Father's Arms

Here's another post from the Barnabas Blog archives for day # 4 of February.  Are you resting in your Father's arms today?

I wrote:

Recently I saw this picture in one of my mother's photo albums and asked her if I could borrow it to post here. This was taken back in 1946 when I was 15 months old. Didn't my father look handsome and manly? He was!  

Dad has gone "home" to be with our heavenly Father so I don't have him to stand behind me anymore but "my heavenly Father watches over me".

Reminds me of the words of a chorus I wrote way back in the 70's.

"Before me, behind me, Thy hand shall be upon me,

Thy right hand shall lead me and guide me always.

How precious Thy thoughts Lord to me, Thy new creation;

Now search me and know me and lead me to God."

Fall back into Father's arms and rest in Him. He'll stand behind you and strengthen you as you journey on.

"The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27

God's Handwriting

Here is the 3rd post taken from my Barnabas Blog for the month of February. I trust that you will have a great day!

Here's that post:

Last night I took an old classic by V. Raymond Edman, the Disciplines of Life, up to our bedroom to peruse.

I'm glad I did! At the close of each chapter is a verse of a hymn or a poem that really drives the point of the chapter home.

One of these poems was penned by John Oxenham and entitled "God's Handwriting".

Oxenham writes:

"He writes in characters too grand

For our short sight to understand;

We catch but broken strokes, and try

To fathom all the mystery

Of withered hopes, of death, of life,

The endless war, the useless strife -

But there, with larger clearer sight,

We shall see this - His way was right."

Having trouble understanding why God is allowing certain trials and heartaches to be so much a part of your life? You're not the only one! We can take solace in this certain fact...

"As for God, His way is perfect." - Psalm 18:30

Believe it, friend, for His Word is faithful and true!

My Shepherd

Here is the 2nd post of 29 this month, taken from my Barnabas Blog site.  I will be re-posting one each day for the month of February.  Enjoy and, hopefully, be blessed!  Remember...the Good Shepherd loves His sheep.  That's YOU!

This picture and slogan is presently being used by the mens' fragrance, Old Spice, in an advertising campaign. I found this particular ad on the back page of the current issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. "THIS MAN LOVES SHEEP." I have no idea what the correlation is between shepherds and after shave lotion but that doesn't matter in this instance. I received a strong and moving message in another direction.

It could have just as aptly been used in the evangelical Christian journal, LEADERSHIP, to depict a local church pastor who tenderly and lovingly cares for his mottled and troubled flock.

It also could fittingly portray the "Good Shepherd of the sheep", the One who leads us by green pastures and still waters. The One who restores our soul.

While traveling in rural England recently I was struck by the pastoral scenes throughout the countryside. The predominant farm animals seen grazing the lush pastures were sheep. The beloved Good Shepherd often came to mind.

He, like the experienced sheep herder in the picture, tenderly lifts His sheep who are called by His name, when they are endangered and lovingly places them back in the fold or strongly holds them to His breast until danger has passed. He knows His sheep by name and calls them to His side. We, too, hear His voice and we follow Him. And He gives unto us, eternal life, and we shall never perish. Neither shall any man, mechanism, demon or devil wrestle us from His strong hold. This Man loves His sheep!

Do you love the Shepherd?

"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand." - John 10:27-30 (Amplified Bible)

Explain Later

Here is the first post of 29 this month, taken from my Barnabas Blog site.  i will be re-posting one each day for the month of February.  Enjoy and, hopefully, be blessed!

Vance Havner (pictured) from North Carolina was a great preacher and an excellent writer. He has been quoted often by other writers due to his pithy, pertinent, provocative pronouncements. Recently I was reading The Red Sea Rules (again) by Robert J. Morgan and came across one of Havner's better-known quotes.

Havner said, "God marks across some of our days, 'Will explain later'."
So true! The explanations often aren't forthcoming and we can wait for years without getting the reasons or the answers. C. S. Lewis once said that the most-heard word when we finally get "home" will be "OH!". The explanations (if we even need them) will resolve all our misgivings, doubts and misunderstandings. Personally I believe that the reasons won't have to be articulated by our omniscient God. My sense is that we will instantly understand when we stand before the King of Glory. We won't need to know anything or anyone but Him. We will spend the "ages to come" enjoying the riches of His grace with all our questions left behind.

But, back to Vance Havner . . . I got to preaching there didn't I!

He writes, following the homecall of his beloved wife, "When before the throne we stand in Him complete, all the riddles that puzzle us here will fall into place and we shall know in fulfillment what we now believe in faith - that all things work together for good in His eternal purpose. No longer will we cry "My God, why?" Instead, "alas" will become "Alleluia". All question marks will be straightened into exclamation points, sorrow will change to singing and pain will be lost in praise."
Wow! Vance Havner certainly gives us something to think about and look forward to!

So, dear friends, are we willing to wait for God to explain later? Looking back we'll see that "His appointed way" was truly the best plan.
Eternal God, give us Your strength to stand against the enemies of doubt, defeat and discouragement. Through You we will find grace to help in time of need. Thank You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!

Barnabas Blog

For the month of February (and this is a leap year) I'm going to post (try to at least) one of my articles from my Barnabas Blog site every day.  

This will be like a "best of" from Barnabas...a blog designed to bring hope and encouragement.

Here's what the header on the Barnabas Blog states......

"...a sampling of Scriptures, poems & devotional thoughts from a fellow pilgrim plus selections from other writers that hopefully will bring encouragement and hope to the weary traveler. We wish to provide hope in the midst of your storms and to challenge you to bless others as you have been encouraged. Visit often! Be refreshed! Leave encouraged! Have a great day! "...that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4b (ESV)

Come back here tomorrow!

Click here to check out the Barnabas Blog.

Been There

I posted this several years ago on my Barnabas Blog (see link on the right where my other blogs are listed). 

Recently I've had several opportunities to say "I've been there" and others have truthfully said that to me.  That's why I'm posting this again.  Hope it's meaningful to you!

Here's it is:

How often have you heard someone say, "I know what you're going through, I've been there", when you know that they have never experienced what you're facing. Empty, shallow words! 

When someone who has actually plumbed the depths of despair comes alongside you, you "know" that they understand what you're going through. There's a unique bonding of spirits. 

This has happened to me often and as recently as a couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a friend and realized that he knew exactly what I was battling.

Elizabeth Skoglund (see link at the left) has penned an extremely helpful book, "Bright Days, Dark Nights" in which she tackles subjects like depression, loneliness, anxiety and change.

She quotes extensively from the writings of the great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon who was no stranger to extended periods of dark depression. 

The following quote was illuminating and reassured me that when we go through the dark valleys, we are fitted and equipped to take the hands of others and lead them through when they face similar situations.

Spurgeon writes:

“I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depressions of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ. Keep close to the Lord and He will make every step a blessing to you.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Whatever the mountain that looms before you or the valley that you're struggling through, understand that a loving Father is walking every step with you and will use this "dark" time to enable you to help others. You are NOT alone. Take His hand and trust His heart.

Gary Carter

Here's the latest report on my friend, Hall of Famer, Gary Carter. Things don't look good. Please pray for Gary! THANKS!

Leaning on Jesus

This past week has been one of the hardest weeks for my dad. Every day is exhausting and every move takes great effort.

Wednesday, dad went to the oral surgeon to take care of the open gum wound. He had to get shots to numb the area so they could remove a small sharp bone and shave down what had been bothering dad for quite a while. Thankfully, that area in his mouth has been starting to feel better.

Thursday, dad went to a follow up appointment with Dr. Pearce who works along side Dr. Harris. Unfortunately, as he was leaving, he had a very bad fall in the hallway. Since he was at the doctor's office, he received immediate care.

Friday, dad got two MRIs in North Palm Beach, Florida...one for his brain and the other for his shoulder/arm. The results of the shoulder MRI were revealed later that afternoon. Unfortunately, with the combination of his fall on Christmas Eve and the fall on Thursday (plus probably years of baseball), he completely tore his rotator cuff. It is very painful and needs surgery, but all dad can do right now is rehab to heal.

Sunday was my dad's golf tournament banquet. Great friends, teammates and family filled the room in support of my dad, autism and local schools. Dad was so appreciative of the many hugs and encouragement given to him throughout the evening. Jim Palmer was the spokesperson for the golf tournament. Dad spoke a few words thanking everyone for being there and for all the support and prayers. He said he wants to feel better so he can continue to help others.

Monday was a beautiful day of golf. Although dad could not be there, we were told it was a successful day and overall a wonderful tournament event. Thank you everyone!

Yesterday, we were waiting in anticipation for dad's MRI results (since they were being sent to Duke) but were told they would be in today.....dad had a difficult day and he had to rest.

Just a few moments ago, my mom received a phone call from Dr. V at Duke. I wish I could say that the results were good...

Dr. V told my mom that there are now several new spots/tumors on my dad's brain. I write these words with tears because I am so sad for my dad. Dr. Jimmy Harris will be coming to my parent's house this evening to talk to the family about the next step. I will continue to keep you all updated. Love to everyone and thank you for the prayers.

"The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart." - Psalm 28:7

Finally Free

A Book Review

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler

Over thirty five years ago I sold copies of a book entitled The Emancipation of Robert Sadler in the Christian bookstore I owned at that time. Sadly, I never took the time to read this amazing story of a twentieth-century slave.

The book, graphically penned by noted author Marie Chapian, has been re-issued and this compelling story gripped me and I couldn’t put the book down.

Robert Sadler was sold into slavery at the age of five (5) by his father for $85.00 and spent his childhood and much of his teenage years as a young, black slave in the employ of a cruel, ruthless, white plantation owner in South Carolina.

Chapian has written this account in the third person as though Sadler is relating his own, powerful yet heartbreaking saga of the cruelty, oppression, bigotry and hatred heaped on him by “Massah Beal” and his family. Reading the story where the vocabulary spoken by uneducated, black slaves is often used, the reader is drawn into the daily abuse that Sadler endured at the hands of his master (sic). It’s hard to believe that this treatment of a young boy was so prevalent in the southern United States in the twentieth century.

Sadler thankfully escaped from the plantation when he was fourteen but freedom was such an unfamiliar experience for him that he returned to the plantation as a seventeen-year-old to the comfort (???) of the known and familiar. The Beal family and their plantation had fallen on hard times. “Massah Beal” was very sick, most of the slaves who Sadler knew had died or left and he wasn’t welcomed on his return.

The book hauntingly recounts Sadler’s search for meaning and significance as he moved from town to town, state to state, looking for employment and purpose. As a slave he had experienced God’s love, portrayed by several fellow slaves, but never internalized that faith or belief until later in life when he had a dramatic, genuine encounter with the living God and his life was forever transformed.

Sadler met a woman who loved him unconditionally, they married and began holding church services and Bible studies in their home even though his wife, at that point, hadn’t embraced Christ as her Saviour. Several years later Jacqueline finally surrendered her life to the Lord and the Sadlers were used by God in wonderful ways.

Sadler’s simple faith, his passion to see others share that faith and his absolute trust in God allowed him to see the eternal God do supernatural and miraculous things that most of us will likely never experience in our lifetime.

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler is one of the most powerful books I have read and I’ve read hundreds. The back cover states, “A gritty, raw, real-life tale that will both shock and inspire you.” It certainly did that for me and I very strongly recommend that you get a copy soon and be challenged to the core of your being.

This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House Publishers". http://www.grafmartin.com/

Early Light

                      

Here's the view from my office window this morning..."by the dawn's early light..."

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

King Eternal

Be Still

Lori, over at It's All In The Heart, posted a great reflection entitled STILL recently.  I've taken the liberty of posting it here on Pilgrim Scribblings because it struck a note with me.

When was the last time that you were intentionally STILL?  What about me?  When am I ever STILL?

Lori writes:

"That little word “still” brings to mind many things. Waiting on God requires something of me and most often it means I need to be still from the constant pressure of things that I think need to be done. Finding that one particular quiet moment takes a little effort on my part, I seem to be able to find a million other things to do, but entering into that moment of stillness is priceless. 

I think of other things that the word still means to me, things like the constant love of my husband who manages to still love me even with all my faults. It is a dependable word that is hung in the doorway of the hearts of those who love others beyond what you could imagine. It is a word of  hope, like “still waiting”, like God does with us, and like we do with others. We learn patience that way. We learn how to sit through the hard things that would otherwise drive us away. 

It is an active, living word that carries with it a determination to see things through and it is faithfulness that helps us believe for the best even when it looks like it couldn’t get any worse. It is not knowing the outcome but learning to trust in situations when trusting and believing is the most difficult thing for you to do. That little word “still” embraces those who are discouraged and have given up and we step forward and love them in their brokenness. Still is knowing that God hasn’t left you and you are not alone." 

     Be still and know that I am God,
     The Psalmist's plea rings out;
     Just come apart and rest awhile
     Be freed from fear and doubt.


       - David Fisher, January 15th, 2012

Powerfully Present

Pete Wilson

I posted this on my Facebook page earlier today but this great quote by Nashville pastor Pete Wilson needs to be repeated and taken to heart. 

He said, "God is most powerfully present when He seems most apparently absent."

If God seems absent tonight...He's not! Maybe hidden but NOT gone! - David

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

The Truth

My friend Paul Wilkinson posted this list on his Thinking Out Loud blog.  It's not original with him.  He posted a link to the source.  Something to think about!

Things You Can Do With Truth

1) Deny it.
2) Ignore it.
3) Cover over it.
4) Reject it.
5) Make fun of it.
6) Mimic it.
7) Twist it.
8) Talk about it.
9) Avoid it.
10) Proclaim it.
11) Be changed by it.
12) Represent it.
13) Embrace it.
14) Love it.
15) Hate it.
16) Live it.
17) Live by it.
18) Long for it.
19) Seek it.
20) Believe it.
21) Wrestle with it.
22) Lament it.

Things You Can’t Do With Truth

1) Change it. 

Grief & Affliction

A dear friend of mine who is in constant pain from an accident several years ago sent along these encouraging words today.   

I hope they will be a blessing to you as you struggle beneath the weight of your present trial...whatever that might be. - David

Vaclav writes:

Dear friend, here's a word of encouragement for you...

Lamentations 3.31-33

31 For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.
³² Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
³³ For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

In grief and affliction, as a believer you might be tempted to think and feel that you are abandoned and cast off by the Lord, especially if the hard trial you have been in is lasting a long time. But the promise of God is that "no one (none of God's children) is cast off forever". Notice, that grief doesn't just come by chance, but it is the Lord, "he brings grief", he is in control, he has a good and gracious purpose in it, one that you might not understand at this time, but one day you will. And because God loves you more than you can imagine, for "great is his unfailing (or covenant) love, and so "he will show compassion" to you, at the right time, and you will praise him and glorify him.

Notice one more thing, "he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone", just as any parent that loves their child, must discipline it for their good, though it breaks the parent's heart to discipline, because it is painful. No good parent wants to see their child in tears, though sometimes it's needful. So, my friend, be not discouraged at your great affliction or grief, but rejoice in the Lord, because by the hard times you're going through, God is purifying your faith, that you may trust and love Jesus more! I speak as a fellow sufferer in the kingdom of his grace...cheer up, in Christ!

Vaclav

Amazing Love

Kim Collingsworth at the grand piano

Check out this link here Kim Collingsworth plays Charles Wesley's classic hymn, AND CAN IT BE. If this doesn't move you...nothing will. Be sure to read the lyrics as well and you'll find yourself saying, "Amazing love...how can it be?"

AND CAN IT BE - by Charles Wesley

And can it be, that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shoulds't die for me?

'Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace,
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

What Crisis?

These verses have always brought encouragement and hope to me when things looked impossible or hopeless.  

God's Word hasn't changed and what He said through the prophet Habakkuk is still true today. Trust God and believe that He will carry you through.  He promised He would...and He will.  

Now I just have to take these truths to heart and believe them myself.

Fear Not

Humanity's Hope

As we bid 2011 good bye and usher in a New Year, we are very much aware that Jesus truly is the only HOPE for humanity.

He came to give us life, a meaningful life with purpose.  He brought forgiveness, redemption, peace and HOPE.

Apart from JESUS life is pointless and without purpose...without HOPE.

My prayer for you is that you will entrust your life to JESUS and accept all He has to offer in 2012.

You won't be disappointed!

I Believe

Morning's Greeting

This is the scene we woke up to this morning.  

I must admit, it's beautiful but the scraping and shoveling to get ready to leave for work weren't much fun...for Carol.

She did most of it...I must confess.

I guess we're not going to avoid winter after all.

While getting ready for work these words came to mind so I wrote them down.

There's a song in there somewhere...I think!

God still cares for His own,

Rivers of mercy still flow from His throne;

When you are anxious and feel all alone

God is still on His throne.

Let's remember that today!

Incarnation Mysteries

Thanks to Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience for posting these profound truths. 

We will never fully understand and comprehend the length, breadth and depth of His love:

”He was poor, that he might make us rich.
He was born of a virgin that we might be born of God.
He took our flesh, that he might give us His Spirit.
He lay in the manger, that we may lie in paradise.
He came down from heaven, that he might bring us to heaven….                                                                                             that the ancient of Days should be born.
that he who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle….
that he who rules the stars should suck the breast;
that a virgin should conceive;
that Christ should be made of a woman, and of that woman which himself made,
that the branch should bear the vine,
that the mother should be younger than the child she bare,
and the child in the womb bigger than the mother;
that the human nature should not be God, yet one with God

Christ taking flesh is a mystery we shall never fully understand till we come to heaven

If our hearts be not rocks, this love of Christ should affect us . 

Behold love that passeth knowledge!”

~Thomas Watson

Birthday Blessings

Merry Christmas to all our Pilgrim Scribblings readers.

May God's peace be yours today as you remember the birth of His only begotten Son, Jesus!

Every blessing in Christ,

David Fisher

No Song

Christmas Eve view from my office

Seven years ago I penned a poem that I often re-post during the Christmas season.  I pray that there will be a song in your heart this Christmas as you recall that holy night.

THERE WAS NO SONG

There was no song
In David’s town that evening;
Where God incarnate
Graced a rustic stall.
Tired and taxed they came
For Caesar’s census;
So unaware that roy’lty
Would call.

Then angels told
The shepherds of His coming;
They came to see
Emmanuel, God’s Son.
That dark, cold night
Welcomed Christ the Savior;
And glory reigned
Before the night was done.

He came to bring
Salvation and forgiveness;
For which the world
Had waited oh so long.
The Christ of God
The Hope of all the ages;
Brought peace on earth
And birthed a brand new song.

And now by faith
In Christ the King of Glory;
We are assured one day
In heav’n a place.
‘Til then we’ll journey
On our way rejoicing;
And some day soon
We’ll see Him face to face.

The trials endured
As pilgrims heading homeward;
Are temporary and
Will not last too long.
So hand in hand
We’ll cross the final valley;
Eyes fixed on “home”
We sing redemption’s song.

© David W. Fisher – December 13, 2004

Walking Home

Bruce and Paul Mackay

Here's a "feel-good" story about two friends of mine, Bruce and Paul Mackay.  Enjoy!

Mom's lesson leads to son's giving

By Luke Hendry

Bruce Mackay's mother taught him a lesson he never forgot.And on Friday, he used that message to help others.

Mackay, 40, walked from his office at Mackay Insurance on Dundas Street East to his home in Corbyville, a distance of eight to nine kilometres. And though he raised more than $2,000 for local charities, that wasn't really Mackay's goal.

Twenty-five years earlier, on Dec. 23, 1986, Mackay had borrowed the keys to his mother Margaret's vehicle. The family had a long driveway, and Mackay would drive the family vehicle up and down it to practice for his driving test that January.

But on that day, Mackay's father, David, dropped him off at the mall; Margaret would pick up her son after his haircut. Except Bruce had her keys in his pocket. He called home — and didn't like what he heard.

"I think you need to learn a lesson," Margaret said. "You need to walk." He did, heading north to Blessington Road. And every Dec. 23 since, he called his mother to remind her of what she did; they always shared a laugh about it.

"Last year she said, 'Are you ever going to let that thing go?'" he said Friday, laughing. "I said, 'No.'"

Margaret died in August; Bruce did the eulogy. "And now, you've gone 'home' and I'm left, once again, to walk alone," he said in closing.

Since Friday marked the 25th anniversary of that first walk, Mackay decided to repeat it, though the distance would be greater. He told his family about it, asking for donations to the Christmas Sharing Program. It provides food to people in need.

Margaret Mackay had long been pushing her family to forego their annual Christmas lunch in favour of donations to charity. "I was hoping to raise a couple hundred bucks," he said.

About an hour before Mackay started his walk, Sharing co-ordinator Joan Elsasser was updating The Intelligencer about the program's progress. She said all the food had been delivered, but the campaign was $2,000 short of its $18,000 goal.

An hour later, Mackay counted his donations prior to his walk. He was clearly humbled to learn he totalled more than $2,000 for Christmas Sharing and $170 for the Salvation Army.

"It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when I hear that's what they needed," he said. I'm very grateful. It's humbling." "Isn't that cool?!" said Paul Mackay, Bruce's brother. "Mom's up there stirring things up."

Back at the Sharing office, Elsasser's voice went up an octave upon learning the needed funds had been raised.

"Isn't that just amazing! Wonderful!" she said. "There is a Santa Claus." Less than two weeks ago the program had been 20 per cent short of the target. But donations kept coming, Elsasser said. In total about 1,300 food baskets or grocery vouchers were distributed.

About 115 people had registered for the Community Christmas Dinner Sunday at noon at the Salvation Army Church (Bridge Street West at Palmer Road). As many as 150 are expected.

Volunteers also registered hundreds of children for the Belleville Professional Firefighters' Toy Drive. Bruce Mackay, though, didn't quite learn his mother's lesson as well as he could have.

His wife, Tanya, was planning to be present as Bruce and Paul began the walk.

The problem: someone had taken her keys accidentally.

"I had a good laugh about that," Bruce said. "I think Mom's laughing, too."

lhendry@intelligencer.ca

Christian Bookstores

 My friend, author and blogger, Tim Challies, posted an article regarding Christian bookstores recently that I took exception to.  Does that change how I feel about Tim?  Not at all!  I concur with some of his points and disagree with others.  Check out Tim's post here.
 

Fellow pilgrims who regularly read Pilgrim Scribblings will already know my perspective on Christian bookstores.

Here is my response to Tim Challies" article:

Having owned a Christian bookstore for 15 years...before Amazon, Chapters and CBD were a factor, I have strong opinions about "Christian" bookstores.

It was a challenge to satisfy customers from varying denominational perspectives.  Some of the charismatic books that customers wanted me to stock were downright BAD. 

Customers often complained that we didn't have enough stock.  They seemed to expect our small store to carry every "Christian" title on the publishers' backlists.  Not possible!  No chance!

It was always disappointing that a large segment of the local and area Christian population rarely frequented our store.  I could sit in church and count on two hands the members of our congregation who faithfully dropped in to the store.

Looking back, I thank God that friendships were forged within those walls that will last a lifetime.  One of my best friends came into the store the day after he was converted to Christ and is still thankful that we were there.

Customers were led to a saving faith in Christ in our store.  Struggling Christians were prayed for and encouraged.  That doesn't happen with Amazon and Chapters mail order purchases.

Another question begs to be answered.  "Am I a more faithful steward of God's resources if I purchase online at a discounted price rather than supporting our local Christian bookseller and paying full price?  I struggle to find an answer.  I just don't know.

So the battle rages on.  While our community has a Christian bookstore I will be a faithful customer.  I'm blessed when I pay the store a visit.  I don't buy "gospel garbage", "Jesus junk" or "holy hardware" but I try to be an encouragement to the owner and other customers who I meet in the store.

Choose what you want to do but please don't complain when your local Christian bookstore closes its doors...forever.

Note:  Our local Christian bookstore is Emmaus Family Books located in the Market Plaza across from the marina on Little Lake.  Drop in and tell Jim Rose that I sent you!

Justus Encounter

Three years ago I wrote a short story for publication in a book that our writers' group put together.  The story was entitled The Justus Encounter.  With Christmas just around the corner I wanted to share this story again.

The Justus Encounter 

Greetings, friend. My name is Justus. Each year at this time my mind drifts back to that bitterly cold night when deity took on humanity in a musty animal stall behind an inn in Bethlehem.

We were the last family to secure lodging inside the bustling hotel. When my wife Sarah, my daughter Eunice and I arrived every room was spoken for. The innkeeper graciously lent us a small cot, one blanket and a resting place in the corner of the entrance hall.

Our family had journeyed to Bethlehem to be accounted for. Caesar Augustus had ordered a census be taken throughout the Roman empire requiring citizens to travel to their ancestral hometown. We lived in Bethany, a little to the northeast of Bethlehem, and had traveled by foot to “the city of David”. I was thirty years old at the time and little Eunice was just an infant.

Exhausted from the trek, Sarah and Eunice quickly dozed off. I sat on the floor by the cot but sleep eluded me. About an hour later another road-weary couple burst into the inn. The woman was obviously “great with child” and her husband – I assumed they were married – requested a room. The tired innkeeper advised them that there were no vacancies but that they could find shelter in a stable behind the inn. He offered them a horse blanket or two to ward off the cold but they declined. As they left I felt constrained to hand them our only blanket, the one the innkeeper had lent us. They hesitated momentarily but accepted my offer. I finally nodded off to sleep, my head resting on the corner of Sarah’s cot.

After a brief nap I awoke to the raucous clatter of a dozen or more shepherds. Some even had lambs in their arms as they burst into the inn. They were talking excitedly and inquired where the Saviour, the Messiah, could be found. The innkeeper, hearing the commotion, stumbled to the counter. “Where’s the Messiah?”, they queried. “A host of angels announced on a hillside outside of town that a baby has been born in a manger and He is to be our saviour.”  The bewildered innkeeper re-directed them to the stable out back. 

The sheep herders had awakened Sarah and little Eunice with their exuberance. Eunice was crying and Sarah was frustrated by the interruption. Me? I was wishing they’d hurry up and go out to the stable to find this promised Messiah. 

Imagine a band of angels announcing a newborn King to a motley crew of shepherds. Sounded kind of crazy to me. Guess I’m a skeptic at the best of times. I get irritated by people who get their directions from heavenly voices. The commotion died down as the shepherds went to investigate but then built to a crescendo as they discovered that the Messiah had, in fact, been born in a cattle manger of all places. They woke everyone in the inn, the whole town I’m sure.  We didn’t get back to sleep. What a night! 

The next morning we registered for the census after sunrise but I was grumpy for the rest of the day. You know how you get when you don’t have a good night’s rest, when you’re in someone else’s bed or on the floor.

This Messiah, Jesus, grew up in his father’s home in Nazareth. Mary and Joseph were his parents, the couple I had given the blanket to. I discovered later that they weren’t even married that night. Scandalous! I learned that she had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Now that was hard to believe! I’d never heard anything like that before but, as I said, I was skeptical of everything.

Back in Bethany we heard a lot about this man called Jesus. He helped in His father’s carpenter shop until he was about thirty years old. Then he began preaching around the countryside. He visited our town several times. Mary, Martha and Lazarus, neighbours of ours, were friends of his. One day Lazarus died and his heartbroken sisters sent for Jesus. They were upset when Jesus didn’t arrive until four days later. According to the townsfolk, He supposedly raised this man Lazarus from the dead. If you ask me, he was likely just asleep, unconscious or in a coma but not dead. Raising a man from the dead was a little far-fetched for an unbeliever like me.

That all changed one day, an event that’s indelibly etched on my mind. Our daughter Eunice was about thirty-two years old at the time. She hadn’t married, was still living with us, and was working as a seamstress. She became violently ill one evening and we thought she would die.  She was bleeding profusely and was very feverish. Several times we thought we had lost her. 

Sarah ran to Martha’s house and was surprised to learn that Jesus was staying with them.  Hearing of Eunice’s condition, Jesus came quickly. Our eyes met as He came through the doorway and I knew in that moment that He was more than just a man. I was strangely moved!  He quickly made His way to the room where Eunice lay and gently placed His hand on her forehead. Immediately the fever vanished. The bleeding stopped. Eunice sat up in bed, instantly healed and I bowed before this man called Jesus, a changed man. 

Belief filled my heart where skepticism and doubt once ruled. Jesus prayed with our family, pronounced His blessing and quickly was gone. I’ll never forget the look of compassion in His eyes.

The next morning the thought crossed my mind briefly that I should tell Jesus that it was my blanket that cradled Him on that cold, frosty night in Bethlehem but I quickly realized that He already knew. He was God and He knew everything. I was changed forever by this encounter with the One I had rejected for so long.

Don’t be a doubter like me. Investigate His claims. Read the biblical account of Christ’s life.  Seek out a Christian pastor or friend if you want to know more. Jesus Christ is everything the angels said he would be and He will change your life.  Just give Him a chance!