Poor Advertising (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating a blog that I first published on October 9, 2008.

         Earlier this week I was coming home from Park City when a little old lady - maybe my age - pulled out from a bank, right in front of me.  Fortunately I was able to hit the brakes to avoid hitting her.  I then had to follow her until we reached route 741.  Then, with no traffic in front of her, she took off going at least 55 mph in a 35 mph zone.  I quickly lost sight of her.  The interesting thing, however, was her huge bumper sticker.  It said JESUS, in very large letters.  It was either poor advertising or an acknowledgement that she really needed Him when she was driving. 
         That reminded me of another story which I read recently.  A man is being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly the light turns yellow just in front of him. He does the right thing and stops at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman hits the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection with him.
          As she is still in mid-rant, she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer orders her to exit her car with her hands up. He takes her to the police station where she is searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.  After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer is waiting with her personal effects. 
          He says, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.  I noticed the "Choose Life" license plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally I assumed you had stolen the car."  Oh yes, another case of poor advertising.  
          While we might laugh at that story, maybe sometimes we as Christians are guilty, too, of false advertising.  An old song says, "What you are, speaks so loud, that the world can't hear what you say.  They're looking at your walk, not listening to your talk, and judging from your actions everyday."  How good is your advertising? 

1. My life, my love, I give to Thee,

Thou Lamb of God who died for me;

Oh, may I ever faithful be,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

2. I now believe Thou dost receive,

For Thou hast died that I might live;

And now henceforth I'll trust to Thee,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

3. Oh, Thou who died on Calvary,

To save my soul and make me free;

I'll consecrate my life to Thee,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

Incredible!

          It was a very nice Christmas gift - two tickets to Sight and Sound in Lancaster to see the spectacular performance of "Jesus".   We really looked forward to attending.  But health problems made it difficult for us to do so.

          We knew we were running out of time since the last show in Lancaster would be October 5.  With all of our appointments there were only three remaining shows for which we could get seats.  So we made a purchase trusting the Lord that we would be well enough to attend.  And we were!

          Our tickets were in the very last row in the balcony.  We sat in that area before and found the seats to be excellent because you could clearly see everything in the wrap around stage.  But we were younger and in better health when we sat there before.

          The balcony is very steep and the seats were low to the floor.  The backs of the seats in front of us were at our shoe level.  The rows were narrow with very little leg room and there were no rails in front of us or behind us to help us get up.  Once we were seated I began to question how we'd ever get out of our seats to go home.  With our physical problems it is often hard to get out of any seat in a normal situation.  Would I fall trying to get up and roll down a few rows? Could I get on the floor and crawl out until I could reach a rail to pull myself up? You normally don't think of these challenges when you are young with good balance. 
          But at the end of the show, after four attempts using my cane, I was finally able to stand and get my balance.  Then I was able to use my arm to help my wife stand.  We made it.  We had to - we couldn't afford to stay and pay for more shows.

          In the opening announcements they asked everyone to turn off their cell phones - taking pictures was prohibited.  However, when the lights went out, from our high location we could see dozens of phones still lit up throughout the audience. People, especially tourists, can be rude.  Fortunately, during the show most of the lights/phones/cameras were off.

          Now the show was spectacular and the scenes touched my heart.  It was amazing to see the stories from the gospels portrayed so vividly and thoughtfully.  Their professional performance was outstanding.

         One of my favorite scenes was that of the disciples in the boat on the sea during a storm.  The water looked real.  The thunder and lightening made you feel that you were in the storm.  And then Jesus appeared and walked on the water and commanded the storm to stop.  Incredible reminder and portrayal of the power that Jesus had over the elements.

          But maybe the most impressive scenes were those of Jesus being taken prisoner, His trial, His crucifixion, His burial and then His Resurrection.  You had to be touched as you watched this portrayed.

         And from a performance standpoint it was amazing to watch an actor, dressed as a angel, descending and ascending to the stage from the fourth floor of the auditorium.

          Throughout the performance I was often stirred to pray for the nearly two thousand throughout the audience who were hearing about Jesus, maybe some for the first time.  I asked the Holy Spirit to descend upon their hearts and lives.  Hopefully some will come to the Lord as a result of being there.

         Hopefully you too will have a chance to experience this portrayal of the Gospel before it closes on October 5.  Probably only a few seats in the balcony remain - but you can handle that location - we did.

(1)     Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus,

Sang as they welcomed His birth.

"Glory to God in the highest!

Peace and good tidings to earth."

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(2)    Fasting alone in the desert,

Tell of the days that are past.

How for our sins He was tempted,

Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor,

Tell of the sorrow He bore.

He was despised and afflicted,

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(3)    Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,

Writhing in anguish and pain.

Tell of the grave where they laid Him,

Tell how He liveth again.

Love in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see.

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

Love paid the ransom for me.

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Modern Frustrations

          Did you ever wish that you might have had a different career or occupation?  And if so, what would it have been?

          Now I can't say that I would have done anything else than work as a public school educator.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 39 years doing that.  And I thank the Lord for leading me that way and giving me the wisdom, strength and guidance that I needed to both do a good job and to enjoy what I was doing.  I would not change any of that.

         However, there is one area in which I wish that I had a better background - technology.   Technology developments - especially for computers - advanced so quickly in the latter part of my career.  I tried to keep up.  I went to Florida State for 12 credits in computer science.  I established the first computer lab in a high school in Lancaster County.  I introduced my students to hand calculators and programming.  I especially enjoyed programming. I even won a national award from a computer magazine. All of this was considered to be on the leading edge at those times. 

          Our school district was also a leader in the area in using technology and regularly offered excellent workshops for staff members.  I really felt on top of things .... until I retired.  Then all of those opportunities ended.  And 17 years is an eternity in technology development

          In the years that followed retirement I have continued to use Apple products.  They are expensive but easy to use and without problems that PC's experience.  I have run websites, done blogs, kept all sorts of records and done many things that I felt were creative and interesting.

          But then the problems began.  My computer suddenly would not support or use  modern browsers.  And it couldn't be upgraded to do so if I wanted to continue to use many of my valued software products - at least that is what I have been told.  Now that wasn't a major problem until suddenly I couldn't open or use some websites.

          The first major problem was with two of my investment sites.  That was a critical problem but I did find a way around that and that is still working for me at present.  The same came when the Awana site was changed but I found another browser which has been working for that.

          But my major blow came suddenly a few weeks ago when I could no longer reach my website host, BlueHost.  As a result I can't change or update my Awana site, fbfawana.com, which I have used for almost 20 years.  It is now dead.  I  spent hours talking with service techs at BlueHost, trying to understand all of their technology terms.  Did you ever try to talk to a computer expert?  Usually impossible.  They told me to try all sorts of things like Filezilla, and I did, without any success.  They claimed they had not recently made any changes in their site.  But an advertising e-mail which I received a few days later shared the "advantages" of their updated site and offerings. So much for the truth. They were of no help even though I have been their client for almost 20 years.

          What can I do about it?  Probably nothing other than purchase a new computer and new software and start all over.  That involves a lot of money, a lot of time, plenty of technology knowledge which I don't have and much energy.  Is it worth it?  Right now I don't know.

          But the problem will continue.  For several years I have been using the site Dropbox to send the powerpoints for Dianne's offertories to the technicians at church.  Suddenly my browsers aren't recognized by that site.  Incidentally they just upgraded their site as well.  I have been given some alternatives by the fellows at church but they also speak a different language than I do, suggestions I just don't understand.

          And what will be next?  Probably more frustration and disappointments.  If only I had somebody who spoke my language, understood computers and had the time to help me.  But i don't.  I've shared my needs with many without any responses or help.

         Maybe if I hadn't retired when I did, or maybe if I had taken more computer courses, or maybe if I had friends who were computer experts ...  maybe, maybe, maybe.

(1)   When your heart is aching, turn to Jesus,

He's the dearest Friend that you can know;

You will find Him standing close beside you,

Waiting peace and comfort to bestow.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

(2)   There is joy for every troubled sorrow,

Sweet relief for every bitter pain,

Jesus Christ is still the great Physician,

No one ever sought His help in vain.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

(3)   Jesus understands, whate'er the trouble,

And He waits to heal your wounded soul.

Will you trust His love so strong and tender?

He alone can make your spirit whole.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

A Birthday Adventure

        We seldom do anything to celebrate our birthdays.  In fact, most summers we have been working at Pinebrook Bible Conference on my wife's July 11 birthday.

          However this year we found ourselves at home on her birthday so we discussed the possibility of going somewhere for her free meal.  Now we seldom visit buffets anymore since we really can't eat enough food to make it worthwhile.  But there were two buffets which got our attention.  The first was Yoders where they have a nice buffet that isn't too expensive.  The second choice was the famous Shady Maple which might have the largest buffet in the world, or at least in this country.

         We debated the choices - Yoders, Shady Maple, home ... or maybe even Wendys.  While Shady Maple was more expensive than Yoders, the difference in price wasn't very much and their selection was bigger.  So even though we hadn't been there in years, our choice was Shady Maple.

          Now our next bad choice was arriving there a little after noon.  Not too smart!  The parking lot was packed - definitely no handicapped spots and no other spots as well.  We should have known then to leave and go to Yoders.  But we looked and looked and looked.  Finally we saw two couples leaving and we tracked them to get one of their spots.  Well they then stopped decided to talk to each other for about ten more minutes and when they finally started to leave the women returned to talk some more.  Finally we were able to follow the one couple to their car where we waited again and had to even block off some other drivers who wanted that spot.  But we finally were able to park and with our canes slowly amble to the entrance.

          Fortunately it didn't take too long to pay.  Then we waited in line for a booth.  When we finally reached the front of the line the attendant was very nice.  She saw our canes and worked very hard to find us a booth close to the buffet lines.

          We noticed several things while we waited.  First, if you weighed less than 300 pounds you were probably out of place there.  Second, if you couldn't carry two heaping fulll plates, at the same time, you were at a big disadvantage.  Third, if you had good manners or were shy you were definitely at a disadvantage!  And fourth, no matter how folks acted, Shady Maple would not run out of food.

          Then the real adventure began.  The lines - actually there weren't lines - were packed.  People stepped in front of you and blocked you when you tried to get some food.  For example, the pork and sauerkraut were to the right of the mashed potatoes.  Dianne got hers and then three different folks butted in between us to get theirs before I could get mine.  Did any of then say excuse me or thank you?  Heavens no - they had to get their food just in case it ran out ...  or at least that was the way they acted.

          There were numerous folks on electric wheelchairs.  At first i pitied them.  But I soon learned that they could take care of themselves and their chairs were actually a weapon.  I waited to get a scoop of dried corn and some harvard beets.  But one lady with her chair blocked my side of the counter while a friend, also in a wheelchair, blocked the other side.  And then they had a conversation about the food while blocking the way of us customers as well as the server who was trying to refill the buffet.  Rather than taking anything to eat they just discussed what each item was. I finally gave up and moved on.

          Then suddenly another hungry bus group arrived and they maintained a long solid line blocking the rest of us from the buffet.  Many football teams would love to have a line like the one that they made. Unfortunately I had left my cane back at my table.  Otherwise I might have been able to use it to butt in and get some food.  By now I was exhausted and discouraged.

          Then I saw somebody walk by with a hot dog.  At that point even a hot dog even looked good.  I saw that they were at a grill in another location so I was able to get one.  Besides the chocolate milk, it was the best thing that I had there that day. 

          That was enough for me.  It was an adventure and I had had enough of the rude crowds.  I don't ever intend to go back to Shady Maple no matter what deal they have on our birthdays.  Yoders is a much better choice for us!

          Oh yes, when we left it was pouring outside.  And maybe that was an appropriate ending to this experience.
          Bu† there is one "buffet" that I do look forward to.

1.     Jesus has a table spread

Where the saints of God are fed,

He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine";

With His manna He doth feed

And supplies our every need:

Oh, 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."

2.    The disciples came to land,

Thus obeying Christ's command,

For the Master called unto them, "Come and dine";

There they found their heart's desire,

Bread and fish upon the fire;

Thus He satisfies the hungry every time

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."

.

3.     Soon the Lamb will take His bride

To be ever at His side,

All the host of heaven will assembled be;

Oh, 'twill be a glorious sight,

All the saints in spotless white;

And with Jesus they will feast eternally.

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine." 

Here We Go Again!

          It's that time once again - the beginning of fall.   As I've said many times before, this is my favorite time of the year.  I look forward to the cooler nights, the changing colors of the leaves and especially the football season.  High school football began last weekend, this weekend it is college football and soon the official NFL season will begin.

          Football has been a part of my fall experiences almost all of my life.  In elementary school I played little league football.  But I was never as good as my dad who played in college and my brother who starred at Warwick.

          In high school I was part of the band and we marched and played at all of Warwick's games for six years.  That was fun.  As a senior I also ran the concession stand at football games.  I made all the purchases and planned for the staffing, without any school advisors helping.  And we made out very well financially.  It was a great lesson and experience in leadership and business practices for me.  I also worked for the local newspaper and wrote two weekly columns, one of which was "Spotlight On Sports".

          In college I worked for Susquehanna's public relations department and did all the statistical collection and reporting to the NCAA for both the football and basketball teams.  Both teams did very well and this was a great experience for me as well as a way to reduce my college expenses.  During those years James Garrett was head football coach and Susquehanna had exceptional teams.  He was the father of the present head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. It was fun to travel with a winning team, especially when we flew to our games.

          After graduation I was given the opportunity to return to writing for newspapers.  The Lancaster Sunday News hired me to cover high school football games each Saturday.  I did that for over 25 years.  Again, it was fun and a good source of extra money when we were living on what was then a very small teaching salary.

         Traditionally I have had three favorite teams during each football season - the three P's - Penn Manor, Penn State and Philadelphia Eagles.  Unfortunately, seldom have all three teams won the same weekend.

          When I came to Penn Manor in 1963 they did not have football even though they were one of the largest schools in the area.  That was hard for me to work in a situation where football wasn't part of the program.  A fellow teacher who had played at Hempfield felt the same as I did.  We were both advisors to the Spirit Club and we decided to start a petition drive in the community and that is what actually eventually started football at Penn Manor.

          Over the decades since then, the high school football teams have had a rocky journey.  Only during three different periods have they had winning teams.  In fact, my brother who coached at Warwick, created a "crying towel" that the losing brother was to receive each year at Christmas.  It became a permanent possession of mine and eventually I just "retired" it.

          One of their most successful runs came just a few years ago when they finally began to make it to districts.  They had impressive teams during those years and were fun to watch once again.  Then their excellent coach resigned to work on his doctorate.  He continued teaching there but never returned to coaching there.  However, a few years later he was offered the head coaching job at a neighboring private school.  He took that job and has turned that team into a consistent winner.  Meanwhile, Penn Manor has had trouble winning games.  And from what I hear, that trend will continue this year.

         My favorite team is Penn State.  For many years we traveled to most home games - often securing our tickets on the road to Happy Valley.  We posted our need for tickets on our car window and usually somebody would stop us and sell us tickets at face value.

         But a few years ago they changed their handicapped parking area and with our growing physical problems it became more difficult for us to get to and from the stadium. So we have now chosen to stay at home and watch on television.  It's more comfortable that way, but we do miss being there. I don't know how they will do this year.  Once again, they are young, especially on offense, although they've had two excellent recruiting classes.  I would predict a 7-5 season but hope it might be better.

          Finally, I continue to follow the Eagles.  They've had a good run lately and could have another good season unless their quarterback gets hurt once again.  Then it could be a rough year.  Time will tell.  But they've been fun to watch.

          So here we are once again - the start of a new football season.  The good news is that all three of my teams start once again with a clean slate.  The bad news is that these next few months will pass too quickly.  Then comes the snow and ice.  Ugh!

Is Dad Smiling? (LB)

LOOKING BACK - A repeat of a blog that I first published on March 3 2010

          When we purchased the property for our new church it included an oval for riding horses and a large building that had once been a stable for horses which were raised and trained there. The oval was where our new building was built. The stables was dirty and in bad shape, except for the walls and foundation. It was suggested that someday this would be a good place for a youth center. 
          Many volunteers shared in gutting and cleaning up the inside. A new roof was put on to protect it. An architect was hired as was a former missionary construction worker. The big problem was how to finance this since over $500,000 would need to be raised. The congregation was encouraged to start building when a number of businesses and a foundation made large donations for the youth center. 
          Work was begun and a magnificent building emerged. The finished product contains a large meeting area with the very latest in sound and projection equipment, a kitchen and a large eating area which is even equipped with booths from a former local restaurant, a large classroom, a fully equipped game room, modern bathrooms, large storage areas for church and children's ministry supplies, and a huge garage for storing our vans and doing other maintenance work. Many churches would love to have such a building for their church , not just for a youth center. 
          Because of what it was originally, it has officially been named the Stables Youth Center. It is now used for all youth events as well as receptions, parties, meetings, and all sorts of gatherings. It is beautiful, modern, and very functional. But there was one major problem - finances. The campaign to raise money from businesses faltered and fell way short of its goal. As a result, the church had to take out a large note to pay for it and this placed a very heavy burden on the congregation with the already heavy mortgage for the new church. But my father had the vision and fully supported this project. His one desire was to see this note eliminated as quickly as possible so that the congregation could concentrate on reducing the mortgage. Over $4,000 was needed each offering just for the church mortgage. The Stables note was in addition to this. 
          Well, dad didn't live long enough to see his desire fulfilled – elimination of the note on the Stables. But when he died we tried to honor his desire by designating that all memorial gifts received would go to reducing the note on the Stables. There were numerous gifts received the first month after his death but several others continued to come in during the next year. This brought the total of memorial gifts in dad's memory to $20,270 and this reduced the note on the Stables to less than $2,000! PTL! And, with a few more memorial gifts later the note was finally be retired by the end of March. 
         This was so exciting. Dad would be thrilled. The Lord has been so good and we are so thrilled that, even in death, the Lord has used my dad's life to provide another landmark in the history of our church. His influence continues to impact the ministry at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, in Lancaster, that he helped found in 1950. 
         I wonder if dad knows about this new development and if he does, I am sure that he has a big smile on his face.

(1) To God be the glory, great things He has done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

(2) O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

(3) Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Time for School

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Heavenly Father,

Today, we pray for our grandchildren as they transition to a new school year. Let them be courteous, cooperative and respectful of their teachers and classmates as they take part in classroom activities and discussions. Let them approach their studies, especially difficult material, with determination; let their creative juices flow. Broaden their understanding of mathematics, languages, history, science and fine arts, and give them the ability to apply this understanding to everyday experiences. Let them be willing to ask for help when they need it.

Let them be lifelong learners, who have eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to understand and hearts to discern whatever is true, honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Amen.

*********************************
Abba Father,

We pray for the upcoming school year. Please give the administrators and teachers discerning hearts and minds as they prepare to open the doors on a new year. Let them be wise stewards of the resources at their disposal. Let them make prudent decisions about schedules, curriculum and room assignments. Let them create an environment that is safe, nurturing and conducive for learning.

We also pray for our grandchildren as they prepare to meet this year’s teachers, juggle busy schedules, tackle tougher subject matter, renew old friendships and make new ones. We pray they step into the new year, confident that You are with them—strengthening them, helping them and upholding them with your righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10, paraphrased).

In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Amen.
*****************************

Heavenly Father,

Our grandchildren’s parents are busily preparing for a new school year, purchasing clothes and last-minute school supplies, arranging carpool and planning lunches. Some breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that routine will soon return to their homes. Others wipe away tears, as their children, our grandchildren, take another step toward independence.

Today, we pray for these dedicated parents. Please ease their minds as they sort through the gamut of emotions they are experiencing. Let them know that they can cast their anxiety on you, because you care for them (I Peter 5:7).

Protect them from becoming enslaved to overly busy calendars and unrealistic expectations. Give them the ability to discern what is important and to cast off as rubbish the things that are not. Encourage them to embrace the adventures, challenges and opportunities, which await them. And help them encourage our grandchildren to do the same.

May they “forget what lies behind (the old school year) and strain forward to what lies ahead (the new school year), let them press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

****************************

Lord Jesus,

We find ourselves in a battle for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. The battle isn’t “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Ephesians 6:12). Forgive us for the countless times we’ve attempted to handle this battle alone.

Cover us in the mantle of your love. Cloak us in your armor, securing it in place with the belt of your truth. Safeguard our hearts against the world’s depravity with the breastplate of your righteousness. Shod our feet to stand firmly for your gospel of peace. Protect our minds from Satan’s lies with the helmet of your salvation. 

In all circumstances, show us how to use your shield of faith to extinguish Satan’s fiery darts. Show us how to disarm all forces of evil with your sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). 

Urge us to be persistent in prayer, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). 

And remind us, with every breath we take, that the victory has already been won. For you are the victory!

In your Name, we pray.

Amen.

***************************

Father God,

Today, we pray about our grandchildren’s walk with You. Please plant their feet firmly on the path of life. “Direct (their) footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over (them)” (Psalm 119:133). 

Let them walk with You as Noah did, blameless and with singleness of heart. Teach them your way, so they may walk in Your truth; unite their hearts to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11, ESV, paraphrased).

And when they stumble, as we all do, please uphold them in the strength of Your saving grace.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, who, by the way of the cross, is the path.

Amen.

********************

LORD Jesus,

We pray our grandchildren will become confessing Christians. Let them “believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27), who came into the world to save sinners. Let them, acknowledging that they “have gone astray and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:26). Let them repent of their sins and return to You. Please wash them in your blood, clothe them in your righteousness and anoint them with your Holy Spirit. 

“For to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

In Your Name, we pray.

Amen.

(Submitted by Sherry Schumann)

Life's Choices

          Recently I have been having trouble with my eyes and this has limited my daily Bible reading.  So I decided to invest in a large print edition - usually for old people like me - and I also chose to go with the New Living Translation which I find very readable.  This has been a great decision and I have enjoyed getting back to some reading once again.

          I decided to start reading from the Psalms and Genesis.   My readings took me to Abraham and his obedience to God.  I was reminded once again how Abraham obeyed God, leaving his home and journeying far away, not knowing where God would lead him.  What faith he exercised.

          And his obedience led to a life of amazing blessing.  But what would have happened if he had chosen to stay?  One thing is sure, he would have missed God's amazing blessing.

          This made me think about my life and my choices.  Throughout the years I have had to make many decisions.  What might have happened if I had made other choices?

          In high school I had to decide where to go to college.  I was looking for an engineering program which I realize now would have been a terrible choice for me.  Instead I chose Susquehanna University where my dad had gone and had taught.  It had the advantage of being a school with a good reputation, a small student body where I could get plenty of help, and a location near many of my relatives who lived jusr across the river in Sunbury.  It provided me with a good church where my grandfather was pastor.  It was the right choice and if I had not made that choice I would have missed out on one of the most important blessings of my life - meeting my wife.

          A few years later I had to find a place of employment. I was invited to interview for math positions at Hershey, Donegal, Elizabethtown and Penn Manor and I was offered a teaching job at all four.  Choosing was very hard because my wife and I had both had lived in Elizabethtown and we loved the town.  She had also lived in Mt. Joy where Donegal is located.  But for a variety of reasons we chose Penn Manor.  Again, right decision.  As it turned out I was there for 39 enjoyable years and had many special opportunities to minister there.  I often wonder what might have happened if I had made one of the other choices.

          During my second year of teaching I received a call and a job offer from a former professor/friend of mine who had left Susquehanna to go to Wagner College as head of public relations.  He needed an assistant to work on the sports publications and he wanted me.  That was very tempting because I  loved doing that and had many years of experience working with four different newspapers.  But it would have meant moving my family to Staten Island and after much prayer we felt that this was not the best thing for our family.  That was a tough but a good decision.  However, I often wonder where that choice might have eventually led us.

          After three years of teaching at Penn Manor I was promoted to Department Chairman and I enjoyed the additional administrative duties.  I had many contacts with area schools and over the years, two of them, Ephrata and Manheim Twp., interviewed me and offered me jobs in comparable positions in their districts.  I was flattered with their offers but came to realize that I was actually much better off where I was.  But I wonder what might have happened if I had made another choice.

          As I was nearing retirement I began to think about working as an administrator in a church.  But most churches wouldn't consider me because I did not have a Bible school education.  However one church did seem to want me.  Their pastor said he would like to have me on his staff.  The head of the selection committee asked me to propose a job description, which I did.  Then I was invited to a breakfast meeting with the elders where I thought I would be offered the job.  However, I was stunned when they told me that they didn't want me - no reason was given.  And they suggested that I consider creating a new position working independently with area churches and their children's ministries.  But they offered no help or finances and I knew from my experience that such a position was not needed since other ministries were already doing this.  And when the meeting was over nobody from that church ever followed up with me to see how I was doing with their suggestion.  They were done with me. Going with them would have been a very bad choice,

          It was the only time in my life that I was turned down for a job and I admit that I was stunned and very disappointed.  But the Lord was working.  What I didn't know was at the very same time the state legislature was working on a surprise major change to the retirement system.  As it turned out, teaching another year increased my retirement pension so much that I really did not need to take another job when I retired.  PTL!

          I guess another major decision came later when I had to decide to retire.  I hatred leaving a job which I loved, but I knew it was time to do so, and it was.

          I thank the Lord for His leading in so many important decisions during my life.  I might not have been as important as Abraham, but I know God was with me. Truly I can say, Jesus led me all the way.

(1)    He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!

Whate'er I do, where'er I be

Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(2)    Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, over troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(3)    Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(4)   And when my task on earth is done,

When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Up, Up And Away

          Over the years I've taken two years of Latin, two of French and two of German.  But, unfortunately, I no longer can speak or even read any of these languages, even though I did earn the credits which I needed for each of these.  I do admire people who are fluent in several languages.  Now the only language I am somewhat fluent in is English.  But I am told that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn.  And here is an example of one reason that is so.
          A two-letter word has a hundred completely different meanings. So what is this stuff about English being easy?
          There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meaning than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP."
          It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we waken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
         At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?
         We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.
          At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
          To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
          And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
          We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.
          We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
          To be knowledgeable of the proper uses of UP, look UP the word in the dictionary. In a desk size dictionary, the word up, takes UP almost one-fourth the page and definitions add UP to about thirty.
          If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
          When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for a while, things dry UP.
          Now many years ago when my grandfather was a pastor in Bethlehem, the morning after Halloween he discovered that his gate was missing from the back yard.  He searched all over the neighborhood but couldn't find it.  Then he saw a young boy and he offered him a reward if the boy could locate it.  the lad said, "Look up".  And he did.  And there hanging UP in the tree was his gate.  And as a result, one of my grandfather's favorite expressions was "Keep looking UP."    And his life modeled that of one who looked UP to the Lord rather than at the difficulties around him.  And that is a good lesson for us to learn.    
         So one could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so I'll shut UP!  And, oh yes, "Keep looking UP"!

1.    Often I've watched the clouds up in the sky,
Always I've heard they were many miles high;
Then as they sailed out of sight far away,
I said, I'm going far higher someday,

Chorus
I'm going higher, yes higher someday,
I'm going higher to stay;
Over the clouds and beyond the blue sky,
Going where none ever sicken or die;
Loved ones to meet in the "Sweet by and by";
I'm going higher some day.


2.    Men sail the ocean, or soar through the air,
Scarce can the nat'ral eye see them up there;
Some seek for fame which so soon will decay;
I'm going higher, yes, higher someday.

Chorus


3.    Moses went up in a mountain and prayed,
Glory came down while alone there he stayed;
But he came back, he just went there to pray,
I'm going higher, yes, higher someday.

Chorus


4.     Often my soul has been lifted above,
Lost in the ocean of God's mighty love;
Though I am higher than once, still I say,
I'm going higher, yes, higher someday.

Chorus


5.    Soon will the Saviour appear, bless His name!
Someday this earth will be all wrapped in flame;
Then as I see the fire mounting on high,
I'm going higher, beyond the blue sky.

Chorus