[The Mayor]

June 14, 2005

He's Always On The Bridge

Read:
Joshua 1:1-9

I will not leave you nor forsake you. —Joshua 1:5

Bible In One Year: Song of Songs 1-4

My friend Ralph had the thrilling experience of going on a short cruise on the aircraft carrier USS Kennedy. He saw jet fighters take off, land, and demonstrate maneuvers. He was told that whenever the planes are taking off or landing—dangerous operations—the captain watches from the bridge. Even if the planes are flying continually, he stays on the bridge, cat-napping between runs if necessary. So each time a pilot takes off or lands on the deck, he knows that his captain is always on duty.

In today's Scripture reading, when it was time for Joshua to take over as leader of Israel, he needed reassurance that God would be with him as He had been with Moses. The Israelites knew that Moses had divine direction during their wilderness journey because God led them by a pillar of fire and a cloud.

But what about Joshua? God promised him, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). Joshua could lead Israel with the absolute confidence that God was always watching over him.

Wherever we are, whatever bold endeavor we are involved in, or whatever spiritual battle we may face, we have the confidence that God is with us. What's more, He guides, protects, and leads us. He's always on the bridge! —Dave Egner

I trust in God—I know He cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, He keeps my soul—
My heavenly Father watches over me. —Martin
© 1938, The Rodeheaver Co.

The Christian finds safety not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Has God Loved Us?

[JustAmy]

6-14-05

Graphic by MamaBear

His Good Time

There’s something rather inviting here,
If some work doesn’t scare you away.
A lot of us think that running a farm,
Is just a big place we can play.

But the work begins before sunrise,
When the coffee is still not awake,
And it doesn’t let off til you sit in the shade,
And sharpen your tools on your break.

Then you finish your work with the last fading rays,
And you put things away in the dark.
The sound of an “ouch” is the signal you've found,
That wheelbarrow you forgot to park.

I don’t want to imply that there is no reward,
You can eat all you want that you’ve grown.
And there's nothing that adds to the flavor more,
Than to know it’s from seeds that you’ve sewn.

And you’ve watched your partner helping,
And you’ve thanked Him with all of your heart.
For He sent all the rain, and the sun in its time,
And you know that He’s earned a big part.

It’s ironic, you note from your window,
As He irrigates crops far and near.
You get your results by hard work every day,
While He takes His good time to appear.

NicknamedBob . . . . . . . June 8, 2005