YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE!

I just received a devotional book by William Barclay.  Although I'll be saving it for next year, I sat and read the introduction written by Denis Duncan, who collected and edited the works of this great biblical scholar.

Denis included a long list of Barclay's accomplishments and positions held - from biblical scholar and professor to football fan and supporter of the Scottish National Orchestra.  He trained and conducted the Trinity College Student's Choir and also found time to be a railway enthusiast!

He wrote over sixty books while his Daily Study Bible sold over a million copies in Britain and half-a-million more in the United States!  

As a journalist, his work was published in many newspapers and journals.  His television teaching on the New Testament captivated millions!  

All this while being married and raising a son.

"The typical Barclay day:

"He rises at 7:15 AM and reaches the university at 8:30 AM.  He works at his desk until 1:15 PM.  In the afternoon he sees research students from 2:00 - 4:30 PM. The evening he spends reading, writing or out speaking. At 11:00 PM he falls asleep but only for one hour.  At midnight he is awake again and works till 2:00 AM.   [DAILY CELEBRATION, William Barclay, p.10]  

After reading this introduction, I simply sat in the quiet of my study and meditated.

__________________________________

After this period of personal reflection I set myself to typing into my quote file a number of things from my recent reading.   One of the quotes took me back to my earlier musings.  Actually, it was a quote from DAILY CELEBRATION VOL2 [p.45].

"Every man who ever came into this world was sent into this world by God to do some special task. Every man is, as it has been put, a 'Dream of God'."

Reader, you are a "Dream of God"!  You have been sent into this world to do some special task!

Hey! I heard that thought!  You were thinking: "Yeah, right!"  But listen - it's true!

Your task may not be one which is great as the world uses the word great. It may be to:

• care for a child, 
• make someone else happy, 
• teach someone’s mind, 
• cure someone’s body, 
• bring sunshine into the lives of others across a counter
• or in an office, 
• to make a home.

Do what you do - whatever it is - with the determination not to disappoint the God who set you to this task!  

Honor Him!

Love Him!

Serve Him joyfully!

Point others to Him!

Be a joyful servant!

King of the universe: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Thank You for sending us into Your world to serve Your purposes!

The world may deem our role as insignificant, but You don't!

Don't allow us to minimize the importance of our existence!

Even as we age and are relegated to less impacting roles, help us to realize that we are still capable of much for You - though it may be in different ways!

Be near to the young mother who is wiping noses, changing diapers and trying to maintain order in her home.  She is about the crucial business of raising godly children who will honor You!

Touch the millworker today who has a repetitive job that barely engages the mind.  Help them to live with purpose and hope that will inspire their fellow workers and point them to You!

Engage the ones who are full of despair today!  Lord, help them to remember that they are Your dream!  Guide them back onto the path of Your plan and blessing!  Renew their hope and sense of purpose!

For those who are far from home: due to military service, or schooling obligations, or being immigrants, or work commitments, or rebellion, or being captives of violence or the sex trade, or even the prodigals;  assure them that You are with them!  Remind them that You see into the darkest corners and are able to rally rescuers, provide strength and endurance while guiding and protecting them with Your angels!

Regardless of our situation, location, or state of mind, renew our understanding that we were sent into this world to do some special task!  Give us the courage and stamina to look around, figure out what it is, and do it with all our passion and desire.

And may our service be pleasing to You, and may we earn the right to someday hear You say:  "Well done!  You have been a faithful servant!  Enter into the eternal joy of your Lord!"  

AMEN!

FEARLESS, JOYFUL, TRIUMPHANT LIVING

We’re moving through the last (4th) chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.  Yesterday I wrote about contentment (vs.10-12).  The day before that the topic was what we think about (vs.8-9).  Now, we embrace the crowning thought of Paul’s challenge (v.13).

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Ten words in the English language!  Ten absolutely phenomenal, extraordinary, exceptional words! 

But let’s not just snag these words from the text because we happen to like them!  These words apply to those who are Paul’s beloved brethren (v.1). 

Those who Rejoice in the Lord always (v.4).

Those who are anxious for nothing (v.6), but instead turn everything over to God in prayer!

Those who purposely dwell on things that are:

·         honorable

·         right

·         pure

·         lovely, and

·         of good reputation. (v.8)

Those who have learned to be content (v.11) in any circumstances!

DO THESE QUALITIES DEFINE YOUR LIFE?  [Maybe you ought to read them again?]

If this is the way you are living, then Paul’s ten audacious words apply to you! 

“[You] can do all things through Him who strengthens [you].”

Most of my readers know by now that I love Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, THE MESSAGE.  Here’s how he phrases it:

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”

Are there any more encouraging words in all of scripture? 

It doesn’t matter what you’re facing:

·         terrible loss

·         financial crisis

·         loss of job

·         death of a loved one

·         a health crisis

Imagine the worst and add it to this list! 

If you’re following Paul’s formula for healthy spirituality - “[You] can do all things through Him who strengthens [you].”

AT - UPDATE #1

Well, I've been out since March 9th and I'm still at it!  PTL!

I'm currently in Hiawassi, GA.  I was here on Sunday and attended a wonderful Baptist Church.  Now I'm back because of the nor-easter that is tormenting all backpackers.  I didn't plan this stop, but it was necessary.  Last night was SO COLD!  Whew!  I couldn't feel my fingers! 

I'm on a public computer, so this will not be refined.  I can't tie it up too long.  I know that miles is a big issue to family and friends, but it's really not to me.  There are no mile-markers on the AT.  You use the trail guide and maps and apps to locate yourself.  Anytime I do report my mileage, I will add the 'Approach Trail' 9 miles because it was about the hardest section I've done so far.  Although Blood Mountain was also a major challenge.

The hiking is hard!  So many mountains that never seem to end!  You reach what you think is the summit only to discover that the trail turns and heads up more.  This happens over and over and over again! 

But, my legs and lungs are getting stronger - I can feel it.  They say you get your 'trail legs' by Tennessee - we'll see.  But I am doing better.  After climbing the 1,000 steps to the top of Amicalola Falls, I was seriously questioning my decision to do this! 

About 80% of the hikers are in their 20's/30's.  They are friendly to me and I enjoy the camaraderie with all the hikers.  Most are friendly.  When they pass me on the trail, almost always they will ask if I'm ok.  It renews my confidence in the younger generation.  There are a few guys older than me and a few my age.  I've also tracked with a few in their 50's. 

Some say that many of the younger ones are 'spring-breakers' who will leave and then return to the trail at the end of the semester.  Could be.  Thru-hikers quickly recognize one another and enjoy a special connection. 

There are lots of encouragers on the AT.  If they sense you're down, they'll try their best to cheer you up and keep you going.  Just this morning I was told:  "Hal, never quit on a rainy or snowy day!"  :-)  If it wasn't for these encouragers and my family and friends, I might have quit that first week. 

I've seen friends drop off because of knee problems - lots of those!  Several struggled with back issues and had to leave the trail.  A 'ridge runner'* told us that he came across a man several miles in who had hit the first hard climb.  He had his pack off sitting in the middle of the trail and he was standing there staring at it!  I can appreciate that vignette! 

So far, every day has been utterly exhausting!  You reach your campsite or shelter area and just collapse.  You still have to set up camp and prepare your meal, but you wonder how you'll ever get it done.  Sometimes you have tio hang a 'bear bag' which can be challenging.  A benefit of staying at shelter areas is that they almost always provide wires to hang your food from - VERY HELPFUL.  They're now adding 'bear-proof boxes at some areas which is even nicer (easier). 

Everyone is in bed at 8 PM.  You rise with the sun, prepare your breakfast, break camp, pack up and hit the trail.  At first, I was slow, but I'm often on the trail before 8:30 AM now. 

I have no physical problems - thank You, Lord!  I'm truly grateful for this!  Especially when I see so many others struggling. 

I'm learning so much!  Much by making mistakes.  More by watching others.  There have been some spectacular views;  I've much appreciated them.  I've slept on shelter floors more than I expected - mostly because of the bad weather. 

I'll soon be leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina.  That'll feel good! 

I miss Debbie more than I expected.  But she's been my #1 prayer partner along with the rest of my family (and many of you) - THANKS!   When you pray for me - please also lift a prayer for the children of ICCM!  Their needs far exceed mine and we want our gracious God to watch over and provide for them! 
\
Sorry for the scattered thoughts, but I'm trying to get as much in as I can quickly. 

I've had signal more than I thought I would, but I still have to be careful for my battery supply.  If you have specific questions, put them on the FB feed that sent you here and I'll try to answer.  I'll be on wifi the rest of today (Wednesday). 

BLESSINGS on you all on this first day of spring.   Ha ha ha ha....

*  A ridge runner is someone who works for the AT Conservancy and hikes the trail and checks the shelter and camping areas for problems of any kind.  They're VERY HELPFUL people!