Gettin Refreshed

I ran today. I like to run. On the way back I found a Dunn County historical/geography site I had heard about called the "Devil's Punch Bowl." Some of you have been there I'm sure. It was cool, I was hot, and it was oh so sweet down there. It was quiet, serene and really peaceful. The water was coming down off the rock cliff's like a shower all the way around me.

The sun caught the drops of water and they looked electric and luminescent; very cool. I just sat there. amazed that anyone could name such a work of art after anyone but the one who created it. The "Devil's Punch Bowl?" It was one of the most refreshing cups I have ever taken a drink from. Sitting there alone with God made me so very aware of the communion that we share; must share.

This was the finest cup of communion I have taken to date. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. May you also meet with more than you've ever expected when you arrive.

Blessings,
Randal

Countin the cost

Memorial Day is around the corner. I'm in the process of preparing my first sermon for it. Looking back over the wars recorded in the scriptures, and the wars that our forefathers fought in, I am most astonished at the numbers. It is so easy to miss the significance of those numbers. Studying for this weekend I read Judges 12:6, "Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time." In another passage we read that "David killed seven hundred of their charioteers and forty thousand of their foot soldiers as they fled" (2 Samuel 10:18). That is not even a good start if you are looking for all the battles in the Bible.
If that seems too far removed to identify with go back about 70 years. In World War II our country lost over 400 thousand troops. Let me say that again, four-hundred-thousand troops. That is like wiping out my home state, North Dakota. The sacrifice of those who step up when others are suffering is commendable. The sacrifice of those who obey even to the point of death is inspiring. And it is a model for all of us to follow.
When you think of sacrifice, blood, death, life, and liberty another soldier may come to your mind. Jesus Christ is called the King of Kings in the scriptures, and a mighty warrior. He is the one who has inspired so many millions to lay down their lives as a sacrifice for others. Freedom, what ever kind, is never free.

This Memorial Day take the time to remember: Remember the one who paid the price for your freedom and remember those who have sacrificed to allow you to live free in this great country.

Memorial - “Anything meant to help people remember some person or event such as a monument, a holiday etc.

Memorial Day - A legal holiday in the U.S. in memory of the dead servicemen and women of all wars.

Respect - To feel or show honor or esteem for; to consider or treat with deference or dutiful regard.”

-Webster’s-

Blessings,
Pastor Randal

Nuttin can separate

Ever have one of those days? How about three in a row? That happened to me recently. I was seriously beginning to think that I would not be able to hold it together much longer. I had good friends praying for me and the weird thing was my situation continued to get worse. It was sooo out of my control and the things that were happening were not related. It was crazy. I was absolutely spent by the evening of the third night. I was laying on the ground out in a field (Army style) in the middle of nowhere (Ft. McCoy, WI). As I lay there I welcomed the approaching night. I laid there with my hands linked behind my head and really began to take in my surroundings. My sleeping bag was comfortable, the temperature was beautiful, the silence was magnificent, the wind in the trees was calming and I was having a really sweet time with the Lord. That is when it hit me...literally, hit me...right between the eyes. A great big ole rain drop from "

heaven"

(that was not my first thought). At first I couldn't believe it. I was flustered. Then I remembered my wet weather poncho at my feet and pulled it up over me and the rest of my gear. Within minutes it really started to poor. I could here guys all around me scrambling for cover, moaning and groaning as they searched for their gear. It was right then that I had a thought that was so out of the ordinary it stopped me. The thought was "praise him for the poncho." So I did. And as I did I began to laugh and the spiritual clouds lifted immediately. I sat there under my poncho totally assured of my Savior's care, concern and presence. I slept so good that night that guys from as far away as a 100 meters said they could here me snoring. The next morning the sun was up, the birds were singing, my hope was renewed, my car stopped leaking oil, I got my keys unlocked from my car, I got to share Jesus with some really cool soldiers and I nailed every point on the compass course. Things turned for me, and they will turn for you too. Can you believe when you are in the lowest valley, when things are hard, that God is near? If you can you will have all it takes to turn that valley into a mountain top experience with Christ. The next time you are tempted to curse, praise instead. Blessings, RKM