The Spirit of Prayer

More powerful words from a man who trusted his God to meet every need:

I live in the spirit of prayer.
I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise.
And the answers are always coming.
Tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered.
When once I am persuaded that a thing is right,
I go on praying for it.
The great point is never to give up till the answer comes.
The great fault of the children of God is,
They do not continue in prayer;
They do not persevere.
If they desire anything for God's glory,
They should pray until they get it.

~ George Muller

Heavy Load

Yesterday we passed a big 18-wheeler flat truck carrying a heavy load (???). I must admit that I took this photo while driving the car but Carol was ready to grab the wheel if we came too close to the truck.

Heavy load? This cargo was no problem for the transport. It gave us all a good chuckle when we saw the toy dump truck chained to the transport.

My mind went to the scripture written by the psalmist. "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you." - Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Often our trials and cares seem overwhelming and we wonder if we will break beneath the load. Why not heed the Lord's invitation to give Him our burdens...our load.

Our cares and concerns, though burdensome for us, will not break Him. They are like a toy truck chained to a mighty transport. Give them to Him today!

Thunder

Our week here at Elim Lodge is coming to a close. Last night we were treated to a dramatic thunder storm. The thunder rattled the windows in our cottage and gave the ground a mighty shake. In the midst of the storm I lay awake with my arm around Nathan (10), comforting him and enjoying the sights and sounds. The Lord game me a poem as I lay there and I got up and write down the words.

Here they are! I trust you will be challenged:

A VOICE IN THE NIGHT

The voice of God thundered in the night sky,
Bringing with it a much-needed rain;
Lightning flashed across the heav’nly highways,
Declaring God’s great glory once again.

Listening as the torrents bathed the parched soil,
A season of refreshing finally here;
O may my hardened heart welcome Thy touch, Lord,
Imparting hope where once reigned doubt and fear.

Renew Your church, O God, send a revival,
A sovereign visitation from on high;
Baptize with fire, give us a holy passion,
Restore our vision, else we’ll surely die.

- David W. Fisher, Elim Lodge, August 24/07

Conferring With the Giants

This afternoon I sat by the lake with two excellent books by my two heroes, men of faith whose lives have shaped mine since I was a young man. My companions were HUDSON TAYLOR'S CHOICE SAYINGS and SPIRITUAL SECRETS of GEORGE MULLER (by Roger Steer).

As I perused the pages, fretting about pressing issues, I sensed a refreshing relief...an assurance that I would be alright, that Jehovah-Jireh would provide. The breeze was brisk, the air cool, raindrops occasionally sprayed on the reader from the leaves of nearby trees. But my heart was warmed.

As I rested there I wrote:

Today I sat with friends of old,

Men of purpose, mighty, bold;

As I mused I was refreshed

Reminded that this present test

Will work for my eternal good

And glory bring to our great God.

I rose determined to press on

Regardless of the raging storm,

Knowing that He will provide

Every pressing need supply;

Today, I may the answer see

But, if not, He'll steady me.

Mighty God, I watch and wait

In Your hands I place my fate,

You alone can turn the tide

Setting fear and doubt aside.

I look to You, naught else will do

Lord, my help cometh from You.

- David Fisher, Elim Lodge, August 23/07

Amy Carmichael

Yesterday I picked up a book entitled Treasury of Prayer...a collection of prayers, prose and poetry from a wide variety of sources...most of them good.

Amy Carmichael is quoted often...thankfully!

Here's one of hers:

THINK THROUGH ME

Think through me, thoughts of God,
My Father, quiet me,
Till in Thy holy presence, hushed,
I think Thy thoughts with Thee.

Think through me, thoughts of God,
That always, everywhere,
The stream that through my being flows,
May homeward pass in prayer.

Think through me, thoughts of God,
And let my own thoughts be
Lost like the sand-pools on the shore
Of the eternal sea.

- Amy Carmichael

Small World

What a small world! On Sunday our son Matthew met another young boy who is staying here at Elim Lodge.

When I asked Caleb what his last name was he quickly replied "Voskamp". I mentioned to him that I check out a web site almost daily that is written by a "Voskamp". He asked if her name was "Ann" and when I responded in the affirmative he said, "that's my mom!"

I have recommended this blog in the past. It's entitled Holy Experience. I've been including a link to Ann's blog under the heading Thought- Provoking Blogs for quite some time. Be sure to check it out. You'll appreciate her work very much!

Note: The picture at the top of this post was borrowed from Holy Experience as was the lower photo of Caleb (left) and his brother Joshua. Wonderful biblical names!

Relaxing...

This week our family is staying at Elim Lodge, a Christian Conference Centre and Conference Grounds where I serve on the board.

Hopefully I'll slow down and relax a bit! Sitting by the lake and hearing the waves lapping against the shore is music to my ears. The week is going far too quickly, sad to say.

All too soon the fall will be here and we'll be back into the hectic routine of school, homework and busy schedules.

"Father, teach me to be still and listen to Your voice. Thank you for the opportunitiy to be away from the noise and hectic pace of everyday life. You are a great God!"

Gabe Is Back

My good friend Gabe Gross is back in the big leagues...with a vengeance. The Milwaukee Brewers recalled him from Nashville earlier in the week and he has gone 5 for 8 since then.

Tonight he went 3 or 4 with a home run. Playing every day with Nashville certainly helped him to get his stroke back. CONGRATULATIONS GABE! I pray that you continue to do well!

STRENGTH & HOPE

The following was posted on our PILGRIM PALS site earlier this week. I've been battling cellulitis again...this time in my arm and elbow. They disconnected me from the intravenous this morning which is a huge relief. I'll continue to take the antibiotics orally for another week. Thanks so much for your prayers!

Good morning, dear ones! I had a good night's rest. Didn't get all tangled up with my intravenous tube. God truly gave me "songs in the night". Now I'm up and preparing to go home for another intravenous treatment. The nurse is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. We'll see.

Running through my mind this morning as I write this post is the phrase, "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow". That's what is ours as redeemed children of God. Nobody can take that away. I'm rejoicing in the truths expressed by Thomas Chisholm in his great hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

Sing it with me today, dear Pilgrim Pals:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Hallelujah! We DO have blessings that cannot be numbered!

Have a good and godly day!

~ David

NOTE: Special thanks to our beloved friend SAIJA for this excellent photo! We love you, dear one!

Musings on Growing Old

North Side of 60

My body's growing older

My hair is fading fast;

There's much less of a future

So much of life has passed.

---

Yet life is so exciting

So much still left to do;

God's strength, I know, will aid me

I love Him so! Don't you?

---

He'll take this aging body

With all its aches and pains;

And use it for His glory

Some losses mixed with gains.

---

So as I journey homeward

With His hand clasped 'round mine;

I'll trust the Mighty Shepherd

And His great plan divine.

---

So join me weary pilgrim

And lean upon His word;

Let's share the old, old story

The greatest ever heard.

---

There is no greater pastime

Than walking with the Lord;

So leave your "things" behind you

He is your Great Reward!

~ David W. Fisher, August 2007

---

Written during a particularly difficult time when things spiritual, physical, emotional and financial were on a collision course. In the midst of the trial, God's mighty hand was revealed in all His glory! Hallelujah!

Mercy Drops...Then Showers

"Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need,
Mercy drops 'round us are falling
But for the showers we plead."

Gabe's Homer Makes Happy Sounds

Our friend Gabe Gross hit his first home run as a Nashville Sounds outfielder last night, giving the Sounds a 1-0 win over the Portland Beavers. Gabe's homer came in the 9th inning.

Hopefully Gabe will be back in Milwaukee before the September call-ups are announced but until then he will continue to thrive on being in the line-up every day.

CONGRATULATIONS GABE, and, "Hi Kelly!"

Pilgrim Song - New Site Launch

Today we launched a new site entitled Pilgrim Song. This site will be a collection of prose and poetry written by David Fisher over the years.

Be sure to check out the brand new Pilgrim Song @ http://www.thepilgrimsong.blogspot.com

Have a great day, dear friends!

Tuned Together or Dueling Pianos?

The following devotional appeared on David Jeremiah's Turning Point site today. Truly, if we are in tune with our Creator, God, we will live in harmony with each other. Idealistic? Yes! Realistic? Can be! Let's strive for that unity in spirit by staying close to the Father. - David

"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshippers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become ‘unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."

These are the words of A. W. Tozer, who clearly understood the importance of fellowshipping with believers in order to keep our minds and hearts turned toward the Lord.

On our own, it is easy to become out of tune and start living a life that is in disagreement with God's standard. But when we surround ourselves with the body of in-tune believers, our ears are suddenly opened, and we hear our need for a spiritual tuning.

"Keep yourself in tune with the Lord by staying in consistent fellowship with other believers. There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them. As the Christian life is, above all things, a state of union with Christ and of union of His followers with one another, love of the brethren is inseparable from love of God." - William T. Ham

Morning Meditations

Gracious Father, I haven't ventured out into a fallen world yet. Before I encounter Your creation I desire to see Your face, hear Your voice and rest in Your embrace.

Today I will face challenges that, without Your enabling grace, would almost destroy me. I can't "go it alone". I need You!

As I linger here in the quietness of the morning, please fill me afresh with Your divine Spirit, Your enabling Presence.

Give me a love for the unlovely. A hatred for all that displeases You. A desire to know You better. And when I lay my head down tonight, may I be able to say, "God, You gave me fresh strength to face every trial. You are a good God. AMEN!"

Refueling

While driving home today I noticed an F18 fighter jet circling close to the airport (and our home). I picked up Nathan and went back to the airport to see if the jet had landed. It had! How exciting! I'm an airplane buff and I'd never seen a Canadian Forces jet at our airport before.

One of the pilots/captains came over to the fence where a dozen or so "flight fanatics" were standing and fielded questions from us. Jameel Janjua and the other pilot, Brandon Robinson, are stationed at CFB Bagotville, Quebec. They were doing manoeuvres and needed to refuel.

Brandon's parents live in the area so he radioed them to say they were refueling in Peterborough. His father is a pilot as well so his parents flew down in their private plane to meet him. They hadn't been together since Christmas.

Nathan and I drove home to get Matthew and my camera. I wanted to watch them taxi and take off. As the plane built up speed, the roar of the engines was deafening. Being a plane buff, and a NASCAR fan (by the way), the sound brought tears to my eyes.

We spoke with Brandon's parents after the F18 disappeared from sight. They were certainly pleased that they had a brief visit with their son over lunch.

The boys and I were grateful for a divinely appointed diversion in the middle of our day.

God is good!

BRETT BUTLER - Prayer Request

Brett & Eveline Butler have been great personal friends and generous supporters of Epistle Sports Ministries for many years. Brett had a long and successful career in major league baseball with five teams and is currently managing the Mobile BayBears, the AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On June 15th, Brett celebrated his 50th birthday and Carol and I both had the pleasure of speaking with him and getting caught up.

Today we received the following e-mail from Brett & Eveline's daughter, Stefanie.

PLEASE KEEP BRETT & EVELINE IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU!

Stefanie writes:

For those of you who were not made aware of this the day before last; my mom asked me to e-mail everyone and keep you all updated on my dad's health. Brett was sent to the hospital this past Friday for what they believed to be Vertigo at the time. He was very dizzy; his equilibrium was off; and he was having trouble with his balance. However; once he was at the hospital and they checked him out and ran tests; they found that he had actually suffered from a mild stroke.
Thankfully Eveline was with him; she had flown in from Arizona by way of California and met them at the Mobile; AL hospital. They checked him out and said that the only type of paralysis that he has experienced thus far is in his equilibrium; which does throw off his balance; and makes him nauseas. This paralysis they said can be something that he totally recovers from within the next six months; or it could be something that he has to live with from this point on.

The stroke they believe is something that is hereditary (something from his parents); because he is in very good health and has no other symptoms that would lead him to have a stroke. His blood was clotted which was preventing him from getting enough oxygen flow to his brain; which in turn; caused the stroke. Since then; they have out him on blood thinner and are trying to prevent anymore clotting. He is going to be in the hospital for a few more days; but hopefully Eveline will be able to take him home shortly. He was in pretty bad shape on Friday; but has since then progressed a lot. I think that is definitely from all the prayers! Right now; someone is taking over his managing position until they decide whether or not he is going to be well enough to go back and finish out the season. But; if you know Brett; he's pretty persistent and I wouldn't doubt that that is a possibility! Either way; I will keep you all updated on any further information I receive.

Please just keep him in your prayers; as well as Eveline and the doctors. He's a strong man and when I spoke with him yesterday; he said "Stef; I don't know what's going on but I know that God is going to get us through it. We just have to remember that and trust Him." Ab and Katie and Blake and I are doing okay at the moment. Brett and Eveline appreciate your support and love and we will contact you with any further news. Thanks so much and God Bless!

His girl,

Stefanie

* I have just been informed that Brett is doing very well and that the doctors are going to be sending him home on Monday. I'll keep you posted otherwise!

Looking Good

Since my friend Gabe Gross was assigned to the Nashville Sounds, the AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, he has looked good, not only in his Sounds uniform (#27) but at the plate.

Gabe went hitless in his first game on Tuesday but has had 7 hits since then, not counting tonight's game.

Thanks for your prayers for Gabe & Kelly! Hopefully he will show the Brewers that he should be in the "bigs" and they'll call him up before September.

CONGRATULATIONS, Gabe! We're praying for the two of you!

Sixteen Sunday Saints

O. K. friends, here are Sixteen Saints who I'd love to spend time with on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I've listed eight (8) women and eight (8) men who I would love to get to know better. Many are dead now but these would be my SIXTEEN SUNDAY SAINTS.

WOMEN:

1. AMY CARMICHAEL
2. ELISABETH ELLIOT
3. SUSANNA WESLEY
4. RUTH BELL GRAHAM
5. FANNY CROSBY
6. ELIZABETH SKOGLUND
7. FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL
8. EVANGELINE FISHER (my grandmother)

MEN:

1. JIM ELLIOT
2. GEORGE MULLER
3. CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
4. D. L. MOODY
5. ROBERT CLEAVER CHAPMAN
6. BILLY GRAHAM
7. ANDREW BONAR
8. ROBERT MURRAY M'CHEYNE
9. J. HUDSON TAYLOR

Oops, that makes seventeen. I neglected to add my hero, Hudson Taylor and I couldn't remove a name from the list so we have SEVENTEEN SUNDAY SAINTS.

Of course I could add 50 more but this would be my list as of now. What about yours?

I'd be curious to read your list of Sixteen (or Seventeen) Sunday Saints. Go ahead! Make your list! God bless!

Keeping Watch Over the Flock

Living in the country, we enjoy many of the pastoral scenes that grace the landscape. We are fascinated by the sheep which graze in a nearby field. One thing we've noticed is that the sheepdog is never too far from the flock.

Regardless of where the sheep are, the dog is always closeby.

After nightfall they congregate in a corner, tightly squeezed against each other with the sheepdog on the perimeter, keeping watch over the flock.

You know where I'm going with this don't you! At times the Great Shepherd may seem distant from us but He's always attentive to our cries. He won't let us stray too far from the flock. And He does lead us in green pastures.

Trust the Good Shepherd tonight! He knows us by name and He's given unto us, eternal life, and we will never perish. John 10

"For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." - Ezekiel 34: 11-16 (NIV)

That Still, Small Voice

A Remarkably True Story...

For fifteen years I owned and managed the local Christian book store in my hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. This had been a dream of mine since I was a teenager and it came to fruition in 1971. I was only 25 years old when I purchased the Ambassador Bible Book Store. The store was sold in 1986 when I went into another form of full-time Christian ministry, Epistle Sports Ministries.

During those fruitful years at the store we saw God's hand at work in wonderful ways.

One morning I felt led by the Lord to post a sign on the wall behind the cash register. It read, "IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO PRAY WITH YOU, ASK FOR DAVID" I didn't hear an audible voice but there was no mistaking the fact that God wanted that sign on the wall. It was posted around 9:15, 15 minutes before the store was to open.

At 9:30 two ladies were waiting for me to unlock the door. They walked back to the counter, read the sign and the elder of the two, Elsie Knott, asked for David. I told her that I was David and she asked if I would pray with her.

I led her back to a quiet room at the rear of the store and asked another staff member to "look after the floor" while I met with Elsie. She told me that she had left her home at the Curve Lake Indian Reserve that morning, determined that she was going to "get saved" that day.

She stopped to see a pastor in a small town north of Peterborough. Willard Day wasn't home. Next she tried to see Russell King, a Christian plumber in Lakefield. He was not home either. In desperation Elsie told her daughter that someone at the Christian book store would be able to help so they drove to Peterborough.

When I asked Elsie how I could pray for her she told me that she wanted to become a Christian. I began to explain the way of salvation to her but she told me that she already knew "how". She actually explained the steps to salvation to me so I knew that she was knowledgeable about these matters. She told me that she just needed someone to lead her in "the sinner's prayer". After discussing the matter a little longer, I led in prayer and Elsie was gloriously saved, born-again, set free from the bondage she was experiencing.

Elsie Knott because the first female Indian chief (Ojibway) in Canada and went on to have a powerful testimony amongst her native people. She undertook to have a new, evangelical church built on the reservation and asked me to participate in the dedication service.

Elsie appeared on 100 Huntley Street, Canada's daily Christian television program, and shared her testimony. It was exciting to hear her recount the events of that glorious morning in the book store.

Years later when Elsie was called "home" I had the joy of being involved in her funeral, explaining to the many family, friends and guests how she had come to know Jesus Christ personally.

What a special morning that was! God prompted me by His Spirit to put that sign on the wall. He had already been moving in Elsie's heart to bring her to the book store. Who knows what would or wouldn't have happened if I had not obeyed the heavenly calling.

When God prompts, don't delay! Just obey! You'll be glad you did! I am!

Waiting For My Ship

Recently our family enjoyed at meal at a Bob Evans Restaurant in Niagara Falls, NY. While waiting to be seated I noticed a great little plaque on the shelf that made Carol and me chuckle.

It read:

WHEN MY SHIP FINALLY COMES IN...I HOPE MY DOCK HASN'T ROTTED!

That's our prayer as we await the arrival of "our" ship! Maybe today...

Looking Back

Now that I've turned 62 I'm realizing that I have crafted more baseball-related memories in the past than I will ever be able to make in my remaining years.

A year and a half after stepping away from my position with BASEBALL CHAPEL I find myself recalling literally hundreds of those memories...fondly. Yes, there's a book in the works but I have enough stories for a dozen volumes.

Often Carol and I will talk of the times that we were ministering together before we adopted the boys. We made many friends in the world of baseball...as a couple.

With all the talk in recent weeks about Barry Bonds' assault on Hank Aaron's home run record, I find myself thinking back to the time that Barry's dad Bobby Bonds was a friend of mine. Bobby passed away several years ago but we had many talks during his career. I can clearly remember the day in the visitors' clubhouse in Montreal when Bobby told me about Barry. He spoke as a loving and proud dad. Who ever would have thought that Barry would become such a prominent figure?

Now, as Barry approaches the record of 755 home runs, I find myself feeling old. Ancient!

I recall with fondness the night that Hank Aaron bested Babe Ruth's record of 714 homers. Hank had been my favorite ballplayer since I was a kid. How exciting to watch that 715th homer clear the fence!

The excitement won't be there when Barry hits his record-breaker! Sadly, the record will be tainted!

My fondest memory finds me kneeling in the kitchen with my mom when I was only 6 years old. That morning I welcomed Jesus Christ into my life and became a born-again Christian. Nothing can taint that memory! It's forever etched in my mind and I'll always be grateful for a godly mother who showed me the Way!

Well friends, I could go on and on but...there are so many other stories to be told and so little time to tell them.

Ask me about Tim Foli sometime...

"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread." - Psalm 37:25 (ESV)

Divine Intervention With Aaron Devine

As a matter of interest regarding young Aaron Devine, our friend who was hit while cycling, the young man who ran into him attends the same church, Kawartha Community Church, as the Devine family. Of course he is heart-broken as a result of this saga but, like the rest of us, is excited about what God is going to do.

Here's the latest update I've received from Aaron's grandfather, Carl Hudson, concerning this:

Praise Report:

“Aaron has been taken off the ventilator. He is speaking and recognizing family members. He does have bruising & some bleeding in the brain and also brusing of the bladder, and is experiencing stroke-like symptoms. They are putting a cast on the broken leg. He’ll remain at McMaster’s Children’s Hospital until all assessments are completed. The prayers of God's family are valued beyond words. Thank you & God bless all of you."

Note: Carl Hudson, Aaron's grandfather, was my former Program Manager at Christian Horizons before he retired. His wife Ruth taught our granddaughter Victoria and our sons Matthew and Nathan at Grace Christian Academy. - David

Mike Coolbaugh Tragedy...Please Pray

Even though I'm no longer involved with Baseball Chapel on a hands-on basis I continue to receive their prayer requests and wish to pass the latest one on to my PILGRIM PALS. What a tragic story. Please pray for the Coolbaugh family.

Here's that prayer request:

Please remember the family of Mike Coolbaugh who died after being struck by a line drive in a game yesterday. Tino Sanchez, who hit the ball that struck Mike, could also use our prayers. The following is from Tulsa Driller Chapel Leader Victor Cruz:

I am so sorry to inform you of the fatal accident that took place Sunday-July 22 during the baseball game between the Tulsa Drillers and the Arkansas Travelers.

Tulsa hitting coach Mike Coolbaugh was struck in the head by a foul ball hit by Tulsa Drillers Tino Sanchez. Mike was transported to Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock and at the time, he was not conscious. Coach Mike, never recovered from his injury. I was informed by Tulsa catcher Rick Guarno, who is one of our Baseball Chapel player reps, of all the events, as they happened.

I understand that Coach Mike Coolbaugh is survived by his wife, two sons and Mrs. Coolbaugh is also pregnant. I also understand that they reside in San Antonio, TX. Please lift up the Coolbaugh family to our Father in Heaven.

Tino Sanchez is not doing well in dealing with this. Please keep him, the entire team and staff in your prayers.

Note: For more on this tragic story please check out the following link. Thanks for your prayers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/minorlbb/news/story?id=2945798

Nashville Bound

Most people, especially those in the music industry, would like to be Nashville bound. Not many, if any, of the Milwaukee Brewers would enjoy this trip. Their AAA affiliate, the Nashville Sounds, play in Music City.

Yesterday my good friend Gabe Gross was optioned to Nashville from the Brewers. When I read the news in the "TRANSACTIONS" column (which is daily reading for me...being in a sports ministry), I was disappointed and a little angry. Gabe was not getting the playing time in Milwaukee that he deserves. At least in Nashville he'll get in a good groove and show the powers that be just how good an all-round player he really is. Am I biased? Yes! Do I have a reason to be? Yes! He is a good player. He was the Toronto Blue Jays # 1 draft pick several years ago.

Here's an update on Gabe's assignment to Nashville that appears on the Brewers' web site:

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers' pitching staff grew to 13 strong on Saturday, when reliever Chris Spurling was reinstated from the bereavement list and little-used outfielder Gabe Gross was optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
The team opted for an extra arm because Ben Sheets is on the disabled list with a finger injury and the team is in the middle of a stretch of 18 games in 17 days, including a doubleheader in St. Louis next weekend.
Gross had played only sparingly. He was hitting .202 in 55 games, but got only 18 at-bats in June and 17 at-bats in July.
"Hopefully I'll be able to go down and get some at-bats," said Gross, 27. "It's been two years since I've been able to play every day, so that's going to be nice. I'm looking forward to waking up every day knowing my name is going to be in the lineup."
The Triple-A Sounds are on the road, so Gross will travel to Nashville on Monday to join the team beginning Tuesday. He vowed to make it back to the big leagues.
"I have never been more confident in my ability to play every day," Gross said. "I feel like if you put me in the lineup on the first of April and take me out the first of October, that my numbers won't just be adequate, they'll be very good. I have to convince somebody to give me that opportunity."
Back on June 18, the Brewers faced a similar decision but opted to keep Gross over Tony Gwynn Jr., who was sent to Nashville to get at-bats. Gwynn had since returned to the Majors and was kept this time around, according to manager Ned Yost, partly because center fielder Bill Hall is on the disabled list and Gwynn is a true center fielder.
Hall said Saturday that he expects to be back in the lineup Wednesday in Cincinnati, at which time the Brewers will have to make another roster move. If they stick with 13 pitchers, Gwynn may have to go back to Nashville again.
"It's real important to us that Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn are swinging the bat, because we're going to need them in September," Yost said. "They can be a big part of our bench and can win ballgames off of our bench. They're both young players and it's difficult for young players to stay sharp not playing every day."

GO GET 'EM, GABE!

Are We There Yet?

I love this old picture! Looks like they just pulled out of the driveway.

That means that about 15 more minutes will pass before we hear the first, "are we there yet?"

Aren't kids fun!

I should know! We have seven (7) of them!

Attention Witches & Wizards

I had to write this post while I was still "hot under the collar". Tonight I stopped at our local CHAPTERS book store on my way to work. I had left home early so I had a few minutes to browse.

Usually CHAPTERS closes at 10:00 p.m. but tonight was the much-anticipated launch of the final (?) Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".

CHAPTERS was be-decked in black with staff members and customers outfitted in their Harry Potter garb. The store was already packed with patrons, ready to pick up their book at 12:01 a.m., July 21st.

Repeatedly a staff member would announce over the P.A. system to all the "witches and wizards" in the store that they could get their wristband to facilitate their purchase if they had already pre-ordered the book.

This was beginning to "rankle my feathers" (whatever that means) and when I saw a Christian family eagerly awaiting the "bewitching hour" it only made matters worse.

I know that there are differing opinions amongst Christians as to the value (or lack of same) of these insanely popular editions by J. K. Rowling. My mind was made up when I read of Rowling's less than complimentary view of Christianity and our Savior, Jesus Christ. She doesn't think much of Him or us.

With all the excellent literature for children and young people by Christian authors, why do we get so excited about witches, wizards and spells?

The public address announcer made one too many announcements to the witches and wizards and I was "outta there".

I'm not a witch or a wizard. I'm a redeemed, blood-bought, set free, born-again, bound for heaven child of the King.

If we had as high a view of God, His Son, His Spirit and His Word as the world has of Harry Potter, we'd be out there making an eternal difference in our world.

There, I got it off my chest!

"Thank You, Lord, for lavishing Your love on me! Give me the same hunger for Your eternal Word that these people have for their "witches and wizards. AMEN!"

Plunge BOLDLY!

One of our local business establishments always posts a humorous or thought-provoking slogan on its sign by the roadside. It always begins with, "Sydney says..."

This week's edition caught my eye and I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget it.

Sydney say, "Plunge boldly into the thick of life!"

Good advice!

I suppose the opposite would be, "Gingerly stick your big toe into the edge of existence."

As believers in Jesus Christ, redeemed by His blood, we should boldly step out to face the daily challenges of abundant living. Instead, so many of us hesitate to take risks. We settle for the comfortable. The easy! The mundane!

Let's trust God and forge ahead, confident that He will lead us aright! Go for the gusto!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1,2 (ESV)

Dissension

My good friend and Pilgrim Pal, Susan Bunts, always has thought provoking posts at Susan's Blog. This one is particularly good! The photo was taken from her sight as well. Read it and confess that this is all too true!

She writes:

Dear Dissension:

It is with great eagerness that I commend you,
For your effective division,
Of the body of Christ.

As you know,
It is my deepest desire to see,
Those once on fire for Christ no longer a threat to my kingdom of darkness.

Good work…job well done
Your methods ever so clever,
Stealth…undetected…quite easily they follow your lead.

An effective mix,
Of genuine issues blended with personal opinion,
Lead them down the primrose path and soon we’ll see a critical spirit in full bloom.

Tread lightly,
Careful you must be…so as not to alert them,
Of our true mission to bring dishonor to their King.

May they not see their transgression,
Nor be repentant…and seek forgiveness of their sin,
Press onward…what’s a little gossip and slander…when carefully hidden as constructive criticism.

Dissension…be sure to blind them,
Veil their eyes, so they may not see,
May they not grow stronger by the reading God’s Word.

May they forget about prayer,
Or battling this war upon on their knees,
Calling upon their God will only bring our much hated foe…to battle by their side.

Throw out the bait,
Hook them with dissatisfaction,
Reel them in with discontent.

Divide them, conquer them,
Big or small, young or old…it matters not,
Use music, or style or even their precious translations to divide.

May they not be like their God,
Who looks upon the heart,
Instead may they only dwell upon that which their flesh can see and hear.

Divide them,
Scatter them,
Send them to the four winds.

My deepest desire,
To see that beacon…that bright and shining light upon the hill,
Extinguished…so I can take countless more souls to hell!


Insincerely yours
…the enemy of their souls!

Sky Ablaze

Our special friend Claire (Pilot Mom) posted this incredible picture on her blog recently! Wow! She said that forest fires in her state of Utah have caused the skies to be ablaze like this!


Thanks for posting this beautiful shot, Claire! We are praying for you, dear friend!

"In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands." - Psalm 102:25 (NIV)

Aaron Devine

Have you visited our PILGRIM PALS blog recently? We started this site so that bloggers could pray for one another...and for others and God has really poured out His blessing on this effort. If you have any prayer requests or if you would like to become a PILGRIM PAL, please e-mail me, David Fisher, @ dwfisher@nexicom.net

Here's the latest update on a young teenager that we've been praying for. THANKS FOR JOINING US IN PRAYER!

Dear PILGRIM PALS:

Here's the latest update we have on Aaron Devine, the 14-year-old teenager from Peterborough who was hit by a car while riding his bike.

A friend of mine and local pastor/counselor Don Nicholson writes:

11:10 a.m, Wednesday, July 18th. . . .

I just got off the phone with Aaron's father at the hospital in Hamilton.

Aaron has been highly medicated and so therefore not in a conscious state. However the doctors are going to slowly wean Aaron off the medication. He has not become worse and the doctors see that as a sure sign of hope. The cranial fracture has not widened.

When he first went in the hospital, Aaron opened his eyes and tried to pull out the tubes, so the doctors medicated him to stabilize his condition.

The big concern of course will be cognitive damage. Let us focus our prayer on that part as well. Let us also focus on the family as a whole.

I will be telephoning the second youngest son, Evan, in a few moments and going out with him . . . he is beside himself, of course.

I told the family that 100's in the city were upholding them in prayer and that was real encouragement to them.

Thank you to all.

Don Nicholson

Thanks for praying for Aaron and his family, PILGRIM PALS! As you know, God hears and answers prayer!

- David W. Fisher, the Pilgrim

More Green

Long-time visitors to the Pilgrim Scribblings site will be familiar with my "Green" posts. I love the color green, especially in the springtime when gray has been the predominant color for months.

This picture was posted on Susan's Blog and I had to "steal" it and add it to my site.

What a great shot! What a great God who created the skies, the stars, the trees and YOU!

Be encouraged today!

Matthew Battles On

Tonight our son Matthew (11) attended the first session the Canadian Hockey Enterprises Goalie Camp. Each evening this week, several dozen young, aspiring goaltenders will spend 2 hours doing various drills to improve their skills.

When registering Matthew for the camp we wondered if his aching body would be able to withstand the physical beating. Matthew is in constant pain when he walks. He has a very pronounced high arch in his feet caused in part by a tethered spinal chord.

Watching Matthew ply his trade on the ice tonight was a bittersweet experience for Carol and me. We are thrilled that Matthew, with all his challenges, is brave enough to enroll in a hockey school when he knows that he'll be up against other boys (and some girls) who aren't shackled with all the physical setbacks that Matthew has.

Tonight Matthew was wondering if his body will be able take the 2-hour sessions each evening this week. We assured him that if it's too much for him, he can walk away and we won't be disappointed in him. What a fighter he is! He doesn't want to quit but he may be forced to.

Thanks for praying for Matthew! What a blessing our chosen son has been to us!

Prone To Wander

Here's an excellent post that I read tonight over at Lisa's Thoughts From the Teahouse. I have heard the unconfirmed story before about Robert Robinson (pictured) riding in a carriage watching a woman studying a hymnal. Read about this below. A great post!

Robert Robinson, 1735-1790,
Pastor, Hymnwriter

My favorite verse of this hymn has always been this verse:

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering 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.

It resonates in my own oftentimes traitorous heart. When I began to read about Robert Robinson, I was struck by the following well-known, but unverified, story:


"One day, he en­count­ered a wo­man who was stu­dy­ing a hymn­al, and she asked how he liked the hymn she was hum­ming. In tears, he re­plied, “Madam, I am the poor un­hap­py man who wrote that hymn ma­ny years ago, and I would give a thou­sand worlds, if I had them, to en­joy the feel­ings I had then.”

Certainly, if this is a true account, it is stirring to my own soul that the man who wrote this hymn was so troubled.

However, I would also like to add that the final verse below was unfamiliar to me. After reading and contemplating the words, I think it is so restorative following the earlier verse I mentioned. So - now, I prefer the last two verses taken together! Read it (sing it) and tell me if you agree!

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering 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.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

GOOD STUFF! - David

Quiet

Today I went digging in the Pilgrim Scribblings archives for some choice nugget of truth that I could revel in...all over again.

Here it is...written back in November of 2005. The truths expressed still apply today.

"Father, by your Spirit, quiet my heart today and allow me to rest in Your everlasting arms. For Jesus' sake and Your glory I pray, AMEN!"

QUIET

This morning I've been blessed beyond measure with a remarkable quietness that defies description. It's as though a terrifying storm is on the horizon and yet a "perfect peace" permeates my spirit and His "quietness and confidence" is making me strong far beyond my own efforts.

The beauty of this inner strength is that it didn't come from an extended prayer time, a fresh reading of God's eternal truth or some other external exercise expended after I awoke this morning. As far as I can tell, today's "rest" has come from a compilation of 55-plus years of walking with my Redeemer and King. That sense of companionship that can't be quickly conjured up! That deep relationship that only comes from decades of walking the rough road with a God who understands.

Do you "get" what I'm trying to say? Often it's difficult to articulate these mighty, inner workings of God's Spirit. All I know is this...what I'm holding onto today is a confidence that was bought and paid for over 2,000 years ago when the God of Heaven gave up His rightful place to take my place and punishment on a rough-hewn cross.

Today's peace was purchased at great cost so I could face the impending storm with a bold confidence that can't be realized any other way than by receiving God's priceless gift of "quietness and confidence". And so I say this morning, "Thank you, Father, for all You've done for me. Without You I'm doomed! By Jesus' sacrifice I'm delivered! By His death and resurrection I'm destined for eternity in Your holy presence."

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." - Isaiah 32:17 (KJV) WOW!

Reminds me of the chorus of an old hymn, Blessed Quietness, written by Manie Ferguson:

Blessed quietness, holy quietness,

Blest assurance in my soul!

On the stormy sea Jesus speaks to me,

And the billows cease to roll.

There you have it, friends! A golden oldie! Trust Him today!

Clouds

Dear Pilgrims:

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

Chorus:

When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be;
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory!"

Each of our "clouds" may be different today as we launch out into a new experience, another day of God's grace. Clouds of disappointment, discouragement, debt, disease, depression, death of a loved one, etc. will seek to hide His lovely face.

Be assured that the God who forms the clouds that hide the sun knows about your "cloud" and is still present even though He (and His Son) may appear to be hidden for a time.

Rest in the comfort that Isaiah spoke to God's people, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

That Old Church...

I've had an idea percolating in my mind for years that may actually come to fruition in the near future. I won't say what it is yet but I'm starting to put some flesh to the skeleton and hopefully it will spring to life this fall.

Stay tuned! In order to prepare me for this I'm reading an excellent biography (actually re-reading it) on the evangelist D. L. Moody by the renowned biographer, John Pollock.

What a fascinating read! More later, friends!