Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Failing Flesh"

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73: 26

A "curve wrecker."

In school, a "curve wrecker" was someone who did so good on a test nobody else came close. Usually the "curve wrecker" got an "A" and everyone else didn't.

In the world of Texas high-school sports Bonnie Richardson is a "curve wrecker."

Let me explain. Bonnie Richardson is the only athlete from Rochelle High School to qualify for the state `1A track meet. Don't feel sorry for her. Bonnie is a curve wrecker.

On a Friday, she won the high jump; then she placed second in the long jump, and finally she got third in the discus. On Saturday, she earned a first in the 200 meter and a second in the 100 meter races.

All on her own. . .all by herself. . . Bonnie Richardson earned 42 points and won the state TEAM title. Impressive.

Still, the Psalmist is right: flesh and blood will eventually fail. Curve breakers of the past, super athletes like Jim Thorpe and Babe Didrikson Zaharias are both dead now. Many of the other great athletes of yesteryear are confined to history books and the fading memories of fans.

Which is exactly why we must hear the rest of what the Psalmist wrote. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
For every one of us, the time will come (if it isn't here already) when our bodies will refuse to follow the commands our brains send. The day will arrive when things won't work the way they used to.

Thankfully, those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior will not find that day totally bleak. Because of their dear Brother, Jesus, they know that they can rely upon the Lord. Our loving Father Who sent His Son to save us from sin and the ravages of disobedience will always be by our side. He will always watch over us and help us.

Confident of God's grace, when they are very young, we teach our children....:

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong.

But there is another verse to that song... a verse frequently forgotten, which is applicable to those who find their flesh failing. That verse reads:

Jesus loves me! Loves me still, 'tho I'm very weak and ill,
that I might from sin be free, bled and died upon the tree.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Jesus' Victory"

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 57-58

Years ago, Jim Croce came out with a song which listed some of the things a person shouldn't ever try. On that list were things like 'spitting into the wind, tearing the mask off the old, lone Ranger, and messing around with Jim.'

Last week, the Associated Press carried a news story about another thing a smart person should avoid. That 'thing' is breaking into the home of 5'11", 218 lb., Green Bay Packer running back, Noah Herron.

Still that's exactly what two men did.

When Herron heard the glass being shattered in the lower level of his Green Bay Home, he called the police. When one of the burglars entered his bedroom, Herron clobbered the crook with a post he had unscrewed from his bed.

That burglar was taken to the hospital, a second was taken into custody, and Herron? Well, Herron is doing just fine.

Yup, there are some things a smart crook doesn't want to do.

I think that story is a good one for God's people to remember.

You see, from the outside we pretty much look like Herron's house - easy pickin's, ripe and ready for the pluckin'.

Indeed, on our own, we ARE pushovers.

But Christians, unlike other people in this world, are not on our own. Christians have the Savior living within their hearts. To steal from us, sin, Satan, and death first have to get by our Savior. And our Savior has shown, by His life, suffering, death, and resurrection that He isn't about to let any crooks steal from Him.

Because that's so, St. Paul was able to write a message of comfort and encouragement to the Corinthian church. Those words serve as the theme for this devotion: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Because of Jesus we have been given a victory. Because of Jesus we are safe and secure.

Because of Jesus our lives are changed. Yes, changed.

How so? Paul says, because of Jesus and the power which comes from the Holy Spirit, we are able to aspire to being steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord."

[Soldier4Christ]

 "It's How You Look At It"

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your Law. Psalms 119:18

What you see depends on how you look at it. Some people try to see good when they look around them. They try to be optimistic. They try to be upbeat. Others, however, aren't quite so cheery in their outlook. Their view is often negative, downcast, and expects the worst.

This world is a difficult place to sojourn. Nobody knew that better than Jesus. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have over come the world" (John 16:33b).

In Christ, we can learn to better handle circumstances, even when times are tough and the world itself seems against us. We can put the best construction on everything because it is Jesus Himself who comforts and sustains us through our ordeals.

Without Christ, however, the world can be a chilling place indeed. Tribulations come with this territory, Jesus said, but that doesn't have to be the end of the story. This life has heartaches, but we are called to more than this life. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

Believing the words of Jesus does change how you look at it. God loves us, but our sin produced a debt that had to be paid if we were to be forgiven. Our sacrifices won't accomplish this. They don't even come close. That's why God sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place, and through His resurrection, we have life!

As Paul writes, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is through the free gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit we know this to be true. How you look at it does matter.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Symbols"

June 14, 2008

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:10-12

In the United States, today is Flag Day.

The symbol of our country, the flag is an emblem many people have died for in wartime... and an insignia most people forget in peacetime.

Of course, the flag is not the only symbol of the U.S. We have another - - the bald eagle. I remember how, several years ago, reports went out that thirteen of those majestic birds were found murdered - - the handiwork of some twisted minds and hearts.

When I heard that news, I could only shake my head in sadness.

How tragic it is for a country when some of its citizens treat her symbols so poorly. The flag is spit upon and burned, National Parks are subject to the insults of vandals, and the eagle is poisoned and shot.

A good country, most certainly. . . but also a country of sin and sinners.

Which is why we need a Savior. We need THE Savior, Jesus Christ. He and He alone can rescue us from ourselves and redeem us from sin, death, and Satan. That is what Jesus did during the days He lived among us.

And now, today, He sends His Holy Spirit to call us to faith, forgiveness, and a future. Describing His work, and without making many changes, the words of another U.S. symbol, the Statue of Liberty, could be put in the mouth of the Savior.

I can almost hear Him say, ""Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The only change I might make is the last line. Jesus would say, "I am the Lamp of life for those who lived in darkness before."


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Slow Down"

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Not so many years ago, I found myself with too many commitments and too little time to meet them.

Although I thought I was the same happy-go-lucky, jovial husband and father I had always been, the family saw things differently. Big time differently.

My narrow focus on "stuff" didn't allow me to see how meals were being eaten on the run, how conversations were being confined to grunts, how minor interruptions became major irritants, and how everybody was tiptoeing around me.

How long this went on, I can't say. I can, however, tell you about the day things changed. It was my daughter who snapped me back to reality. Wanting to tell me how things had gone at school, very seriously she said, "Daddy, I'm gonna tell you somethin', but don't worry, I'll tell you really, really fast."

Her consideration for a problem which should have never been a problem hit me like a ton of bricks. It slowed me down. It also changed me.

On this Father's Day, there are a lot of dads who are probably making the same mistake I did. If you're not, don't worry, you're making mistakes of your own; which is why I encourage you to be changed.

On this Father's Day, join me in the resolve never to let work obligations and other life demands keep you from your most important job: being the Savior's representative to your wife and children. To love your family as Jesus loved you. That's what St. Paul told us to do. That's why their wellbeing, their future, their shaping, and their future should be a prime priority.

Remember, you're following Jesus; you're trying to love and lead the way He did.

Look at Him. See how He gave Himself for others. See His long lasting love and His ongoing care. See how He was willing to listen to His children when they came to Him in prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Are You Still Here?"

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:13

It's Monday, and you are reading today's Daily Devotion. I hope.

I hope you are reading this devotion, because if you're not, I've done a lot of work for nothing.

You see, according to a story carried last week by ABC News, prophet Yisrayl, also known as Buffalo Bill Hawkins, has predicted the beginning of a nuclear war on June 12th.

So, are you here? As I said, I hope so. In truth, Hawkins, who is headquartered in Abilene, Texas, is just the most recent in a long line of modern-day prophets who predict gloom, doom, disaster, and the end of life, as we know it.

That isn't amazing. What is amazing is people believe such self-appointed predictors of calamity. People believed Buffalo Bill when he promised the beginning of the end would come on September 12, 2006. Hundreds of his devotees in Kenya hid in basement bomb shelters and donned gas masks as they waited. When the war didn't happen, they went home embarrassed.

This prediction has brought about hundreds of truck trailers loaded with food and water on the group's 44-acre compound.

If you're reading this, they were wrong.

Although history has produced a great many false prophets, we need to realize Jesus was quite definite when He said, "you know neither the day nor the hour."

Jesus is coming. You can count on it.

From the time God first gave the promise of a Savior to our first, fallen ancestors it took thousands of years before His prophecy was fulfilled. Now Jesus has told us He is coming. He just hasn't told us when. That day may be soon or thousands of years hence.

This is why those who have been brought to faith in the Savior, who lived, suffered, died, and rose to save us believe in being ready for that unknown hour. It's better than trusting ourselves to the unprophetic utterances from men like Buffalo Bill.

Of course, Hawkins' followers did one thing right: they did get ready. That is an example we should follow, but not by filling up truck trailers with stuff. Our readiness should be seen in a life of repentance and spiritual preparedness for the Savior's unknown returning.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "No Magical Properties"

As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines . . .learned that the ark of the Lord had come to the camp, the Philistines were afraid. . . . And they said, ". . . Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, . . . So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, . . . And the ark of God was captured. . . . 1 Samuel 4:4ff (excerpts)

According to a Reuter's news story, Tom Higgins, Irish entrepreneur, has snagged a real bargain.

Of course your idea of a bargain and Tom's idea of a bargain might be two very different things. Last week, Tom bought the desk at which Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations and composed his final correspondence on the night he died.

Mr. Higgins' bargain cost $850,000. $850,000 for a desk.

Mr. Higgins explained the reason he was excited to have bought the historical piece of furniture: "It's a part of Charles Dickens, so I'm delighted to be its owner." Mr. Higgins is right, of course, it is an historical desk, but it's still a desk.

Just like God's ark was still an ark. It was special, yes, but magical, no. Magical, that's the way the children of Israel thought of their ark. That's why one day when they went into battle against their enemies, the Philistines, they brought the ark along - - like a mighty good-luck charm.

Our text says what happened. The Israelites got clobbered and the ark was captured. It took a bit before God's people learned their protection came from the Lord, not a metal-covered, adorned-with-angels ark.

It's a lesson God's people need to remember. In the Middle Ages, God's people put their trust in the "true cross" which had been discovered by Constantine's mother, Helena. They thought the cross was so special and brought so many blessings, the church ended up selling slivers of that cross to faithful and gullible believers.

It was faith in slivers of the cross, and many other sacred relics that caused some degree of spiritual discomfort to a monk by the name of Martin Luther. By God's grace he came to believe it is faith in Jesus, the sinless Son of God and Redeemer of sinful souls, which brings forgiveness and salvation. Only Jesus can rescue.

Not His cross, not His robe, not His tears can save us. Nor can all the relics of all the saints and sacred spots of Scripture, make a difference when it comes to getting us forgiveness.

Our salvation, which comes to us freely by the grace of God, is that which saves. It is a free salvation for those who believe. Christ's redemption is the best bargain there will ever be.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "My Name"

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Pontius Pilate once asked, "What is truth?" When Jesus stood before this powerful representative of Rome, the procurator was quite confident his question would never be answered.

Sometimes I'm almost inclined to agree with him. Let me explain: A few weeks ago, a waitress by the name of Stacey Fearnal thought she was doing a good deed when she raised $2,700 by donating her hair to a cancer research charity.

It may have been a good deed, but as the expression goes "No good deed ever goes unpunished."

Stacey told Canada's CTV that her boss at Nathaniel's restaurant fired her for breaking the staff's stringent dress code. Because of what she had done, Fearnal was told to wear a wig or not bother to come back to work - - at least not until her hair had grown back.

When asked by the news to explain his action, Stacey's boss said he hadn't fired her. He hadn't fired her at all. He just didn't want an almost bald lady waiting on the restaurant's clientèle.

So, was Stacey fired, or was she merely told to do something about her cue-ball look?

I'll never know. You probably won't either. A lot of life is like that. If you think I'm not telling the truth, then watch some of the TV court shows. It's hard to decide who is being truthful. And this takes us back to Pilate's question: "What is truth?"

The answer to Pilate's query is simple: Jesus is truth. With their lives and by their deaths, the apostles said Jesus' story of salvation was true. The Savior's fulfillment of the ancient prophecies tells us He is truth. Even the voice of the heavenly Father says Jesus is His Son who has done all things necessary for our salvation. We can believe in the Christ without doubt, without reservation.

Even if we don't believe anything else.

So, are you looking for truth? How about a friend or family member - - are they looking for truth?

All of us can be given truth in Jesus. It is He who dedicated His life to ridding us of sin and redeeming us for heaven. That's something you can believe in

. . . because it's true.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Third Generation"

June 19, 2008

The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation. Numbers 14:18

Last week, CNN reported on the construction of the new Olympic Park in London, England. The report shared how the contractors had run into a teeny, tiny little problem.

The problem occurred when the excavators came across a four-foot by two-foot object. Since the workers couldn't exactly figure out what the object was, they hooked it up to some machinery and yanked it to the surface.

When the work crew got a good look at the "it" they had unearthed, they ran. Not a bad idea since it was an unexploded bomb - - a 2,200-pound German bomb left over from World War II.

When the construction crew finally stopped running, they called the military bomb squad who immediately began to dismantle the device. The bomb apparently didn't like the army's disassembly because it responded by beginning to tick - - a sure sign the timer had been reactivated.

To shorten the story, the bomb disposal team eventually got the ticking stopped, managed to drill into the device, remove the explosives, and turn the bomb into scrap.

When I read that story, I thought about how sad it is that a battle fought 50 years ago could still endanger someone's life today. How tragic it is that evil seems to take on a life of its own and reach out to touch other generations.

That's true for an unexploded bomb in London, land mines dotting the countrysides of nations around the world, and homes where children are learning about jealousy, anger, and hatred - - all from their parents.

The sins of the fathers upon the children - - that's what the book of Numbers talks about. It's one of those passages about which people say, "That's not fair." No, it's not. But it is our reality, and it stems from our long-lasting disobedience and disregard of the Lord.

Thankfully, even though sin has managed to touch us all, the Christ can too. The sinless Son of God came to this earth so evil's stranglehold on humankind would be broken. Because Christ has risen, the bomb of sin has been defused. Because Jesus lives, those who have been given faith know that they, too, shall also live.

Through His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection, Jesus has guaranteed that sin, Satan, and death will not have the last word in the lives of those who believe.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Learn How To Listen To God"

Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My Word. John 8:43

Very few people put into practice the message our Lord Jesus Christ taught us.

From childhood, many of us have heard, read, and been told the Good News of Jesus Christ-that He died on the cross and rose again to forgive our sins. That Good News was written by the disciples and apostles, foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament, and impressed upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

How well Jesus knew we'd be slow-minded when it comes to receiving His Word. By nature, we don't understand His way of speaking. Through God's Spirit, however, we can know Him and believe in Him and trust Him for salvation. And, of course, it is God's Word that bears the gift of forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe.

Reading His Word is essential for our spiritual growth. Going through Scripture with a study partner is a great way for each person to gain a better understanding of what God is saying. It also helps us recognize Jesus' voice and respond to it. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

And that is a voice we don't want to miss.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Almost Truth"

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (KJV)

There is truth. . . and there is ALMOST truth.

The most interesting example I can give you of an ALMOST truth is Rule 46 of London's very posh, very exclusive, and very rule-bound Oxford Union Society. Wishing to outlaw dogs from the building's premises, Rule 46 says: "Any member introducing a dog into the Society's premises shall receive a fine of £1. Any animal (who is) leading a blind person shall be considered to be a cat."

Calling a dog a "cat" is an ALMOST truth. Amazingly, in our age of everything's-sort-of-right and nothing-is-totally-wrong, many people are resorting to the use of ALMOST truths. "Enhanced interrogation" masquerades for torture and a doctor writes on a dead patient's chart, "he failed to fulfill his wellness potentials." These things are ALMOST truths.

In contrast to what we do, God doesn't pull any punches, He doesn't use ALMOST truths. God hates sin and He says so. He wants to save us from our sin through His Son and says so. Look at the verse which serves as the text of this devotion. God loved. . .God gave. . .He saves those who believe. It's all very simple and very direct.

Following God's example, I think we need to be honest with others.

No, I'm not suggesting we be abusive in our honesty. That's almost as bad as ALMOST truths.

No, I'm encouraging our Daily Devotion readers to speak the truth with love. That's what St. Paul encouraged the Ephesian church as well as the rest of us to do when he wrote, "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ," (4:15)

Speaking the truth in love. That's what Jesus always did; it's what we need to try today. Won't you join me?

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Noticing"

Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Psalm 142:4-5

You, my friend, are on display.

Truly, each day, most of us are seen by hundreds of people. Unfortunately, most of those who look at us don't really see us. They look through us and they look past us and around us without ever really noticing us.

That truth was driven home to me when I heard of a French student by the name of Jean Louviot. Jean had managed to travel through Europe with a false photograph on his passport. When Jean pointed out the falsification to an embarrassed border official, the man offered the excuse, "It's the way kids wear their hair these days."

The official should have acknowledged his mistake because the picture on Jean's passport was that of his cocker spaniel.

Christians rejoice that they have a God who sees them as individuals and knows their every want and need. Having sent His Son to save us, He deals with each of us as being special.

In truth, we can learn a lot about how to deal with each other from the Lord. Which is why, today I encourage you to ask the Lord for a special outlook that will help you really see people.

If you do, you can almost be sure those with whom you come into contact will feel special, refreshed, and restored. They will know somebody cares about them and is reaching out to them in their hurts and problems. It's a good way to see.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "World Have Changed A Lot"

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings. Hebrews 13:8-9a

In the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King And I, there is a song whose words I have grown to appreciate.

The song is called "A Puzzlement," and it begins with the king saying this: "When I was a boy World was better spot. What was so was so, What was not was not. Now I am a man; World have changed a lot. Some things nearly so, Others nearly not. There are times I almost think I am not sure of what I absolutely know . . . ."

I can understand the king's puzzlement. Last week the Associated Press carried a story on how, in Columbia, South Carolina's Rock Hill School, people attending commencement exercises were told to "hold their applause." Some people didn't. Seven of them were arrested for cheering loudly.

Although I'm sure there is more to the story, I remember when cheering for young people who had accomplished something was encouraged.

Yes, I can understand the king's puzzlement about changing times.

Last week the Associated Press carried another story. This one told how hundreds of homosexual couples were applying for wedding licenses in California. I remember when, legally and spiritually, marriage was reserved for a man and a woman who were making a lifetime commitment to each other.

Like the king said, "World have changed a lot. Some things nearly so, others nearly not."

Unlike the king who found the world changing all around him, with nothing secure or solid to trust, there are some things that I know and of which I remain sure.

The writer to the Hebrews speaks of two things we can believe: First, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The sacrifice He made with His life, the blood He shed in His death, are still just as cleansing as they ever were. By the blood of God's Son, we are forgiven of sin and can be adopted as children into the family of faith.

But there is more. I can also be sure the world will do its best to undercut the truth of God.

That is the warning of this devotion's text: trust the changeless love of Jesus Christ and refuse to be led astray by diverse and strange teachings.

As Hebrews says (10:23) "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." That's something, boy or man, I can be sure of.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Clinging To The Testimony"

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set Your rules before me. I cling to Your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! Psalm 119:30-31

Until I read last week's article in the Associated Press, I had never heard of the Great American Think-Off.

In case you also have never heard of the Great American Think-Off, let me explain. The Think-Off is a philosophy competition giving ordinary Joes and Janes like you and me the chance to address some of life's more challenging questions.

This year the issue was immigration: "Does immigration strengthen or threaten the United States?" The winner of the competition was Craig Allen of Oregon who received a gold medal. Craig said our broken immigration policy needs to be fixed as, right now, illegal immigrants pose a threat to the country.

The person who won second place, was Deana Cavaliere who said immigrants have made America into an innovative and wealthy melting pot of cultures and ideas.

Two people received third place, bronze medals. One of them said immigration strengthens the United States while the other said it threatens the country.

Now, unless I have missed something that pretty much means the winners of the Great American Think-Off covered the complete spectrum of thinking in regard to immigration. Some of the winners were for it, and others were against it.

Having read the story, I was left wondering this: "Who's right?" I still don't know. Not knowing who, or what, is right is a major problem for many. We have seen so many things from so many angles that we question whether any person can be trusted or relied upon.

The Psalmist who wrote our text for today must have been confronted by the same kind of dilemma. Even so the Lord gave him an answer. By the Holy Spirit's direction, he was able to say: "I set Your rules before me; I cling to Your testimonies." To trust God, His will, His way, His plan of salvation - - that is the wise thing, the right thing, for any person to do.

After all, "God's Word is truth" (John 17:17).

True. Sometimes people will laugh at us; they will attempt to make us appear foolish, backward, and naïve. That's nothing new. Thousands of years ago the Psalmist wanted to be spared from being put "to shame." Even so, shame or no shame, he, like all of God's saved people, remained committed to staying near his heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior.

And unlike immigration, that's one thing I am sure of.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Luck?"

Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out Your arrows and rout them! Psalm 144:6

I tried to find a Bible passage that referred to surviving being struck by lightning as a good thing.

I tried a long time, but I couldn't find a single one.

Most of the time the Bible thinks of lightning as being a large demonstration of God's power. Sometimes, as in the above passage, God is called upon to use His lightning to show displeasure to His enemies. Not a single passage said getting hit by lightning was lucky.

Even so, "lucky" is what a Fox News story called 16-year-old BreAnna Helsel. The article told how BreAnna, during a thunderstorm, had gone to the kitchen to shut an open window. It was there that the lightning struck her. BreAnna said she saw electricity shoot out of her fingers into the ceiling lights, which blew out the home's power.

Now I'm not an expert on such things, but if we were to talk about luck, or better yet, God's protection and providence, the really blessed person would be the individual who didn't get struck by lightning.

That makes sense to me. I may feel God is smiling on me when I survive an auto accident, but shouldn't I feel all the more special for the times He's kept me from any auto disaster? I may be blessed if I survive an illness, but shouldn't my heart be thankful for all the days my body has chugged along without any necessary maintenance at all?

It's a different way of looking at things. Too often we need the bad, the sad, the troublesome, and the terrible to be reminded just how many blessings God has showered upon us.

Consider this: That we might live forever in paradise, the Father sent His Son to live and die and rise for us. By God's grace and through the Savior's sacrifice we have dodged the damnation bullet.

This is why, especially today, I would encourage you to give thanks for the lightning which hasn't struck, the cavities which the dentist hasn't drilled, the hunger we've never felt, the plague and pestilence which never came. Today and always, give thanks for a good God who wants the best for His children.