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In his book, Thirst, Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, tells the story of Letikiros, who lived in Meda, a small village in northern Ethiopia. Four days per week this 13 year-old girl would strap a 10 pound clay pot on her back and join the other women of the village on the arduous journey to Arliew Spring, the village’s only source of water. At evening she would stumble home, exhausted, to deliver the precious gift to her family.

One day, alone on the trail, Letikiros apparently stumbled and fell. The clay pot struck the ground and broke, spilling the water. Distraught and ashamed, Letikiros took the rope she used to tie the pot to her back and hung herself from a tree – at thirteen!

As I read this story my heart broke for Letikiros and her family. A thirteen year-old should not have to endure such hardship. Yet, I know there are hundreds of thousands of people who, just like Letikiros, struggle everyday just to survive.

We are so blessed in Western society. Hardship for us is having to wait an extra 5 minutes at the drive-thru. I waste more water on my daily shower than Letikiros was able to carry on her back. I drink water in the morning then her family drank in a day.

This morning, as you turn on your faucet to get a drink of water and as you scrub up in the shower, thank God for the blessing of water. Praise Him for His goodness to you. And remember God gave you all this for a reason. You have been “enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” 2 Corinthians 9:11.

God has blessed us so we can bless others. We each can make a difference for people like Letikiros. We will never get rid of all the suffering in the world, but if each do our part we can change a life. Please do what you can today.

God bless and have a great day!

It’s Cyber Monday, the most wonderful time of the year – at least for techies or people looking for a great deal. Analysts project Americans will spend almost $8 billion dollars online today. We’ll be scouring Amazon, eBay, and thousands of other sites for that perfect gift for the ones we love – and a few things just for ourselves!

If today you are joining the millions clicking on websites and giving their credit cards a workout, have I got a deal for you! This is the perfect gift for the person who has everything or for the one who has nothing. It never needs batteries, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and, best of all, it’s FREE! Even Amazon can’t beat that deal!

What am I talking about? Eternal life! It’s the gift that keeps on giving – forever!

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is a gift of priceless value which we can enjoy forever. God knew we would never be able to afford it, so He gave it to us for free, sending His one and only Son to pay the price for us, “so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

Today as you search the internet for the next great deal, don’t forget to grab the deal that beats all deals – Eternal Life! It’s available for only a limited time, so don’t wait a moment longer. Say “Yes” to Jesus today!

God bless and happy shopping!

One of the most important roles in an army is that of the scout. Moving ahead of the main force, the scout seeks out the best route, identifies potential pitfalls and hazards, and locates enemy strongholds. A commander who ignores the advice of a scout would be considered a fool.

We are each on a journey, a journey toward heaven. Ahead lie dangers and enemies we cannot even imagine, forces which would turn us aside from the straight and narrow path, enemies who would destroy us if allowed. We dare not face this journey alone. We need a scout to lead the way.

Thankfully we have one. I John 4:9 says, “God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” To each of us Jesus gives the invitation, “Come, follow me.” Matthew 4:19

Jesus has already scouted the road ahead. He has identified the pitfalls and marked a way around them. He has broken through the barriers blocking our path, defeated the foes arrayed against us. He has even suffered the death that we deserved that we might have the life that He deserved. If we will just follow in His steps He will protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place…prepared for you.” Exodus 23:20.

This morning, as you begin a new week, do not try to make the journey on your own. Follow the Scout. Follow Jesus. Put your hand in His and let Him guide you along the way. He will never leave you astray. He will never abandon you or forsake you. Trust in Him and He will bring you safely home.

God bless and have a wonderful new week!

Let me ask you something. How many of you remember everything you got last Christmas? I know I don’t. A couple gifts stand out as extra special, because of the thought that went into them, but the rest is just a blur. The fact is, I have everything I need, so anything beyond that doesn’t stay on my radar long.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” He went on to say, in verse 7, “For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.”

All the stuff we accumulate at Christmas is just that – stuff! Yes, it’s fun to open the presents and to “ooh” and “aah” over what someone got. And, of course, at the time, we appreciate the effort and thought which went into the gift. However, we soon forget, store the gift away, and move on to the next shiny object. All this stuff has no real lasting value. As the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.”

This Christmas I want one gift – to know my wife, my kids and you, my friends, have found Jesus as your Savior. That is why I write these posts, that you may know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent.” John 17:3. Nothing else really matters.

So, this Christmas, keep your presents. Don’t waste your money on ribbons and bows. You want to give me a gift? Do you want to give me something I’ll never forget? Give Jesus your heart! That will be the best gift of all – getting to spend eternity with you!

Have a Happy Sabbath!

We had a wonderful time yesterday with our kids and the Bannisters. The food was great, the games fun, but just being together was the best part of all. It made it hard to say “goodbye.”

Holidays are wonderful, because they give us an excuse to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Unfortunately, there’s one part I never look forward to – saying goodbye!

Goodbyes are never easy and life seems to be full of them. We say goodbye to parents when we head off for school, to our children as they build lives of their own, and to our friends when they move away.

The hardest goodbyes are the permanent ones. When a loved one dies, our hearts break, because we’re afraid we’ll never see them again. But we can find comfort in Jesus’ words in John 11:25 where He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…”

Of all the reasons we have for thanksgiving at this time of the year, this is probably the greatest.
There is a day just over the horizon when goodbyes will be a thing of the past, a day when “sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Isaiah 51:11

On that day, “the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17

No more death, no more parting or pain! No more sad farewells, no more leaving others behind! Just an eternity to spend with the ones I love and the One who loves us. No more goodbyes – now that’s something I can look forward to!

God bless and Happy Holidays!

Today we’re in Walla Walla celebrating Thanksgiving with our sons Andrew and Alex and with Alex’s wife Julie and her family. We’re looking forward to great conversations, some awesome ping-pong games, and tons of delicious food.

I know the food is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to stuff myself to the gills. However, I also know that once the last piece of pie is consumed and the last plate is scraped, that delicious feeling of satisfaction which comes after a good meal will only last so long. By evening I’ll be hungry again. But, hey, that’s what leftovers are for, right?

It’s not that way with God. First of all, unlike Thanksgiving dinner, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.” Lamentations 3:22 NLT. Secondly, God never serves leftovers, for “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (v. 23).

Most importantly, a relationship with God will “satisfy me more than the richest feast.” Psalm 63:5. He declares “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35.

The things of this earth only satisfy for a moment, but a life filled with Jesus is a continual feast.
This Thanksgiving Day give yourself a real reason to be truly thankful. Accept Jesus today as your Savior and Lord. Come to Him and hunger no more. Drink deeply of the Living Water He provides and never be thirsty again.

As you sit down at your Thanksgiving feast today, make sure to serve yourself a big helping of the Bread of Life – Jesus Christ! Feast until your full, then go share Him with the world. And don’t worry – there’s more than enough to go around!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Children can be rather selfish creatures sometimes!

If you listen to children talking to their parents, you often hear phrases like, “I want…,” “Give me some…,” or “Can I have…?” No wonder, when a child actually says, “Thank you,” the parent is so thrilled.

Unfortunately, we don’t do much better when we grow up. If someone was listening to your prayers what would they hear? If you’re anything like me, they’d probably hear things like, “Please protect…,” Please give me…,” and “I want…” I guess the only good thing is, as we get older at least we learn to say “please.”

Just like a weary parent, I think our Heavenly Father would love to hear a little gratitude sometimes from His children. And if anyone is deserving of our thanks it is Him. After all, think of all He’s done for you. The very fact you woke up this morning is reason to give thanks, not to mention the home you live in, the food you eat, the car you drive, your family and friends, your job…you get the idea. And then, of course, there’s that business about a Cross.

When it comes down to it, with all God does for us, our prayers should be much more about gratitude and praise, instead of “give me this” or “give me that.” Every time we kneel down to pray, the first words out of our mouth should be “Thank you, Lord.” I know that would make God happy and it would go a long way towards changing our own attitudes about life.

This morning, as we get ready for tomorrow’s celebration, “Let us come to him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 95:2 NLT. As we go through our day let’s continually “give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.” And let’s “let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1.

This Thanksgiving season, if you are grateful to God for all the blessings you’ve been given, then make His day – tell Him! He’ll love it!

God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

Let’s face it, Thanksgiving is a lot of work!

There are groceries to buy, pies to bake, and then, of course, there’s the turkey to prepare. I’m a vegetarian, so I can’t speak from experience on this, but I’ve been told it’s a lot of work. But even when the turkey’s done, there’s still the vegetables to wash, the salad to make, potatoes to be mashed..phew! I’m getting tired just thinking about it!

Even though Thanksgiving dinner is so much work, most of us would say it’s worth it in the end. When we finally sit down to a table overflowing with food and bow our heads together as a family to give thanks, we don’t think about all the hard work which went into the meal. No, we’re just happy to be together, laughing, talking, just enjoying each other’s company.

In the near future, after Jesus comes again to take His people home, we will all sit down to a meal of thanksgiving, “the wedding supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9. Jesus has put a lot of preparation into that meal, even giving His life, to assure your place at the table, but that’s not what He’ll be thinking about on that day.

Isaiah 53:11 says that Jesus, “when he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.” When Jesus finally gets to sit down with His family, with you and I, He won’t think about the cross or the nails in His hands and feet. He won’t be feeling the crown of thorns or the whip on His back. No, He’ll just be glad you’re there. With love in His eyes, He will look at you and say, “You know, it was worth it all, just to have you here. Let’s eat!”

Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” This morning Jesus stands at the door of your heart, an invitation in His hand, sealed with His blood. It would mean so much to Him for you to come. After all, He gave His life, so you can be there. The meal is ready. All that’s missing is you. Won’t you come?

God bless and have a great day!

This week is predicted to have the highest number of Thanksgiving travelers since 2005. According to AAA more than 54 million Americans will be traveling this week. 48.5 million of us will be traveling by road, which is a 5% increase since 2017.

This many travelers on the road at the same time raises the risk of delays, gridlocks, and accidents. AAA predicts travel delays 2½ times normal in congested areas, with an average travel speed of 2 mph.

We’re all going to need some extra patience over the next few days. So, plan to leave a little early, pack some extra snacks, and look forward to a little more time enjoying the company of your traveling companions, because you might be stuck together for quite awhile!

Speaking of companions,don’t forget, wherever you go you are never alone. Even if the trip doesn’t go quite as planned, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT.

So, whether you’re hitting the road this holiday season or letting someone else fly you home, invite Jesus along for the ride. Take Him with you, not just for the holidays, but for every day of the rest of your life.

Jesus doesn’t need much room – just your whole heart. He doesn’t talk too much, but He’s a greater listener. And best of all, if you find you keep getting lost and going the wrong way, He’ll be happy to take the wheel and guide you safely home. All you have to do is ask.

God bless and safe travels.