July 4, 2011

7-4-11 Monday, 5:33 am Springfield, 70 degrees, 90% humidity, cloudy.

On this day in history, 3 United States presidents died – Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. What a coincidence that these great founding fathers died on this day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 35 years ago today I was celebrating with my English brother Malcolm on the St. Louis riverfront as we enjoyed the “Bicentennial” watching British made Harrier fighter jets hover in front of the arch.

Last year Audrey and I left for a 10-day vacation on July 3, enjoying the fireworks under the St. Louis arch, and then heading north for an Indiana and Illinois visit with family. On Monday, July 5 I visited Wesley Seminary on the Indiana Wesleyan University campus to learn about their new 72 credit hour Master of Divinity degree. This week we will have our last few days with Bethany before she heads back to Los Angeles, and Audrey has jury duty. We will then spend a few days of R and R in a yet-to-be decided location.

Yesterday was a great day at Wesley as we welcomed the Rev. Matt Kerner, his wife Sarah and their son Josiah to the pastoral staff. He preached on II Tim 3 and encouraged all of us to have a Paul and aTimothy in our lives, and also to be especially open to coming alongside college students.

Psalm 1 (from yesterday’s One Year Bible schedule)

The person whose delight is in the law of the Lord will be fruitful, like a tree planted by streams of water. In whatever this person does, prosperity follows. It is not so with the wicked, which are like the chaff blown away by the wind. Since 1974 I have delighted in the law of the Lord, seeking God with my whole heart. This is one of my favorite Psalms, as it paints a clear picture of the difference between a person who loves God and His Word, and a person who does not. Guide me Holy Lord on this Independence Day as I depend totally on you, your word, your spirit living in me.