Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

On Sunday afternoon, December 7, 1941, millions of Americans listening to the radio had their favorite programs interrupted with terrible news. The Imperial Japanese Navy conducted a surprise military strike on the United States naval port in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Three hundred and fifty-three enemy planes launched bombs damaging eight US battleships, four of which sank. The well-placed bombs also damaged numerous other ships and aircraft succeeding in killing 2,403 Americans and injuring 1,178 others.

From the time a newborn enters the world a struggle begins. A baby doesn't think of anyone but himself. He cries when he is hungry or uncomfortable trying to get his parents to attend to his needs. As he grows his desires get more pronounced and broad. While learning to talk one of the first words he learns is "No." Most children do not want to do what they are told, but only what brings their own pleasure. 

While taking a walk the other day I saw a neat sight. Growing out of a field of grass were a few scattered sunflowers. The tall stalks were topped with friendly yellow faces that towered over the waving grasses. These pleasant flowers stood out but were obviously out of place. They had not been planted when the rest of the crop was sown. 

Change is a huge part of life. From season to season and experience to experience the day to day patterns of our existence are constantly changing. For some this variety is exciting, but for most huge changes create an unsettled feeling. 

This weekend I stepped back into time. The warm sun glistened on the small pond that graced the front of the home where we held a special auction on Saturday. No one who attended would argue that the temperature, the setting, and the atmosphere were not perfect. Many attenders came to buy, but others just to drink in the nostalgia created by the beautiful antique furniture and memorabilia from years gone by.

The crisp cool weather of a Midwest autumn ushers in football season. Who doesn't like to bundle up in their favorite teams colors and join friends and classmates at the high school stadium? The steady cadence of the snare drums and marching band just makes your blood start pumping and the thrill of seeing the team stampede onto the field brings a huge rush.