I am a pilgrim on a journey, and one thing I know for sure: I am not home yet. The road stretches forth, winding up steep mountain cliffs, and dipping into deep valleys. The joy welling up within my soul does not spring from my surroundings or from this difficult path I am on, but it springs forth from Jesus Christ and the love He has lavished upon me. I am confident of this that I am a weak, weary follower of Jesus Christ, and I have no strength to press on home. I am also confident that Jesus Christ’s love is better than life and this love is what drives me on heavenward. I am held by grace, and I press on sustained by this grace that I do not deserve. I am a debtor to mercy---the mercy of God---once destined for wrath, but Jesus took my place and now I stand in Him, clothed in His righteousness and arrayed in His beauty. I am a lover of Jesus.
28 September 2010
#6 August 8~ Midgett Adventure#3
August 8, 2010
I finally have a few moments to write down some scattered thoughts about what has been going on the past week. I have been breaking in BMOW (Boatswain Mate of the Watch), which means I have been standing double watches. Classes and homework have also consumed a great deal of my time. However all my homework is completed for the weekend and I don’t have watch for another couple hours, so here is my update for the week.
I worked the boat davits today for the first time. The davits is what controls the small boats when we raise or lower them. I also set dogged zebra throughout the ship: after sunset we have to turn off all the white lights and turn on the blue lights. We also have to set darken ship because we are on the hunt for “Go fasts”---drug runners. So it can be pretty creepy if you walk out on the weather decks because it is pitch black! I am also trying to learn how to play the “Boatswain Pipe” which is a whistle we pipe chow being served or call people to attention for Quarters---all hands muster; and then in port we use it for Colors in the morning and at sunset.
I have not had much time to read my Bible lately but God’s promises encourage me throughout the day---He is always with me, He is my refuge and strength, He holds me in His hands, I am saved by grace etc.
At times especially as I am breaking in BMOW, I feel overwhelmed and drained of strength, but God sustains me and fills me with joy. One thing I know for sure---I am in awe of God’s love and I am captivated by it. Each moment I know that it is only by His grace that I stand and continue on this journey heavenward. Oh how I press on in my precious Lord and Savior---Jesus Christ. He is my joy and in Him I will rejoice!
I finally have a few moments to write down some scattered thoughts about what has been going on the past week. I have been breaking in BMOW (Boatswain Mate of the Watch), which means I have been standing double watches. Classes and homework have also consumed a great deal of my time. However all my homework is completed for the weekend and I don’t have watch for another couple hours, so here is my update for the week.
I worked the boat davits today for the first time. The davits is what controls the small boats when we raise or lower them. I also set dogged zebra throughout the ship: after sunset we have to turn off all the white lights and turn on the blue lights. We also have to set darken ship because we are on the hunt for “Go fasts”---drug runners. So it can be pretty creepy if you walk out on the weather decks because it is pitch black! I am also trying to learn how to play the “Boatswain Pipe” which is a whistle we pipe chow being served or call people to attention for Quarters---all hands muster; and then in port we use it for Colors in the morning and at sunset.
I have not had much time to read my Bible lately but God’s promises encourage me throughout the day---He is always with me, He is my refuge and strength, He holds me in His hands, I am saved by grace etc.
At times especially as I am breaking in BMOW, I feel overwhelmed and drained of strength, but God sustains me and fills me with joy. One thing I know for sure---I am in awe of God’s love and I am captivated by it. Each moment I know that it is only by His grace that I stand and continue on this journey heavenward. Oh how I press on in my precious Lord and Savior---Jesus Christ. He is my joy and in Him I will rejoice!
#5 Christ's Love~ Midgett Adventure #3
July 18, 2010
Oh that we would know and rely upon the love of Christ! What joy and peace we forfeit because we focus all that we are upon the waves and struggles surrounding us instead of centering our hearts upon the Lover of our Soul. Jesus loves us! He is alive the Almighty God who has made a way for us to have peace with God! Think upon Him and your thoughts will not be weighed down by the anxieties of this life. When the waves crash around your soul and you feel as though despair is the only answer to the problems you are facing look to the cross. See Christ crucified, risen, sitting at the right hand of God interceding for you. Because He was forsaken, we will never be forsaken and because He lives so will we live. Go to Christ and know His love that has no limits.
Oh that we would know and rely upon the love of Christ! What joy and peace we forfeit because we focus all that we are upon the waves and struggles surrounding us instead of centering our hearts upon the Lover of our Soul. Jesus loves us! He is alive the Almighty God who has made a way for us to have peace with God! Think upon Him and your thoughts will not be weighed down by the anxieties of this life. When the waves crash around your soul and you feel as though despair is the only answer to the problems you are facing look to the cross. See Christ crucified, risen, sitting at the right hand of God interceding for you. Because He was forsaken, we will never be forsaken and because He lives so will we live. Go to Christ and know His love that has no limits.
#3 Music~Midgett Adventure #3
Well my turn to mess cook has come around. Today was a busy one with lots of cleaning and dishes, but God’s grace sustained me and gave my heart courage to press on through it all. O He is with me pushing me on to the finish line---His joy is my strength! The day finally did come to an end but tomorrow my day will start again bright and early. I pray that God would use me to point people to Christ and to glorify His name.
While I was washing dishes in the scullery, I plugged my mp3 player into the speakers under the sink and was listening to my music. I have never had such a hard time listening to my music and wanting to turn it off. I was struggling with acknowledging Christ before my fellow Coasties by my music. Oh Lord Jesus help me not be ashamed of You. You are my life; my greatest joy, and I hate it that I want to keep my music which praises Your name to myself. Help me Lord Jesus, I cannot continue shining Your light here on the Midgett without Your help and strength.
#2 Even When We Cannot See~Midgett Adventures #3
July 8, 2010
I stood watch this morning, and half way through my four hours we entered a thick fog. Visibility was greatly reduced as I stood lookout, and the danger of us colliding into another vessel rose dramatically. However the officer of the deck continued to instruct us to stand a vigilant watch and to continue looking for contacts that might submerge from within the fog. He also scanned the horizon with his binoculars, keeping a sharp eye out for contacts.
As I was up on lookout, the thought occurred to me that our lives as Christians are very similar. We all experience times when we are surrounded by fog, and the trials and hardships we face seem to overwhelm us. We cannot see where we are going or if we are going to stumble in our walk with the Lord and collide in our faith. But God is faithful and is holding us through all of life. And when the “fog” surrounds us we can be sure that we are held by His grace. Just because we cannot see does not mean we stop being vigilant in pursuing the spiritual disciplines of the faith. We should press on reading God’s Word, praying, memorizing, fellowshipping with other believers, etc. Do not give up when the way is hard and difficult. Trust in the Lord---He will uphold you---for He holds you even when you cannot see.
I stood watch this morning, and half way through my four hours we entered a thick fog. Visibility was greatly reduced as I stood lookout, and the danger of us colliding into another vessel rose dramatically. However the officer of the deck continued to instruct us to stand a vigilant watch and to continue looking for contacts that might submerge from within the fog. He also scanned the horizon with his binoculars, keeping a sharp eye out for contacts.
As I was up on lookout, the thought occurred to me that our lives as Christians are very similar. We all experience times when we are surrounded by fog, and the trials and hardships we face seem to overwhelm us. We cannot see where we are going or if we are going to stumble in our walk with the Lord and collide in our faith. But God is faithful and is holding us through all of life. And when the “fog” surrounds us we can be sure that we are held by His grace. Just because we cannot see does not mean we stop being vigilant in pursuing the spiritual disciplines of the faith. We should press on reading God’s Word, praying, memorizing, fellowshipping with other believers, etc. Do not give up when the way is hard and difficult. Trust in the Lord---He will uphold you---for He holds you even when you cannot see.
#1 Rooted In Jesus~Midgett Adventure #3
July 7, 2010
Well, a new adventure has begun for me here on the Midgett. We set special sea detail after lunch and pulled away from the dock. If all goes as planned we shall not be pulling back into Seattle for another three months. We are headed out on our South Patrol down towards Costa Rica---our mission is drug interdiction along with doing a lot of individual and all-hands training. I am excited to be setting out once again, and glad that I will be going to see new places and do new things.
It’s funny though how fear and anxiety will bombard you even when you do not know why. But I find great comfort and assurance in God’s Word especially in the Psalms. I read and reread Psalm 130, 121, 107, 27 last night and this morning. My heart may feel overwhelmed at times but God sustains me and His promise is sure…He will never leave me nor forsake me.
We are deviating of course a little bit tonight because earlier today a Coast Guard helicopter crashed of the coast of Washington. Three people were killed and one is in critical condition. We are heading to see if we can clean up any wreckage. What a sad day for those families to have to hear such terrible news. It certainly brings a solemnity to my own heart, and makes me realize that we never know when the Lord will see fit to bring us home so we should make the most of every opportunity. So I must live this moment right now to the fullest…I must live with no regrets and as if it is my last because it very well could be my last. And how do I live to the fullest? I believe the only way I can live my life to the fullest every moment is to be preaching the gospel to myself. Reflecting and rejoicing upon the salvation I have in Jesus and knowing His love for me. My heart must be rooted upon my Savior or I will waste the moments He’s given me.
Well, a new adventure has begun for me here on the Midgett. We set special sea detail after lunch and pulled away from the dock. If all goes as planned we shall not be pulling back into Seattle for another three months. We are headed out on our South Patrol down towards Costa Rica---our mission is drug interdiction along with doing a lot of individual and all-hands training. I am excited to be setting out once again, and glad that I will be going to see new places and do new things.
It’s funny though how fear and anxiety will bombard you even when you do not know why. But I find great comfort and assurance in God’s Word especially in the Psalms. I read and reread Psalm 130, 121, 107, 27 last night and this morning. My heart may feel overwhelmed at times but God sustains me and His promise is sure…He will never leave me nor forsake me.
We are deviating of course a little bit tonight because earlier today a Coast Guard helicopter crashed of the coast of Washington. Three people were killed and one is in critical condition. We are heading to see if we can clean up any wreckage. What a sad day for those families to have to hear such terrible news. It certainly brings a solemnity to my own heart, and makes me realize that we never know when the Lord will see fit to bring us home so we should make the most of every opportunity. So I must live this moment right now to the fullest…I must live with no regrets and as if it is my last because it very well could be my last. And how do I live to the fullest? I believe the only way I can live my life to the fullest every moment is to be preaching the gospel to myself. Reflecting and rejoicing upon the salvation I have in Jesus and knowing His love for me. My heart must be rooted upon my Savior or I will waste the moments He’s given me.
01 August 2010
Blown Away!
Well, it has been quite a while since I last posted anything. Life has been busy and filled with lots of good challenges. I have been mess cooking the past two weeks, which can be draining. The Lord is ever faithful in sustaining me and upholding me through His Word and through cross-centered music. I have come to love the song by Aaron Shust, "My Savior and My God." I would listen to that as I washed dishes and cleaned tables. God has greatly encouraged my heart with His love throughout the past several weeks...when I feel down and discouraged, He brings the Gospel to my mind. "Christ has died for me, He has made a way that I can have peace with God, I am clothed in His righteousness, and in Him I hide!" Preaching the Gospel to myself is a definite must to keep my eyes focused on the cross. I do have some fellow Believers here on the boat, but most of them do not think about the cross and live discouraged lives. It is only by God's grace that He has taught me that the Gospel is not just for unbelievers but for Believers!
Now that I am no longer mess cooking, I will be working back in Navigation. I am also taking two classes that keep me busy with homework and projects. I am doing well, though even if I don't have lots of down time...it helps make the patrol go faster. I miss all of you back home, and it encourages me greatly knowing that you are lifting me up in your prayers.
I suppose if I were to sum up the past several months and even the past two years, the lessons God has taught me all seem to derive from the book of Philippians. The joy we have as followers of Christ is not based off of circumstances and feelings, but off of Him. Situations, people, pain, suffering, and even sin can never take away that which is most imoprtant to me---Jesus! Oh how I love Him...sometimes I feel like I could explode with the joy in knowing Him...and to think I have only tasted but a small bit of it. I am comforted by the fact that I am not HOME yet! Someday I will be with Jesus...and I will see Him face to face. My faith will be turned to sight. What a wonderful day that will be! My fellow Coasties cannot comprehend my joy nor the reason I am so happy when I tell them why...because I know Jesus and He fills me with joy. It is a mystery to them, but not to me. How could I be anything but joyful in knowing and being known by the Almighty God who has saved me. Believers who do not think and rejoice in the Gospel daily will be robbed of joy, drained of strength, and conformed to the word around them. We must fight for joy...true, lasting joy in Jesus. Sometimes God's presence seems far away...maybe even gone...but we must not trust our feelings. When God's presence seems far away cling to His promises.
So here I am clinging to the promises of God, amazed by His love, and filled with joy in knowing Him. I am saved by grace and I no longer live but Jesus Christ lives in me. I am not home yet, but someday soon I will be with Jesus and until then I want to live life with all I have got for His glory. O that I may be spent and used up for Him and make it to my heavenly home all used up, spilled out, and worn out from serving Jesus...and yes, smiling as I cross the finish line.
Now that I am no longer mess cooking, I will be working back in Navigation. I am also taking two classes that keep me busy with homework and projects. I am doing well, though even if I don't have lots of down time...it helps make the patrol go faster. I miss all of you back home, and it encourages me greatly knowing that you are lifting me up in your prayers.
I suppose if I were to sum up the past several months and even the past two years, the lessons God has taught me all seem to derive from the book of Philippians. The joy we have as followers of Christ is not based off of circumstances and feelings, but off of Him. Situations, people, pain, suffering, and even sin can never take away that which is most imoprtant to me---Jesus! Oh how I love Him...sometimes I feel like I could explode with the joy in knowing Him...and to think I have only tasted but a small bit of it. I am comforted by the fact that I am not HOME yet! Someday I will be with Jesus...and I will see Him face to face. My faith will be turned to sight. What a wonderful day that will be! My fellow Coasties cannot comprehend my joy nor the reason I am so happy when I tell them why...because I know Jesus and He fills me with joy. It is a mystery to them, but not to me. How could I be anything but joyful in knowing and being known by the Almighty God who has saved me. Believers who do not think and rejoice in the Gospel daily will be robbed of joy, drained of strength, and conformed to the word around them. We must fight for joy...true, lasting joy in Jesus. Sometimes God's presence seems far away...maybe even gone...but we must not trust our feelings. When God's presence seems far away cling to His promises.
So here I am clinging to the promises of God, amazed by His love, and filled with joy in knowing Him. I am saved by grace and I no longer live but Jesus Christ lives in me. I am not home yet, but someday soon I will be with Jesus and until then I want to live life with all I have got for His glory. O that I may be spent and used up for Him and make it to my heavenly home all used up, spilled out, and worn out from serving Jesus...and yes, smiling as I cross the finish line.
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