Journaling

The last chapter ended, "This was all written down in a logbook kept for the king's use."

The king journaled his thoughts every day or at least when important things happened, like Mordecai saving his life.

It's a good thing for the Jews, because in today's reading a very bad thing happens that sends this story down a dangerous path.

When things like this occur, I'm glad the first two books I grab every morning are the Bible and my journal. From the Bible, I read stories like Daniel and the lions den and Rack, Shack, and Bennie (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) from Daniel 3.

God's people are God's people and sometimes they get thrown to the lions for praying to only him or into a fiery furnace for not bowing down to someone else. These threats don't stop them from being God's people, praying and worshiping the way God commands.

From my journal, I can see God's fingerprints all over my life in the good times and the bad. Every day, he is re-creating me in his image. I look forward to Sabbath days of learning, worship, fellowship, and rest. Recreation leads to this re-creation.

I hope to see you this morning at...
9 am--learning for all ages
10 am--worship
11:15 am--Rally Day brunch

Next week, Sanctuary Lutheran is leading our 10 am service (there is no 8 am until October), while a dozen or more people from our Worship & Music, Evangelism, and Youth teams (along with anyone else who is interested) will be leaving at 9:30 am to attend Good Shepherd Lutheran in Westborough. They have a contemporary service at 10:45 am. Many youth and young adults prefer that style of worship. We may not be reaching those from that generation in our neighborhood with the casual and tradition services we offer, so they are checking it out.