Laws of the Lighthouse

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. I hope you will as well. The past three days I have spent time praying, planning and preparing for 2009. As I have done so, I felt the Lord leading our church to another 21 day Daniels Fast. This corporate fast will run from February 1 – 22. I will post more information in the days to come, and also will share in this Sunday's services more details. I am excited about this opportunity to die to my flesh and press on towards God has for us in 2009! Please make plans now to participate with us.

As I began thinking what to blog on this morning, I had plans to go a different direction until I opened my email messages and received a devotion from Max Lucado entitled, "Laws of the Lighthouse." As soon as I read it, I knew I had to share it on my blog today. Please read the following words and determine to make some positive and needed changes in 2009:

The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don't eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.

The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.

There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples' boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I've got a list of puns you'd enjoy.)

But the greatest day of lists is still New Year's Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.
– When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

Some great, anointed and wise words. I plan to meditate on it today. I hope you will join me. Blessings.

Pastor Rusty