Inspiration

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture but I didn't really know him.

But later on, when I met Christ it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride; but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

"I had to surrender my 'if only' to Jesus."

- Corrie ten Boom

Today's Illustration "An Honest Day's Work" was one I read on www.sermoncentral.com

The USS Astoria (C-34) was the first U.S. cruiser to engage the Japanese during the Battle of Savo Island, a night action fought the 8th to 9th of August 1942. Although she scored two hits on the Imperial flagship Chokai, the Astoria was badly damaged and sank shortly after noon, on 9th of August.

About 0200 hours a young Midwesterner, Signalman 3rd Class, Elgin Staples, was swept overboard by the blast when the Astoria's number one eight-inch gun turret exploded. Wounded in both legs by shrapnel and in semi-shock, he was kept afloat by a narrow life belt that he managed to activate with a simple trigger mechanism.

"God left you on earth for a purpose. Do it."

- unknown