Revitalize Your Church

Sometimes, when climbing out of bed I must remind myself of Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” This exercise is especially helpful on days when there are major challenges before me, and serves as a spiritual/emotional reset button for a “faith lift." This is the Day: Today really counts. In fact, it’s the only day I have. I don’t have yesterday. It’s already gone. There’s no guarantee about tomorrow. But I do have this golden opportunity called today to treasure and I can make the most of it! John Wesley said “redeem the time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” Moments are precious. Every breath we take is a special gift. This is the day to live! Some folks live in yesterday's regrets; others live in the dread or wishfulness of tomorrow; but, we are called to live today. Make today count! The Lord Has Made: I realize that I’m not in charge. Every morning, when I rise, the Lord has already made my day! A guaranteed path to ...

Troubled waters swirl and crash in restless waves on Gitche Gumee's southern side. Somehow, I identify with heavy sighing. But still, looking long and up I see a large horizon deep waters fading blue, reaching up to touch the morning sky. And in my sighings, hope's arising. . . Just in time to whisper, "All is well. Peace be still." ----------------- I wrote this poem on a windy day, as I peered out the hospital waiting room window overlooking the shore of Gitche Gumee (Lake Superior), and noticed angry waves crashing violently on the shore. The troubled waters matched my anxious spirit, as, heavy-hearted, I awaited news from the operating room. But then, lifting my eyes towards the distant horizon, I observed Superior's serenity from the larger perspective. Photo Credit:  Wes Wilson

During the influenza pandemic of 1918 when public gatherings were prohibited, Rev. Homer Cox penned and distributed the sermon: Contrary Winds , based on Matthew 14:22-24 (KJV):  And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. Cox said: The hungering multitudes have been bountifully fed and sent to their homes in the surrounding villages the disciples have embarked for their voyage across the sea; and, as was His custom after a trying day of toil, or before a day of great responsibility, the Saviour has composed His soul in the solitudes of the mountain alone in prayer. Rapt in holy converse with His heavenly Father, the first three watches of the night h...