NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

Jan 26 Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 26 Scripture focus:: Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' " Matthew 4:8-10 NIV A Modern Day (sort of) Parable, by Scott McBean There once was a man who loved his family deeply. He desired to care for them and provide for their every need. He learned at an early age that he was a pretty decent fisherman. And thus, his big dream was birthed! Using his gifts and talents, he traveled every day to a bridge near his village, carrying his trusty (and very lucky) fishing pole with him. For days and weeks and months his plan worked. Sometimes he'd experience a season of low productivity, and begin to fear that his strategy might be faulty. But through perseverance and redoubling his efforts, these lean times always passed. Until one day, through no fault of his own, he fell off the bridge! Death loomed. In an instant, he had to choose. To save himself from the swift current and rocks below, he must grab hold of the sturdy bridge. This would require letting go of his faithful rod and reel. Reluctantly he drops the fishing pole, and grasps the lowest support beam of the bridge. He hangs from the beam, his strong arms and tenacious fingers (strengthened by years of fighting big fish and winning) begin to tire. His life flashes before him. He suffers physically and soulfully. His heart breaks at the thought that he will never again provide sustenance for his family. He becomes aware of footsteps on the bridge! He would love to cry out for help, but he's too weak to find his voice. Miraculously, a man's face peers over the bridge directly above him. It is a calm face, seemingly unfazed by the remarkable sight of a man dangling from a bridge over perilous waters. "Here, son, grab my hand." He says with confidence. Accepting the man's offer of help will require the fisherman to release his two-fisted attachment to the bridge. This is a tough choice. It's risky. He assesses the man. Is he strong enough to reach down and hold the weight of his entire body? Does he have the core body strength to not only hold him, but pull him to safety? Faced with certain death as his grip weakens, the fisherman takes a chance and let's go. His savior grasps his hand and pulls him up to safety. The End What does the man say in response to this miraculous display of the power to save? Does he cry, "Whew! I am so thrilled I made the decision to let you save me?" To be continued. . . Recommended reading: Exodus 2 and 3 in the morning; Psalm 22 and Proverbs 5 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 TNIV