I still remember the question.  I remember where I was, and what we were doing when he asked it.   Struggling with a relationship where I barely knew the young lady, a friend of mine asked, “Are you thinking about marrying her?”  “Marry her?”  Of course not.  I hardly knew her, but when he asked that question, it was as if part of the struggle was lifted.  Someone had taken me and the issue seriously.  I still remember the question. I still remember the event.

Singular Focus from a Box of Candy

Years ago, when our children were young, we planned a small trip, and before we jumped in the car, I made an executive decision and planned an activity that I thought might get the kids involved memorizing Scripture, if only for a few miles.   After printing some verses on 3×5 index cards and filling a box with candy and a roll of quarters, it was time to move on down the road and let the games begin. Recite a verse and pick a Hershey bar or a quarter from the box.  Then, once you had recited the verse, you earned the bonus question, which if answered correctly, meant another trip to the loaded box. The bonus question? What does the verse mean?

Recently, my wife shared this illustration that shows us the importance of sticking together.

Flying in a flock is the key to survival for birds living on the plains, and the best display is the annual migration of the American snow goose. A million and a half birds stop to roost in Mound City, Missouri, and the bald eagles know it. They gather to feast on this delicacy before winter comes, but geese are as big as the eagles and hard for them to catch. 

When geese sense danger, the entire flock takes flight forming what looks to the eagle like a great noisy wall. The confused eagles are not able to penetrate that united wall and harm them. But the eagles are hungry and patiently wait for another chance. 

When the weather turns colder, the geese separate into smaller groups along the shore and marshes. The eagles take advantage of the divided groups by diving over them. The geese scatter in flight and in the chaos injure their flock mates, breaking wings and leaving them vulnerable to the enemy.

I think, in some ways, this story describes the current situation of our church.

Psalm 16:8-10

Many of us are dreaming of “getting away” like never before as we have been extensively confined to our homes because of Covid-19. We might long for disappearing from daily life and enjoying family actives together as the summer quickly approaches— hikes in the mountains, bike trails, fishing, boating, or even simple walks down the sidewalks of Holyoke.

Romans 11:6, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

Back in the summer of 2005, Samantha and I were engaged to be married. Our wedding was only months away. While I knew she was the right person for me, there was a part of me that was incredibly nervous. Up remaining on the relationship agenda was one of the most terrifying things for me.

Obad. 15                For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations.

                 As you have done, it shall be done to you;