A Stranger in Our Midst

As Joy entered the large Sunday school room where Bible Study would be held, a warm feeling stole into her heart. She looked at the cheerful, complacent faces of her brothers and sisters who had ended up in the same class as her and it increased the feeling of security.

               A visitor was in their midst, and although many smiled cordially at him, no one was bold enough to ask for introductions; that is until Clifford came in.  Clifford had them all introduce themselves and the stranger said his name also. Joy heard him say David Schmidt clear enough, but his accent was unfamiliar so she couldn’t catch where he was from.  

               Soon her husband, Nathan, started the discussion by reading the first verse of the text and they continued around the circle until done. The danger of being led astray by false teachers was a weighty topic and led to a lively discussion. It seemed like everyone in the room was deeply concerned that they follow Jesus as closely as possible so that they would not be deceived.  Mention was made of losses in their midst, because of choosing an ‘easier’ way.  Joy loved being in Bible study: it felt like the walls of the invisible church were so strong and secure when she sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence flowing from heart to heart. All too soon the second bell rang and they filed out. Nathan stopped to shake David’s hand, and Joy listened to what the two men had to say.

               “Why don’t you ask him if he has a place for the night?” Joy whispered to her husband, so he did.

               Soon the church service was over and David seemed reluctant to get into the car. Joy wondered how he had gotten to the meeting but didn’t think it was appropriate to appear too inquisitive. Since he seemed like such a quiet, yet likable fellow, Nathan and Joy soon found themselves chatting with each other while he listened intently.

               David seemed taken aback when he saw their house. It took a moment for him to find his voice.

               “Is this where you live,” he asked?

From Hard Benches to Heavenly Visions

I know this is very unprofessional and would never get a reward for the best-developed plot in the world, not that I wanted one, but here goes, I’m back-tracking again!

Okay, here we are all those little kids and their councillors sitting in a vast auditorium with a wooden floor. I was positioned near the front. This is significant because chances are pretty good that the rest of the story would have turned out differently if ‘we cabin girls‘ had been parked way at the back somewhere.

Those speakers must have really liked children, ‘cuz they certainly knew how to catch our attention! A whole table full of assorted tinkling bells and a ventriloquist are the ways I remember most.

But this exact evening they weren’t using exotic methods, in fact, I don’t remember anything special other about the approach other than the fact that the speaker was drawing our attention to the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.

There was an altar call given and I clearly saw a picture in my mind of Jesus hanging on the cross—for me! Dying so I might be saved, surrendering his life so that I could be free.

Those that accepted the invitation were directed into one of the tiny rooms at the front of the auditorium and a leader told them about the A B C’s of being saved.  Do any of you remember that? Was it Accept that Jesus died for you, Believe that you are a sinner, Confess what He has done for you to others? I don’t remember the exact wording but I do know I went away a changed child, happy, and at peace.  What a beautiful way to go through life, hand in hand with God.

P.S. I just hunted around for an appropriate picture to go with this post. I’m telling you, it gives quite a sensation to see a full-color image of something that closely resembles memories from my past.

Okay, here goes. I’ll pretty soon hit ‘send’! https://www.createspace.com/4837922

My Appointment With the King

I serve such a wonderful king. Every morning about five thirty, I get to have an appointment with Him. The thing is I know He has millions of other subjects and billions of other concerns to attend to, but when my soft musical alarm chimes, I feel such a drawing to the throne room of Adonai.

How can it be that He makes me feel so special? How can it be that He can make me feel like I am the only one in the universe and that He loves me so much? I know every single one of you can and hopefully do feel the same way. Regardless of what time of day you send a prayer dart His way He is sure to catch it,

Make an appointment early in the morning. Don’t worry, it won’t interrupt my time. There is something about the dawning of a new day which is so…perfect for meeting with our beloved Saviour and Guide because there aren’t so many distractions, yet.

Here’s my formula, but maybe something else will be more satisfying for you.

I head to the recliner in the living room, put my feet up, and let the warmth of His presence flow over me. He feels so real, so kind and it’s a great time to thank Him for always being there. We travelled part way across Canada this summer, but He was there ever km (mile) of the way. We went to Africa last summer and lo He was still so close. How can I feel fear of anything for very long with the blessed assurance of His comforting presence?

After praising Him for a few minutes it’s time to look up a topic in our chain reference Bible or continue on a topic I had been studying other mornings. I find a verse, and invariably the surrounding verses catch my attention also. Soon I haul out the good old Matthew Henry’s commentary and more wonderful jewels are uncovered for the day.

Of course during this devotional time there is plenty of opportunity during meditation to share with the Father whatever burdens or decisions might be weighing on my mind.

I know Adonai is never in a rush, but unfortunately I have to have a different time schedule. Writing this is encroaching on my ‘sweet hour of prayer’. I want to quickly send this off so I can worship at the feet of our holy Adonai. Meet me there!