Christian Reflection and Prayer

Whenever I'm disappointed with my
spot in life, I stop and think about
little Jamie Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the
school play. His mother told me that
he'd set his heart on being in it, though
she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded,
I went with her to collect him after
school. Jamie rushed up to her,
eyes shining with pride and excitement..
'Guess what, Mom ,' he shouted, and
then said those words that will remain
a lesson to me....'I've been chosen to
clap and cheer.'

PRAISE GOD AND CHOOSE TO CLAP
AND CHEER!

(I have been afraid lately this
account has given me strength)
 
Scripture:

The Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid,
for I have ransomed you. I have called you by
name; you are mine. When you go through
deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you."
Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

Two Margarets

Margaret MacLachlan and Margaret Wilson,
Covenanters in Wigtown, Scotland, were tried
for their faith on April 13, 1685, for refusing to
take the Oath of Abjuration, which stated that
the Church of God is a department of the State.
Found guilty of rebellion, attending field meetings,
and worshiping in places other than a church,
they were ordered to receive their sentences on
their knees. When they refused to bow before
anyone but God, they were forced down to their
knees and then were sentenced to death by
drowning.

On May 11, 1685, the two faithful Margarets
were tied to posts and staked in the sea as the
tide was rising. The older Margaret (MacLachlan)
was farther out. They were given many chances
to recant their beliefs, but they stood firm and
resolute.

Margaret MacLachlan remained silent, her eyes
closed throughout the ordeal, communing with
Christ until death. As the tide rose eighteen
year-old Margaret Wilson began to sing a
Covenanter rendition of Psalm 25:7. Then,
she recited from Romans 8: "We are more
than conquerors through him that loves us."

After the waves washed over her head, the
soldiers pulled her out, pleading with her one
last time to "pray for the king!" She prayed,
but her pray was, "Lord, give him repentance,
forgiveness, and salvation, if it be Thy holy will."
The angry soldiers threw her back into the water,
and she joined Margaret MacLachlan before
the throne.

We may never face the rising tide of the sea,
but the deep waters of trouble and loss can be
just as overwhelming. How do you react when
you feel you are about to drown in the rising
tide of your own troubles?

Adapted from The One Year® Book of Christian
History by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten
(Tyndale, 2003), entry for May 11.

A college student spent a year living with
a group of Navajo Indians as part of his
doctoral studies program. As he did his
research, he lived with the members of a
Navajo family, sleeping in their hut, eating
their food, working with them, and living as
a 20th century Indian. The old grandmother
of the family spoke no English, and the
student knew no Navajo, but a close
friendship developed between the two.
They spent a great deal of time together.
Despite the language problems, they
shared a common understanding of love
and friendship. Over the months they
learned a few phrases from each other.

Finally, the time arrived for the student
to return to the college and write his thesis,
so the tribe held a going-away celebration.
The next day as he prepared to get into his
pickup truck and leave, the grandmother
came to tell him good-bye. With tears in her
eyes, she said, "I like me best when I'm
with you."

You are with the Lord when you are doing
His Will; following His example; living
according to His teachings; devoting
yourself to His ministry of loving service.
This is what brings genuine joy into your
life. This is what makes it possible for you
to say, "Lord Jesus, I like me best when
I'm with You." And when you are with
Jesus in this way, you may even hear
your spouse or your child or your parent
or your friend say to you, "I like me best
when I'm with you!"

(from Sermons on Line)