4th Day 73

Dear brothers and sisters,

I pray that you are well. (And not too stressed out yet!)

As I have written, I am now commuting by train from Frederick to Washington, and that has removed a lot of stress from my daily life. This change for me has been a blessing. It gives me the opportunity to read, think, pray and doze. But it also exposes me to a lot of other people. While I am not dealing with the crazies on the roads (and I was one of those "crazies"), it has opened my eyes a little to others.

The last part of my commute to work is by bus for 10 or 11 blocks. Traveling by bus in DC brings you in contact with people who are struggling every day to live in the city. There are some severely handicapped people (either physically or emotionally) that struggle. You see that on the bus. But the interesting thing is that those riding the bus seem to be kinder and more tolerant of each other than what I saw on the roads. In addition to that, any bus driver in DC ought to be nominated for sainthood for the patience they have.

As I continue this 4th Day Walk, I find that I am continually learning new things. I don't think our job for Christ is ever done--either in the sanctification process or in service to Him. And, thank Jesus for that! How empty life would be without such a purpose. But that purpose is not just going to work, it is in going home, as well--going home to family.

Don't forget to pray for each other during this season. Don't forget the real meaning of Christmas. And don't forget your continuing walk!

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

A Unity of Place (4th Day 71)

As I continue to read The Screwtape Letters, I came across an interesting discussion that Screwtape was having with Wormwood. It goes like this as Screwtape is advising Wormwood to send his "patient" (a new Christian) "searching" for a church of his (the patient's) liking.

"...the parochial organisation should always be attached, because, being a unity of place and not of likings, it brings people of different classes and psychology together in the kind of unity the Enemy (God) desires." (The emphasis is mine.)

Unity of place made me really think how important church is. It brings together different parts of the church body so that we may nourish each other spiritually through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the same thing Paul was describing to the young church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 12) when he was addressing what we can guess to be some internal "issues". Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Unity of place and not of likings shifts our focus from self to God. I know that I have searched over the years to find a church of my liking, and have found it now. I know now that I attend church to worship God, and while I always feel restored after having gone to church, going to church to "feel good" is too fragile a reason. We should always seek a church that focuses on worship and be careful not to allow the search to distract us from following God's lead. He will put us where He wants us for His Good Purpose and Will.

Again, I recommend The Screwtape Letters to you. You will find it interesting and look differently on your Christian journey.

May God Bless you and keep you.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Advent (4th Day 70)

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today is the first day of Advent (in case you didn't know). I never really knew what Advent was about, other than the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, or the season leading up to Christmas. At least, that's what I thought. So, I decided to do a search and below is what I found.

God Bless.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Advent originated as a period during which converts prepared themselves for baptism through instruction, prayer, fasting, and reflection, much like Lent. The length of Advent varied from three days to six weeks—six weeks being approximately 40 days, the length of time that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry.

The Western Church
The general topic of Advent is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In the west during the Middle Ages, Advent became a time to prepare for the Second Coming, because in those days, many people were convinced that all the signs pointed to the imminent return of Christ. In time, Advent spread throughout the western Church and became fixed at its present length. Over the last fifty years, Advent has come to anticipate the Nativity as well. For many people today, especially retailers, Advent is just a ramp-up to Christmas. In most churches, the Bible readings and sermons during Advent include prophecies of the birth of Christ, but primarily concern the Second Coming, judgment, and eternal rewards for obedient Christians.

Advent consists of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. If 24 December is a Sunday, it is the fourth Sunday in Advent until sundown, when the liturgical day begins, then it is Christmas Eve.

The Eastern Church
The eastern Church does not have a season of Advent, in the western sense. It retains the original forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Roughly speaking, the Western Church consists of Protestants, Catholics, and Anglicans. The Eastern Church consists of the Eastern Orthodox churches, the Oriental Orthodox churches, and the eastern-rite churches affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

You can find out how to make and use an Advent wreath. It’s a bit early, but see also Christmas Facts.

You can download a printable version of this page to use as a hand-out or a bulletin insert.

Other Seasons
Christmas Epiphany Lent Holy Week Easter After Pentecost

Copyright ©1995-2005 by the Rev. Kenneth W. Collins and his licensors. All rights reserved.

The Law of Undulation (4th Day 66)

Dear brothers and sisters,

Praise God Most High and give Him Glory!

There is no greater defense against the attacks of Satan than to praise God. The mere words "Praise God!" causes all the devils in Hell to cringe and retreat. Praising God is like a barrage of fiery arrows shot at the Enemy. We should remember that.

I have not written in only a couple of days, but it seems much longer. I honestly could not find words to write. I was in a funk, so to speak, concerning my Emmaus Walk. That's not totally true; I think I was just in a funk.

I started a new job on Monday and am now commuting to Washington by train. It gives me the opportunity to do more reading than before. I finished The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and have started The Screwtape Letters. Neither book is very long (not like the epic, The Chronicles of Narnia), so it doesn't take but a couple trips to read through the books. I look forward to catching up on my reading.

Anyway, I strongly recommend The Screwtape Letters to you. You see, The Screwtape Letters is fictional story of spiritual warfare told through a one-sided conversation by way of letters that a senior devil is having with his junior nephew demon. Screwtape (the uncle) gives Wormwood (the nephew) sage advice on how to steal away a human soul to Hell.

I won't tell you how it ends (because I read it a long, long time ago for the first time and don't remember the ending), but I will say that at least one chapter (Letter) hit very close to home. In this letter, Screwtape is telling Wormwood about the law of Undulation in which it is natural for humans, throughout their lives, to go through a series of peaks and troughs. In explaining these periods of troughs, Screwtape says,

"...Sooner or later He [God] withdraws, if not in fact, at lease from their conscious experience, all those supports and incentives. He leaves the creature [humans] to stand up on its own legs--to carry out from the will alone duties which have lost all relish. It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to be. Hence the prayers offered in a state of dryness are those which please Him best..."

C.S. Lewis is saying through this fantasy story that from time to time God will withdraw His detectable presence from us so that we might grow stronger in Him. “He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles.”

The Screwtape Letters is pure fantasy, but even so, Lewis is describing something that we Christians go through. And that experience, if experienced by only one other person (Lewis), is assurance enough that spiritual ups and downs are common among other Christians and do not indicate flaws or failures in our own faith.

C.S. Lewis is arguably one of the most influential Christian writers of the twentieth century, and if he can express so accurately seasons of “dryness” in our Christian lives, then we should find comfort in knowing that we are not alone. And remember, the prayers offered in a state of dryness are those which please Him best.

Seek the Lord always and in all circumstances, and He will sustain and rescue you. Praise be to God Almighty.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

I long for that day (4th Day 63)

Dear brothers and sisters,

What shall I do? I want so much to talk to you, to share our continuing walk, to bask in the spiritual warmth that I came off the mountain with. But, it's not there. I guess the mountain top high couldn't continue forever. Though I want it to, I feel like it has diminished, disbursed like a fog before the rising sun.

But, is that to be unexpected? I don't know. I think the wonder we feel when we are close to God is but a glimpse of heaven. God is near us always and hasn't abandoned us, but this life, this imperfect world is not heaven. In heaven, we will always be in the physical presence of the Lord; we will look upon His face and worship Him continually. I long for that day.

God tells us not to despair. He tells us through His Word that there will be times when we feel lonely, abandoned, frightened. For whatever good reason, God allows this. Perhaps it's because we chose to disobey and rebel against God that the consequences of those actions are separation from Him. Remember, God cannot (will not) co-exist with sin. Therefore, in this world and life, we will feel the emptiness of that separation from God from time to time. Perhaps that separation creates in us a hunger to be near God and to return to Him.

It is the promise of reconciliation with the Father through the Blood of the Son and the sanctifying works of the Holy Spirit that we find our hope and joy. That promise, which cannot be broken, is our hope. Our faith satisfies the hunger we feel. Jesus' loving touch heals our brokenness.

I pray that we never become complacent with the assurances of our faith, but rather pursue the promises of faith as we would pursue a loved one. Seek the face of the Lord daily. Talk to God about everything. Tell Him when He has brought you happiness, and tell Him when you need His embrace. Protect the promises of our faith as if they were of gold and needed safekeeping. Protect them by continually seeking them in the Word of God. Study God's Word prayerfully. Devour it with an insatiable hunger. Walk with God.

May God Bless.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Avoid Foolish Controversies (4th Day 62)

I think this daily message from Truth for Life should start off as "Dear Bill". Sometimes the Lord needs to hit the reset button.

Peace.

De Colores,
Bill

November 19, 2005 AVOID FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES. Titus 3:9 Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters that are, at best, of minor importance. The old scholars did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our churches suffer too often from petty wars over obscure points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion promotes neither knowledge nor love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions about issues on which Scripture is silent, on mysteries that belong to God alone, on prophecies of doubtful interpretation, and on mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle's precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we will find ourselves occupied with so much profitable business that we will have no time to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings. There are, however, some questions that are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my behavior adorn the doctrine of God my Savior? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord and watching as a servant should who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such inquiries as these demand our urgent attention; and if we have been given at all to frivolous arguments, let us now turn our critical abilities to a much more profitable service. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others both by our precept and example to "avoid foolish controversies."

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers and used

I will not give my glory to another (4th Day 61)

I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another... (Isaiah 42:8)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I said yesterday that I wanted to write about Isaiah, but while I had a particular thing to say, I came across this verse and it kept coming back to me. So, perhaps what I was going to originally discuss is not what the Lord wants me to discuss. Instead, I kept thinking about Isaiah 42:8, I will not give my glory to another...

As we enter into the holiday season, let's enjoy the blessings we've received and remember that because God so loved the world that He sent his only begotten Son... That's what this season is about; remembering the divine and supernatural miracle of God becoming flesh so that we may be forever reconciled to Him.

Let's stay focused on Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, during this Advent season. Let's not let our attentions stray. Let's not put other things first, but remember the miraculous blessing that this season celebrates, for the Lord has said, "I will not give my glory to another..."

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Isaiah (4th Day 60)

It is late, I have started late. But I wish to talk about Isaiah. Tomorrow I will.

Good night.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

A psalm of David (4th Day 59)

A psalm of David. Praise the LORD, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone--as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Praise the LORD, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me--I, too, will praise the LORD.

You know, I've never been much for reading the Psalms. I don't know why, I just haven't--until recently. I still haven't gotten deep into them, but there are a few that I have read lately that makes me feel as if there is a whole new world of Scripture to explore.

When days are tough and you feel discouraged, unhappy, or just plain tired, you come across a psalm like Psalm 103 above and are suddenly amazed all over again about how wonderful our God really is. My son brought his Bible down to the dining room table to ask one of those hard questions, namely, "What was the Leviathan?" and left it open to Psalm 103. Later, I picked it up and start reading it.

Tell me you don't feel just like David did. I know how David feels. He's probably had one of those days where he asked "What is the meaning of life?" or "What is this all about?" But, upon reflection, recognizes what God has done. And in doing so, he is suddenly uplifted and gives praise to God.

If we stop and think of what God has done for us and that God not only looks our way, but really loves us, how can we continue to be discouraged. Knowing that whatever happens to us in this life is but a temporary puff of wind and that we will have an eternity with God makes now and the future so much brighter.

I saw again today the Darwin Fish-with-Feet emblem on the back of someone's car and felt despair as I momentarily thought how hopeless I would feel without faith in God. I prayed again for that person and thanked God for being God.

Oh, to feel how David feels! My heart cries out gladness to the Lord for His reassurances!

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them (4th Day 58)

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17-18)

As I think more about what I wrote yesterday, it occurs to me that a little more must be said. I sometimes wonder if we Christians pay too little attention to the Old Testament. I know I did as an early Christian. But maybe that's normal. However, when I consider what it has to say, what it reveals about God, what it reveals about Jesus, what it reveals about me, I feel foolish that I neglected it for so long.

The Old Testament covers thousands of years; the New Testament covers three. The Old Testament records the interaction between a people and an Invisible God; the New Testament records the Living God among his people. The Old Testament reveals a patient, relenting and forgiving God; the New Testament is God showing us His Love. The Old Testament points toward a coming Messiah; the New Testament presents the Messiah arrived. The Old Testament tells the story of Man's rebellion and separation from God; the New Testament tells of Man's redemption and reconciliation with God.

Jesus said He was the fulfillment of all things promised. Jesus is our God. Thank you, Jesus, for being our God.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

We have the Good News (4th Day 57)

I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.

Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.

Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps. (Amos 5:21-23)

There was a time in Israel’s history when she was very prosperous due to alliances she made with foreign countries that worshiped false gods. And, as a matter of course, Israel’s priests practiced religion by performing all the appropriate rituals, but in their hearts, they were evil. They oppressed the poor and cheated the helpless. As a result, God sent Amos to prophesy. The verses above are the words of the Lord. Simply going through the motions didn’t cut it.

I love the Old Testament, as I do the New Testament, because they are the Word of God. But as I read the Old Testament, I sometimes feel it is the bitter before the sweet. Jesus and the Good News is the sweet, and the build up to the New Covenant is the bitter.

Don’t get me wrong, without the Old Testament, it would be hard to understand and appreciate the grace God made tangible through Jesus. Jesus is the New Covenant, the promise of redemption, the guarantee of salvation. But those words are meaningless without comparing them in context with the Old Testament.

I guess the really hard thing about the Old Testament is that it so accurately reflects our own images as if in a mirror. The good thing is that we have the Good News, the promise of forgiveness, redemption and salvation through our faith in Jesus, God incarnate.

I once heard a pastor tell what he thought it would be like on Judgment Day. He said that Jesus would speak on our behalf to the Father saying “he or she wasn’t really that bad a person and should be let into heaven.” I was disappointed with that comment because that is not the message of the Good News. Instead, I think that Jesus would tell that Father that “this one believed in me and therefore, by our promise, this one’s sins are forgiven.” That’s the Good News.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Praise God Almighty.

De Colores,
BillWV88

Blessed Day (4th Day 56)

Eight weeks! It seems so long when it's really so short. 56 days is longer than it took God to flood the earth; it's longer than Jesus was tempted in the wilderness; it's longer than the time between the Resurrection and Ascension; it's longer than the season of Lent. (I gave up beer for Lent one year--40 days can be a long time!) But it's really no time at all in the great scheme of things.

The point is that I was changed during my Emmaus Walk and the changes have stuck. That's remarkable and encouraging. I've never been one to stick with some things for a long time. Perhaps it's a touch of ADD that I may still have. But in this case, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I have been able to remain committed to the changes that occurred in me on the mountain. That is proof enough to me that the Lord is in my life stronger than before.

I still have my challenges and temptations to resist, but as I've said before, resist the devil and he will flee you (actually, someone else said that and I'm strongly agreeing). Following the Lord becomes easier the more we do it. Just like anything else, practice and training makes you stronger and better at what you are doing.

I'm saying these things as a reminder and to give thanks to the Lord for His patience and His sustaining grace. The Lord has been good to me. What a blessed day!

Love in Christ.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

He is Lord of All (4th Day 55)

I'm sorry that I missed the Gathering tonight. I hope it was a joyous time for those who went. I will certainly be ready for the next one!

Isn't it amazing how God works! I dropped my son off at his youth group meeting tonight and they were going to talk about Ruth. Last week, they talked about Rahab. I don't know what was said last week or what will be said this week, but it reminded me of one of the most amazing stories (in my opinion) in the Bible.

Rahab was the prostitute that gave asylum to the two Hebrew spies that came to Jericho. Because of that, Rahab and her household was spared when the rest of Jericho was destroyed. Rahab became the mother of Boaz. Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, would not abandon her mother-in-law and followed her to her home with her people. Because of that, Ruth met Boaz and they married. They had a son they named Obed, who was the father of Jesse. Jessie is the father of David, who God promised would always have a descendant on the throne in Israel. Matthew opens his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing it back to Abraham. On the way, Rahab is mentioned as the mother of Boaz.

Why is this significant? Because it shows the mystery and wonder of God's great plan. What if Joshua and Caleb had not returned to Moses enthusiastic about entering the Promised Land? Moses would not have appointed Joshua to carry on after him. Joshua would not have had the authority to send spies into Jericho. Rahab would not have offered them asylum, would not have been spared, would not have been mother of Boaz. Are you beginning to get the picture?

God has a marvelous and wonderful plan for all of us who choose to love Him. His ways are mysterious. He will use us for His Good Purpose. Be prepared to be used by the Lord. You are His now. I will pray that God sustain you as you do His Will. Be patient; be still; be ready!

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

A Prayer for a Friend (4th Day 54)

Tonight I am going to keep things simple and ask that you pray for the mother of a classmate of mine. I probably haven't seen this comrade in over 25 years, but he has reached out to a community of old soldiers (I'm old and I'm a veteran) asking their prayers for his mother.

My friend is Jim Wells. His mother is Jean Wells and she have very aggressive cancer. Here's a note from him when I inquired about her health.

We just got some test results today. Mom has an aggressive cancer. They chose not to discuss how much time she had. They will begin a chemo program soon. Sad to say not much positive to report but I will not quit praying, I will continue my belief in God's will be done. Thank you for asking and keeping my mom, Jean, in your prayers. You are truly a brother in Christ. Jim Wells

Jim is a Christian, and as brothers and sisters of faith, it is right that we offer our prayers as well for a brother who asks. God listens to our prayers and it is good that we should pray for others. I pray that God will reveal His love and mercy in comforting and sustaining Jim and his mother and all who are close to them.

If you wish to drop Jim a note to say you have him and his mother in your prayers, his email is Valor79@aol.com.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

A Gentle Whisper (4th Day 53)

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Elijah is the prophet of God. He has the rare distinction of ascending directly to Heaven. He was called by God to do some very difficult and dangerous things, which he did fearlessly (well, fearlessly probably isn't true, he was plenty scared of Jezebel). Read about Elijah confronting the priests of Ba'al and challenging Jezebel. God reveals Himself to us through his interaction with His people. It's so important for us to understand that.

Elijah's interaction with the Lord on Mount Horeb is interesting and curious. We are told in scripture that there was a great storm and earthquake and fire on Mount Horeb where Elijah was hiding in a cave. In all the clamor, God was not there. Only after all the chaos had occurred and there was silence, did God speak to Elijah. It was in that Holy Silence that Elijah heard the whisper of God.

How often in the chaos of the day do we listen for the whisper of God's voice? I doubt very often. Yet, it is in the most quiet moments that we hear God. God will not compete with the distractions that surround us for our attention--He doesn't need to, He is God.

When I thought about what to write today, I drew a total blank. Nothing at all came to mind. I feared that if I tried to write, that I would wander into some area of controversy or sensitivity that might offend someone. I do not try to offend. However, sometimes we must confront some real issues. But that is for another day.

Then it came to me how when Elijah encountered God, it was in a whisper. How often are we still and listen for God’s voice? God will not compete with the distractions of the world for our attention—He doesn’t have to, He is God. Let us be still and listen for the whisper of God’s voice.

Good night and God bless.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Even the dogs eat the crumbs (4th Day 52)

He (Jesus) replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." (Matthew 15:25-27)

I love the way Jesus challenges us. Jesus continually challenged those around Him to "think" and test their convictions. He challenged people to question, to seek, to understand. His parables made people really work through what He was telling them. He was often beseeched to "speak clearly", but He continued to challenge those around Him. He did not always give answers that would be easily understood, but gave answers that caused people to change their view of things, to change their view of Him, to change their lives. Isn't it interesting that those who were closest to Him often had the hardest time?

His closest followers expected Him to provide everything for them, to be the automatic answer to all their questions and problems. But just like a teacher knows that giving the answers to a test does no good for the students, Jesus forces us to think about the questions before us and understand what answers are really given. In working through the answers we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
(1 Peter 3:15)

Jesus knew what the Canaanite woman wanted, what she needed, and what she would say. So why didn't He just heal her daughter without challenging her faith? Because He wanted the exchange to be an event that would be told for thousands of years. One in which we can reflect on and realize that the Lord not only saves us, but strengthens us and prepares us to carry out the mission given us.

Jesus did more than challenge the woman's request, He challenged her dignity by comparing her with dogs. But the woman was bold and responded with clear conviction of faith. The Bible shows us that many of God's chosen servants confronted God in His requests of them: Moses (I am not eloquent), Abraham (spare the city for only 10 good people), Gideon (I am the smallest of my tribe), the Canaanite woman (but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table).

God wants us to be thinking creatures that seek the truth, because in seeking the truth we find Him. Seek the Lord. Prayerfully study His Word with all your energy and He will reveal Himself to you. Chase after Him. Pursue the Lord with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul.

God be with you always.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Praise God Who Is Good! (4th Day 51)

Dear brothers and sisters,

Praise God Who hears our prayers! Praise God Who is Good! Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

A week ago (actually, a week ago Sunday), I asked you to pray for my parents and the people of south Florida. They had been without power or phone service for almost a week at that time and were expecting to suffer three more weeks like that. Yesterday, the Jubilee day of WV88, my parents had both their power and phone restored to them, two weeks ahead of time. In addition, they seemed to be in pretty good spirits. So, praise God for sustaining, protecting and comforting them during that time!

Now I have something else to ask of you. I want you to consider what it was we learned on the mountain and what we were supposed to bring down with us. As I said before, I feel a little like Moses coming off the mountain with his face so aglow with the radiance of God's glory that he had to cover it. I think we all felt that way in some manner coming off the mountain. You can't not be aglow with the glory of Christ. However, I have heard from more than one source that those of us who have Walked seem a little cliquish.

That was a hard pill to swallow when I first heard it, but however wrong that may be, perception becomes reality. No one who has walked the Walk would ever want to give the impression that the experience made us think we were better than those who have not gone on the Walk. On the contrary, I found the Walk to be a humbling experience. Still, the perception is there. I think that the "secrecy" around what happens there (e.g., no pictures) that is intended to ensure new pilgrims continue to enjoy the surprises that await them, creates something that is misinterpreted.

It is hard to try to explain what happens if you haven't gone through it yourself, even if you could take pictures and "tell everything." But, I think we may be discouraging others from going on the pilgrimage if that is something they don't feel comfortable with to begin with.

The Emmaus Walk is about Christ, not us. I've always been concerned that after coming off the mountain that I am going to stumble in some why that diminishes the good that I want to reflect or have focused through me. In other words, I fear doing something, intentionally or not, that dishonors our Lord. Getting angry when I shouldn't; hurting someone when I don't mean to; saying something stupid. All these things can hurt the image of change that I know took place in me while on the mountain.

So, here is what we need to think about: "How can I behave in public or private that will cause someone to want to go on the Emmaus Walk?" I think in addition to our behavior, we need to promote more aggressively and openly what the Walk is and what it's about. At the risk of spoiling some of the wonderful surprises, we need to be open to others about Emmaus.

Shortly after the Walk, I was asked to write a part for our church's newsletter about my Walk to Emmaus. Here are excerpts from what I wrote and I find it good to revisit them:

"The Walk to Emmaus is a life-changing experience in which Jesus reveals Himself anew to us (or maybe it just gives us an opportunity to see Him clearly once again). The purpose of the Walk to Emmaus is to 'prepare church leaders.'...

"The Walk to Emmaus does prepare church leaders in the sense that it renews our relationship with Christ and opens our eyes to the mission the Lord has given us. After Saul of Tarsus was blinded by the Light of Christ on his way to Damascus, Paul is said to have gone off to Egypt for several years in preparation of the most remarkable ministry in the history of the church. The Walk to Emmaus will take you to the next level of your Christian growth and maturity—it will awaken you to your purpose in life, which is to serve and love the Lord with all you heart, mind, soul and strength...

"Our mission is simply to prepare and be available to the Lord to do His Will. God will put you where He wants you to be. The Walk to Emmaus brings that realization into focus and changes your life forever.”

I believe more than ever that is what we are supposed to do; to serve the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. And I pray that we will keep that before us each and every day. Encourage others to walk the Walk. Emmaus shouldn't be a mystery to others; it's renewal, it's restoration; it's reunion with Christ.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Jubilee (4th Day 50)

Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years...Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants...It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. (Leviticus 25:8,10)

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Jubilee was a special year in which debt was forgiven and one returned home. The slate was wiped clean. Through Jesus, our debts are forgiven and our return home is like that of the prodigal son. When the prodigal son returned home, his sins were forgiven and his father rejoiced at his homecoming.

This is the 50th 4th Day of WV88. This is our Jubilee. Let us remember that our sins are forgiven and that we have come home to Christ. He welcomes and embraces us and we are restored afresh each and every time we enter into communion with Him. In Christ we find the renewal of our strength, so we do not faint. ...He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

This is our Jubilee day. So remember especially today what God has done for us. Give Him thanks for being our God.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Resist the devil (4th Day 49) Part 2

Dear brothers and sisters,

In my last message, I said I felt my church was under spiritual attack. Before anyone calls 911, let me clarify that I asked for prayers preemptively. I do not feel that my church is ill. As a matter of fact, I think it is very healthy and vibrant. But because of that, I feel that it may be the focus of the devil's attack.

So many good people work hard to make my church a blessing to the community and those who attend. I pray for God's sustaining grace for those saints of the church and that He would send His angels to watch over and protect those who are doing His will in the church.

We should pray for each other and each other's churches always. God hears our prayers.

May God bless you and watch over you.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Resist the devil (4th Day 49)

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7-8)

Pray for my church. It is under spiritual attack that is so subtle that it is unnoticed. The devil is a trickster. He will encourage us to become casual toward worship. He will distract us from the mission of the church. He will have us focus on doing many good things (don't think for a moment the devil will not use good to achieve evil, because he will use whatever he can to fight against God--even seemingly good things), when we should focus first on seeking God's face in the things we do. And while the church is to help those in need, Jesus said, "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (John 12:8) Seek the Will of God as He reveals it through His Word and prayer.

You are probably thinking, "Whoa, Bill! What's going on? You're over the edge now." And to be honest, I don't know what's going on, but I feel something is amiss. I feel that the saints of God are under attack.

I love my church. It has been a place of worship that allows me to sing before the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. But I feel that Satan is putting stumbling blocks before the feet of the saints that make my church what it is. I feel something is wrong or out of place and I don't know what it is. That's why my first line of defense is to pray, and why I am asking you to pray as well.

I started this message with the verse in James telling us to resist the devil and to come close to God. I personally have found that resisting the devil and seeking God's face to be very effective. The devil is now trying a different approach to attack the saints of God and I pray that you will help me with your prayers for my church.

Hello, my name is Bill Adams and I attend Middletown United Methodist Church, but I worship the Lord everywhere. I started my Emmaus Walk with West Virginia 88 and am in my 49th 4th Day; I sat at the table of Luke the Physician. {clap}

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

I Pray (4th Day 48)

Give thanks to the Lord for this day of life!

I pray for my family, that God will pour out his covering of protection upon them. I pray for my parents that He will comfort and keep them. I pray for my brothers that they would love the Lord as I do. I pray that God will heal others in my family of their afflictions. I pray that the Lord will guide and sustain us this day.

I pray for Abu and Abdul that they would come to know Christ, that Jesus would reveal Himself to them. I pray for the men and women of the armed forces serving God's Will to fight evil in the world; I pray for His covering of protection upon them.

I pray for the persecuted Church throughout the world that God would bless those suffering for His Name's sake. I pray that He would make His Presence felt among the Church.

I pray that God would soften the hearts of my enemies. I pray God's forgiveness of my sins. I pray God's Will will be done.

I pray the prayer Jesus taught:

Father in heaven, Holy is your Name. May your kingdom come, your will be done, here as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

And Amen.

The Voice of God (4th Day 47)

Have you heard the voice of God?

It is neither loud nor soft. It is neither hot nor cold. It is neither young nor old. It is neither gentle nor harsh. It is not female; it is distinctly male. It is not neutral.

It is pure. It is the color blue. It is crystal clear blue. It is devouring; when you hear it, it surrounds you and consumes you. It is the whisper of a breeze; it is the roar of a consuming fire. You hear it in your being. It is not contaminated by dust or distorted by imperfect air or diminished by aging ears. It exists! And it commands!

What do you do when you hear the voice of God? You obey. There is nothing else you can do. You simply obey. To do otherwise is unimaginable. People will not understand you. They will look and laugh at you. They may scorn you. But you must obey the voice of God.

The ancient prophets knew this. They heard the voice of God and obeyed. Obeying caused them to be alone, even when surrounded by people. It cost some even their lives. But they had no choice. They obeyed.

When God created us in His Image, He gave us the Free Will that distinguishes us from the rest of Creation. Angels also have Free Will, but they are not Man. When we accept God's Grace in receiving the Holy Spirit through belief in Christ alone, we yield that Free Will to the Father. We are His; we have given ourselves into His Hands. When that happens, He takes control of us and uses us to His Good Purposes. We are no longer ours; we have been bought at a price.

And when we hear His Voice, we must obey!

God be with you.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Dew on the Fleece (4th Day 46)

Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. (Judges 6:39)

This was Gideon's request for the Lord to show him just one more sign that the Lord God would deliver Israel from the hands of the Midianites, et al. (especially if Gideon was going to be the one to do so.) Gideon goes on to say, "Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. (Judges 6:39-40)

How often do we doubt the Lord and ask him to show us just one more time? I've been telling you that I have had a decision to make. For a lot of reasons, it's been a decision that has required a lot of contemplation. It's been a decision about changing jobs, which the psychologists say is one of those major life stress events. More so, I will be leaving a great boss.

I've sought the Lord in this matter and He has given me clear direction as to which way to go. However, I've still had my doubts, so I kept asking the Lord to show me a sign. Even after making my decision, I wanted to know if it was the right decision. Much like Gideon, I keep asking for another sign.

How patient God must be! I keep praying and asking, and He keeps saying "take the job." "Are you sure?" I ask. "How do you like the traffic today?" He says. "Not very much," I say. (You see, the new job will let me take the commuter bus and metro to work, avoiding the 270 hell I face every day. Hmmm, do you ever wonder what hell would be like? I think I have a good idea.)

Anyway, I've made my decision (or have decided to cooperate with the Lord's direction) to take the new job. I've said before that God puts us where he wants us (I have more to say about that, but I will save it for another day) and I feel totally good about the decision.

How patient the Lord must be with us...just one more request.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Name him Jedidiah (4th Day 45)

Because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. (2 Samuel 12:25)

Jedidiah means loved by the LORD. Jedidiah is the name the LORD told Nathan to give the child named Solomon, the future king of Israel. Solomon was the second child and first surviving son of David and Bathsheba. He would grow up to become king of Israel and considered the wisest man on earth, with wealth beyond imagination. I like the name Jedidiah; it's a good name.

I discovered this as I was reading about David, specifically David and Bathsheba. It's a sad and troubling story, but one that makes you wonder. David's temptation led to destruction--the destruction of loyal friendship, a trusted servant, a marriage, and a life. I wrote before about temptation leading to destruction, while testing leading to strength, but it came back to me in the story of David and Bathsheba. I wonder if David was ever truly happy after that. Certainly his guilt went with him. Psalm 51 is David's cry to the Lord for forgiveness and you can feel the anguish in the words:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

David repented and God did bless him with another son, Solomon, Jedidiah, loved by the LORD. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

As you journey on your 4th Day, take time to confess your sins to God. It's hard to do sometimes, but confession leads to repentance, and repentance leads to forgiveness, forgiveness of ourselves. God's love is unconditional and is not dependent on our efforts. But we are not God and need the confession to forgive ourselves.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88

Not all Israel is Israel (4th Day 44)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has become such a pleasure for me to write to you each day, though sometimes I’m really at a loss for ideas about what to write. However, God said He would give me the words, so I will write.

Someone once asked me if I thought children of saved parents are also necessarily saved. I gave the answer, “No, each person must accept Christ on his or her own.” I gave the example of Samuel’s own sons who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. There were Eli’s sons as well who did evil. The Bible has many examples that show where the children do not automatically follow their parents’ footsteps. Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome said not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. (Romans 9:6) Paul was saying that salvation cannot be inherited.

This “someone” was an expectant parent who naturally was concerned about her child. I told her that as parents we should do everything possible to teach our children about God. I said that one of the greatest blessings a parent can have is to know that their child is saved. And I believe that we serve God by bringing the gospel into the lives of our children.

One thing that I didn’t get a chance to say was that I believe (and I don’t know how this agrees with church doctrine) that young children are not accountable for their sin until they reach a certain mental capacity (some would say “age”, but I don’t think age applies in all cases) where they become cognizant of God and sin and the need to reconcile with God.

Now, those are really some very adult words and concepts, but I don’t know how else to say it. I believe that if a child dies before they reach that crossover point where they become personally responsible for their sin, they are baptize by the Holy Spirit and cleansed of their sins without a conscious decision to receive God’s Grace.

Again, I don’t know how that agrees with church doctrine, and I can’t find the topic specifically addressed in the Bible, but what the Bible does reveal about God is that He is our perfect Father that would die for us. God is Love. He is Mercy. He is Grace. The nature of God that He has revealed to us convinces us that there is no fear for the souls of small and innocent children.

As I have thought about it, if it were possible, I would give up my own salvation for my children if I thought I had to. I would make that sacrifice for them. Fortunately, I’ll never need to make that decision, but I know that I could not even if I wanted to. Only Jesus was able to take on our sins so that we may be saved. I understand a little better how the God felt when He made the decision to die for us; to take our sin.

Pray for our families; pray for our friends; pray for strangers; and pray for our enemies.

May the love of Christ be always in your lives.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88