Today is a gloomy, rainy Saturday.
I am sick and on antibiotics, but I made myself go out to do some necessary errands. The news came on the radio, and, hearing the re-hash of all that is going on, made me feel worse than I did already! As I pulled out of the library parking lot I saw the red light at the intersection around the corner and applied my brakes. How thankful I am for that red light because having to stop enabled me to read the bumper sticker on the car in front of me. ...
It said ... "RELAX - God is in control."
As the light turned green I wished I could thank the driver of the car. Wow! - It was the shortest green light interval I ever remember at that intersection. That driver and I were stopped again. I put my car in park, got out and walked up to the driver's window and knocked. He looked at me quizzically, but rolled down his window. I said, "I want to thank you for the message on your bumper sticker. I needed that!" He smiled the biggest, happiest smile I have seen in a long time and said to me with a comforting Haitian accent, "You are very welcome!"
I walked back to my car thanking God for His message through that dear man.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Pray ... "For Our Children"
I have never had any children of my own, but having taught for over 40 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to love hundreds of children. Over those 40+ years, I have seen many changes in our culture, changes which create great concern for "my" children and the children of "my" children.
Scripture says, "... whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Everything contrary to what that Scripture verse says was present 2000 years ago when it was penned, but in today's culture with the media, the internet, facebook, etc. etc. the contrary is ever so much more readily accessible. All of this can be used for good, but the temptation for our children (and for us) is ever present for the contrary.
I am always challenged and/or encouraged by reading Amy Carmichael's books. She was an Irish missionary to India in the last century who worked to rescue children from temple prostitution. Today I came across this prayer/poem that she wrote. Lord, help me to be faithful to pray for "my" children.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
FATHER hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.
Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the trecherous quicksand, pluck them.
From the worldling's hollow gladness,
From the sting of faithless sadness,
Holy Father, save our children.
Through life's troubled water's steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them,
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.
And wherever they may hide,
Lead them Home at eventide.
Scripture says, "... whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Everything contrary to what that Scripture verse says was present 2000 years ago when it was penned, but in today's culture with the media, the internet, facebook, etc. etc. the contrary is ever so much more readily accessible. All of this can be used for good, but the temptation for our children (and for us) is ever present for the contrary.
I am always challenged and/or encouraged by reading Amy Carmichael's books. She was an Irish missionary to India in the last century who worked to rescue children from temple prostitution. Today I came across this prayer/poem that she wrote. Lord, help me to be faithful to pray for "my" children.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
FATHER hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.
Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the trecherous quicksand, pluck them.
From the worldling's hollow gladness,
From the sting of faithless sadness,
Holy Father, save our children.
Through life's troubled water's steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them,
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.
And wherever they may hide,
Lead them Home at eventide.
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