Strength and Hope

We've all heard the stirring lyrics to the powerful hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness time and time again. Yet I'm convinced that, for any child of the King who is walking with Him, these words never become commonplace. I pray that they don't!

Driving home this morning from my night shift job at Christian Horizons I was enjoying a radio program of old hymns of the faith. I had taken one of the back roads home, taking in the beautiful scenery and reveling in the Father's love.

To be honest, I was dreading the day when we leave our present home for the last time, bid farewell to neighbors and friends and the place we've called "home" for 14 years and begin afresh in a different location. We have so many fond memories of our place here in Cavan. As I was thinking of that tearful day (in a few weeks) when we say "goodbye", Steve Green began to sing Great is Thy Faithfulness.

The words "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow" gripped me. As believers in Jesus Christ and soldiers of the cross we have the assurance that a sovereign God will provide all the strength we need for today and bright hope for tomorrow which will anchor our souls.

We have been blessed beyond measure as the Father has lavished His love on us. Regardless of what tomorrow may bring, we have the promises of God and that is all we need.

Today, if you are dreading your "tomorrows", abide in His love, rest under His wings and know that He cares for you and will give you whatever you need.

"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. - Hebrews 6:17-19a (NIV)

Sweating Christians

Here's another challenge from A. W. Tozer. When did you last sweat in a church service from what the preacher had to say?

"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37

Tozer writes:

I preach to my congregation week after week. And I pray that I may be able to preach with such convicting power that my people will sweat! I do not want them to leave my services feeling good. The last thing I want to do is to give them some kind of religious tranquilizer-and let them go to hell in their relaxation.

The Christian church was designed to make sinners sweat. I have always believed that, and I still believe it. The messages preached in our churches should make backslidden Christians sweat. And if I achieve that objective when I preach, I thank God with all of my heart, no matter what people think of me.

taken from Jesus Is Victor!, pages 61-62.

"Lord, help me to preach with boldness, not concerned with 'what people think of me.' Amen."

Gabe Wins It

The following news item appeared on the Sports Spectrum's THE DAILY. Each day I click on the link on the right hand column of PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS to get Sports Spectrum's THE DAILY written by Dave Branon. Check it out!

Here's the scoop on my friend GABE GROSS:

Getting to the heart of what matters in life -- in the words of an athlete in the news.

TODAY'S FEATURE:

GABE GROSS, Tampa Bay Rays

BIO NOTE: Gabe's dad, Lee, played in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Colts.

RECENT NEWS: On any other year, being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays would be a step into baseball oblivion. But not anymore--at least for now. Now it means playing for the first place team in the American League East. Yes, the Rays are ahead of the Red Sox, the Yankees, and the whole division. And a lot of the credit goes to Gross. He singled off Mariano Rivera in the 11th inning in St. Petersburg Tuesday night to send home the winning run and push the Rays into to top spot in the East.

FAITH QUOTE: "God takes care of the sparrows, and He makes sure they have what they need. How much more important are we than those. I know that He's going to take care of me in whatever situation I'm in. As long as I put Him in first place and serve Him first, everything else will fall in place." - Sports Spectrum

Globe and Mail Obitiuary

Yesterday Canada's national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, carried a story about my Uncle Bill (pictured) who passed away just before Easter. Here's the link. I was surprised when a pastor friend of mine told me last evening that he had seen it in the paper.

I'm always thrilled when an article or a friend mentions my father, Chester W. Fisher. He was a great man who went to be with the Lord on May 21st, 1992.

Earthly Mindedness

One of my favorite, thought-provoking blogs is Nathan White's Shepherd the Flock. Nathan (pictured) never fails to stir me up and challenge my thinking. Be sure to check out his site. A quote in a recent post by Puritan author Jeremiah Burroughs caused me to think deeply. Slowing wade through Burrough's quote and ponder his prognostications.

Here's that quote:

“For example, suppose a man or woman has troubling thoughts about the things of the earth [Material goods or needs]. It may be that, by their inordinate thoughts, cares, and affections about some earthly things [anxiety], they contract much guilt [about being anxious]. Yet after this, perhaps, God gives them that earthly thing [that they were anxious over]. Now when they have it, if they have any light in their consciences, their convicted consciences will then reflect thusly: “I have this indeed, but do I have it with the blessing of God? I have it in my custody, but I got it dearly; it cost me such thoughts and cares and affections [such sinful anxiety]. Now I have it, but I cannot say it comes out of God’s love. I rather fear that God has given it to me in His wrath because I got it in such a way.” - Jeremiah Burroughs from "A Treatise on Earthly-Mindedness"

Light

This incredible photo and the accompanying text appeared on my friend Ann Voskamp's Holy Experience blog recently. I just had to share it.

Truly the light is sweet,
And a pleasant thing it is
For the eyes to behold the sun... ~ Ecc. 11:7

"Father, today I pray for eyes to behold the radiance of Him who is our only Light...."

Losing the Library

For years I vowed I would NEVER get rid of any of my books. My library had reached 4,000 volumes and I valued my books above any other possession.

But circumstances change. We had to downsize. We've sold our home and will close the deal on our "other" place in three weeks. It is much smaller and, consequently, books had to go. Ouch! This has been a painful realization.

For the last three Saturdays we have held a garage sale at my mother's home. The proceeds are going towards the Missions Trip to Belize that eight young people from our church are planning for late August. Our granddaughter Victoria is one of them. I went through my library several times, culling volumes from it that I
convinced myself I could live without.

We had several tables filled with books at the garage sale and sold hundreds of them. I estimate that I took at least 1,200 volumes to the sale. We raised over $2,000.00 for the missions trip but I'm grieving the loss of much of my library. Most of my books are at my Peterborough office now and I'm determined that none of them will succumb to our downsizing.

Each time a delighted customer walked away with dozens of "my" books, paying only a pittance for them, I cried inwardly.

Life goes on though and perhaps we will own a home before I die with a huge library with floor to ceiling oak bookshelves.

Dream on David!

Happy Mothers Day

56 years ago my mother led me to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. She is still going strong, loving the Lord, praying for others and writing letters of encouragement as she has done for years.

Last Monday (May 5th) would have been dad's 86th birthday. Tomorrow (May 12th) would have been mom & dad's 64th wedding anniversary. It will be 16 years on May 21st since dad was called "home" after battling cancer.

So...May is quite a month for mom. We pause today to thank her for her life and testimony and pray that God will give her many more years of fruitful service for Him.

THANKS MOM!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:28-31 (NIV)

Oprah & Eckhart...A Dangerous Alliance

In an earlier post I waxed poetic and mentioned Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle. Tolle seems to be the latest new age practitioner that Oprah has latched onto. It's scary because Oprah has such a widespread influence. When she puts forward someone's ideas that are contrary to scripture, millions could potentially be guided away from the Truth, Jesus Christ, and into the quagmire of falsehood.

Donald Whitney (pictured) is an author who I respect. He has written about the errors that Eckhart Tolle is presenting as truth in his book A New Earth.

Check this link to read Whitney's review and then make a decision on the side of Truth.

Jesus Christ IS the ONLY Way! He said it! That's the Truth!

Old Hat

Do you recognize this baseball cap? I certainly do! For many years I was the chapel leader for the Montreal Expos. I miss those days. Apparently Paul Mackay misses the Expos too. Check out his blog.

Hopefully our Christian experience never becomes "old hat". His mercies are new every morning and the life of a believer in Jesus Christ need never be boring.

Enjoy God's presence today and be sure to remove your cap when you bow before Him.

Finding Leah

Periodically I check out the stats concerning Pilgrim Scribblings on my Sitemeter. It's always interesting to see who is checking out our blog and where they're from.

Today I discovered that Leah (pictured) had made another visit. Sitemeter led me to her blog and I enjoyed what she had posted. It's rare these days to find a young woman who loves old hymns.

Leah posted the lyrics to the great, old hymn Be Thou My Vision. I've included those lyrics here.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Leah, if you read this post, e-mail me so I can write back. Have a great day and may the Lord enrich your life as you trust Him daily.

God bless!

~ David, the Pilgrim

Cherry's Coat of Many Colors

Canadian hockey icon, Don Cherry, has signed on with the American sports network ESPN. Cherry with his garish suits and sports jackets has been a fixture on Coach's Corner on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for years.

We congratulate "Grapes" as does his tailor. More exposure for those crazy suits, shirts and ties although I bet he'll tone down his wardrobe when he appears south of the border.

We'll have to wait and see!

Packing A Punch

What does a young professional ballplayer pack in his carry on bag when leaving for a road trip? Maybe some of them wouldn't want us to know. Others, like Gabe Gross of the Tampa Bay Rays, pull out a book by a long-gone Church of England Bishop, J. C. Ryle, and relate how relevant his writings are.

In this 21st century when much of the Christian publishing fare is "fluff", it's encouraging to know that some of the greatest writers (and preachers) still have a readership. When Gabe showed me the book (pictured) and asked if I had heard of the author, I was thrilled to know what he was reading. The Baseball Chapel leader in Milwaukee where Gabe played before a recent trade, Wayne Beilgard, had given Ryle's book to him.

What does a professional ballplayer pack in his bag? The "cream of the crop" take along books that are life-changing and challenging, books that still pack a punch.

Now you know!

Mistaken Identity

Last night I caught the last half of the Blue Jays' game against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was a last-minute decision and I went out for dinner following the game with Gabe Gross, former Blue Jay, who is now with the Rays. Usually I try to request my credentials at least 24 hours before game time but last night circumstances prevented that.

When I picked up my VIP Pass at Gate 9 my affiliation was listed as BASEBALL CHAPEL. As many of you know, I resigned from BASEBALL CHAPEL over two years ago. Last night I was walking around the "bowels" of the Rogers Centre as DAVID FISHER of BASEBALL CHAPEL instead of DAVID FISHER with EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES. Mistaken identity.

Many people move around, parading themselves as someone they're not. They put on a false front, a phony face. They say they are one thing but in reality they're something completely different.

People pretend to be Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, but they have never had a life-changing, salvation experience where God, by His Son, transforms an individual and gives new life.

What about you? Are you pretending to be someone that you're not! Let's be real! If you're a believer, live like it. If not - I'll pray that you truly become one of His.

Seasons Change...God Doesn't

Thank you Saija for this excellent graphic!

As I read these words, "He changes times and seasons" my poetic juices began to gurgle beneath the surface...

He changes times and seasons
According to His will
He always has His reasons
And they are best but still...

We question things and wonder
Why God allows the pain
The storms, the rain, the thunder
Are meant but for our gain.

The icy cold of winter
Yields to the warmth of spring
Our trials though they seem bitter
Will end and sweetness bring.

God changes times and seasons
And when the pain we've stood
We'll learn the Father's reasons
He planned them for our good!

~ David W. Fisher, May 2008

My Heroes of the Faith

This was an enjoyable exercise making this "old" movie/slide show of some of my heroes of the faith. The song in the background, Hero of the Faith, was written by Roger Bennett who played the piano for the Cathedral Quartet for many years and then founded the group Legacy Five along with Scott Fowler. Roger, no doubt, was refering to Glen Payne (and likely George Younce) who mentored him and encouraged him to get involved in gospel music. Roger, after battling cancer for several years, succombed and is now in the presence of the Lord with his heroes of the faith.

I wish I had a photo of Keith Price who so graciously mentored me. As soon as I receive a picture from his family I will add it to this gallery of my heroes.

Praise God for the Heroes of the Faith who paved the way for us. May we, by God's grace, do the same for others and, as Steve Green so powerfully sings, "may those who come behind us find us faithful." AMEN!

Check out slide.com and make one for yourself. ENJOY!

Happy Birthday!

Today would have been my dad's 86th birthday! Each year I buy a birthday card for him even though he's in the presence of the Lord. I write what I would have written had he still be with us. I seal the envelope and place it in my dresser drawer. Dad passed away on May 21st, 1992 shortly after his 70th birthday.

My good friend David Shantz is also celebrating a birthday today. He turned 22! David, a goaltender who played for the Peterborough Petes 2 years ago, divided his season between the Rochester Americans in the AHL and the Florida Everblades in the ECHL.

Happy birthday to two of my favorite people!

Faulty Assumptions

My friends Stephen and Brooksyne Weber from Mount Joy, PA must have considered my post regarding the Tim Hortons' Drive Thru escapade worth repeating. They included it in their Daily Encouragement today.

Stephen writes:

"Faulty Assumptions"

"But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

David Fisher is a sports chaplain and fellow encourager friend of ours from Canada. Several years ago we met after he stopped by our home and joined us for dinner. He was here for a game when the Toronto Blue Jays played Baltimore. Today I want to share an illustrative experience that David sent us regarding a visit to a Canadian Drive Thru restaurant:

"Recently I was with several family members and we stopped for a coffee at Canada's favorite watering hole, "Tim Hortons". We didn't go into the coffee shop; we went through the famous Drive Thru.

We paused to give the attendant our order and waited for what seemed like an eternity, but nobody was coming on the intercom to take our order. One of us began to murmur and complain using phrases like: "They are awfully slow here." "I've had trouble here before." "There's nobody else in line." "What's the problem?" I added that I had experienced a few "slow" attendants at this particular Tims. The driver was getting very exasperated.

It was then that I observed and realized, much to our chagrin, that we had stopped at the menu board, not at the place with the microphone and speaker where you place your order. We were "barking up the wrong tree" so to speak. We drove ahead a few feet, placed our order and were on our way in moments. Great service...and quick, once we got to the right spot!"

The above illustration indicates that there was some misunderstanding among David's family members. They had drawn the wrong conclusion regarding where to place their order. I have to admit I've made the same mistake at drive through windows, but caught on just a bit quicker than his party! We can so easily draw the wrong conclusions and make faulty assumptions in life.

Chapter 32 of Numbers has some interesting thoughts about misunderstandings and assumptions in human relationships. Let's consider the historical background: the new generation of Israelites is camped east of the Jordan. Leaders from the tribes of Reuben and Gad made a request to Moses to settle and consider as their inheritance the lands east of the Jordan, which were suitable for livestock. Moses initially misunderstood their request, assuming they were attempting to dodge their responsibilities in the conquest of Canaan.

However, the leaders further clarified their proposal indicating that they would indeed be sending their fighting men to assist the other tribes and pledging that they would not return until the conquest was complete. Moses' tone changed with the clarification and he accepted their proposal, but reminded them of the consequences of failing to keep their word in our daily verse. Tracking through the history of the conquest we see they did indeed keep their word and were commended by Joshua for their faithfulness in Joshua 22.

There's a lot of good teaching in this chapter but let me just focus on the initial faulty assumption and reaction by Moses. I believe it typifies situations that occur frequently in life which leads to strife-filled relationships in the home, church, work and elsewhere. When the tribal leaders approached Moses he drew the wrong conclusion, assuming they were not going to do their part. (Perhaps the tribal leaders also erred in not being clearer in their initial proposal.)

Have you ever been like Moses and come to the wrong conclusion? I sure have. Communication and clarification can do a lot to bring healing and understanding in relationships. May God help us today to listen to one another and clarify as needed. And be careful with assumptions, you just may be "barking up the wrong tree!"

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and eager to give the benefit of the doubt to others. We often jump to conclusions that are erroneous due to our own preconceived ideas or based on our past experiences. Give each of us an understanding heart and discerning spirit in our relations with others we intersect with on our daily paths. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Care Packages and a God Who Cares

Today I received another care package in the mail! I was blessed, encouraged and thrilled! Even though this special friend is a Montreal Canadiens fan (so is Paul Mackay), she has been such a blessing to me (and many others) over the last year or so. THANK YOU FOR WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!

She has also blessed Paul Mackay, as I read today. When I read the following comment from her I just "knew" who that blogger was that she referred to...my dear friend Paul.

She wrote:

The second encouragement I have for you dear Pals...is reach out and encourage those around you and you will be blessed beyond measure. Three of my siblings and I put together a package for someone on Pilgrim's blogroll whose blog we really enjoyed. It was a simple package, and I just hoped it would encourage him as his blog had blessed us. It so happened to arrive on just the day when he needed to be encouraged the most, and blessed him. When I read his post about it last night, the tears streamed down my face and they keep threatening to today...who would have thought something so simple would mean so much?! But God used it like we could never have dreamed! "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have opportunity therefore, let us do good to all men, especially them that are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9-10.

For those of you who don't know this, Paul is a border at my mother's home. Due to a variety of circumstances he has not been a mom's for several weeks and has been hanging his hat (Canadiens' hat, I bet) at his own place in Brantford. Paul and I are kindred spirits. We love the same music, we feel the same way about most things and we are great friends.

Please check here to read Paul's blog, Still Rambling, where he mentions the care package he received from our mutual Pilgrim Pal.

God does use bloggers to encourage one another. It has happened countless times with me and I continue to thank Him for this media whereby we can lift those who are downhearted. Pilgrim Pals and Pilgrim Scribblings are making a difference from the comments I receive. Thank You, Father!

Thanks for your friendship, LPP, and Paul. You are both loved!

~ David, the Pilgrim

Note: Please pray for LPP's father and for Paul Mackay. THANKS!

Prepare To Be Opposed

The following thoughts appeared on David Jeremiah's Turning Point online devotional today:

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:3

In 1786, a young Englishman named William Carey raised the subject of world evangelization with a group of ministers. He was reportedly told, "Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid and mine." But he would not be dissuaded. By 1792, he published a revolutionary book on the church's responsibility in world missions and founded a missionary society with several other ministerial supporters. When he prepared to sail to India to preach the Gospel, his wife refused to accompany him, though she eventually agreed.

The resistance William Carey encountered is not unusual. Young David's family resisted his efforts to slay Goliath. Jesus' family and friends thought He was crazy (Mark 3:21). And Paul's friends tried to talk him out of his obedience to God. There will always be opposition against those who desire to carry out God's will for their life.If you have something you want to do for God, prepare to be opposed. If you are being opposed now, commit your way to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Word of God never yet prospered in the world without opposition. Iain H. Murray

Pilgrims Hiking

Yesterday Matthew and I went for a hike. Nathan wasn't able to join us for our usual Sunday afternoon adventure.

We walked down a road (pictured) that we had attempted to navigate last Sunday. The roadside sign advised us that we would drive it "at our own risk" and we decided that the foot-deep ruts in the mud were adequate warning NOT to attempt the ridiculous. Walking was a much better alternative so that's what we did yesterday.

The hike gave me a lot of fodder for future Pilgrim Scribblings posts. The book I'm working on will be entitled "TAKING THE BUMPY ROAD HOME...Pilgrim Scribblings by a fellow pilgrim on the journey home". The road we traveled was certainly a bumpy one...not unlike my life's journey.

In the midst of the dirt, mud, dust and dead leaves we saw new life bursting forth. These small, white flowers (pictured) reminded me of new life that springs forth when a life is touched by and redeemed by our Creator, God.

It was a great pilgrimage and the sense of the presence of God along the path was rich and meaningful.

Prone To Wander

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

~ Robert Robinson

Sad to say, the hymnwriter who penned these lyrics wandered far from the God he loved after the hymn was written. God used a Christian lady who "happened" to be riding in a coach with him to get his attention and point him back to the One he had deserted.

"Father, keep us, as struggling pilgrims, from leaving the path and forsaking the One who redeemed us and calls us by name. Thank You that You are mighty to save and able to keep. We pray in the strong and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord. AMEN."

The Only True God

With so many "new" gods these days, we need to determine where our allegiance lies and stand for truth in the midst of all the perversions.

It's frightening to see how large a following Oprah Winfrey and her latest flavor of the month, Eckhart Tolle, have garnered. Their "cyberchurch" is numbering in the millions.

"Father, give us discernment during these troubled times. May we seek after truth and follow the One who said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and God, the Son. AMEN!"

These random scribblings were born out of my concern:

THE ONLY TRUE GOD

God, we know, is awesome, holy,
Not the god of Eckhart Tolle;
He, the Sovereign, reigns on high,
Those who trust Him never die.

God, we know, is faithful, mighty,
Not the god of Oprah Winfrey;
His Son Jesus died one day
Now He is the only Way.

God, we know, must get the glory
His Word, truth, inerrant wholly;
Trustworthy in every line
How I love to call Him mine.

He, with passion, we pursue,
Not some strange New Age guru,
He's my King, Ancient of Days,
To this God, I give my praise.

~ David W. Fisher, April 27th, 2008

Swamped?

Feeling swamped today? Mired in the mud of a mad busyness? Is that sinking sensation threatening to pull you under? Desperation flooding your soul? The clouds of uncertainty moving in unabated?

I've been there! And, when it seemed like hope had evaporated, God whispered forcefully yet lovingly, "Be still and know that I am God."

Hear His still small voice today in the midst of your crisis. Fall into His arms. Give up your striving and yield every thread of your being to Him. He cares! He really does!

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. " - 2 Chronicles 20:15,17 (NIV)

God Still Provides

If you take note of the comments that readers post on Pilgrim Scribblings you will have read the following testimony. If not, be blessed as you read this current account of God's provision:

A good friend of mine writes:

"I've been learning a lot about prayer from men like Hudson Taylor and George Muller who pursued God and trusted in Him. Prayer, over the last 3 months, has been a focus of mine (or rather of God with me) and I have been blessed incredibly by a new and greater passion for it.

Just today a very cool answer to prayer (akin to the work God did in the lives of Taylor and Muller). I have a friend who is going to Columbia to work among orphans and I wanted to support him. Sunday I asked how much was still lacking. He responded "$200", which I very much wanted to cover. He leaves Thursday, and I could not make the money available by then - however God has blessed both of us!

This morning I received a phone call (very unexpected) from a company in Ajax who wishes to hire me for a Scuba dive. $250 for ten minutes work - cash paid on site! After my expenses, this will leave $200 for the work! (I made no effort on my own to obtain this work and I only do about 8 dives a year in Peterborough, an hour away - God clearly is the provider)."

Yes, God is still Jehovah Jireh - our Provider.

Gabe's A Ray

My good friend Gabe Gross was traded yesterday by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Tampa Bay Rays. I haven't spoken with Gabe or heard from him by e-mail so I don't know what his reaction to the trade has been.

From my perspective I'll get to see him when the Rays come to Toronto for three series this season as he will be back in the American League again. The Brewers have two other outfielders who will be activated this week and Gabe's playing time there would have been reduced. It seems that he would get more playing time in Tampa.

Regardless, Gabe and his wife Kelly have placed their trust in a sovereign God who makes no mistakes and they will continue to let Him lead them and use them for His glory. God bless you, Gabe, as you begin a new chapter!

The Place of Prayer

The following words were penned by one of my favorite authors, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. What a challenge! Too often we shove prayer to the background while carrying on the "important" things of life. Father forgive me for not availing myself of the access I have into Your very presence!

Dr. Lloyd-Jones writes:

"What is the place of prayer in your life? What prominence does it have in our lives?

It is a question that I address to all. It is as necessary that it should reach the man who is well versed in the Scripture, and who has a knowledge of its doctrine and its theology, as that it should reach anyone else. What part does prayer play in our lives and how essential is it to us? Do we realize that without it we faint?

Our ultimate position as Christians is tested by the character of our prayer life. It is more important than knowledge and understanding. Do not imagine that I am detracting from the importance of knowledge. I spend most of my life trying to show the importance of having a knowledge of truth and an understanding of it. That is vitally important. There is only one thing that is more important, and that is prayer.

The ultimate test of my understanding of the Scriptural teaching is the amount of time I spend in prayer. As theology is ultimately the knowledge of God, the more theology I know, the more it should drive me to seek to know God. Not to know about Him, but to know Him. The whole object of salvation is to bring me to a knowledge of God.

I may talk learnedly about regeneration, but what is eternal life? It is that they might know Thee, the only true God in Jesus Christ whom God has sent. If all my knowledge does not lead me to prayer there is something wrong somewhere. It is meant to do that. The value of the knowledge is that it gives me such an understanding of the value of prayer, that I devote time to prayer and delight in prayer.

If it does not product these results in my life, there is something wrong and spurious about it, or else I am handling it in a wrong manner." - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Recently several family members pulled off for a coffee at Canada's favorite watering hole, Tim Hortons. Actually we didn't stop we went through the famous Drive Thru.

We paused to give the attendant our order and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Nobody was coming on the intercom to take our order.

One of us, and I won't reveal which one, began to murmur and complain. "They are awfully slow here. I've had trouble here before. There's nobody else in line. What's the problem?" I added that I had experienced a few "slow" attendants at this particular Tims.

The driver (it wasn't me...or Carol, I might add) was getting exasperated when I observed and realized, much to our chagrin, that we had stopped at the menu board, not the speaker where you place your order. We were "barking up the wrong tree" so to speak. We drove ahead a few feet, placed our order and we were on our way in moments. Great service...and quick!

How often do we park ourselves at God's menu board, where all His blessings and gifts are listed. Instead of moving ahead and thanking Him for what He has given us, we linger and wait, expecting more. Need a fresh infusion of grace, mercy or power? Go to the source of "every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ". Speak to the Father, don't linger at the blessing board.

Background Worship

Our worship of the King should always be at the forefront of our lives but I enjoy listening to Spirit-anointed background music while working at my office desk.

This song (click here), although previously unknown to me, has been a blessing. Check out some of the other hymns and worship songs played so reverently by this organist/pianist.

What's In Your Stack?