The Fishing Trip...
One of my favorite TV Programs is the daily NBC
Today Show.
This morning I saw a story of some young people who went on a
fishing trip off of the coast of Florida.
C.J. Wickersham, 21 years old
was in the water spear-fishing and was having a pretty good day. Seems like he
had located a school of fish, when suddenly a 9' bull shark clamped down on his
leg (bit down upper thigh - tore back flesh so deep exposed his thigh bone). A
couple of his female friends were floating in chair floats. After seeing C.J.
being attacked and pulled under by the shark, they immediately got out of
water. A long-time kindergarten friend, who was on the boat, also witnessed
this event and immediately jumped into the water to distract and/or help
Wickersham. The rest of the group helped get the injured lad out of the water
and back on the boat. A tourniquet was immediately applied using some marine
rope, and #911 was notified. They all returned to the shore as his friends
tried to keep C.J. calm. At the shore they were met by a group of paramedics
who transported him by Emergency Helicopter to a nearby hospital.
There
was a returning military doctor who had just recently returned from a military
tour in Afghanistan (who was familiar with these types of injuries). He was
one of the doctors who assisted in (2) surgeries. After 800 stitches the
doctors were able to not only save his life, but restore the thigh muscle and
save his leg. I am giving GOD the credit. Thank GOD for highly-trained
doctors.
As I write this I cannot help but wonder - if I would have the
guts to jump into shark infested waters to help a friend in need??
GOD
our FATHER, walk through my house and take away all my worries and please watch
over and heal my family, and please protect our freedoms, and watch over our
troops who are defending those freedoms. Amen.
Paul Riggs
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Devotional 11-29-11
Ephesians 4:32 — … be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1 — Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Ephesians 5:4 — Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:22 — Wives, be subject to your husband as you are to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 — Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 6:1-4 — Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Paul’s writings to the Ephesians provide us with instruction about how to live together in families. However, all too often Paul’s advice falls on deaf ears. Many specialists say that families have deteriorated over the past decades. Children are not being shown how to love and are turning to peers for that feeling of security and acceptance that they do not find in their families, often with tragic ends. Spouses become estranged, hurt each other and separate.
The product of dysfunctional families affects the whole society. Any of us can cite a laundry list of problems caused when families do not love and care for each other. When we read or hear the news about the evils occurring in society, we wonder “Where is God?” God has not moved; He is the same yesterday today and forever. It is individuals who have moved away from God and his love and instruction. They do not experience God’s unselfish love, and thus cannot give unconditional love to anyone else, even in their families.
But, thankfully there are those who value family. During the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to see how two people exercised God’s love in their families and communities. I have experienced two funerals where the deceased persons loved their families and loved God. Charlie had been married for almost 65 years and had raised two devoted Christian children. His daughter and four of his grandchildren spoke at the funeral service about Charlie’s devotion to family and his love for each of them. Pictures displayed prior to the service testified the great joy that Charlie’s family provided to him and he to them.
In the other case, a Godly woman planned that at her funeral a polished stone that had been engraved with the word “Joy” be given to each attendee. She wanted her family and friends to experience the joy that she had felt through her Christian experiences. She preferred that they celebrate her life and not be too sad at her passing. This woman, Marilyn, had been an inspiration to her family, her church and her community. She created activities that brought her family together to share creative activities and make memories. She was a giving, unselfish person who was devoted to her children and her grandchildren. She also gave of herself to the church and the community in which she lived. Anyone who knew her felt her love, kindness and warmth.
These two examples of lives well lived could serve as an inspiration for everyone. Contrast these families with the dysfunctional ones we read and hear about. What makes the difference? God makes the difference. Families experience many stresses, communication issues, misunderstandings, heartaches, illnesses and other problems. We are not guaranteed a bed of roses. However, God’s love and grace can give families the tools they need to cope successfully with whatever life brings. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives us the wisdom we need to build strong families.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, you have given us the ultimate example of unselfish love by sending your son to die for our sins. We praise you for your love and forgiveness. Help us give of ourselves to our families and grow in love and the ability to forgive. Amen.
Maudie Karickhoff
Ephesians 5:1 — Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Ephesians 5:4 — Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:22 — Wives, be subject to your husband as you are to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 — Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 6:1-4 — Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Paul’s writings to the Ephesians provide us with instruction about how to live together in families. However, all too often Paul’s advice falls on deaf ears. Many specialists say that families have deteriorated over the past decades. Children are not being shown how to love and are turning to peers for that feeling of security and acceptance that they do not find in their families, often with tragic ends. Spouses become estranged, hurt each other and separate.
The product of dysfunctional families affects the whole society. Any of us can cite a laundry list of problems caused when families do not love and care for each other. When we read or hear the news about the evils occurring in society, we wonder “Where is God?” God has not moved; He is the same yesterday today and forever. It is individuals who have moved away from God and his love and instruction. They do not experience God’s unselfish love, and thus cannot give unconditional love to anyone else, even in their families.
But, thankfully there are those who value family. During the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to see how two people exercised God’s love in their families and communities. I have experienced two funerals where the deceased persons loved their families and loved God. Charlie had been married for almost 65 years and had raised two devoted Christian children. His daughter and four of his grandchildren spoke at the funeral service about Charlie’s devotion to family and his love for each of them. Pictures displayed prior to the service testified the great joy that Charlie’s family provided to him and he to them.
In the other case, a Godly woman planned that at her funeral a polished stone that had been engraved with the word “Joy” be given to each attendee. She wanted her family and friends to experience the joy that she had felt through her Christian experiences. She preferred that they celebrate her life and not be too sad at her passing. This woman, Marilyn, had been an inspiration to her family, her church and her community. She created activities that brought her family together to share creative activities and make memories. She was a giving, unselfish person who was devoted to her children and her grandchildren. She also gave of herself to the church and the community in which she lived. Anyone who knew her felt her love, kindness and warmth.
These two examples of lives well lived could serve as an inspiration for everyone. Contrast these families with the dysfunctional ones we read and hear about. What makes the difference? God makes the difference. Families experience many stresses, communication issues, misunderstandings, heartaches, illnesses and other problems. We are not guaranteed a bed of roses. However, God’s love and grace can give families the tools they need to cope successfully with whatever life brings. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives us the wisdom we need to build strong families.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, you have given us the ultimate example of unselfish love by sending your son to die for our sins. We praise you for your love and forgiveness. Help us give of ourselves to our families and grow in love and the ability to forgive. Amen.
Maudie Karickhoff
Monday, November 28, 2011
Devotional 11-28-11
Please read Isaiah 40:1-11
When you think that nothing is going the way it should and everything is falling apart, don't forget to call on God for comfort. You can feel the comfort of the Lord during inescapable times when you cannot face it alone. We must remember that someday, we do not know when, we will be with God, the great comforter. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in His word, His Presence and His people.
In our lives we experience trials and sufferings that we must go to the Lord for comfort to remove the obstacles so that we prepare for the coming of the Lord. We must have faith that will carry us through lives experiences that all of us, at one time or another must experience as we grow stronger in our walk with Him.
We are like grass and flowers that wither away. People are mortal, but God’s work is eternal and unfailing. Public opinions changes and is unreliable, but God's word is constant. We will find lasting solutions to our problems and needs by turning to God's eternal word.
The gentle shepherd takes care in guiding his flock throughout their lives. He is caring for the most defenseless member of his society, the children and their caretakers. Thus, the one that relies on God's caring strength is more powerful than the nation with a strong military.
In preparation for this advent season, we all must keep focus on the coming of Jesus. We must get ourselves prepared by removing all the obstacles that get in the way; for us to remember that the real reason for the season, Jesus, the gentle shepherd, the comforter, and the eternal one.
Please pray,
Dear Lord,
We call on you for comfort when we need you.
We call on you for support during life time trials.
We call on you to help us prepare the way for your coming.
You call for us to follow you.
You call us to shout for you.
You call us to not be afraid.
You call for us to believe; to trust; and have faith that you will come to save us.
Your love will carry us through this advent season as we put our trust in you.
Amen
Melanie Herr
When you think that nothing is going the way it should and everything is falling apart, don't forget to call on God for comfort. You can feel the comfort of the Lord during inescapable times when you cannot face it alone. We must remember that someday, we do not know when, we will be with God, the great comforter. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in His word, His Presence and His people.
In our lives we experience trials and sufferings that we must go to the Lord for comfort to remove the obstacles so that we prepare for the coming of the Lord. We must have faith that will carry us through lives experiences that all of us, at one time or another must experience as we grow stronger in our walk with Him.
We are like grass and flowers that wither away. People are mortal, but God’s work is eternal and unfailing. Public opinions changes and is unreliable, but God's word is constant. We will find lasting solutions to our problems and needs by turning to God's eternal word.
The gentle shepherd takes care in guiding his flock throughout their lives. He is caring for the most defenseless member of his society, the children and their caretakers. Thus, the one that relies on God's caring strength is more powerful than the nation with a strong military.
In preparation for this advent season, we all must keep focus on the coming of Jesus. We must get ourselves prepared by removing all the obstacles that get in the way; for us to remember that the real reason for the season, Jesus, the gentle shepherd, the comforter, and the eternal one.
Please pray,
Dear Lord,
We call on you for comfort when we need you.
We call on you for support during life time trials.
We call on you to help us prepare the way for your coming.
You call for us to follow you.
You call us to shout for you.
You call us to not be afraid.
You call for us to believe; to trust; and have faith that you will come to save us.
Your love will carry us through this advent season as we put our trust in you.
Amen
Melanie Herr
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Devotional 11-27-11
Mark 13:24-37
But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’
On May 4, 2011, Gerald learned of Harold Camping’s prediction and had been convinced by the amount of media publicity that the prediction must be correct. So Gerald did several things. First, he drove 250 miles to spend the day with his grown son, who he hadn’t seen for more than a year. His son was surprised, but very glad to see his father. They took a long walk and talked about what each had been doing over the past year. Before Gerald left for the long drive home, he hugged his son and told him how proud he was of him.
On May 12, 2011, Gerald went down to the local food pantry and took with him grocery bags filled with green beans, corn, soups, boxed stuffing, macaroni and cheese, tuna, gelatin mix, toilet paper, diapers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and socks. He didn’t know what to bring because he had never donated to the food pantry before, but he had heard that they were giving out food that day and decided to go. When he got there he was employed in handing out the food to those in need. He met a young woman with two young children who lost her job and was eager to get food for her family. It reminded him of the time when he was little and his father lost his job and they went three weeks eating grilled cheese sandwiches.
On May 19, 2011, Gerald wrote a three page letter to a guy named Sam that he used to work with. Sam never did his job and Gerald would always end up doing his work and Sam’s work. Moreover, Sam always got the credit for everything good that happened. One day, Gerald had enough and told Sam that he was a no good, lazy, rotten, scoundrel. Gerald found another job and gladly quit his old job. The two never talked again. In the letter that Gerald wrote to Sam, he told Sam that he was sorry and that he was wrong to say such hurtful things.
Harold Camping got it all wrong. He was focused on the “when” if it all. But the Scripture passage from Mark’s gospel says that we won’t know when; we will be surprised; not even the son (Jesus) knows when, only the father (God). Focusing on when the end will happen is a pursuit in futility. If only God knows, then it is presumptuous of us to think we could figure it out as if it were some hidden code in the Bible.
Gerald got it all right, even if it was for the wrong reason (mistaken prediction of the end of the world). The Scripture passage from Mark’s gospel has Jesus giving a parable about a man going on a journey and trusting his servants to keep guard. The challenge to the servants was to stay awake and not be caught sleeping on the job. Well, Gerald had been sleeping on the job. But because of Harold Camping’s prediction, Gerald awoke from his slumber and began doing the kinds of things that he needed to be doing: relationships, giving, forgiveness.
There is a saying that goes: “live each day as if it was your last and one day you’ll be right.” It isn’t the when that matters, it’s the how. How we live in each present moment (loving or hating; forgiving or grudge holding; giving or greedy) is the key. I hope Gerald doesn’t stay mad at Harold Camping for long because I want Gerald to see how much fuller life is when he is acting as if his end was near and because I want Gerald’s family, the food pantry, and Sam to know the love of God shown through the actions of Gerald.
Prayer
Loving God:
Give to us EYES so that when we look at this world,
we might see your vision of how the world could and should be.
Give to us EARS so that when we listen to others, friend and stranger alike,
we might hear your voice, reminding us that we are all creatures of God.
Give to us LIPS so that when we speak,
we might speak words of hope, love, forgiveness, and peace.
Give to us HANDS so that when we reach out,
we might touch the lives of others.
Give to us COURAGE to see, hear, speak, and touch this world so others might,
through our lives, feel your grace.
In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Rev. David Stackpole
But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’
Getting It Right For The Wrong
Reason
On May 21, 2011, Gerald stayed up all night waiting.
Harold Camping had predicted that the world would end and so, Gerald waited for
the judgment. When he woke up the next morning and realized that Harold Camping
had been wrong, Gerald was mad. For the last three weeks he had prepared for
the end and now felt like a fool. But I think that Gerald got it right, even
though Harold Camping got it all wrong.On May 4, 2011, Gerald learned of Harold Camping’s prediction and had been convinced by the amount of media publicity that the prediction must be correct. So Gerald did several things. First, he drove 250 miles to spend the day with his grown son, who he hadn’t seen for more than a year. His son was surprised, but very glad to see his father. They took a long walk and talked about what each had been doing over the past year. Before Gerald left for the long drive home, he hugged his son and told him how proud he was of him.
On May 12, 2011, Gerald went down to the local food pantry and took with him grocery bags filled with green beans, corn, soups, boxed stuffing, macaroni and cheese, tuna, gelatin mix, toilet paper, diapers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and socks. He didn’t know what to bring because he had never donated to the food pantry before, but he had heard that they were giving out food that day and decided to go. When he got there he was employed in handing out the food to those in need. He met a young woman with two young children who lost her job and was eager to get food for her family. It reminded him of the time when he was little and his father lost his job and they went three weeks eating grilled cheese sandwiches.
On May 19, 2011, Gerald wrote a three page letter to a guy named Sam that he used to work with. Sam never did his job and Gerald would always end up doing his work and Sam’s work. Moreover, Sam always got the credit for everything good that happened. One day, Gerald had enough and told Sam that he was a no good, lazy, rotten, scoundrel. Gerald found another job and gladly quit his old job. The two never talked again. In the letter that Gerald wrote to Sam, he told Sam that he was sorry and that he was wrong to say such hurtful things.
Harold Camping got it all wrong. He was focused on the “when” if it all. But the Scripture passage from Mark’s gospel says that we won’t know when; we will be surprised; not even the son (Jesus) knows when, only the father (God). Focusing on when the end will happen is a pursuit in futility. If only God knows, then it is presumptuous of us to think we could figure it out as if it were some hidden code in the Bible.
Gerald got it all right, even if it was for the wrong reason (mistaken prediction of the end of the world). The Scripture passage from Mark’s gospel has Jesus giving a parable about a man going on a journey and trusting his servants to keep guard. The challenge to the servants was to stay awake and not be caught sleeping on the job. Well, Gerald had been sleeping on the job. But because of Harold Camping’s prediction, Gerald awoke from his slumber and began doing the kinds of things that he needed to be doing: relationships, giving, forgiveness.
There is a saying that goes: “live each day as if it was your last and one day you’ll be right.” It isn’t the when that matters, it’s the how. How we live in each present moment (loving or hating; forgiving or grudge holding; giving or greedy) is the key. I hope Gerald doesn’t stay mad at Harold Camping for long because I want Gerald to see how much fuller life is when he is acting as if his end was near and because I want Gerald’s family, the food pantry, and Sam to know the love of God shown through the actions of Gerald.
Prayer
Loving God:
Give to us EYES so that when we look at this world,
we might see your vision of how the world could and should be.
Give to us EARS so that when we listen to others, friend and stranger alike,
we might hear your voice, reminding us that we are all creatures of God.
Give to us LIPS so that when we speak,
we might speak words of hope, love, forgiveness, and peace.
Give to us HANDS so that when we reach out,
we might touch the lives of others.
Give to us COURAGE to see, hear, speak, and touch this world so others might,
through our lives, feel your grace.
In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Rev. David Stackpole
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