Muller Miscellany From The Archives

George Muller and J. Hudson Taylor have impacted my life more than any other individuals. Their lives of simple faith in the promises of God (from His Word) launched me into a "faith" ministry that has seen God provide in remarkable and miraculous ways over these 30 plus years. That doesn't mean that I don't sometimes worry. I still haven't conquered that giant in spite of Peter's invitation to cast all our worries and anxieties on a faithful God. (1 Peter 5:7)

Here's another Muller "post" from my archives. Read it and be challenged afresh. I was.

As you know George Muller is one of my heroes. His life of complete dependence on God has inspired many over the years. Maybe few people realize how much Muller influenced another great man of faith, J. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, now known as the Overseas Missionary Fellowship.

Muller undertook to support Taylor and many other missionaries with the China Inland Mission back in the 1800's.

Muller wrote a letter which accompanied his generous gifts to these missionaries. Here's what he wrote to these servants of the Lord on one occasion:

"My chief object is to tell you that I love you in the Lord; that I feel deeply interested about the Lord's work in China, and that I pray daily for you. I thought it might be a little encouragement to hear of one more who felt for you and who remembered you before the Lord. But were it otherwise, had you even no one to care for you, or did you a least seem to be in a position as if no one cared you you, you will always have the Lord to be with you. Remember Paul's case at Rome (2 Timothy 4:16-18). On Him then reckon, to Him look, on Him depend; and be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. An older brother who has known the Lord forty-four years, who writes this, says to you for your encouragement that He has never failed him. In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but, because I was enabled by His grace to trust in Him, He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His Name."

- George Muller

Let's learn to trust Him wholly..."for those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true."

J. Hudson Taylor From The Archives

Today I was listening to Hudson Taylor's favorite song (see the lyrics at the end of this article). The hymn reminded me to implicitly trust the Father in spite of the circumstances around me.

I've dug up one of my earlier "posts" concerning this giant of a man who opened up China to the gospel.

Here's that post:

All of us have heroes! Even though much of my time is spent with professional and amateur athletes, most of my heroes are godly men and women who have faithfully served God in some type of ministry. Missionaries, preachers, authors, hymnwriters and teachers are among the most respected and loved people who have impacted my life. Godly saints like Amy Carmichael, George Muller, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, D. L. Moody, Ira Sankey, Isobel Kuhn, Elisabeth Elliot, Marion Loney, my mother and father and others. J. Hudson Taylor who left England to carry the gospel to the millions in China has had a profound influence on my life. Often I've tried to pattern my beliefs, way of life and values after Hudson Taylor's but lately I've been challenged by the words of one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Skoglund (see the link to her site on the left side of mine). She writes, "In all accuracy it should be stated that Taylor lived in an economy different than ours. Additionally one must glean from great lives principles of living rather than strict dogma. Furthermore, it is dangerous to become a carbon copy of anyone." Elizabeth has encouraged me, by this quote, to pattern myself after Jesus Himself and be a unique individual, not a "carbon copy".

Two of Taylor's quotes have given me much food for thought over the years though. They are:

"God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply."

"Move men, through God, by prayer alone."


J. Hudson Taylor 1832-1905

Hudson Taylor's favorite hymn:

"Jesus! I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy bounty fills my soul
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole."

In My Office and On Her Blog

Debra posted this painting by Bill Saunders on her As I See It Now blog. We must have similar tastes because I have the same picture on my office wall. I've always appreciated Saunders' work and often find myself walking down the streets and roads in my mind's eye, enjoying the homey neighborhoods and the small town "feel". Good choice of a picture, Debra! I'll have to take a photo of the wall behind my desk so my readers can see how the picture looks above a bookcase!

Attractive Drabness IX

Debra posted this photo on her As I See It Now site. I think this shot qualifies for my Attractive Drabness series, becoming #9 in a list of dull but delightful pictures. Isn't God good!!!

Unity, Liberty and Charity

If only we could operate and think this way there would be fewer fights in our churches over trivial matters.

So, dear friends, let's unite in the essential areas, allow liberty to govern the non-essentials and in all other matters, let's be charitable. Sometimes this is difficult to do but we need to present a united front to the unbelieving world.

Just a thought...

C. T. Studd and The Cambridge Seven

Some quotes by C. T. Studd:

"We Christians too often substitute prayer for playing the game. Prayer is good; but when used as a substitute for obedience, it is nothing but a blatant hypocrisy, a despicable Pharisaism… To your knees, man! and to your Bible! Decide at once! Don’t hedge! Time flies! Cease your insults to God, quit consulting flesh and blood. Stop your lame, lying, and cowardly excuses. Enlist!"

"Christ’s call is to save the lost, not the stiff-necked; He came not to call scoffers but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels, churches, and cathedrals at home in which to rock Christian professors to sleep by means of clever essays, stereotyped prayers, and artistic musical performances, but to capture men from the devil’s clutches and the very jaws of Hell. This can be accomplished only by a red-hot, unconventional, unfettered devotion, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Lord Jesus Christ."

"When we are in hand-to-hand conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil himself, neat little Biblical confectionery is like shooting lions with a pea-shooter; God needs a man who will let go and deliver blows right and left as hard as he can hit, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Nothing but forked-lightning Christians will count."

"Forward Ever, Backward Never!"

"Some wish to live within the sound of
Church or Chapel bell;
I want to run a Rescue Shop
within a yard of hell.”

More about C. T. Studd by Stephen Ross

Charles T. Studd was a servant of Christ who faithfully served His Saviour in China, India, and Africa. As Alfred Buxton in the forward to the book intitled C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer by Norman Grubb states:

“C.T.’s life stands as some rugged Gibraltar - a sign to all succeeding generations that it is worth while to lose all this world can offer and stake everything on the world to come. His life will be an eternal rebuke to easygoing Christianity. He has demonstrated what it means to follow Christ without counting the cost and without looking back.

C.T. was essentially a cavalry leader, and in that capacity he led several splendid charges. Three in particular stand out: when C.T. and Stanley Smith led forth the Cambridge Seven to China, in 1885; ten years later when C.T. toured the American Universities at the start of the Student Volunteers; and when in 1910 he initiated the campaign for the region between the Nile and Lake Chad (the largest unevangelized region in Africa at the time)…”

As a soldier of the Cross, C.T. is remembered for “his courage in any emergency, his determination never to sound the retreat, his conviction that he was in God’s will, his faith that God would see him through, his contempt of the arm of the flesh, and his willingness to risk all for Christ.”

Charles Thomas Studd was born in England in 1860, one of three sons of a wealthy retired planter, Edward Studd, who had made a fortune in India and had come back to England to spend it. After being converted to Christ during a Moody-Sankey campaign in England in 1877, Edward Studd became deeply concerned about the spiritual welfare of his three sons and influenced them for the cause of Christ before his death two years later.

By the time C.T. was sixteen he had become an expert cricket player and at nineteen was captain of his team at Eton College. He was further educated at Trinity College, Cambridge where he was also recognized as an outstanding cricketer.

C.T. was saved in 1878 at the age of 18 when a visiting preacher at their home caught C.T. on his way to play cricket. “Are you a Christian?” he asked. C.T’s answer not being convincing enough, the guest pressed the point and C.T. tells what happens as he acknowledges God’s gift of eternal life received through faith in Christ: “I got down on my knees and I did say ‘thank you’ to God. And right then and there joy and peace came into my soul. I knew then what it was to be ‘born again,’ and the Bible which had been so dry to me before, became everything.” His two brothers were also saved that same day!

But there followed a period of six years in a backslidden state. C.T. relates: “Instead of going and telling others of the love of Christ, I was selfish and kept the knowledge to myself. The result was that gradually my love began to grow cold, and the love of the world began to come in. I spent six years in that unhappy backslidden state.” The Lord in His goodness worked in his life and after a serious illness of his brother and his going to hear D.L. Moody the Lord met C.T. again and restored to him the joy of His salvation.

“Still further, and what was better than all, He set me to work for Him, and I began to try and persuade my friends to read the Gospel, and to speak to them individually about their souls.”
“I cannot tell you what joy it gave me to bring the first soul to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have tasted almost all the pleasures that this world can give … but those pleasures were as nothing compared to the joy that the saving of that one soul gave me.”

The Lord continued to work in his life, and led C.T. to go to China. C.T. seeking to comfort his mother wrote: “Mother dear, I do pray God to show you that it is such a privilege to give up a child to be used of God to saving poor sinners who have never even heard of the name of Jesus.” C.T. was one of the “Cambridge Seven” who offered themselves to Hudson Taylor for missionary service in the China Inland Mission and in February, 1885, sailed for China. Once there, they followed the early practice of the Mission by living and dressing in Chinese fashion. He and the others began at once to learn the language and to further identify themselves with the nationals by wearing Chinese clothing and eating with them.

It was while in China that C.T. reached the age (25 years old) in which according to his father’s will he was to inherit a large sum of money. Through reading God’s Word and much prayer, C.T. felt led to give his entire fortune to Christ! “This was not a fool’s plunge on his part. It was his public testimony before God and man that he believed God’s Word to be the surest thing on earth, and that the hundred fold interest which God has promised in this life, not to speak of the next, is an actual reality for those who believe it and act on it.”

Before knowing the exact amount of his inheritance, C.T. sent £5000 to Mr. Moody, another £5000 to George Muller (£4000 to be used on missionary work and £1000 among the orphans); as well as £15,000 pounds to support other worthy ministries. In a few months, he was able to discover the exact amount of his inheritance and he gave some additional thousands away, leaving about £3400 pounds in his possession.

Three years after arriving in China, C.T. married a young Irish missionary from Ulster named Priscilla Livingstone Stewart. Just before the wedding he presented his bride with the remaining money from his inheritance. She, not to be outdone, said, “Charlie, what did the Lord tell the rich young man to do?” “Sell all.” “Well then, we will start clear with the Lord at our wedding.” And they proceeded to give the rest of the money away for the Lord’s work.

They served the Lord together in inland China through many perils and hardships until in 1894 after ten years in China, ill health forced the Studds to return to England, where they turned their property over to the China Inland Mission.

From 1896-1897, C.T. toured American universities in behalf of the newly formed Student Volunteer Movement. C.T. describes one of the meetings at Bucknell College in Pennsylvania:

“Had a splendid student’s meeting at 6:30. The Lord was greatly with us. After some hymns and a prayer, I spoke for about 30 minutes; then all got on knees, and one after another gave themselves to God in such sentences as ‘Lord, take me as I am,’ ‘I will go with Thee, Lord Jesus.’ There must have been a score of them. Oh, surely that is the sweetest music that can ever be heard by any ears, and if sweet to us, how much sweeter to Jesus. Afterwards I got them to sing a hymn:
“The cleansing blood I see, I see,
I plunge, and oh, it cleanseth me.”

In 1900 the Studd family went to South India where C.T. served as a pastor of a church in Ootacamund for six years. From the time of his conversion, C.T. had felt the responsibility upon their family to take the Gospel to India.

China, then India, and now the heart of Africa. After their return home to England in 1906, C.T. was stirred by the need for missionary pioneer work in Central Africa. But again the path was not without obstacles. Penniless, turned down by the doctor, dropped by a Committee of businessmen who had agreed to support him, yet told by God to go, once more C.T. staked all on obedience to God. As a young man he staked his career, in China he staked his fortune, now he staked his life. His answer to the Committee was; “Gentlemen, God has called me to go, and I will go. I will blaze the trail, though my grave may only become a stepping stone that younger men may follow.” Leaving his wife and four daughters in England, C.T. sailed, contrary to medical advice, for the heart of Africa in 1910, where he continued to work until his death in 1931.

C.T. bore much fruit for the Saviour while in Africa as he endured weakness and sickness; loosing most of his teeth and suffering several heart attacks; but he endured hardness as a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ!

In a letter home, C.T. gave a last backward look at the outstanding events of his life:

“As I believe I am now nearing my departure from this world, I have but a few things to rejoice in; they are these:
1. That God called me to China and I went in spite of utmost opposition from all my loved ones.

2. That I joyfully acted as Christ told that rich young man to act.

3. That I deliberately at the call of God, when alone on the Bibby liner in 1910, gave up my life for this work, which was to be henceforth not for the Sudan only, but for the whole unevangelized World.

My only joys therefore are that when God has given me a work to do, I have not refused it.”

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on a July day in 1931, C.T. Studd went home to be with His Lord whom he had loved so dearly and served so faithfully! The last word he spoke was “Hallelujah”!

Source: Worldwide Missions - Missionary Biographies

Peterson's Choice of Words

Note: When I posted this on Friday morning, September 8th, it was placed out of sequence for some unknown reason. The "post" that this one is refering to is above this one on the list. Sorry for the confusion. I'm not sure what's going on at BLOGGER. I'm still having trouble posting pictures. Are you?

Look at the title of the previous post...The Unforced Rhythms of Grace. What does that mean to you? What was Eugene Peterson trying to convey?

Here's my 2 cents worth:

Unforced - Not contrived, not achieved by personal, individual, finite effort, not programmed, not selfishly initiated, not worked at for personal gain. That's a lot of negative "nots". So what is the positive side of unforced? Unforced means originating in the heart, mind and purposes of God and given freely without any requirement on our part. Graciously extended because of God's love.

Rhythms - The free flow of everyday life with its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountain peaks and deep valleys or, as a pastor friend of mine used to say, "the daily vicissitudes of life". There really IS a rhythm to life if we would only slow down and take our hands off the controls.

Grace - The gifts and blessings of God extended to His children because of His unconditional, undying love for us. Grace is what we get that we don't deserve. Grace is what God lavishes on us when we think He should withhold from us due to our sin, stubbornness and rebellion. Grace is what is forthcoming from the hand of God when we least expect it. Grace is activity of God reaching out to the needs of man offering what we didn't deserve due to our sin but we receive because of Christ's death which He didn't deserve.

Now somehow try to put all of that together. Difficult isn't it! Let's avail ourselves of the Father's offer and joyfully enter into the "unforced rhythms of grace". How about it?

Dusk At David's Place

This evening I ventured outside again, anxious to catch the moon as it rose in the eastern sky. The elm trees around here are gradually dying from Dutch Elm disease but this one looked picturesque with the moon shining through. Light shines through darkness, life shatters death's shackles and Almighty God, the Giver of Life is still alive and on His throne.

I'm so grateful, as I've mentioned often, that He displays His handiwork so freely and graciously. All we need to do is look up and acknowledge that the Creator has done all things well. AMEN!

The Pilgrim Pathway

When we bought our home back in 1994 I cut several paths through the woods and the brush in the back "forty". We love walking back there and enjoying the wildness of the terrain.

Last summer I cut another path (see photo) through to the creek that runs across the corner of our lot. We actually have about 10 feet of creek that we can call our own. Wow!

I'm reminded of a verse from the hymn, When We All Get To Heaven:

"While we walk this pilgrim pathway
Clouds may overspread the sky;
But when trav'ling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh."

Take the Father's hand and let Him lead you along the "Way"! He will bring you to your desired haven. Trust Him!

Butterfly Beauty

What an exciting way to end the summer...watching the Monarch butterfly finally break loose from the chrysalis and spread its wings. Here are some more photos of this incredible life change. We got thinking about what we witnessed. If we had tried to "help" the butterfly get free from its chrysalis, it would have died. God had to do the work in His way and in His time.

All too often we think we can "help God out" and we end up making a mess of things. If we would only yield to His control and trust Him with everything.

We also were reminded that God can take a life that is scarred with sin and outwardly "ugly" and by His transforming power make that person into a "new creation", beautiful in His sight.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Dusk Delight

Every evening I take a walk outside our home to enjoy the wonderful spot that the Lord gave us twelve (12) years ago.

Here's a photo of the western sky at dusk. I made me think of the old hymn that goes something like this:

"Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh;
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky."

We are so blessed with the scenery here!

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself in Creation. The heavens declare Your glory. We see evidence of Your mighty power all around us. May we ever be grateful for all that you lavish upon us daily. You are a Great God and worthy of our praise! AMEN!

The Niagara Falls Sandwich

Last Saturday I took our boys Matthew (11) and Nathan (10 this Wednesday) to Niagara Falls. Our trip to the Falls was sandwiched between visits with two young men that I've enjoyed mentoring and encouraging over the last year or so.

On Friday afternoon we met with Nathan Betts (photo on the left) who I met at The Rogers Centre as one of the grounds crew members for the Toronto Blue Jays. Nathan is a solid brother in the Lord and recently took a position with Lakemount Worship Centre as interim youth pastor. In 10 days Nathan will be leaving for England to spend a year at Oxford University on an all-expenses paid scholarship. We wish Nathan God's richest blessing as he continues to prepare himself for service for the King of Kings.

On Saturday evening following our time at Niagara Falls (we didn't even see the actual Falls) we stopped to visit David Shantz, the Peterborough Petes' #1 goaltender last season. David was drafted by the Florida Panthers and signed with them on May 31st. He's leaving for training camp in a day or two. David, as well, is a fine, young Christian man!

The exciting thing about these two young men is that they both took our sons under their wings and befriended them. Matthew and Nathan love them both.

What was the highlight or our Niagara trip? You guessed it! Nathan Betts and David Shantz. Please pray for these two friends.

P. S. Now I have a legitimate reason to fly to England this year. I've been waiting since I was a young boy. I want to visit Bristol where George Muller established his orphanages. Visit my George Muller site.

Now That's A Picnic!!!

Norm Clements, founder of National Sports and driving force behind the Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation (check link), throws a humdinger of a picnic every August. This year's affair was no exception. Two years ago Norm (a good friend) invited our family to attend. This year we chartered a bus and brought the Dreamplayers along from Peterborough. This is a group of young adults with various challenges who meet weekly for much of the year to practice for their dramatic presentations and musical revues.

We all had a great time!

Here are a few photos from the picnic at Norm's place north of Uxbridge including one of Norm greeting Tamara (who lives with us) as she got off the shuttle bus. All the food, fun and games were FREE! Wow! We had a great time!

Be sure to check out the site for the Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation. Jennifer is Norm's granddaughter who died when just a little girl.

Thanks, Norm, for caring for those who often are forgotten and pushed aside! And...thanks, Nancy Clements, for being a good friend and a very supportive wife! We love you both!

HELP!!!

Is anyone else having trouble posting pictures on your blog? I've been trying all day and when the photo is ready to appear, I automatically go offline and I lose it. Anyone have any answers for the frustrated pilgrim?

"Count it PURE joy, my friends..." That's what James exhorts us to do.

Missing My Dad

This is one of those days when I'm missing my father. Forty-seven (47) years ago today dad and I took our soap box racer to the Peterborough Soap Box Derby which was held on Labor Day every year. We had just built a state-of-the-art car and I won the Senior Championship that afternoon. I still have a picture somewhere of the memorable event.

I often go to a web site for the Jefferson County Community College in Watertown, New York and read about the scholarship that was named in dad's honor.

Even though the Fishercast plant in Watertown had to close, here's what was written a number of years ago concerning dad:

The Chester W. Fisher Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, created by the employees of Fisher Gage Inc.(now known as Fishercast), in Watertown, New York, was established to recognize a great leader.

Jim Fisher said his father 'was a man who cared about people, life, family and the church. To know him was to know a gentleman. His influence was deeply felt.'

This award, which was started in 1992, is given to a hard working, well-adjusted Jefferson Community College student in the second year of study. It is open to all students.

Chester W. Fisher was born in Birmingham, England, on May 5, 1922. A year later his family immigrated to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Apprenticing as a tool and die maker, a tradition among the men of his family, he began work at Canadian General Electric in Peterborough. He worked for the company for many years and held several management positions. In 1955, Mr. Fisher and his brother, William F. Fisher, formed a partnership, establishing Fisher Gauge Limited in Peterborough, Canada. (Note: My uncle Bill acutally founded the company in 1942 and dad joined him in 1955)

As both a shareholder and senior executive of the company, he was engaged in establishing the Watertown, New York, branch in 1964. Subsequently, his involvement in creating Fishercast in Watertown made the company a leading manufacturer of a small precise zinc alloy die casting in the United States.

During his many trips to Watertown from Peterborough over the years, he started a special relationship with his Watertown employees. To them, he was more than an executive of Fishercast, he was a friend.

Just as his Watertown employees respected him, so did his Canadian employees. His Canadian secretary Lynda Whitney said, 'Whenever I'd introduce Ches as my boss or supervisor, in his quiet manner he'd say, I am Lynda's co-worker.' Chairman Todd Wilcox added this: 'It has been my privilege to observe this high-principled man, a model for all who aspire to further the happiness and well being of others.'

Mr. Fisher's humanitarianism extended to friends and strangers. The list of organizations he served is extensive and includes church and missions, businesses, social service agencies, and educational, environmental and arts councils.

Chester W. Fisher died May 15, 1992.

Intelligent Design = GOD

We recently found a chrysalis and brought it into the house to watch God do His work of transformation. The following is an entry from the Wikipedia site regarding this metamorphosis:

A chrysalis (Latin chrysallis, from Greek χρυσαλλίς = chrysallís, pl: chrysalids) or nympha is the pupal stage of butterflies. The term is derived from the metallic gold-colouration found in the pupae of many butterflies referred to by the Greek term χρυσός (chrysós) for gold.
The chrysalis stage in most butterflies is one in which there is little movement. However, some butterfly pupae are capable of moving the abdominal segments to produce sounds or to scare away potential predators. Within the chrysalis, growth and differentiation occur. The adult butterfly emerges from this and expands its wings by pumping blood into veins. This sudden and rapid change is termed the metamorphosis and in this particular case is called complete metamorphosis (see also holometabolism and hemimetabolism). With moths, sometimes the chrysalis is itself contained in a protective silk case called a cocoon.

An old term synonymous with chrysalids is aurelia from which is derived the term aurelian for one who studies the emergence of butterflies from chrysalids.

Our granddaughter Victoria (14) took this picture showing the final stage of this change. By the looks of things, the butterfly is about to spread its wings and shout, "Look at me now! Remember that ugly caterpillar? I'm a new creation now!"

Who says there's no "intelligent

design"? I know that there is and I know the Designer personally through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. He's the Creator God and He does incredible things. Hallelujah!

Note: Shortly after posting this, the butterfly burst out of its chrysalis. Fortunately Carol saw the chrysalis begin to break apart and we watched in awe as the butterfly made its grand entrance into the outside world. After letting its wings dry for about an hour, we took it outside. We will post more pictures when BLOGGER quits acting up. We have one of Matthew holding the butterfly about 6 hours after it broke free.

The Rat Race

Here's another of those heart-probing challenges from Dr. A. W. Tozer. As I've said in the past, "If the shoe fits, let's wear it." That includes me too. - David

Living at a Fever Pitch

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:23

"We live at a fever pitch, and whether we are erecting buildings, laying highways, promoting athletic events, celebrating special days or welcoming returning heroes we always do it with an exaggerated flourish. Our building will be taller, our highway broader, our athletic contest more colorful, our celebration more elaborate and more expensive than would be true anywhere else on earth. We walk faster, drive faster, earn more, spend more and run higher blood pressure than any other people in the world.

In only one field of human interest are we slow and apathetic: that is the field of personal religion. There for some strange reason our enthusiasm lags. Church people habitually approach the matter of their personal relation to God in a dull, half-hearted way which is altogether out of keeping with their general temperament and wholly inconsistent with the importance of the subject."

Taken from Of God and Men, 3-4.

"Lord, revive my zeal for things of God. I get caught up in the fever pitch of so many things. Help me to set my priorities right and give myself more completely to enhancing my relationship with You. Amen."

A Simple Request...

What would I value the most from you, my faithful readers?

Your prayers are of the utmost importance these days.

Thank you in Jesus' strong name for standing with us during this present trial.

He is walking with me each step of the way and will lead us all the way "home".

Thanks for praying and for joining me on the journey "home". The load seems much lighter when others come alongside and help carry the burdens.

Unfailing Love...Can We Even Imagine That?

God's unfailing love is something I can't understand. It's beyond me!

Just like His mercy and His grace, the fact that Abba loves me passionately in spite of my sin is one of those things that will take me all of eternity to understand, to grasp.

Paul, writing to the Ephesians, told them that "it would take the ages to come" to show us the exceeding riches of His grace.

This isn't something we understand overnight. I takes a lifetime plus eternity to fully understand His lovingkindness.

Thank you Father for Your unfailing love. May my love for others be patterned after Your unconditional and unfailing love for me. Grant this O God, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN!

One Of My Favorites

This scripture verse is one of three (3) passages in the New Testament that have encouraged me to stay the course in spite of everything that's going on around me.

God WILL NOT forget our labor of love, done sacrificially in Jesus' name.

The other scriptures???

Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:58

Go ahead! Look them up and praise God that He will reward us in His way and in His time.

Isn't that enough?

Press on, dear friends!

VBS Pictures

Oops, I accidentally posted this picture and I don't know how to delete it.

Maybe Brodie (Hope of His Calling) will help me with this. This picture was taken at Calvary Church where Brodie is the Childrens' Pastor. It was taken during the VBS program.

Usually VBS stands for Vacation Bible School but in this case it's VERY BIG SUPPER.

Sorry, Brodie. I didn't mean to post this.

New Family Members

Last night I added six (6) more links to the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog. Earlier in the week I had placed two new links on the site. I've checked these out and I know some of the bloggers. Please pay them all a visit and tell them that David Fisher from PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS sent you.

Here are those links:

THE HOLY EXPERIENCE OF LISTENING

LIGHT FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL

WINDOWS TO MY SOUL

CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

PRAYING FOR OUR PRODIGALS

A CHELSEA MORNING

SWEET INSPIRATIONS

HIS GIRL

Happy reading, friends! God bless you all richly!

David

Larry Likes Lyndhurst

Last Friday Larry Boy went to Lyndhurst to visit Holly.

Holly couldn't wait for him to sing one of his "Silly Songs".

Larry didn't disappoint. When he started singing the "Lip Song", Holly burst out laughing. Her brother Brock and I joined in.

It was SOOOOOO good to see Holly laughing although it seemed like it hurt for her to do so.

If you haven't caught on to what we were doing, I took several Veggie Tales DVD's to the hospital for Holly to enjoy. The Silly Song that goes like this:

"If my lips should leave my mouth
Pack their bags and go down south
What would I do?
What would I do? ...

had been running through Holly's mind for quite some time and when we heard it...it really made us all laugh.

Here's the latest update from Holly's father, Ken:

Sorry it has been some time since I gave you an update on Holly’s condition.

God is answering prayers! Holly’s recovery is progressing but very slow. She is feeling good, is mentally sharp, and continues to have a positive outlook. Her rehabilitation is being hampered and limited by the serious wound on her backside where she had surgery. This wound is slow to heal and the plastic surgeon told us a week or so ago, that it may take another two months before it is completely healed. This restricts Holly’s time spent in a wheelchair as she can only sit in the chair, for approx. 1 hour per day, therefore gets only one hour a day of Physio. Just a couple of days ago she finally had the cast removed from her left leg and we had bitter sweet news! Holly can actually move her ankle! This was very exciting news, but the surgeon who had done the surgery, soon brought us back to reality. The break in Holly’s ankle was in an area that receives very little blood flow, thus making the healing process slow and also iffy. The surgeon said that there is only about a 50-50 chance of this break healing properly. If it does not, the alternatives are bone graft, or fusing the ankle. As you can imagine this was rather devastating news as we just saw Holly move her one ankle (her right ankle has no movement) and now we hear that it only has a 50% chance of staying that way and may ultimately have to be fused. This would seriously affect her ability to learn to walk again. PLEASE PRAY that her ankle will continue to heal and that she will continue to have the use of it as this is a critical step toward her ability to learn to walk again. This week Holly will be fitted for her own personal wheel chair, which she is actually kind of excited about as there are many options to personalize it, including color. Who knows what she will come up with as Holly has always been one to “push the envelope” a little.

Please also pray that Holly will maintain her positive outlook, as this means so much for her healing process.

Thanks for your continued Prayerful support!

Ken, Gail and Family

The Great Shepherd

Click on this link for "an audio visual experience"!
God truly is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep and cares for His own. He is the Shepherd of Love.

May you be enfolded in His everlasting arms today! AMEN!

Decently and In Order

Just wondering...

Have any of you had trouble posting your entries lately? Often, when I post, my latest "offering" appears below an earlier entry on my blog (like this one just did). Is there any way to ensure that my latest post will appear at the top?

Thanks for any feedback that you can offer.

Tribulation worketh patience and my patience bucket is now overflowing.

Opportunity to Increase Readership

Dear Blogging Buddies:

I've created a ready-made invitation to encourage your faithful readers to visit PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. This can be easily posted on your blog (if you wish).

You can paste the "html code" when creating a new "post". In an effort to reach more readers, I thought this might be a way to acquaint some of your blog's visitors with my PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS site.

Thanks for your consideration and, if you post this on your site, I will be very grateful. To receive the html code, please e-mail me at:
dwfisher@nexicom.net Thanks!

Working together to share God's GOOD NEWS!

David

Here's what the "post" will look like:

David Fisher, of the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog, invites you to drop by for a visit. David has spent the last 30 years ministering to professional and amateur athletes. For 29 years he served as the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and for the last 10 years has been ministering to the Peterborough Petes hockey club. David is the founder of Epistle Sports Ministries, a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes in all the major sports. David has sensed the call of God to encourage fellow believers for many years. For 15 years David owned and operated the Christian bookstore in his hometown. David has a deep love for Christian literature and often features reviews of life-changing books on his site. He has a heart for World Missions and has been significantly impacted by such leaders as J. Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot and Amy Carmichael. He writes devotional posts and often shares “the best of other blogs” on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. Pay him a visit and, if you enjoy what you see and read, please add the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS link to your blog. May the Lord bless you richly and make you a blessing to others! "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

An Invitation

David Fisher, of the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog, invites you to drop by for a visit. David has spent the last 30 years ministering to professional and amateur athletes. For 29 years he served as the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and for the last 10 years has been ministering to the Peterborough Petes hockey club. David is the founder of Epistle Sports Ministries, a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes in all the major sports. David has sensed the call of God to encourage fellow believers for many years. For 15 years David owned and operated the Christian bookstore in his hometown. David has a deep love for Christian literature and often features reviews of life-changing books on his site. He has a heart for World Missions and has been significantly impacted by such leaders as J. Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot and Amy Carmichael. He writes devotional posts and often shares “the best of other blogs” on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. Pay him a visit and, if you enjoy what you see and read, please add the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS link to your blog. May the Lord bless you richly and make you a blessing to others! "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

LIFESTORIES

This morning I picked up a new book at our local Christian bookstore, Emmaus Family Books.

Authored by Mark Hall, lead singer and songwriter of CASTING CROWNS, the book tells the story behind many of this award-winning singing groups songs.

As I'm a little old-fashioned and behind-the-times in some people's minds, I must confess that CASTING CROWNS' music and the testimonies of their members has always impressed me and blessed me.

Their songs hit home and have a stirring message. Mark Hall is the youth pastor at a large Baptist Church and has had an effective ministry both at the church and on the road with CASTING CROWNS.

Even though I haven't cracked the book open yet, I'm recommending it based on the integrity of this group and its members.

That's saying a lot. As you know, I'm an avowed Southern Gospel nut and would choose a George Beverly Shea concert over a Hawk Nelson any night.

If you haven't heard CASTING CROWNS, pick up a CD at your local Christian bookstore and enjoy "The Voice of Truth".

Enjoy the Heat

Enjoy the heat today...winter's coming and it could look like this outside. If you're feeling too hot today, take a look at this picture, pour a glass of cool lemonade and thank God for the changing seasons...here in the far north at least.

Summer and winter, springtime and harvest...

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS...

Note: The larger picture of the two was taken from the Created For His Glory web site. Please check it out!

Quietly Sovereign

Good friend Stephen Weber sends along the lyrics to the following hymn. He has been blessed by this hymn and now I have been as well. I've never heard it before but I know the tune so I quietly sang it this morning. Be sure to check out Stephen & Brooksyne's Daily Encouragement Net and have a good
day.


God Of The Ages
(Tune of "Morning Has Broken")

God of the ages, History's Maker,
Planning our pathway, holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy all that concerns us.
Father, we praise You, Lord of the past.

God of this morning, Gladly Your children
Worship before You, trustingly bow.
Teach us to know You always among us,
Quietly sovereign Lord of our now.

God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer,
Princes of darkness own Your command.
What then can harm us?We are Your people,
Now and forever kept by Your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, help us we pray.
Teach us to trust You, love and obey You,
Crown You each moment Lord of today.

Daily Prayer:

God, You are supreme in our hearts. In adoration we worship You as we trustingly bow and lovingly surrender to You. Teach us to know You, as Your presence is always among us, working in Your quiet sovereign ways as You rule the affairs of Your people. AMEN.

Welland Sunset

Lately when I try to post a picture on the Pilgrim Scribblings blog, I get more frustration than satisfaction.

The sunset taken by Terry (Teresa) down in the Welland, ON area "took" on my first attempt. Hallelujah!

Keep taking those excellent photos, Terry, and thanks for your comments.

Have a good and godly week, trusting the Good Shepherd every step of the way!

And, by the way, I DID NOT take the shot of the bald eagle in my Saturday post. I'm not that quick and not that good with my camera yet. I'm working on it though!

MARANATHA!

Pluto's Plight

Pluto, the push-up puppet, has become Pluto, the pushed-out puppet (see picture), as he was unceremoniously removed from his rightful place in space.

Greg Asimakoupoulos has penned an excellent poem about Pluto's tragic fate.

Poor Pluto! Who's going to get the boot next?

RHYMES AND REASONS

The Tribe Has Spoken
The plight of a has-been planet
by Greg Asimakoupoulos
August 28, 2006

It's kind of Goofy, but it's true.
In spite of what we thought we knew,
ol' Pluto isn't worth his bark
way out there deep in space.

This is no Mickey Mouse-ish ruling.
All those textbooks from our schooling
have been rendered out-of-date.
The dog has been dethroned.

The tally proves he's no Survivor.
Pluto's torch has lost its fire.
The tribe has spoken and the pup's
been voted off for good.

So as you stargaze late at night,
remember "facts" aren't always right.
When science dines on just desserts,
sometimes it's humble pie.

This column appears every Friday only in The Partial Observer.
This article was printed from www.partialobserver.com
Copyright © 2006 partialobserver.com.
All rights reserved.

For The Birds

What a morning! It really was "for the birds!"

While eating my Mini-Wheats I watched hummingbirds, goldfinches, blue jays, orioles and cardinals coming to our feeder and birdbath.

As I was leaving for the "transfer centre" which is really THE DUMP, a hawk flew overhead and then, seconds later, a great blue heron passed over the trees.

While unloading "junk" at the dump, a bald eagle flew over, chasing a hawk with a fish in its mouth. It was the first time I've seen a bald eagle in the wild and it looked incredible.

Earlier, while Carol and I were still in bed, we heard a different bird song than we've noticed before. The bird would make about eight (8) short calls and then let our another eight or so in quick succesion. Any bird watchers out there that can help us with this?

God has given us so many things to enjoy! Let's pause to thank Him for His creative work and power. AMEN!

The Missing Jewel

The renowned writer/preacher, Dr. A. W. Tozer, wrote a searing indictment of Christians entitled, "WORSHIP, the Missing Jewel of the Evangelical Church."

John MacArthur refers to worship as the believer's "ultimate priority".

Tozer goes on to say, “In the majority of our meetings there is…
- scarcely a trace of reverent thought
- no recognition of the unity of the Body
- little sense of the “Divine Presence”
- no moment of stillness
- no solemnity
- no wonder
- no holy fear

So how do you feel about his assessment? Is he "right on" or was he exaggerating?

Personally, I feel that I've lost much of the sense of awe and wonder that I once had. Worship at times has become too commonplace thus making it counterfeit and without value. Jesus is desirous of "true worshipers" who worship Him in Spirit and in truth". (John 4)
This week I penned a few lines as I lamented the lack of awe and wonder in my own experience:

“Lost in wonder, awe and beauty
While upon Your face we gaze;
May the glory of Your presence
Draw from us a song of praise.

Waiting here in solemn stillness
As your people seek Your face;
Quiet, reverent, sober, resting
In the warmth of Your embrace.”

My prayer is that I (and all the Body of Christ) would rediscover the missing jewel of worship and, as Ravi Zacharias writes in a recent book, Recapture the Wonder.

May it be so for His name's sake! AMEN!

Beilgard's Brewers

This morning I flew back from Milwaukee, WI after spending a couple of great days there with some good friends.

I arrived early enough on Tuesday evening to catch most of the Brewers/Rockies ballgame and then visited with Gabe & Kelly Gross briefly after the game.

On Wednesday morning I had breakfast with Wayne Beilgard, the Baseball Chapel leader for the Milwaukee Brewers. In addition to his responsibilities with the ballclub, Wayne stays in touch with the other 29 major league chapel leaders, encouraging them and providing liaison between them and the President, Vince Nauss. It was great to spend time with "Wayno" as he calls himself.

Gabe & Kelly invited me for lunch at The Original Pancake House in Brookfield, WI. What a meal! I'll post a photo of them outside the restaurant as soon as I get it formatted properly.

Miller Park, the Brewers' ballpark is a great stadium (see photos). It has a retractible roof...a good thing because it poured rain last night.

Gabe asked if I could stay with the team longer because he started both games in left field and the Brew Crew beat Colorado in both of those contests. I know that my presence didn't mean a thing but...

Please pray for Corey Koskie, another former Blue Jay now playing with the Brewers, as he makes his slow recovery from a concussion suffered earlier in the season. Thanks!

Blogging Blunders

Scroll down to the Beilgard's Brewers post. 75% of the time two pictures are missing. The other half of the time they're there. I always DID struggle with math.

If anyone can figure out why this is happening, you're a better man or woman than I am.

Any suggestions? I'm frustrated...

The Path Less Traveled

Last weekend (up on the Eagle's Nest), Nathan took off on "a path less traveled".

Got me thinking...

Do we follow the crowd on the broad road or do we take a risk and forge our own trail through the brush and briars?

What path are you taking? Follow the Good Shepherd wherever He leads.

He is the the only Path to redemption and hope!

Eagle's Eye View of Tim's

Last Sunday we took the boys and Tamara, the young lady we provide care for, up to the Eagle's Nest in Bancroft. We had just dropped our granddaughter Victoria off at Graphite Bible Camp, north of Bancroft. Using my 12X Zoom I was able to get a close up of Tim's. This Tim Horton's is a gold mine. It's always busy!

Here's a shot of Matthew & Nathan standing on the lookout and one of Tamara.

Check it out sometime. The view is incredible, especially in the fall.

Gabe & Kelly Gross

Here's that photo of Gabe & Kelly Gross that I was trying to post earlier.

I had some trouble posting pictures and editing text today. Thought that was all solved when I went with BLOGGERbeta.

Oh well...I'll keep trying to perfect this blogging art (???).

Wonder if our Creator gets frustrated when He tries to continue the work He has begun in us. We keep thwarting His efforts through our stubbornness and disobedience. Just a thought!

Holly's Hope Re-visited

This afternoon Nathan and I dropped in to Lyndhurst Rehab Hospital in Toronto to see my niece Holly.

She finally got the cast off her leg/ankle. It's hard to believe that two months have passed since the horrific car accident.

Nathan wanted to give Holly his little stuffed lion with magnets in its legs because she already had a collection of these in her room. She seemed very pleased to see Nathan and to add another critter to her menagerie.

I'll give a more detailed update later but Holly seemed upbeat and very positive today. Thanks for your ongoing prayers on her behalf. I know that Ken & Beth (Holly's parents) appreciate that so much.

Holly was quite willing for me to take this picture and she knows it will be appearing here on my site. Now that you see this photo it may enable you to pray more intelligently. THANK YOU!

True Consolation

Thank you Saija for this reminder of God's wonderful provision.

God gives joyous consolation in the midst of our anxious moments.

Our loving Father's support during our trials is immeasurably meaningful!

"Thank you Father for undergirding Your children during the storms of life. Teach us to truly hand our anxieties over to You, knowing that You care for us far more than we could possibly imagine. We pray through Your Son Jesus. AMEN!"

BLOGGERbeta

To all my blogging buddies who have been having difficulty posting pictures, etc:

Last night I switched to BLOGGERbeta and things seem much better as far as downloading pictures is concerned.

When you go to your sign in page, you'll likely see a link for BLOGGERbeta. I clicked on it, opened a GOOGLE account and my blogs were all converted to BLOGGERbeta.

Here's a link you can click on for more information.

So far...so good. Check it out!

Have a good and godly day...trusting the God of heaven each step of the journey.

Prayer For Today

My friends, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber have maintained a wonderful encouragement ministry for several years called Daily Encouragement Net.

Now they have added a site which includes a prayer for the day. Check this out at Daily Prayer Net.

Here's a prayer from that site that I found particularly pertinent to my present situation and I've made it "my" prayer for today as I begin the day:

"Lord Jesus, help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. Amen."

May the God of all hope give each of you, my readers, His strength today as you make your pilgrimage home. - David

Proud Parents

Last week I posted an article concerning Eric Staal taking the Stanley Cup home to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Somehow that post disappeared into cyberspace somewhere.

Here's the photo of Eric's proud parents, Henry & Linda. I've met them on numerous occasions and they are such humble, down-to-earth people.

Again, I congratulate the Staal family and wish them God's best in the days ahead!

Seventh Day Dumpists

Yesterday (Saturday) I met a bunch of my friends again at church...a different type of church, mind you, but there's always such good fellowship there. I even met a teller from my bank. It was great to see Kathy at church. Made me wonder what she was "depositing" there.

The Church of the Seventh Day Dumpists hold services between 9:00 and 5:00 on Saturdays. They have meetings other days too but the weekend meetings are always well attended. Yesterday's get-togethers were no exception. There was a excellent turnout. No place to park.

My kids always look forward to going with me. It's such a relief to have children who can't wait to go to church. Invariably they get something good out of it and bring it home with them. Why yesterday I even brought home a new Bible for my collection...The New English Bible.

I often see more of my neighbors at our Saturday church than I do on our road. We meet there and always say, "We should get together for coffee." But, we never do.

The Seventh Day Dumpists have been around for quite awhile. Perhaps you've never heard of this denomination. Perhaps the Dunkers or the Doukobors but not the Dumpists.

The patron saint of the Dumpists, Father Seymour Trash, once said, "I count all things as refuse..."

This church has become a little unorthodox though. Rather than talking about redemption we refer to it as recycling. There are big bins where we can get rid of stuff and a big ol' shed where we can pick up old golf clubs, New English Bibles and old 10" televisions from 1956.

Hopefully by now you've guessed that I'm speaking about out weekly trips to the dump or, as the more cultured people call it, the transfer centre. I always meet friends there. That's why I asked Carol not to buy the genuine maple syrup that comes in glass bottles that look like Crown Royale whiskey decanters. I just hate to see my neighbors, with poor eyesight, judging me for drinking too much.

The fellowship there is always great! The kids love attending! There's always something for everyone! You can get rid of your "junk" and start over again!

Great reasons for being a Seventh Day Dumpist...I think.

On a more serious note, many families in Third World countries actually live at or on the garbage dump. This is the only food, shelter and clothing they can find. Missionaries in many countries carry on their ministry of mercy at these disease-infested places, reaching out to the people who live there with God's love and compassion. God forbid that we should carry on living so comfortably with all our "stuff" while others beg for a crumb of bread on the garbage heaps of poverty stricken countries.