May 7, 2020

Snoopy is taking a few minutes out of his day to find encouragement in God’s word.  We should all do the same!  I know even just a favorite verse or a few shared thoughts help me keep my focus in the right place for the day.  Work was very quick today – only a few things to get done.  But surprisingly I had a checkup at the eye doctor’s and passed – and even ordered new glasses.  Now to wait the two weeks until they come in.  My prescription did not change, but I had opted not to get glasses last year as my eyes were still adjusting from my cataract surgery.  So I was really due an improved pair.  No one will be surprised that I chose purple! Go big or go home!!!  It was so sunny and beautiful and even warm that it was a delight to be outside, if only for a bit.  I cleaned the rest of my house, made some mom-based phone calls, and then listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist. 

Micah’s message was ‘New Beginnnings’, and who better to symbolize that than Noah?  When he got off the ark, there was no one else in the WORLD – except his family and the animals.  Micah talked about God’s plan for Noah:  He first selected the person.  Noah re-established life, based on his life-long walk with God and being descended from Godly men (look up his linage!).  Second, there was a specific project.  Noah had very exact instructions, perfect guidelines.  We, too have those same specifics in the Bible.  Third, Noah offered solemn praise – it was the first thing he did:  Built an alter.  Worship was his top priority.  God gave Noah several assurances:  He would not curse the ground again; not destroy every living thing ever again, and promised the earth would remain until the end of time (as God directs it). BUT – there was an ‘although’ in there – God recognized that the intents and thoughts of man are evil from youth.  We are prone to sin, and it is a constant struggle.  If we fix our heart and eyes on God, He will sustain us.  How do we do that?  Be prepared.  We must know God and his Word/Will, pray and worship.  Obey and trust.  Our priorities should focus on God.   

On this date in 1789 the first inaugural ball was held in New York City for George Washington.  In 1941, Glenn Miller recorded Chattanooga Choo Choo, and in 1966 the Mamma’s and the Papa’s hit MONDAY, MONDAY hit #1.  In 1975 Gerald Ford declared the end to the Vietnam Era.  Robert Browning was born in 1812, and Gary Cooper was born in 1901.   

So Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord, and not only found it, but acted on it.  We, too, can do that, and then – share it.   As Noah did, proclaim God’s truth and take a stand.  God Bless.