I’m late today. We had stuff to do this morning, so I’m getting a late start. It’s a beautiful day in Fort Worth, today. The high should be in the mid 70s, and it’s sunny right now. We may get some rain later, though. And winter will be back, somewhere around mid-week.
Stephanie finished strong this week, and got good marks on her point sheet at school. Things seem to be going well for her.
The story is told, in Fascinating Facts of the Faith, of a man named Columba, who lived in the 6th century. He was born to the Irish working class and was christened Colum (Latin for dove). He was assigned a foster parent (common to working class Irish), and in this case it was a priest named Finnian. He did well in his studies and progressed faster than most. However, around 560, he made an “unauthorized copy” of Finnian’s book of Psalms. Finnian demanded that Columba refused. The high king ruled in favor of Finnian, but Columba still refused. “In desperation, Columba enlisted his countrymen to defend his right to the manuscript, and a bloody battle ensued.” Many lives were lost, which caused Columba to be “conscience-stricken.” He was advised that he must win as many souls for Christ as lives lost in the battle. “A short time later, Columba and twelve of his followers sailed for the Scottish island of Iona. …he is credited with playing the principal role in the Christianizing of Scotland.”
This is of special interest to me because one of my favorite Christian bands is called “Iona,” and is named after that island. They have written a song or two about Columba. Here’s a sample of their music.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
“The heart of Jesus was pure.” He was content to live a simple life. Several women cared for him, yet he was never accused of having a lustful thought. He forgive his own creation even before they requested mercy from him. Peter described him as a “lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:19)
“Jesus’ heart was peaceful.” The disciples worried about feeding 5000+ people, but not Jesus. The disciples were afraid of the storm, but not Jesus. “He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted his hand to heal. His heart was at peace.”
I pray that my heart will have the same peace as the heart of Jesus. May we thank God for problems that give us a reason to trust him. May we thank God for the storms, not fear them, and may we also lift healing hands, not swords.
(From Grace for the Moment, by Max Lucado)
Today’s Bible readings:
Luke 15
Exodus 7-8
For anyone who feels like they are too old for ministry…Moses was 80 and Aaron was 83 “when they spoke to Pharaoh.” Heh.
Psalm 29
1 A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
(From Discovering the Bible, by Gordon L. Addington)
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether cash-poor states can cut the fees they pay doctors and hospitals
as a means to make a dent in their ballooning Medicaid costs, or if they should limit access to care.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to rule on whether states may forbid government officials who vote on matters
where they appear to have a personal conflict by forcing them to recuse themselves.
Pray for all nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court as they consider cases involving the States.
Father, there is much weighing on my heart today. And I must depend on you to see it and hear it. I pray for peace. I pray that my heart will have peace, the peace of Jesus. Let me be content to live a simple life. Let me not be afraid of the storm, or worried about the challenges ahead.
I also pray that I will never feel that I am “too old” for ministry. I probably should quote Jethro Tull to you, but they are the ones who said, “You’re never too old to rock n roll if you’re too young to die.” That’s the way I feel about worship ministry. I’m never too old. I pray for your guidance in my future, Father.
I pray for the rest of this weekend. Let it be restful.
Pray for peace.
Grace and peace, friends.
keep talking to the Lord