Pastor’s Corner

Trivia:

Which toy got its name from a pie company? Well the correct answer is the Frisbee. It started with college students throwing empty pie plates in the park, the pie plates were what the Frisbie Pie Company placed their pies in. Unfortunately, the company pie went defunct but the pie tins took off as an art form, to throw while at the park, on the beach, etc., which they then retained the name Frisbie.

Here's another head turner; Which city started celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks? New York; Chicago; Austin; Philadelphia ? Make your guess.

CHALLENGE:

Psalm 32:8-11 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Oh my friends the Lord promises us that He desires to guide us in ways of blessings, and helpfulness; paths that bring us to experience many benefits. Early in our lives many see His ways as controlling, restraining, etc. But in reality they are offering advice that would protect us from the forces that had selfish intentions in mind. These ways seemed to be fun and enjoyable, but they actually brought harm, loss, sorrow, and hopelessness. We see the result of this in the homeless encampments throughout our major cities.

In verse 9 the writer warns us not to become stubborn and willful like a stubborn mule, who refuses any corrective guidance that could bring blessings into our lives, but will rather bring sorrow, loss, needless pain and hurt. Don't be tricked by those who had evil intentions for your lives.

This reminds me of a little Shetland pony that my uncle brought home to the farm. The farmer who had him wanted to get rid of him, because he was so stubborn. He had even refused to give him a positive name, he called him "Stub" because he was so stubborn. We tried to train him but he refused any kind of guidance. Even fresh grain couldn't entice him to follow and learn positive lessons, so we just kept him in the stock coral hoping he would realize that we only wanted good for him.

One night he managed to push his way out of the barn yard and across the farm yard. At the south end of the farm a creek ran by and sometimes after a heavy rain the raging water would weaken the fence. Stub forced his way into the creek and swam along the creek, however, across the bridge there was a place where the water would circle and create a rip current and take you under the surface for a long distance and finally let you come to the surface. Many various kinds of. animals and stock would drown there because they couldn't get free of the current.

That morning I had given up searching for Stub so was going to pick up some fresh hay from the pole barn, where we stored excess hay. I glanced in the direction of the rip current and saw Stub struggling to get clear of it. He kept being pulled under the water and then struggling to get away from the powerful funnel.

I managed to throw a lasso over his neck from the bridge and then pulled him free of the current to the shore with the truck. He was so exhausted he layed on the shore panting and weak for quite awhile. After a long time I brought him some grain and an apple (his favorite treat) and laid it beside him, after about an hour he stood up and ate. Since the rope was still around his neck I led him to the lower corral where he rested.

Later that afternoon I picked him up with the stock trailer and with another apple, took him back to the barnyard. From that day on when I would come to the barnyard he would nuzzle me, and push up against me. When the vet came to shoe Stub I had to stay there till the procedure was complete. For, he had learned that my purposes were based on my love for him.

Stub had learned this important lesson spoken to us here in these verses. The Lord wants to guide us away from the harmful intentions of the evil one, but to instead surround us with His love and blessings.

Verse 11 goes on to tell us to feel free to "Rejoice in the Lord and be glad". Why? Because we have learned that out of the loving guidance that He gives to us. We can "Shout for joy," Why because living in obedience to His guidance brings the benefit of pure intentions to our lives.

SO GO WITH GOD my dear one, don't fight against His loving care. For His desires are to bring joy, blessings, and gladness, and as a result, purity is the outcome that is brought to our lives.