[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

January 15, 2010

A Second Chance

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Lamentations 3:22-33

His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23

A year ago today, 155 people on US Airways Flight 1549 thought they were going to die. During take-off from New York City, their plane struck a flock of geese, disabling both engines. In a powerless glide, the captain maneuvered over the densely populated area, then announced: “Brace for impact.” Less than 90 seconds later, the crippled plane made a water landing in the frigid Hudson River, where boats and ferries quickly arrived to rescue the passengers and crew, all of whom survived. People called it the “miracle on the Hudson” and praised the pilot and crew. One grateful passenger said simply, “We have a second chance in life.”

In times of crisis, we grasp the importance of every hour. During our ordinary routine, however, we often forget that each day is a second chance. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in Him!’ ” (Lam. 3:22-24).

We can choose to live with thankfulness for God’s mercy and grace, with confidence in His faithful care, and with hope because He is with us forever. Today, God offers us a second chance in life. Let’s make the most of it!

As shadows of night give way to dawn’s light,
God opens the door to a brand-new day;
And with it come mercies from His gracious hand
For giving new mercies is always His way. —D. De Haan

Our God is a God of second chances.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42

[jaycee]

I love and appreciate this message today, Mr. Mayor. How beautiful it is and how thankful we all must be when we awaken to a bright new day....to Him be all the Praise!

Our God is a God of second chances.

What would be do if those words were not true?

[MEG33]

Such a wonderful message..Thank you, Rus.

[pollywog]

A wonderful devotion this morning. Thanking God for His provision for all of those on Flight 1549 that day, and for providing for us daily.

Polly

[Dubya]

Its a Coming

Three strangers strike up a conversation in the passenger lounge in Bozeman , Montana , while waiting for their respective flights...

One is an American Indian passing through from Lame Deer, another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for a livestock show and the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly arrived at Montana State University from the Middle East.

Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westerners learn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim and the conversation falls into an uneasy lull.

The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table, tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face, and lights a cigarette. The wind outside is blowing tumbleweeds around, and the old windsock is flapping; but still no plane comes.

Finally, the American Indian clears his throat and softly he speaks, ‘At one time here... my people were many... but sadly, now we are few.’

The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward,’Once my people were few,’ he sneers, ‘and now we are many. Why do you suppose that is?’

The cowboy removes his cigarette from his mouth and from the darkness beneath his Stetson says in a smooth drawl . . .

‘I reckon that’s ‘cause we ain’t played Cowboys and Muslims yet,
but I do believe it’s a-comin’.