challenged by the following piece of prose while reading The Journals of Jim Elliot. This is a book I return to repeatedly. Jim Elliot's journal entries were collected by his wife Elisabeth and published in book form. His honesty and transparency is brutally refreshing!

As you are likely aware, Elliot is one of five American missionaries who met a martyr's death in Ecuador back in the mid 50's.

Elliot writes:

"I sought song inside
but found a heart of brick unused to singing,
and the words came very slow. It seemed as if the gentle
pressure of the Father's finger
had caused a slight crevasse midst all the hardness,
and there, down deep, there bubbled up a quiet spring.
But still no song,
just risings which never reached above the surface.
And though there was no singing, somehow there was a
harmony not often heard among clattering temporalities.
Love was the keynote of the deep spring's song.
A major key that lent fullness to the pool.
Peace and joy chimed softly,
and other little recesses opened in the hardness,
and gentleness, born of the fractures of sorrow,
flowed unhindered to fill the rising pool.
And as the music played, the brick dissolved,
and my soul was happy, though there were still no words."

Satisfied

While reading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret last night I came across the following poem. "Thank you, Father, for 'pilgrim' days and 'pilgrim' friends!"

"We thank Thee, Lord, for pilgrim days

When desert springs were dry,

When first we knew what depths of need

Thy love could satisfy."

~ Author Unknown

The Readers Need Our Prayers

Recently we received word that Helen Reader (my friend Greg's wife) has some serious health issues. The dreaded "C" word was in the report. Greg grew up in the church I attended for years. He played on the same ball team that I did. He has served the Lord with International Teams (a transdenominational missions agency) for many years. Please pray for Greg's wife Helen.

Greg writes:

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday we met with Dr Nicole Hodgson at the Juravinski Cancer Centre here in Hamilton and got more clarity on Helen's condition. It's worse than we had hoped, but not as bad as we had feared, so we're experiencing a mix of relief, hope, and trepidation as we look at a difficult road ahead. The bottom line is that the cancer is an invasive type, is spreading within the breast, and is present in the lymph nodes under Helen's arm and possibly in those on the other side of her breast. It is estimated to be a late stage 2 or a stage 3 cancer. They won't know the precise stage or the grade of aggressiveness until after they analyze what is removed by surgery.

Dr Hodgson sees the need to move quickly, and is scheduling a modified radical masectomy, which includes the removal of two of the three strands of lymph nodes under the arm, for sometime between April 21 and 28. If all goes well, Helen will then spend one night in the hospital, and then return home, where home medical care will be provided. Once the tumors have been analyzed, the specific regime of chemotherapy and radiation treatments will be decided. We had hoped that chemo and radiation would not be necessary, but because of the invasive nature of the cancer, and the involvement of the lymph nodes, it looks as though it is the best way to go.

We were very impressed with Dr Hodgson and by the Juravinski Centre. I don't think we could ask for better care or expertise in tackling this. Now we're preparing for the next step, and learning a lot about embracing the unique joys and challenges of each day. Thanks so much for your prayers!

Greg, Helen, Eryn and Daniel

Check out the Readers' blog here.

Look Out, Ron MacLean

Hockey Night In Canada may have found a new right-hand-man for Don Cherry. If Ron MacLean decides to pack it in, Matthew Fisher (in the blue jersey) is ready to fill the void.

Matthew met Grapes (Don Cherry) at his hockey tournament this morning in Toronto.

Don told Matthew to tell his cousin (Mike Fisher) to hurry back from his injury or Ottawa is "toast".

Matthew's team won 5-4 this afternoon and Matthew scored 4 goals.

CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW!

A Man Can Dream Can't He?

Instead of adding to my library of 4,000 volumes I find myself in the position where I need to sell or give away literally hundreds of books.

Our upcoming move to a smaller home makes this necessary.

I've always dreamed of having a separate library in my home with floor to ceiling solid oak book shelves on all four walls.

Oh well, a man can dream can't he?

Heating Up In Haiti

My friend and blogging buddy Rodney Olsen has been in Haiti and sends along this prayer request. Thanks for remembering Rodney, Compassion Australia and the situation in Haiti in your prayers. - David

Rodney writes:

Just a quick note to ask for you to pray over the coming days for the people of Haiti.

I'm here with Compassion Australia to observe their work here. Unfortunately, due to riots and looting in streets here, we're heading out early. We'll travel to Dominican Republic to see Compassion's work there.

Please pray for peace to return to the streets. As always in these situations those who suffer most are the poor who get caught up in the situation.

I've written a little about the situation on my blog and have linked to a radio interview that I did with Sonshine FM back home. http://rodneyolsen.net/2008/04/dont-panic.html

If you're a blogger, please ask your readers to pray.

Thanks for your assistance.

Rodney

He Knows Your Name

He is Faithful

The following poem/hymn was posted on our sister site, PILGRIM PALS, recently. I don't know who penned these powerful lyrics but they certainly encouraged me. - David

Praise the Lord, and leave to-morrow
In thy loving Father’s hands;
Burden not thyself with sorrow,
For secure the promise stands.
He is faithful!
Leave thy troubles in His hands.

Trust to-day, and leave to-morrow,
Each day has enough of care;
Therefore, whatso’er thy burden,
God will give thee strength to bear.
He is faithful!
Cast on Him thine every care.

Pray to-day, and let to-morrow,
Bring with it whate’er it may;
Hear thy loving Father promise
Strength according to thy day.
He is faithful!
Trust Him therefore, come what may.

Watch to-day, and leave to-morrow,
For to-morrow may not come;
Ever to-day thy loving Saviour
May appear to take thee home.
He is faithful!
Look for Him, the coming One.

Work to-day, and leave to-morrow;
All around there’s urgent need;
All around there’s sin and sorrow;
Broadcast, daily sow thy seed.
God is faithful!
He shall bless thy work indeed.

This by trusting, watching, praying,
Each day, as our time rolls on,
We shall find the promised blessing,
Daily strength till Jesus come.
He is faithful!
He will come to take us home.

56 Years

Today I'll celebrate 56 years of Christian pilgrimage. As a 6-year-old boy on April 6th, 1952 I placed my trust in Jesus Christ and became a follower and disciple of His.

Following a Christian radio program for kids, Young Canada Bible Hour, I prayed with my mother at the kitchen table and began my Christian life. Praise God for godly parents who raised me to love and serve the One who gave His all for me.

The road has been rough and the journey has been marked with many disappointments but God has faithfully led me each step of the way.

As I begin year #57 I pray that I will discover new insights and learn to trust Him more. What an awesome God we serve!

Senators Are In...Barely

The Ottawa Senators squeaked into post-season play last night after losing 2-1 to the Boston Bruins. Carolina's 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers paved the way for the Sens to sneak past the Hurricanes and secure a playoff berth.

Boston's Tim Thomas closed the door on Ottawa's offence until a third period goal by Antoine Vermette, his 4th tally in the last two games, got the Sens on the scoreboard.

With front-line players Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher out for "weeks" as a result of injuries inflicted during the game against Toronto, the Senators are "lucky" to be where they are after last night's action.

So...they are in...but it took someone else to get them there...in spite of a 94 point season.

Just like me! I've been guaranteed a place in heaven following the "game of life" but it's not due to anything I've done. It took the action of Someone else to secure my position, my guarantee of life in heaven after this life is over. Jesus stepped in and took the penalty for my sin, taking my place and my punishment. Now, on the merit of His shed blood, I will spend eternity with the Great Emancipator, the King of kings and Lord of lords. That's grace! That's mercy! That's love!

Sure, I've done a lot of "good things" but they were not enough. I would have fallen far short of God's standard but Jesus opened the door. Hallelujah!

Where will you spend eternity, my friend?

Night Sounds

Four nights a week I arrive at my job at Christian Horizons, visit with the staff briefly, check the communications book and go to bed. Sounds easy? Usually it is!

I’m there as a back-up for the Night Awake staff who prepare meals for the next day, tidy up, do laundry and make themselves available should one of the individuals we serve wake up and need assistance.

Our home is very unique. We presently have three men living there and that number will increase to five in the next month or two. All of the men are coming from institutions where they would not have received the loving care and support that Christian Horizons provides.

Often my sleep is interrupted when the night staff person is called to tend to an individual. I lie there quietly listening. Some of the men we serve aren’t verbal so it’s usually a one way conversation – a monologue.

I’ve been deeply touched and richly blessed by what I’ve overheard. As I’ve eavesdropped on these “night sounds” I’ve sensed a warm, compassionate spirit on the part of the staff. Usually what they’re called on to do in the middle of the night isn’t pleasant. Stripping wet bedding and sponge bathing or showering one of our men after an “accident” is commonplace there.

Often I’ve been rebuked in my own spirit as I’ve pondered what my reaction might be if the tables were turned. If I was “ministering” to their needs and another staff member was comfortably laying in bed? Would I resent the interruptions to my middle-of-the-night schedule? Sad to say, I likely would.

I’ve also been wondering how Jesus Himself would treat these special individuals, His creation, His people. By faith I can see the loving look in His eyes, feel the tender touch of His hands and detect the warmth in His voice. The Great Shepherd of the sheep would lavish His love and kindness on these men.

Each morning I’m awakened when the 6:00 a.m. staff person arrives. He or she assists the one who has spent the night serving. As they interact between themselves and together carry on the work God has called them to, I again sense true Christian love emanating from these caregivers.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not trying to say that our staff are always “saints” and never get frustrated. Of course they’re not and of course they do. But, as a rule, I’ve been listening in on some pretty powerful “night sounds” that have significantly impacted me.

I’m reminded of the words of the compassionate but confronting Jesus who once said, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NASB)

“Thank You, Father, that I’ve been placed in a position where I can see and hear Your love demonstrated in tangible ways. May the love of Jesus be sensed by these individuals who all too often have been shoved to the sidelines. May our hands be Your hands reaching out. AMEN!”

Note: One of my earliest "posts" on Pilgrim Scribblings concerned the Christian Horizons organization. At that time I wasn't personally involved with this ministry. Check out that post here.

Ouch!!!

Some of you have asked why I've been noticeably silent regarding the Ottawa Senators recently. To be honest, I didn't know what to say. I still don't! Last night I was at the game in Ottawa. The Canadiens beat the Sens soundly 3-0. The game was bittersweet because I DO like the Habs' young goaltender Carey Price but I wasn't praying for a shutout (which he got).

Nobody seems to be able to figure out the Senators recently. Who would have thought in early November that they'd be struggling to secure a playoff berth during the last week of the season.

Anyhow, it was good to see Mike and Chris Neil (pictured) briefly after the game. As always, Mike played a strong game but the Sens just didn't get any bounces. Little Fish bounced a few Canadiens off the boards though.

Hopefully the Sens can put away the Leafs on Thursday night.

GO SENS GO!

The Fear of the Lord