A letter written in a childish scrawl came to the post office addressed to "God." A postal employee, not knowing exactly what to do with the letter, opened it and it read: "Dear God, my name is Jimmy. I am 6 years old. My father is dead and my mother is having a hard time raising me and my sister. Would you please send us $500?" The postal employee was touched...

There is a Persian proverb that sounds more like a tongue twister than sound advice.

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him
He who knows and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.

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.