We had a very good day this last Sunday. It was a good turn-out and there was a great spirit among our people. Visitors commented about how friendly everyone was. I want to thank all of you who reached out to our guests and contributed in some way to make it a special day.

When a lion tamer holds a stool in front of the lion's face, the lion tries to focus on all four legs of the chair at the same time. With its focus divided, the lion becomes confused and is unsure about what to do next. What the four legs of a stool do to a lion is what stress does to individuals.

I remember once when my older son had one of his friends over to spend the night.  For the occasion, I promised my boys I would bring home a movie to watch.  My choice for the evening was "Brian's Song."  As I watched this movie with them for what seemed like my 20th time to view the film, again my eyes welled-up with tears as the story moved to its dramatic conclusion.

From a pastor's perspective, you know it is going to be a bad day when: 

. . .  You finally remember the name of that person you promised to visit in the hospital - while reading the obituaries. 
. . .  You can't find Obadiah while leading a Bible study. 
. . .  In the pulpit you notice your sermon notes this week are from last week's sermon. 
. . .  The youth pastor urgently asks you about the church's liability insurance. 
. . .  The couple you married a year ago calls to ask about a warranty. 
. . .  You are elected Pastor Emeritus - and you're only twenty-eight. 

Larry Olsen in Outdoor Survival Skills describes a man lost in the desert: "He has been out of food and water for days.  His lips are swollen, his tongue is swollen, he's all beat up and bloody. Some of his bones are almost peeking through. He has been scraped and beat up by the cactus and sand and sun.

After Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus called him forth from the grave. When he came out, he was still wrapped in his grave clothes. At that point, Jesus instructed those standing near him to unbind him and set him free. 

Most people dream of a world of ease. We long for a life of perfect comfort with minimal trials. What is really dangerous for Christians are those momentary exemptions - our intermittent relief from trials can make us think that maybe it will always be that way. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

During the Boer War (1899-1902), a man was convicted of a very unusual crime. He was found guilty of being a "discourager." The South African town of Ladysmith was under attack, and this traitor would move up and down the lines of soldiers who were defending the city and do everything he could to discourage them.

During one of our summer vacations, we ventured up to northern California to see the giant sequoia trees which are unimaginable in size.  These trees are so big that you can actually drive a car under the base of some. I am sure you have seen pictures of them.  From the first glance you think, the roots of these trees must grow deep in order to hold up such a magnanimous tree.

In the spring of 1608 the settlers at Jamestown, Virginia discovered gold.  At least they thought they did.  They almost abandoned any efforts at planting crops, preparing buildings, and readying themselves for winter.  They had found gold and devoted themselves to steadily digging out and washing the precious metal.  The colonists probably would not even have survived the summer and fall if the Indians had not fed them.