July 1, 2010

7-1-10 Thursday, 7:39 am Grayrock, 62 beautiful degrees, sunny, low humidity!

Today will be a beautiful day to stain the deck. I bought the stain a year ago, my power washer finally is operational thanks to Steve Collette fixing a stuck valve, and yesterday I prepped the deck using the washer and a deck detergent. It looks nice this morning, ready to be stained after a few more hours of drying in sun.

I have several loose ends to tie up related to pastoring before hitting the road. Yesterday’s daily action sheet lists them all. I will work on them from home this morning. Thank you Lord for this wonderful day.

II Kings 18:13-19:37
King Sennacherib of Assyria is on the march, and in the 14th year of King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah the Assyrians have set their sights on Jerusalem. This chapter records the exchange between the Assyrian chief of staff and three officials from Hezekiah, an exchange viewed and heard by citizens of Jerusalem on its wall. The Assyrian stated that his army would lay siege to this city and its residents would soon be eating their own dung and drinking their own urine. That no god had yet stopped his army and their god certainly couldn’t. He offered to receive their surrender with the promise to peacefully relocate them to his country. He spoke loudly and in Hebrew so listening citizens could get the message, as well as the delegation from Hezekiah.

The prophet Isaiah learns of this, and 19:21-34 records his prophecy against Sennacherib and for the deliverance of Jerusalem. This is a beautiful chapter. As I read it I realize the peace and security that I enjoy, yet the uncertainty and possible destruction facing the Hebrews. There are so many in the world today facing uncertainty and possible destruction with no human help in sight. It behooves us who know and serve the Living God to invest ourselves in the lives of vulnerable and desperate people.

Acts 21:1-17
The Apostle Paul and his party say goodbye to the Ephesian elders and head toward Jerusalem, where it is likely he will be arrested. He says he is ready to be arrested and even killed for the sake of the gospel. May this be my posture also, even though in this culture and this time it is unlikely that my life will be in jeopardy. Guard me Lord from complacency, especially in this comfortable culture.