Blessed

I have been blessed by two different visitors since returning late Tuesday.  Both came some distance to spend time with me.  Friend Mark came here from out of state to interview for a potential job and drove an extra 2+ hours out of his way to spend a special block of time with me yesterday.  We had a delightful time together and I so much appreciate his encouragement and challenge.  Close friends are so very important in our lives, even at this stage!  It was very special having Mark here to bounce many thoughts and Ideas around and have God use him to reevaluate some specific areas of my life…Iron sharpening iron in motion!

Yesterday I read about David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and once again was amazed at the power of a young man standing against the giant Goliath, who was around 9’ tall.  David must have had his hands full commuting back and forth between his brothers who were in Saul’s army and tending his father’s sheep.  That must have been quite amazing seeing David confront huge Goliath with only a sling and a bag of pebbles.  Only with God’s guidance did that pebble hit its mark and bring the giant down.  It was interesting to me how his brothers became angry with him for stepping forward rather than exercising love and concern for their younger brother.  I especially like the faith and testimony of David as he warned the Philistine; “…I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have denied.”  (17:45)  To me, that was another reminder that anything is possible with God when in accordance with His will. 

I trust that your week went well and that the upcoming weekend will be a tremendous blessing as we celebrate Palm Sunday and reflect upon all that was accomplished by Jesus on the cross for us!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Obedience and Trust

The book of Judges certainly is an interesting study of leaders and the pitfalls that they succumb to.  Of around a dozen judges mentioned in the book, Deborah and Gideon appear as two of the best.  Looking at their preparation and gifting, I believe that most would not have predicted that they would be at the top of the list.  Deborah was a prophetess and a songwriter.  Gideon, a timid man with unimpressive credentials started out cowering in a winepress to avoid being seen by the Midianites.  Ultimately Gideon and his army that was reduced to around 300 men won the battle with the Midianite army that was 135,000 strong.  An unbelievable task considering the odds, that was only accomplished by his obedience and faith in God.  An amazing account of God bringing victory out of what humanly speaking appeared to be certain defeat!  

On the other hand there is the history of Samson, a man with unbelievable physical strength, dedicated to God from his birth ending up on the trash heap so to speak, a failure and dishonored.  Turning what was great potential into a great moral collapse.  It is certainly a vivid reminder that it is not the gifting, ability or strength that brings about success.  That results from obedience and trust in the Lord.

Later in the week I will be driving up to our Charlotte office.  I will spend some time with grandson Justin in South Carolina, and with friends in the Concord area while there.  It will be a bit of a quick trip this time but good to be able to catch up with a few people along the way.  Your prayers are always a tremendous blessing!

Have a wonderful week!

Chuck

Fun Time

The trip to Hilton Head with the family was a special event, but unfortunately Keith had to make two trips for interviews to both Boston and Florida.  On his return from Boston, his flight ended in Charlotte due to fog on the coast and he had to rent a car to return that night.  We had a bit of rain and cold weather but plenty of games to keep us occupied when it was not ideal beach weather.  We all especially enjoyed biking on the beach and the two youngest, Ella and Sophia rode along in their trailer.  It brought back fond memories of my pulling grandson Gavin in a trailer and his continual reminder to me “stay on the road Bop” when one wheel would “accidently” slip off the edge of the pavement.

Today I was reading about Samson in Judges 14.  It is a tragic reminder of the danger in not obeying the Lord.  Samson had amazing potential to serve his Lord but spent most of his life fulfilling his own passions and desires.  It seems almost unbelievable that he would do such a thing after his upbringing and his experiences of having “The Spirit of the Lord come powerfully upon him” on several occasions.  What a tragic ending to finish his life blinded and bound.  Certainly a good reminder at all ages to finish well and to encourage those around us to do likewise. 

Let's be certain not to take God's blessings for granted!

Chuck