Amazing what happened to US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15. The heroic decisions and actions taken by the pilot, Chesley Sullenberger, and his crew were incredible! I don't think I will ever forget the image of the passengers standing on the wings of the airplane floating in the Hudson River. I can be certain that the passengers themselves will never forget it. I know Emma Sophina will never forget it.
Emma Sophina is a 26 year old professional singer-songwriter from Perth, Australia who is trying to make it into the U.S. music industry. She was aboard flight 1549 on the day it went down on the Hudson. She had traveled to New York as part of a vacation opportunity and for an opportunity to meet with Marc Swersky, a writer and a producer. She was leaving New York and headed for Charlotte when the life changing event occurred. After her rescue, Marc Swersky was the only person she had a contact with in New York who could help her after she lost all of her belongings to the bottom of the Hudson River. So, naturally, she contacted him.
I don't know what kind of, if any, meeting Emma may have had with Marc Swersky before the fall of Flight 1549, but the time they spent together after the accident has produced a song that could not have had the same meaning or impact if it had been written prior to the accident. As the story goes, Marc had an unfinished song looking for someone to add some additional verses and to sing the finished product. Emma brought her experiences of January 15 and added lyrics to that unfinished song finalizing the piece which is now entitled, "Send Another Prayer."
Somewhere out on the wing of that aircraft floating in the Hudson River, Emma Sophina was inspired to give thanks to God for saving her life and to give thanks for the flight crew and the magnificent job they did. She was literally "on a wing and a prayer!" Of the song she says, "Send Another Prayer" is a thank you to God for my life, firstly, and secondly a thank you to the pilots."
Tomorrow (January 29), Emma is scheduled to perform her new song in front of several major U.S. record companies. Sometime next week, she expects to perform it on U.S. television. What a turn of events! One minute, on a flight out of New York, not knowing if her dream of breaking into the U.S. market would ever happen, the next minute literally "on a wing and a prayer" and that just might be the break she needs. Do you think it is actually possible that our desperate situations could become the "breaks" in life we need?
"On a wing and a prayer" is a saying that comes from a song written during World War II. It has come to mean that you are in a desperate situation and are relying on God to see you through. Emma Sophina and so many others were in a desperate situation that day, and she and other believers relied on God to see them through.
Do you find yourself in a desperate situation? Are you living "on a wing and a prayer?" If so, think about the image of those passengers standing on the wings of an aircraft floating, of all things, on the Hudson River. Emma Sophina is somewhere in that picture. Picture yourself there. Then, send another prayer!
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
The information about Emma Sophina comes from an article, "From A Plane's Wing a Song is Born," written January 27, 2009 by Ian Munro for The Sydney Morning Herald, found on their website at www.smh.com.au
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
HIS Story in the Making
Today is a historical day as the inauguration of the next President of the United States takes place. Multitudes of individuals will journey to Washington for this significant event, and millions of others all across the world will be watching on televsion because history is taking place.
"Consecration," in simple terms, can mean a solemn commitment of your life to a goal or purpose. However, there is greater meaning to this word when you understand it as it is used in the Bible. As it is used in the Bible, consecration is the setting apart of an object or one's life for a Holy God. This means that the object or person consecrated belongs to God, is under His charge, and is for His use. The consecrated item or individual then becomes a part of HIS story.
Years from now, I may not be able to tell my grandchildren that I was an eyewitness to history, but might I still be able to tell them that I was a participant in HIS story? Physically, I may not be able to be present at the President's inauguration, but is there a way that I can participate in it? I believe the answer to both questions is yes, and here is how: I can pray something like this,
Indeed, today is HIS Story in the making!
More Presidential Stuff
The story is told of Abraham Lincoln that at a White House reception on one occasion, there was a long line of people who were led past President Lincoln, but not allowed to come close or to shake his hand. One old man who had traveled a great distance for the occasion was disappointed that he would not be able to shake the President's hand. Just before he left the line, the old man tipped his hat at the President and shouted, "Mr. President, I'm from up in York state where we believe that God Almighty and Abraham Lincoln are going to save this country." President Lincoln is said to have waved back at him and said, "My firend, you're half right."
Indeed, only one can save this country and all other countries in the world, and when it is all said and done, it will be HIS story!
God bless,
Landon
According to http://www.dictionary.reference.com/, the word "inauguration" means "the ceremonial induction into a position; a formal beginning or introduction." Interestingly, the origin of the word comes from the French language and means "installation or consecration." So today, we are installing a new President in a formal ceremony to establish a new beginning for our nation and for the world. But there is a word in "inauguration's" originial meaning in the French language that I find interesting and that is the word "consecration."
"Consecration," in simple terms, can mean a solemn commitment of your life to a goal or purpose. However, there is greater meaning to this word when you understand it as it is used in the Bible. As it is used in the Bible, consecration is the setting apart of an object or one's life for a Holy God. This means that the object or person consecrated belongs to God, is under His charge, and is for His use. The consecrated item or individual then becomes a part of HIS story.
Years from now, I may not be able to tell my grandchildren that I was an eyewitness to history, but might I still be able to tell them that I was a participant in HIS story? Physically, I may not be able to be present at the President's inauguration, but is there a way that I can participate in it? I believe the answer to both questions is yes, and here is how: I can pray something like this,
Dear God,
Your word says, "for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God (Romans 13:1)." I give you thanks for President Barack Obama, and I acknowledge that you have set him apart and consecrated him, just as you do all governments and authorities. He belongs to you. He is under your charge. He is for your use. I know that he serves a role in your plan for all of humanity. He is a part of history, but more importantly, he is a part of your story. Bless him. Guide him. I submit to your authority and participate with you in consecrating him for your purpose. I now submit to him because of who he is and who he will become in your grand design. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Indeed, today is HIS Story in the making!
More Presidential Stuff
The story is told of Abraham Lincoln that at a White House reception on one occasion, there was a long line of people who were led past President Lincoln, but not allowed to come close or to shake his hand. One old man who had traveled a great distance for the occasion was disappointed that he would not be able to shake the President's hand. Just before he left the line, the old man tipped his hat at the President and shouted, "Mr. President, I'm from up in York state where we believe that God Almighty and Abraham Lincoln are going to save this country." President Lincoln is said to have waved back at him and said, "My firend, you're half right."
Indeed, only one can save this country and all other countries in the world, and when it is all said and done, it will be HIS story!
God bless,
Landon
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is a word that is used a lot at church but what does it mean? One definition that I found is discipleship is "the lifelong journey of obedience to Christ that transforms a person's values and behavior and results in ministry in one's home, church, and the world." (Discipleship:God's Life Changing Work, Lifeway Resources, p. 3). Discipleship is all about following Jesus. It is learning from him and becoming like him. Discipleship follows a genuine conversion experience where an individual turns his/her life over to Jesus and says, "From this day on, I will trust and obey Jesus." It is a LIFELONG journey that has a starting point but never ends.
Because it is a lifelong journey, there is always work to be done, improvements to be made. This applies to every believer. Believer, how is your journey? What work needs to be done right now? What improvements need to be made in your life?
On Sunday, January 25, all adults who attend Sunday School will have an opportunity to take a spiritual growth assessment, a questionnaire that is designed to get you thinking about how well you are doing as a disciple. This is something that only you will see unless you choose to share it with someone else. You will be able to examine how well you are doing in the areas of: abiding in Christ, living in the word, praying in faith, fellowshipping with believers, witnessing to the world, and ministering to others.
Starting Sunday, February 8, at 5:00 p.m., we will offer discipleship classes to address most if not all of these six areas. If, after taking the assessment, you discover any areas that need work or improvement, I encourage you to register for the class that will most benefit you at this time in your journey!
Read Through the Bible 2009
I hope you are reading through your Bible on a daily basis. If you have a plan to read through the Bible in 2009, I want to invite you to become a part of an online encourager group. There are a group of 80 + individuals who are part of an online group on Facebook.com called "Read Through the Bible 2009 -- LNBC." I hope you will consider joining. We have people in the group from North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, and West Virginia! It is an opportunity to encourage one another, share things God is teaching us, and raise questions we might have about what we are reading. I would enjoy your participation.
If you would like to join, go to facebook.com and set up a profile. Then in the search field, type in the group name as I have it above. This should take you to the group page where you can then sign up. All of this is free.
Proverbs 30:5
This verse was shared by someone on the "Read Through The Bible 2009 -- LNBC" online group page this week. It says, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." God's word is pure. He can be completely trusted! Because His word is pure and He can be trusted, He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. The safest place to be is a place of trust!
How has He proven to be your shield? I'd love to hear your comments!
Discipleship is a word that is used a lot at church but what does it mean? One definition that I found is discipleship is "the lifelong journey of obedience to Christ that transforms a person's values and behavior and results in ministry in one's home, church, and the world." (Discipleship:God's Life Changing Work, Lifeway Resources, p. 3). Discipleship is all about following Jesus. It is learning from him and becoming like him. Discipleship follows a genuine conversion experience where an individual turns his/her life over to Jesus and says, "From this day on, I will trust and obey Jesus." It is a LIFELONG journey that has a starting point but never ends.
Because it is a lifelong journey, there is always work to be done, improvements to be made. This applies to every believer. Believer, how is your journey? What work needs to be done right now? What improvements need to be made in your life?
On Sunday, January 25, all adults who attend Sunday School will have an opportunity to take a spiritual growth assessment, a questionnaire that is designed to get you thinking about how well you are doing as a disciple. This is something that only you will see unless you choose to share it with someone else. You will be able to examine how well you are doing in the areas of: abiding in Christ, living in the word, praying in faith, fellowshipping with believers, witnessing to the world, and ministering to others.
Starting Sunday, February 8, at 5:00 p.m., we will offer discipleship classes to address most if not all of these six areas. If, after taking the assessment, you discover any areas that need work or improvement, I encourage you to register for the class that will most benefit you at this time in your journey!
Read Through the Bible 2009
I hope you are reading through your Bible on a daily basis. If you have a plan to read through the Bible in 2009, I want to invite you to become a part of an online encourager group. There are a group of 80 + individuals who are part of an online group on Facebook.com called "Read Through the Bible 2009 -- LNBC." I hope you will consider joining. We have people in the group from North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, and West Virginia! It is an opportunity to encourage one another, share things God is teaching us, and raise questions we might have about what we are reading. I would enjoy your participation.
If you would like to join, go to facebook.com and set up a profile. Then in the search field, type in the group name as I have it above. This should take you to the group page where you can then sign up. All of this is free.
Proverbs 30:5
This verse was shared by someone on the "Read Through The Bible 2009 -- LNBC" online group page this week. It says, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." God's word is pure. He can be completely trusted! Because His word is pure and He can be trusted, He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. The safest place to be is a place of trust!
How has He proven to be your shield? I'd love to hear your comments!
Monday, January 5, 2009
January 5, 2009
Sometimes You Just Go With the "Moe!"
My three-year-old son, Landon Jr., was trying to decide between two books that he wanted me to read to him the other day. He decided to do the "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" routine. It went like this:
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Catch a rabbits (sic) by its toe. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe."
When he ended with the final "moe," he pointed to the winning book and said, "That's the Moe!" And that was the book that we read.
Decisions are tough sometimes. I wonder in some cases, if God allows us to choose between more than one good option. We must pray for His direction in all cases. When His direction doesn't seem to be clear enough, we should examine what we are looking at and examine our own hearts more closely. God may be saying stay put where you are or he may be saying either option is good. We can know the latter to be true if in our examination of all options and in our heart examination, we don't see anything in them that would conflict with the truth of His word.
So, is it okay to sometimes just go with the "Moe?"
What do you think?
A Psalm
In one of my posts prior to Christmas, I suggested writing a Psalm as an activity to do over Christmas. Charles McLeod did just that and here it is:
O Lord, my Father in Heaven
Holy God, Exalted God
How beautiful your gift of life is to me
You love me despite my sinful nature,
How wonderful you truly are!
You sent your only son for me
Because you love me.
How unworthy I am of you
I fall short of your glory
Yet you still love me
You are truly a wonderful and just God
Holy, holy, holy are you dear God
Thank you for all you have given me
I will strive to be a good steward
Of all you have trusted me with.
I will be diligent in seeking you
I will persevere in my journey
To be closer to you, Lord God
Because you love me
Because I love you
Charles said, "Hi Landon, earlier this month on your blog, you invited us to write or own Psalm. Well, I have, and what a rewarding moment it was. You really do look deep as to what God has done for you."
Thanks Charles!
My three-year-old son, Landon Jr., was trying to decide between two books that he wanted me to read to him the other day. He decided to do the "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" routine. It went like this:
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Catch a rabbits (sic) by its toe. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe."
When he ended with the final "moe," he pointed to the winning book and said, "That's the Moe!" And that was the book that we read.
Decisions are tough sometimes. I wonder in some cases, if God allows us to choose between more than one good option. We must pray for His direction in all cases. When His direction doesn't seem to be clear enough, we should examine what we are looking at and examine our own hearts more closely. God may be saying stay put where you are or he may be saying either option is good. We can know the latter to be true if in our examination of all options and in our heart examination, we don't see anything in them that would conflict with the truth of His word.
So, is it okay to sometimes just go with the "Moe?"
What do you think?
A Psalm
In one of my posts prior to Christmas, I suggested writing a Psalm as an activity to do over Christmas. Charles McLeod did just that and here it is:
O Lord, my Father in Heaven
Holy God, Exalted God
How beautiful your gift of life is to me
You love me despite my sinful nature,
How wonderful you truly are!
You sent your only son for me
Because you love me.
How unworthy I am of you
I fall short of your glory
Yet you still love me
You are truly a wonderful and just God
Holy, holy, holy are you dear God
Thank you for all you have given me
I will strive to be a good steward
Of all you have trusted me with.
I will be diligent in seeking you
I will persevere in my journey
To be closer to you, Lord God
Because you love me
Because I love you
Charles said, "Hi Landon, earlier this month on your blog, you invited us to write or own Psalm. Well, I have, and what a rewarding moment it was. You really do look deep as to what God has done for you."
Thanks Charles!
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