Marching Forth!

Have you ever faced a "pop quiz" you were unprepared for?  I remember many times groaning inside as my delighted teacher instructed all pupils to stow our books for an unexpected test - without notes.  Even when I had a fair grasp of the material I didn't appreciate "surprise" exams.  I often felt unprepared and anxious because I hadn't carefully studied the material.  As uncomfortable as a surprise quiz made me feel, what relief was mine when we had an "open-book exam."  The freedom to reference all our notes and textbooks was a great consolation.  I cannot remember any nervousness facing an "open book test" because I felt assured of a strong showing. As we live out our days on earth following Jesus Christ, God allows many tests and trials.  Most of these tests come suddenly and unexpectedly.  When tragedy or trials come, it is natural for us to feel uncertain about the future.  We feel uncomfortable because we were not given the oppor...

After a week speaking at a teen camp, I am ready to jump back into the fray of the ever-demanding blog.  I find it is a most useful exercise in better developing thoughts of a spiritual nature I have throughout the day.  The fact others can also benefit from these musings is a wonderful secondary benefit.  I pray that through these musings all who read them may be encouraged, challenged, and seek to apply biblical truth to their personal lives.  Until the LORD directs me to apply my efforts elsewhere for His glory, it is a joy and privilege to continue writing in this format:  free of charge, open and transparent, instructive, and frequent when possible - all to the glory of God! As I spent time becoming acquainted with the teens at camp, many things became apparent.  Kids today are growing up in an era of great confusion, both in society and within themselves.  They have many questions, but most seem to only accept answers which agree with their pri...

In one of the final scenes of "Saving Private Ryan," a dying captain uttered his last words.  Captain Miller had scoured war-ravaged countryside and many men died in their efforts to find and escort Private Ryan to safety.  As his life ebbed away on the bridge, Miller directed his attention to Ryan and said, " Earn this...earn it ."  He exhorted Ryan to live a life worthy of the sacrifice he and others had given to save him.  As the elderly Ryan stood at the tombstone of Captain Miller, he said he remembered those words every day and did the best he could.  But was it enough?  Ryan wasn't so sure. All those who attempt to earn the gracious sacrifice of others will always fall short.  Captain Miller in his dying moments demanded something of Private Ryan he simply could not give.  How could he possibly "earn" the sacrifice of Miller and valiant soldiers who gave their lives so he could live?  What short of sacrificing his own life could e...

The rapid advances in medical treatment and effective medications have changed the world in more ways than we might realise.  We have easy access to tablets of many kinds to relieve inflammation and discomfort, elevate iron levels, and balance hormones.  The accurate diagnosis and treatment of all manner of diseases and illness has prolonged the life of countless children and adults alike.  Physical damage to joints and bones once considered permanent can be restored through surgery.  Because of the access and availability to pain-numbing drugs, pain is often seen as a terrible inconvenience - even a great evil - that we should no longer need to endure.  When the pain hits our thoughts are typically something like, "How can I make this pain stop?" During my reading of Psalm 25 , I was struck with David's quite different approach to affliction and pain.  Our tendency is to try to avoid trouble or misery at any reasonable cost.  Many are so desperate t...