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A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest wind. James 3:4 The Message

Randy and I just returned from a cruise which was postponed for two years and just finally realized! I am always amazed at the size and magnitude of these ships which carry hundreds of passengers plus crew members and manage to stay afloat! There are so many working parts to a cruise ship and making it work is overwhelming to someone who has no idea of all that goes on behind the scenes.

Shipping ports have become so crowded that sometimes they are dealing with over 1000 ships at any given time. This situation makes it vital that captains of these ships know weather conditions, traffic, tides, and other critical information. This is where the pilot boats come in to help. Pilot boats are small boats which deliver maritime pilots to the arriving ships entering the port.

The maritime pilot boards the ship from the pilot boat and works with the captain and crew to make sure the ship docks safely. The pilot shares critical information on tides, weather, harbor traffic, and real time updates. When the ship leaves the port, the process is reversed as the pilot ship transfers the pilot from the ship to their boat.

It’s been my belief all these years that the maritime pilot takes over control of the ship from the captain and gets it safely in and out of ports. The truth is that the maritime pilot is only there to assist the captain and crew with critical information. Control of the ship is always up to the Captain.

The Captain of any ship is responsible for the overall control and navigation, maneuvering, communications, and safe handling of the ship. A good captain has quiet confidence and is a master of management. When difficult decisions have to be made, a competent captain knows how to balance a vessel’s needs above any outside influence.

Throughout history there have been captains who are famous for the contributions they made of their geological and scientific knowledge as well as changing the world’s perception of geography. Men such as James Cook, Christopher Columbus and Frances Drake all contributed critical information.

There are also captains which we remember because of tragedies such as Captain E.J. Smith who is blamed for the sinking of the Titanic because he was sailing the massive ship too fast through the iceberg infested waters of the North Atlantic! It is also a well reported fact that his radio operator received the message about the icebergs before hand but considered the warning to be non urgent and didn’t disturb the captain. Critical information was ignored.

What would God expect of those who are Captains or leaders in this world of today? How would He want them to use the critical information which is readily available in His word? First, I think He would want Captains to be accountable to someone who is strong enough to help strengthen their vulnerable areas and offer counsel on important decisions. Secondly, priorities need to be in order for Captains because being in this role can sometimes allow personal success to be put before the welfare of others. Finally, I think He would want our walk with Him to consistently reflect Him in everything that is said or done. The first thing that should be foremost in the Captain’s mind is using the critical information to “feed the sheep” of this world.

The Bulldog Nation lost a great Captain last week. Vince Dooley died at the age of 90. He spent most of his career as the Captain of a great university football team and athletic program. During his years, he gathered critical information and passed it on to his players, his coaches, and those who filled his shoes after his retirement. Dooley learned what worked and what didn’t, and the people who followed him were smart enough to take the program he had built, fine tune it, and move it forward while sustaining the legacy left to them.

A good Captain has the respect of his team as well as his family and friends, and it was heartwarming to hear all the accolades for him. Kirby Smart said, “Coach Dooley was a part of UGA for so long and represented it with such class! He is a huge part of my success!” Mark Richt said, “He was always there when I asked advice.” Ray Goff commented, ” His legacy is one of a kind.” Buck Belue said, “Coach Dooley was a man of integrity, forthright and trustworthy.” All of these are qualities of a great Captain who took the critical information that was learned and lived it!

The best eulogy I can give the Coach is that He was a Damn Good Dawg and a great Captain!

Critical information comes to us everyday in all of our lives. It is our job to use it to God’s glory and honor.

Our God comes; He does not keep silent; before Him is a devouring fire, around Him a mighty tempest. Psalm 50:3

The memory of growing up in a small town near a lake is forever vivid in my mind. It is not only the sights that stay with me, but also the sounds. On any given evening, the sounds of frogs croaking and crickets chirping is a soothing memory. It is said that a group of crickets chirping is like an orchestra in nature! The sound of silence is broken only by the chirping.

The term “crickets” has another meaning in this world of today, and I have just become familiar with it! Evidently, this word is used when someone asks a question, sends an email, makes a phone call or text to someone and receives no response. Crickets has come to mean absolute silence and no communication whatsoever!!

The idea of the sound of crickets chirping representing silence was so interesting to me that I did a little research on crickets and learned some interesting facts about the little insect. First, the male crickets are the only ones who make sounds either to attract a female or to intimidate rivals. Secondly, there are literally trillions of them in the world, and they chirp louder when it is hot outside. The last and most important fact is that if one tries to catch a cricket, they know you are there, and they go completely silent upon your approach making it impossible to find them and confront the little creature! That’s why the term crickets has become popular because in this day and age people might use different sources to vent, but then when confronted, they will go completely silent.

If a cricket gets in your basement, your garage, or other places, the sound of their silence is not good news because the only time they don’t chirp is when you are looking for them!!

We are a part of the new generation where we are provided constant opportunities to voice our opinion, gossip uncontrollably about others, and post our views anywhere we choose. What happens however, when our opinions, idle gossip, and viewpoints are challenged? Most of the time we prepare to defend our comments and prepare for verbal retaliation, but in many cases, the term crickets applies. It seems to be much easier these days to just go crickets rather than challenge others.

As a teacher, mother, and grandmother, there have been many times when a conversation I might have with others (especially parents) was laced with misinformation, untruths, and even unkind remarks, but instead of doing verbal battle, I was guilty of crickets. In retrospect, I wonder if that actually helped or hurt the situation, but I followed the advice of Chinese General Sun Tzu who said, “Know your enemy and know yourself and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.”

It is frustrating when you are talking to a group of people or email folks expecting an answer, and instead you get crickets. How about listening to others who speak twisted theology or unbiblical opinions in our presence? Do we get crickets from those listening in that group? If we aren’t courageous enough to speak up in defense of our Lord and the Bible, can we call ourselves Christians? If we aren’t building up Christ and loving those around us, then aren’t we disregarding the commandment to love one another.

There is absolutely a time for silence (crickets) such as during a conversation where we don’t have enough knowledge about the topic to make a meaningful contribution, when we aren’t familiar enough with the folks around to ask a question, or when we feel tempted to act in an un Christlike manner. Use crickets. There is also a time for silence when we are listening fervently for God to direct our ways and use us in a Godly way.

If it’s our faith that ‘s under attack, then it’s during the battles that it grows stronger. The faith we develop during these times will be what sustains us in our life’s journey. Defend it! Don’t go silent!

This world offers ample opportunities to sit back and say nothing (crickets) believing that God will do it all for us, but we have a part to play. God has given each of us “a measure of faith”, and it is hardly ever realized by going “crickets”.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

The other morning as I was limping my way into LA Fitness for my water class, it hit me that I have been limping for over ten weeks now, and I began to wonder, “When will I ever walk correctly again after this broken foot?” Just at that moment, a gentleman emerged from the center walking on two prosthetic legs. Suddenly, my perspective changed, and I was grateful for a mild limp! It’s all about our perspective!

Perspective is defined as a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something or a point of view. People with the right perspective have the ability to view things in their true relations or relative importance. My change in perspective gave me the opportunity to see things in light of their true importance.

Randy and I recently flew home from a trip, and it reinforced for me all the different perspectives that face us in this life. When we fly, I always like to sit in the window seat because I think it offers the best vantage point from which to view the world outside. The people on the other side of the plane have a whole different perspective, not better or worse, just different! This particular flight home offered beautiful mountains, green valleys, and vast expanse of ocean which were right within my vision. If a person doesn’t believe in Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth before seeing it from this perspective, you surely will after seeing this sight!

Life is full of chances to think about how we perceive things. Do we see things the way they are meant to be seen or the way we want to see them? What if the things we look at are right, but we are perceiving them wrongly? Helen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” If we look at our life and see only the failures, look at our families and see only the mistakes, or even look at our face and only see wrinkles, scars, and bruises, then we are looking with the wrong perspective.

We need the right attitudes and actions toward everything in and attached to our lives. The right perspective is God’s perspective. When we choose to see things from God’s perspective, it changes how we view everything. For example, the only thing keeping negative thoughts and ideas in place is the way we think about them. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Psalm 23:7) describes the situation best.

So, how do we go about changing our perspective? The first thing we need to do is to replace our negative perceptions with positive ones. If we deal with the negative the way we might deal with flies at a picnic and just “shoo” them away, our perspective changes from negative to positive. It’s our choice to stay where we are or move forward. Where we are in life doesn’t determine who we are!

We should take time to remember that our condition in life should not affect our conviction. Wherever we are in our life does not stop us from being who we should be for Christ and this world. When John was banished to the island of Patmos and in prisoned for preaching the gospel, he continued his work in prison through preaching, writing and using his gifts. John’s condition was a clear indication that God was changing his perspective. Maybe our condition in life at this point is an indication that God is about to show us something we have never seen before.

It seems that no matter where we drive these days, we find ourselves stuck in traffic especially in this area. People are frustrated, angry, and impatient because we can’t see what’s going on in front of us. Contrast that with the traffic helicopter that can fly above the accident and see what happened, when the accident will be cleared, and how long before traffic can resume. God is like that. His perspective is higher than our accident or condition. He tells us to keep going because things are about to open up for us!

Finally, we need to rejoice. John learned that he was not alone in that prison, God was still on the throne and still with him. Every time we begin to take on the future, we need to recall God’s goodness to us in the past. Shakespeare said, “Let never day nor night unhallow’d pass, but still remember what the Lord hath done!” David said, “I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait upon the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.”

Sometimes it’s good to just stop and change our perspective of life. Here is a prayer for every day: God please give us right attitudes and actions toward everything in and attached to our lives.

Just as God commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it. He didn’t leave incomplete one thing that God had commanded Moses. Joshua 11:15

The term Hail Mary goes back to the 1930’s when it was used publicly by two former members of the Notre Dame’s fighting Irish Four Horsemen. The term became widespread during the NFL playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings in December of 1975. Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach threw the game winning pass to Drew Pearson with an “ally oop” type pass. After the game, he said to reporters, “I just closed by eyes and said a Hail Mary.”

These days, this play is basically a desperation play usually near the end of the game when there is potentially no hope of winning. When nothing seems to be working, the quarterback tells everyone to go long, he lofts up the ball with a “Hail Mary” and hopes and prays someone on his team catches it! The great thing is that when it works, it is one of the most exciting things in football because literally everyone holds their breath for those seconds the ball is in the air. This play is the last ditch effort, a last stand, a desperation move. The “Hail Mary” provides hope for a miracle when time is running out!

The Hail Mary as most Catholics know it was refined from its original prayer in 1568 by Pius V on the occasion of the liturgical reform. It says that Mary is the Mother of God and she intercedes for people with Him to secure salvation. In this faith, she truly is the mediator between God and humanity.

Many times in our Christian walk, we need a Hail Mary to help us answer the call of something different, something difficult, or something overwhelming in our lives. Time is running out, and we are desperate to do all the things we feel God would want us to do. Just like the disciples when Jesus told them to leave the security of the shore and launch out into the deep, we need hope that a Hail Mary would provide to move us forward. The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instruction to get out into the deep, and they landed the greatest catch of fish that day.

Sometimes we use a Hail Mary for those around us who are suffering either from injury, illness, personal struggles, or whatever it might be. We offer up prayers and wait for the miracle.

We might have an occasion for a Hail Mary to continue to follow Jesus in a world where so much is worldly rather than Christian. It is easy to model our behavior after those who profess to be Christian but don’t exhibit any of those qualities. Instead, our behavior should be like Jesus Christ. We might make mistakes and get things wrong, but thankfully, we have a forgiving Savior.

In the Book of Joshua, there were obstacle after obstacle set in front of him as he fought to do God’s will and follow His direction. As army after army assembled in full force with the masses, even horses and chariots, God assured Joshua, “Don’t worry about them. This time tomorrow I will hand them over to you.” Joshua 11:6

As Christians, we have a great opportunity to put up some Hail Mary’s up for this world by remembering Galatians 6:10 which says, Therefore as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all especially those who are of the household of faith.

There are several different parts of the Catholic prayer of Hail Mary with the rosary. I don’t pretend to know many facts about it, but the part of it which is entitled NOW has a beautiful sentiment. It goes like this, “In this present moment, at all times present, when all goes well, and when not, when I am in grace, and when not, when I feel good, and when I do not, in health and illness, in joys and sorrows, in light and in darkness: The now covers all my life.”

In this life, as in football, there’s always room for a Hail Mary as we get our team together with gifts and abilities to complement one another for the good of all!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

This past week, the world lost the beloved Queen Elizabeth of England. She was the only ruler most of us have known in our lifetime, and the outpouring of love from around the world speaks to her character, her kindness, compassion, and love of country, God, and family. She was a most successful monarch.

In this world of today, we enjoy hearing about the successes of others, and we all pray for successful things in our own lives. It’s uplifting to hear things such as: the surgery was a success, the treatment was a success, our children are successful, our grandchildren are having a successful year, or our business is successful. These successes are important and God should get the glory for each one, but there are other successes that are judged by man which don’t deserve the same adulation.

A small business owner once posted a sign in his store which read: The 57 Rules of Success: Rule One: Deliver the goods; Rule Two: the other 56 don’t matter! Alexandre Dumas said, “Nothing succeeds like success,” which suggests that success will breed more success. If you work hard and achieve your goals, you will be very likely to continue to achieve success. The successful people and things in this world is a wonderful thing, but there are different ways of viewing success.

What is success? Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. The trouble with this kind of success is that many people define it in ways which aren’t aligned with the Christian teachings. There is a difference between what the world considers success and what God sees as success. The world’s success is all about making a lot of money, being popular, and getting your name and face in the media. God would want success to include things such as the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent; the ability to teach and be taught; and the courage to know when and whom to fight and when to turn and walk away.

The trouble with success is that it never arrives on its own, but it is rather often preceded by difficulties and accompanied by pain and rejection. Many years in the ministry, several different places we called home, and many different people have taught me that not everyone is always happy when others are successful. Some people have trouble celebrating the success of others because they are jealous of the accomplishment. Successful people are the ones who don’t need all the glory, but rather as Paul says, rejoice with those who rejoice. John Woodman once said, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

The Christian who lives a successful life has a few important characteristics which differ from the world’s perception of success. First, a successful Christian is humble because of the security found in knowing our own strengths and weaknesses and being content with our identity in Christ.

A humble heart leads to an obedient heart which is content with serving, loving, and being faithful. Success to the Christian is complete honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. In order to succeed, every Christian must be strong in the Lord, and courageous enough to face challenges from both the world and the forces of evil.

A successful Christian values the bond of peace and unity above all else in all aspects of life. When we seek peace it lifts Christ above all else and magnifies His name to all the world. One Lord, One Faith, and One Father of all who is over all, in all, and through all.

The following is a great synopsis of what it means to be successful in this life. Ralph Waldo Emerson in his work, To Succeed says: To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden path or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded. (Thanks to a sweet friend for sharing this work.)

For what nation is is great enough to have a god as near to them as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call on Him? ( Deuteronomy 4:7) God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in times of trouble. ( Psalm 46:1)

Fortunately, I’ve never been in an earthquake or big tremor, but I have experienced the aftershocks of one and that can be scary as well. Aftershocks are actually smaller earthquakes which can occur in the same area as the larger one and can continue over a period of weeks, months, or even years. An aftershock usually results from sudden changes in stress occurring within and between rocks with the sudden change brought on by the principle earthquake.

It seems as though this country has been living through aftershocks since that fateful day twenty one years ago when we all sat in stunned silence and watched the horror of the attacks on our democracy unveil all around us. This was a day where I remember prayers being uttered everywhere, the skies deathly silent, people checking in with loved ones, tears being shed, military families gearing up to go into the service when needed, churches opening their doors for prayer, and a feeling of utter helplessness.

The aftershocks still affect us even after all these years when we come together to remember this day and to relive the events that changed our world forever. In a matter of three hours, our country, Americans, and our world as we knew it were changed forever.

We, as Christians, also experience aftershocks in our lives. The sudden loss of a family member or friend, a health issue that changes our life, or an unforeseen disappointment can shock us. The fact that storms still come into our lives even though we are following Jesus and obedient to His word is shocking to many Christians. When aftershocks hit, the negative way we sometimes react tends to say to others, “We always follow Jesus if He meets our expectations and needs.” The truth is we need to take Jesus as He is and not as we construe Him to be.

We also experience aftershocks when we feel that Jesus is sleeping and not answering our prayers. Just like the disciples during the storm when the situation looked hopeless, they hesitated to wake Jesus because they were sailors and He was a former carpenter. What sailor asks a carpenter for help on the seas? There’s a reason Jesus doesn’t rescue us when we are intent on rescuing ourselves. As long as we think we can handle it ourselves, He allows us to try. As a nation, we got upset with God thinking He was sleeping during the attack. We always seem to place the blame on Him when aftershocks come. He is to be the Pilot of our boat, not a passenger, but many times we tell him to get in the back of the boat, and we will call Him when we need Him.

We have aftershocks when God speaks to us. Jesus came up from the bottom of the boat and said three words, Peace be still. Those words calmed the winds and the seas. We think as the disciples did, What manner of man is this that even the winds and the waves obey Him? (Mark 4 :41) Jesus speaks in so many ways to us individually, as a group of believers, and in the midst of our troubles. Our job is to listen and obey.

This nation has never in my lifetime been more united than it was immediately after 911. We were experiencing the aftershocks of tragedy together, and we leaned on each other and most heavily on God. Aftershocks tend to bring us out of our self reliance and show us the way back to our faith.

Andrew Dorsey was a jazz musician from Atlanta in the 1920’s who gave up his career in jazz to concentrate on spiritual music. The depression years were hard on him trying to just survive as a musician. On top of that, many people didn’t accept his music calling it “the devil’s music’. Dorsey could laugh about that years later as he said, “I got kicked out of some of the best church’s in the land because of my music”. One night while in St. Louis, he received a telegram informing him that his pregnant wife had died. He could have wallowed in the aftershock of grief and self pity, but instead he turned to the thing he knew best, music, and he wrote these words.

Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.

As we remember that day, our prayer should be the words of Billy Graham as he said, “My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us and that as we trust in Him, we will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us. And that this day will be a day that we will remember as a day of Victory.” God Bless America!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

A miracle is defined as an extraordinary and astounding happening that is attributed to the presence and action of an ultimate or divine power. My research indicates that the four gospels recount thirty seven miracles performed by Jesus in His short ministry on this earth. Miracles such as turning the water into wine, feeding the 5000, walking on the water, healing the paralytic at Bethesda, raising Lazarus from the dead, and of course, the resurrection. He performed these miracles by touching, healing, and transforming countless lives.

Miracles still happen today, and they happen in the most unexpected places and times. The path to a miracle often goes through uncomfortable territory, but miracles happen when things are uncomfortable. Maybe God needs us to feel uncomfortable in order to appreciate just how amazing His miracles can be!

Just a couple of months ago, my neighbor shared a struggle that she and her family were facing. It seems their son, a young husband and father of two, had just been diagnosed with a hereditary type of kidney disease, and he needed a kidney transplant. I’ve done some research on kidney transplants, and although, they are very successful these days, there are many factors involved to make a transplant happen. The biggest factor is finding a match between the recipient and the donor.

My neighbor’s family was quickly disqualified because the disease is hereditary and none of their kidneys could be used. In cases like this, the recipient goes on a donor list which means it could be years before a kidney becomes available. This miracle is that his wife stepped up to see if by any chance she could be a donor. Miracle of miracles, she was a perfect match! The surgery is over and both are recuperating. Their family can celebrate this together because, I believe God gave them a miracle.

The source of a miracle is always unexpected. It is strange to me that Jesus chose the wedding in Cana to perform His first miracle, why not use feeding 5000 with two loaves and five fish be first? He performed the miracle of turning water into wine to bring happiness and joy to the celebration of the union of a man and a woman. That shows me that God can and does intervene in our lives at exactly the right moment, and He provides us with exactly what we need. It also says our way of making things happen is always second to God’s way.

If Jesus can do something so spectacular, then what situation in our lives could possibly be too hard for Him? He is able to see our problems, failures, strengths, and weaknesses in greater depth and in much greater detail than we ever could. He is the master of every imaginable problem.

We probably don’t need our water turned into wine at this particular moment, and perhaps, everything in our life is pretty good right now, but imagine those who do need a miracle! Almost every day I hear the expression, “We are just praying for a miracle.” It is comforting to know that Jesus showed us God’s unlimited power to offer us help when things do happen. Things like a job loss, a call from the doctor’s office, an unexpected bill, or any other challenge can give God a chance to perform a miracle. It’s God’s blessing to us to be able to tap into His strength and wisdom.

Jesus always had witnesses at His miracles so that they could tell others of what they had seen and heard. He wanted people to say, “Here’s what happened or it was just this way.” It was not for His own glory, but to show the power, might, and love of God. People all around these happenings were changed. Some people fear miracles because they don’t want to be changed, but ignoring their existence will change us also.

I’ve seen quite a few miracles in these past few months, and it is proof to me that God is alive and working in this world and in our lives. The miracles such as the gentleness in the touch of a child’s hand, the generous loving care of others, the power of God in the fury of a storm, or the hum of a hummingbird’s wings next to you, is a chance to experience a power much greater than ourselves. To believe in miracles is to believe that God is there pouring out His love for us, revealing His majesty and glory, and inviting us to have a closer walk with Him.

Oh Lord, my God, the Majesty and Glory of your name, Transcends the earth and fills the heavens. Tom Fettke

For we are co workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Fall is in the air and with it comes the long awaited beginning of a new football season. We, as grandparents, are already involved with the high school games which have begun, and our house is gearing up for another season of college football. The Georgia Bulldogs brought much joy to this house last year by winning the National Championship, and we would love nothing better than a repeat performance!

Randy and I attended our grandson’s first football game of the season this past week. It’s exciting to watch these guys who have worked so hard begin their season with a chance to put into practice all the things for which they have worked almost every day to achieve. When you have a special player on the team, you tend to follow that player wherever he is on the field or the sidelines. Our special player is the center, so we watch for good blocks, good snaps, good timing, and we celebrate each one.

As I sat watching our offense come out on the field, do their jobs, then go off the field for the defense to take over, it was interesting to watch the activity on the sidelines. It’s natural to focus only on the game on the field when you watch an athletic event, but when you are watching one player more than any other, you pick up a few things.

For some reason, the sidelines caught my attention during this game, perhaps because I was watching our grandson? Sidelines is defined as removed from the center of activity for a time. When you are on the sidelines for a break, even though you are removed from the center of activity for a short time, that doesn’t mean you aren’t involved. As the offensive line sat on the bench for a breather, the coach was there instructing, listening, and critiquing the plays and players. The others on the sideline such as the other players, physicians, trainers, equipment managers, media, water people, and support staff are busily doing their jobs

The sidelines are made up of so many different moving parts and each one is important. Those who aren’t actively playing are there to offer support, to encourage, and to instruct. Nobody on the sidelines is inactive – each one is ready to be used whenever and wherever they are needed.

God might be allowing some of us to sit on the sidelines of this life at this particular moment, but He will call us to the front lines of this world in His time. When He calls us into service, we should be ready, willing, and excited to answer because small acts of faith and courage have a domino effect. When we get off the sidelines to do what is right regardless of the circumstances or consequences, God puts us in the game!

When God decides to put us in this game, some things will happen. First, we will hear the call and have the opportunity to respond. God asks common people to do uncommon things just like Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water. With God, all things are possible.

Secondly, we will probably be fearful. Just like Moses who said to God, “I am not a good enough speaker, please use somebody else”, we won’t feel worthy of the call.

Thirdly, we will feel God’s reassurance. Joshua must have felt very unworthy to fill Moses’ shoes, but God said to him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Next, we must make a decision. Sometimes we say “yes” to God and sometimes we say “no”. When we say “yes”, we live with joy; when we say “no” we probably forfeit much of that joy, but we always have the right to make our decision.

Lastly, we can experience a changed life. Those who say “yes” to God certainly aren’t guaranteed a perfect path, but because the we answered “yes”, we can learn and grow even from our failures. Whatever God needs us to do, His call will go to the core of who we are and what we do.

Every athlete is on the sidelines for the purpose of getting into the game and making a difference. Christians have the same opportunity. Getting off the sidelines and saying “Yes” to Him will be the best decision we will ever make.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord; over mountain or plain or sea. I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be. Chorus from I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go by Mary Brown

I delight to do your will. Psalm 40:8

Ruth Graham once wrote about her German Shepherd who was trained in search and rescue, attack, and obedience. The Grahams had a home in the mountains, and it was comforting to have a dog trained in search and rescue, and attack skills. If the dog senses hostility, Ruth says “it is a wise person who freezes in their tracks” when he is in attack mode. Randy and I had a German Shepherd when we first married, and even though, he was gentle and loving with us, it was a different story when he was our protector. Even though, the dog was their protector, she states that it’s the obedience training which brings real joy. To obey commands to stop, to sit, to lie down, to search, to stay, and to heel are the commands to obedience. A disobedient dog can not only be a liability, but a headache. Obedience is the key.

Randy and I now have the most precious dog which we rescued when he was nine months old. There are many things that make Rocco special, but the best thing for me is that he came to us totally trained – totally obedient. We didn’t have to go through the process of teaching him to “go” outside, to sit, to stay with us, or even not to beg. Someone before us had meticulous done all the obedience training even though they hadn’t loved him enough to keep him.

The differences in the obedience of dogs is comparable to God and His children. Just like Mrs. Grahams, German Shepherd, there are some people who are trained to attack. They are skilled in attacking those with whom they have disagreements or differences of opinion. We all know a few of these.

Then, there are those people who are trained in search and rescue. I would put groups such as Must Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, organized Mission Trips, and Homeless Ministries in this special group. These special organizations are sensitive to the needs of others and are obedient to God’s calling in their lives.

The last group of people are those who have been trained in obedience. These are the people who have taken the true test of obedience by maintaining their love for Him, walking in His power, and staying faithful to His will. These are the people who have overcome the fear of trusting God completely with their lives. They know His plans are infinitely better than any which they might have had.

Along with obedience comes rewards. Our Rocco knows that when he is obedient, he will get a chicken crisp treat or even better, a bone. He knows exactly the time of day that he gets each one, and there is no chance that he will let us forget! Just like a faithful, obedient dog who gets a treat every time they show their obedience, we, as obedient servants, receive rewards as well.

God rewards us with protection. This doesn’t mean that nothing will go wrong and that we won’t experience pain, sorrow, or testing, but it does mean that each one will strengthen us and ultimately come to good.

God also rewards us with gladness and joy. The most joyful people are those who are constantly seeking to keep God’s commandments and please him. Everything is not always perfect, but these people have that inner joy.

God gives us the reward of great peace. Psalm 119:165 tells us that Great peace have those who love the Lord and nothing causes them to stumble. What a precious reward to enjoy great peace in this world of trouble, fear, and war.

Simple obedience which is joyful, eager, and unquestioning more than anything else must give the Lord pleasure. The height of obedience training for the Christian is to be able to say with the Psalmist, “I delight to do Your will, O my God.” This is what gives God the greatest pleasure.

When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His word; What a glory it sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey; For there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.

Yet it was good of you to share in my trouble. You sent help more than once. Philippians 4:14 and 16

Some days cause me to remember past events or stages of life which have been special to me. Although, I have to be honest and say that high school doesn’t hold any stand out memories for me, it does hold some stand out friendships and stand out memories of those friends and friendships. One of my special friends from high school died this past week, and it gave me the opportunity to remember and reminisce about him with my cousin. It was special not only because of him and who he was, but also because his wife is my sorority sister, roommate, and dear friend. We have kept in touch and see each other on a pretty regular basis.

The timing of things like this remind me that there are many people throughout our lives who have given of themselves so that we might grow, accomplish our goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction. It’s sobering to reflect on this. Other than the obvious people such as parents and family, I can’t help but remember people who came into our lives and helped us even when we didn’t realize we needed help. Everybody probably has someone like this whether it be a teacher, a friend, or just an acquaintance.

Randy and I lived in parsonages until 1990 when a group of people came to us with a proposal. They were smart enough to realize that because we had always lived in church owned homes, we had built up no equity for our later years. This group offered to help us put down the down payment on a home and stand with us in order to get the mortgage. We didn’t even know we needed that, but through their sacrifice, we were able to own a home!! In later years, we have tried to repay their investment, but none would hear of it! Sometimes we tend to forget these amazing things in our life.

It would be easy to list all the times Randy along with other members of our churches had a vision, and when it was presented, different people stepped forward to make that vision a reality. However, a vision only goes so far. If not for folks being willing to give of themselves it wouldn’t work.

Lest we forget put simply means, it should not be forgotten. Although it is most commonly used at remembrance services and commemorative events, it is a phrase that we can use everyday. Rudyard Kipling in his poem, Recessional, reminds us of this when he says, Lord of Hosts, Be with us yet; Lest We Forget, Lest We Forget.

There are many stories in each of our lives where someone has come to our aid more than once. Shel Silverstein wrote a wonderful book entitled The Giving Tree which I used many times in my Kindergarten classes. The book tells the story of a tree and a young boy. The synopsis is something like this: “When the boy was young, he swung from the tree’s branches, ate her apples, and slept in the shade it provided. As he grew up, he spent less and less time with the tree. ‘Come on, let’s play, said the tree, but the young boy was only interested in money. ‘Then take my apples and sell them’, said the tree. The boy, now a man, did, and the tree was happy. The boy didn’t return for a long time, but the tree smiled one day as he passed by. ‘Come and play,’ said the tree, but the man was old and tired, and he just wanted to get away from it all. ‘Cut me down, take my trunk, make a boat, and sail away’, said the tree. The man did, and the tree was happy. Many seasons passed, and the tree waited. Finally the man returned, too old to play, or pursue riches or sail the seas. ‘I have a pretty good stump left. Sit down here and rest,’ said the tree. The man did and the tree was happy.” The tree gave in order to make the boy happy.

When we reflect on our own life as we get older, we can probably identify with both the boy and the tree at different stages. It would be easy to make a list of the many “giving trees” that have been a part of our lives. We need to take the time to thank God for each and every one. It is very humbling to take the opportunity to reflect and be thankful.

During Paul’s time in Philippi, Paul instructed the people there to seek whatever is righteous. He also declared his confidence in the enabling strength of Jesus Christ. Finally, he thanked them for their support and remembered those who helped him. So should we.

Lest we forget. Thank you Lord, for each and every person who have given of themselves to help others.

HIs love has no limit ,His grace has no measure; His pow’r has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth and giveth and giveth again. He Giveth More Grace by Don Moen