I had agreed to drive my aging aunt and uncle home to Florida which not only helped them but gave me a ride as well. We loaded their nearly new Plymouth and started the long trek from the Ozarks to the flatlands of the South.

In a small town in the middle of Alabama we encountered a roadblock. We never found out why the police were checking driver's licenses and insurance coverage. But that was no problem because we knew we were completely legal. Or so we thought. I confidently produced my license and my uncle produced the other documents that were needed.  When we finally edged our way to the checkpoint we were pleasantly surprised to be waved through without so much as a glance at the papers we had produced.

It was only later as we thought back on the encounter that we realized the kind policeman had noticed our front license plate which said something about Florida.  He correctly assumed that was our destination and that we were not local. The conversation then turned to license renewal times. I hadn't yet put mine away so I glanced at it thinking I had another year to go before renewal. My heart came up in my throat as I realized I was driving such a long trip on a license that had expired weeks earlier. And of course it was a holiday weekend so there would be no opportunity to renew the license while I was in Florida.

In order to get back for college classes and job responsibilities I would have to leave very early Monday morning driving once again on that expired license. And once again, I was stopped by an Alabama State Trooper and had to produce that out of date license. And yep...I was scared out of my mind. Imagine my surprise and relief when the trooper never even looked at my license but handed me a coke and thanked me for my safe driving habits as he had been following me for several miles.

Folks, there is a God in Heaven who watches out for those who mean well and are doing their best but aren't quite up to par.  In both of these encounters I certainly deserved law but received grace instead. How about you? Aren't you glad we do not get what we deserve but are recipients of God's great grace...instead?

Lovingly,

Pastor Richard Orrell

Here is my article with minor revisions in paragraph three:

Now and then it is my misfortune to cross paths with someone so independent their actions seem to indicate they really don't need God. Young and strong, they consider it beneath them to ask for His help with day to day life. Full of optimism for the future, they're fine with leaving tomorrow to itself.

But then my rounds sometimes bring me to the bedside of another for whom life has become a daily challenge. Young or old, their constant prayer is for strength for today and wisdom for tomorrow. Some unpronounceable disease or simply the passing of years has stolen their swagger. Without embarrassment they wipe tears as the 23rd Psalm is read or quoted. Trembling lips move silently in perfect sync with the cadence of the reader. Their desperate need for the Shepherd and their utter dependence on Him are evident as a holy moment in the Presence of God is shared with the Pastor.

Gently I point out that our Heavenly Father delights to participate in our years of smooth sailing as well as when we go through the deep waters of terminal distress. We do well when we make time for Him in the bloom of youth and health. The relationship with the Lord that will be our strength and wisdom when we have none is better cultivated in good times than in bad. Utilize these good days while they are here. Challenging times will come soon enough in which we will draw on the Word we have salted away in memory in the whirlwind days of youth.

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." Excellent advice from the writer of Ecclesiastes!

Growing in God's grace,

Pastor Rich Orrell

John 14:27  (NLT)

²⁷ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Scripture tells us that in this world we will have troubles, things that concern us.  But, we should not let them bother our spirits.

Today’s Scripture tells us of the gift from the Lord, peace of mind and heart. 

With this promise we should not be afraid or concerned about the future, God has each one of our futures in His hands.   He also has the future of our country in focus, He has a plan for America.

So let the Scripture encourage you today, God has everything under control and He cares for you, my friend.  He is concerned about the things that concern you.

We serve a wonderful Lord!  He is good, and has a great future planned for us.

Love ya, Pastor Phil