Psa 32:(1)-11
As I teenager I was riding with my friend in his dads car. He asked, “Would you like to drive?” Sure, I said. I was too young to drive but we were driving out in the field so it seemed to be harmless and legal. I was having a great time until I ran over the stump of an old tree. We got out and looked at the car and saw that the underside of the body was bent. I have no remembrance of the occasion following that. In fact it was not until years later that I was in chapel service at Kansas City College and Bible School that I even remembered the incident. God moved on the service and I went to the altar to pray for other students. While there God brought the incident to my mind and I knew that I needed to talk to my friend’s father. Later that day I saw him and told him what had happened. I asked how much money I owed him to make things right. He thanks me for my confession and told me that he no longer had the car. I was told that I owed nothing. God’s forgiveness is just as complete. When we confess our sins He totally forgives. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to appease the wrath of God and offset the judgment against our offense. We owe nothing except love to this One who freely forgives.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Rev. 10:1-6 (4)
Eleven-year-old prince Arthur was amazed! This had to be the highest mountain in the world. The entourage stopped their horses long enough to look at the magnificent sight.
Immediately Arthur wanted to know. “Has anyone climbed it?” No one had. It wasn’t possible. That was all that was needed to make up Arthur’s mind. As Arthur rode off toward the mountain Cai begged permission to follow his friend. Ectorius was immediately against the idea because his son had one lame leg. Merlin saw the hope in Cai’s eyes and took up the argument. A short time later Cai was permitted to ride after his friend Arthur.
Ectorius and Merlin sat up camp. They waited through that day and the next. Ectorius was beside himself with worry. He griped and grumbled. He was certain that his boy had fallen and was on the side of the mountain bleeding to death. Merlin soothed him again and again.
It wasn’t until after dark that evening that they heard the jubilant call. The boys staggered into camp, bone-weary, but with victory lighting up their countenance. They were heroes.
Cai looked at Arthur and said, “We reached the top. But I never would have made it without him. He carried me most of the time.” Arthur responded, “No don’t say that. We climbed it together – you and I together.”
The bond of friendship that was born that day was to glue the hearts of these two men together so that they fought for the kingdom together – and yes, in a sense reigned together.
The life we face looks hard. It looks impossible. But we have King Jesus as our companion. That makes the difference. When we can’t go any farther He carries us. He takes us to the peak and shows us the glory of a holy life. Because of our love for Him we too will be His right arm. We will serve Him with all loyalty and love.
Dr. Gayle Woods
