Daily Devotional

It was on July 16, 1969, at approximately 9:30 in the morning, that Apollo 11 launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Aboard this ship were three brave men: Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Neil Collins. The massive Saturn V rocket carried the equipment and vehicles the astronauts would need to orbit and land on the moon. It was a moment the whole world would watch with breathless anticipation. A few days later, on July 20, the Eagle would land safely on the moon.

The scriptures are full of demanding teachings. These commandments from Jesus often push us into uncomfortable territory. One of the most challenging teachings of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Luke. It is a version of the saying that we often refer to as the “Golden Rule.” The most notable version of the Golden Rule is found in Matthew’s Gospel. It reads, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,

While in college, I took several classes in communication. I was not a communications major, but my future wife was. I enjoyed attending class with her, so when I could take one of her classes as an elective, I did. I am thankful for these classes as I learned several great skills that I still use today.

Rev. Wendy Lambert had an excellent message Sunday in which she talked about the problem of anger and how it seems to be increasing not only in this country but around the world.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas this week. It left significant damage in its path. Homes, churches, and businesses have been damaged. Some families have even lost loved ones, with a reported seven deaths in Houston and the surrounding area. A hurricane is a terrible natural disaster that claims so much and leaves behind destruction that takes so long to clean up. Many are left without a place to stay. They have a long and challenging road ahead to rebuild and recover.

Life often brings significant struggles. Sometimes, we experience great trials that were never part of our dreams or plans. When these painful moments arrive in our lives, they can make it appear our future, our dreams, will never become a reality. I am sure that is what Becca Salmins’ parents feared as they learned their 6-year-old daughter had cancer.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From whence does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.