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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 6, 2008 ALL ABOARD |
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Frontline Devotion for Thursday, March 6, 2008 by Pastor
Dave Sonnenberg
Reprinted from March 12, 2003
I'm sure we've all experienced what I am currently dealing with - a case of "brain overdrive" whereby we are jolted from our sleep in the wee hours of the morning. It's 4:30 a.m. and I've been awake for about 2 hours now. I tried to sleep for awhile, but I simply couldn't get back to sleep. Thus, I came downstairs and started to read.
It's interesting being awake when so much of my small portion of the world is asleep. I see no lights on at any of my neighbor's homes. My family is asleep. No cars have gone by my window. I hear no traffic. But, way off in the distance I hear the whistle of a train blowing. Not once. Not twice, but 5 times the whistle blows. I listen deeper and can tell a massive train is passing through as I hear it's vibrations.
I don't know what it is, but the sound of a distant train is a comfort to me. As a kid, I remember being able to hear the trains off in the distance in the middle of the night. I'd love to listen as they zoomed by. In college and in my early adult years, I remember the same thing- trains off in the distance in the middle of the night. Each time, I'd listen with fascination. Same holds true now- for whatever reason I find comfort in listening to the train whistle break the silence.
As I listen, I know that the noise will subside- for trains are on a journey and they are passing through to a distant destination. They pass through our "part of the woods" and announce their presence, even if it's only for a few moments. I guess when I hear the conductor blow the whistle, I can't help but think of God who desires me to get on board and be part of his journey.
Throughout my life, I have had faithful people who have reminded me that God is present in my life and will never let me down. I yearn to "get on board" with God right here and right now and see where he will lead me. I know the destinations of the days ahead are never fully certain for any of us. But, we have certainty in knowing that Christ calls us on board and will lead us and guide us all the days of our life.
Off in the distance, Christ is calling you to get on board. Look around. Listen. Christ will find a way to call you on board. Be confident of that.
Lord God, you speak to us in silence. You speak to us in the noise of this world. Open our ears at all times and all places so that we might hear you calling us on board to a life of discipleship. Teach us how to serve. Teach us how to live. Show us your ways so that we might bless this world in new and exciting ways. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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