Scripture: Psalm 119:133
Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Thought for the Day: The following is a bit of dialogue from the movie Lincoln. I have had it on my computer for a month or so, and every morning I have read it.
Thaddeus Stevens: You know that the inner compass that should direct the soul toward justice has ossified in white men and women, North and South, unto utter uselessness through tolerating the evil of slavery.
Abraham Lincoln: A compass I learnt when I was surveying, it’ll… it’ll point you true north from where your standing, but it’s got no advice about the swamps, deserts and chasms that you’ll encounter along the way. If in pursuit of your destination, you plunge ahead heedless of obstacles, and achieve nothing more than to sink in a swamp, what’s the use of knowing true north?
President Lincoln was realistic and practical… yet, a faithful idealist. I’m not a scholar of Lincoln, but I have read a few biographies over the years, and that has been my takeaway. Allowing God to guide our steps, there are times when we probably find it a bit unsettling because it does not appear God is taking the most direct route. In fact, there are times when God’s direction seems to go in the wrong direction. The iniquity the author speaks about is often our ego, our desire to play the role of God. We can convince ourselves of the direction and push ahead without any thought for what might be found a mile down the road. A lot of passionate people, who believed they were moving in a godly direction, have found themselves sinking in the swamp.
Prayer: Let me listen to your guiding Spirit, O Gentle God, so that maybe…just maybe, I can miss a few of the obstacles along the way. Amen.
SUNDAY’S MESSAGE
With Duct Tape In Hand
Beginning our conversation
on resolving conflicts
