Past Issues



                          "Ripples"


The captains set sail in their little wooden boats,
letting the subtle current carry them where it may.
Some have the keel and rudder firmly in place,
but for others, the rudder is up, or not there at all.
We stand on the shore watching their parade;
one by one they pass, looking at us through the
corner of their eye.
  Those on the shore have a different vantage point
of the turbulence and dangers downstream;
dangers that go unaware and unheeded from the 
water. A few of the spectators pick up handfuls
of stones and throw them towards the little boats
to gain their attention and warn of the upcoming
danger. Instead, all they accomplish is to capsize 
some of the boats and flood the decks of others. 
The captains are too busy righting their boats to 
listen.
  As the breeze pushes the other boats along, an
occasionally strong gust of wind changes their
course, aiming them towards the rocks.
  Some people along the shore scoop up stones
and start walking along the edge of the stream,
tossing a series of stones into the water after
analyzing the current. A small stone dropped into
the water at the right time and place can cause
enough ripples to guide the boats around the rocks.
They are aware that a series of ripples spreading
out across the water can have a very powerful
impact, without causing a flood of waves.
  The people along the shore continue to try their
best. Some of the boats have lost the battle and
taken on water, but most are steering and tacking
their way downstream.
  The destination is now in plain view; a large tree
at the water's edge. Its branches bow over the
stream to offer relief from the sun and glare. Its
roots mesh to form a breakwater like a jetty or
refuge. Behind this, a still harbor awaits all the 
boats that choose to enter, safely away from the
current. A place to rest after the voyage; a place to
examine ones' boat and make all necessary repairs;
a place to feel safe and reassured knowing that
everyone there has come through the same rapids
and rocks. Every boat has at least one or two scuffs
along its hull.
  One person on the shore has been working hard
to guide a certain boat through the turbulence. 
When it reaches the harbor entrance, the rudder 
remains straight and fixed. The captain chooses to 
continue on its existing course, allured by the mouth 
of the stream with its wide open water, its crashing 
waves, and its power.
  Heartbreak falls on the person as he watches the 
little boat drift away, not realizing that another boat
is gliding along behind it in its wake.
The captain of the second boat was watching and
listening closely all through the journey, and did
choose to turn into the harbor. 
  "Welcome" says the person on the shore in a
surprised voice. "This harbor is a haven. Be safe in
knowing that this tree is your protector. It stands at
the edge of the water, continuously being battered by
the waves and current as the boats sail by, but it still
stands strong. Some people think that the roots are 
just more obstacles, but others realize that the roots 
are the reason that this harbor is here. This tree is the
tree of reconciliation and redemption!"
  "Thank you for showing me where the dangers were
in the stream", replies the captain. "I am surprised to
see the boat ahead of me continue on into the rough 
open water. Your instructions were very good.
Being young and strong, I thought that navigating this
current would be easy and certainly didn't need 
anyone's help, but I found out differently. Thank you
for your perspective and insight. You never even 
realized that I was watching, listening, and studying
your example."

I have to wonder how many other times that has 
happened...  that we are so focused on what is right
in front of us, that we lose our peripheral vision.

You have to wonder... 


by John Nordberg

John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will
flow from within him.

Revelation 22:1,2
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding
its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.


Pop Quiz:
This story is about:
A.  The river of life. Growing up and navigating life's bumpy journey into adulthood.
B.  The river of faith. Growing in faith by the mentoring of others until you can freely
      make the decision to either accept Christ or reject him.
C.  Both of the above.

Answer:   C

                                       

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context and further spreads the gospel or Christian values.

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