November 14-15 we took teams in to Saskatoon for Bible quizzing. The team I coached placed 9 out of 13 teams and almost made it into the elimination finals (at least our enthusiasm was great). The other two teams took first and third in their divisions.
I have just picked up a book called “Teach me to pray” by Andrew Murray, 365 thoughts for daily devotional insights. January 1st begins with this thought:
The more I think of and pray about the religious situation in our country, the deeper my conviction becomes that Christians do not realize that the aim of conversion is to bring them into daily fellowship with the Father in heaven.
It is not enough at conversion to accept forgiveness of sins or even to surrender to God. That is only the beginning. We must understand that we have no power of our own to maintain spiritual life. We need to receive daily new grace from heaven through fellowship with the Lord Jesus. This cannot be obtained by a hasty prayer or a superficial reading of a few verses from God’s Word. We must take time to come into God’s presence, to feel our weakness and our need, and to wait on God through His Holy Spirit to renew fellowship with Him. Then we may expect to be kept by the power of Christ throughout the day.
On Sunday I preached on James 4. A part of this passage of Christian Scripture talks about the relationship between where we stand with God and how we can get closer to God.
I had thought of putting together a slide show, powerpoint or movie. Maybe an audio file. Or perhaps find a YouTube idea. Then I thought perhaps there was a tool which brings things closer together — as you move one item the other automatically comes closer. Checked with a friend and came up with a “comealong” — a great tool much like a winch. Not quite what we were looking for but a start. So he grabbed a pen and began to sketch out an idea. First we thought of pulleys, or perhaps wood pieces. I left our time together thinking of all sorts of ideas.
Well, if necessity is the mother of invention, then simplicity is the mother of useful inventions. So, below is the final product! Maaterials used? Sheets of paper, a stand on which a coroplast (plastic) background was placed, two weights, string, tape, pushpins. When you pull the knotted string in the middle both “me” and “God” get closer together!
I awoke this morning to the remembrance — day off!
Trying to switch time and thinking is becoming easier. I guess as you regularly set up days off you begin to actually think that way.
So, I’ve already cleaned calcium deposited kettles – bright and polished shine! Listened to some music and now seated at the computer.
As I read my email, three people informed us that a friend had die. Fridolf Durell was a great crockinole player, a former Industrial Arts teacher (back when that was what we called it), and an inspirational man to be around. The funeral is on Wednesday in Prince Albert at 2:00 pm. Unfortunately our other commitments make it impossible to attend, but may God go with the family during this time.