February 10, 2010
We moored up to Cherry Point, Canada again today to offload trash and sewage. I got a lot of practice with the lines today. I was secondary heave line thrower---one of the BM2s was the primary. We were having a hard time making it to the dock so when they gave the order for us to put over line two; we were still a good ways off with the wind against us. He threw his over but it did not make it---so I threw mine over but it did not make. We quickly pulled both heaving lines back in and made them up. He threw his and it made it but the people on the pier did not grab it in time and the wind rolled it right off again. So I threw mine over and roped the mirror of a truck! Next, I filled in as bit man for line one, making up the line on the bits into figure eights. I sure had fun even though it was a little stressful at the moment.
I began reading in Acts this morning. The joy and encouragement I receive from God’s Word is beyond words. He strengthens me for each new moment and reminds me that He is always at my side. He has me and He is not letting go! I have also been encouraged by a book I am rereading, “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret”. Awesome book! It definitely is a must read kind of book.
Today I was thinking about all the things I am looking forward to when we arrive back in Seattle. I think a trip to Seattle’s Best would be amazing. Sit down with a nice tall cup of coffee, free wi-fi, face book, and get caught up on some blogging. Sounds good and I cannot wait! Yet I am so thankful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to be underway. I have been learning so much practically on the job as well as spiritually. God’s Word has become so much more precious to me these past several weeks, and I truly have been forced to rely upon Him in new ways. All the crutches I lean on for support have been knocked down. I do not have my Seattle’s Best to retreat to, my phone does not work so I cannot call home, I am stuck on this boat without a place to escape to, I do not have wi-fi. God has taken me back down to the basics…meaning that all I have to turn to for comfort and strength and help is His Word, which is the only true source of comfort and strength there is! And what amazing help and comfort I receive as I read the Bible! My soul is refreshed and replenished.
My challenge to myself, to all who read this blog, and to Believers everywhere is this: do not lose your first love! Do not get so busy with life that you forget how precious Jesus is, do not get so busy serving Christ that you forget to spend time with Christ, do not fix your eyes on earthly treasure when Jesus is the greatest treasure, and do not lose sight of the One who gave His all so that we can know Him. My prayer is that God does whatever it takes to make me like Jesus. He is my all, my treasure, my greatest good. I will and must be spent in this life for I am not my own. May I be completely and thoroughly spent for Jesus; poured out and broken for my Lord.
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