Press On Towards The Goal...

The Trump-Biden debate tonight was indeed "a hot mess inside a dumpster fire in a train wreck." Joe Biden was more respectful and dignified. I am dispirited that Trump is the figurehead of conservative(ish) politics. He used multiple segments to solely attack Biden instead of casting a vision for what could be his next term. Biden did this a little, but overall spoke to the listeners much more effectively. The thought of offering full support for either leaves a bad taste in my mouth. One's policies distress me and the other's character repulses me. My goal is to dwell on these eternal truths instead of tonight's brouhaha: Politics should be a pursuit to "love our neighbor." (Mark 12:31) My calling is to first share Jesus with people and not be a pundit. (1st Peter 2:9) My final hope does not, indeed CANNOT, lie in politics. (Psalm 146:3, John 18:36) My first citizenship is in heaven with Christ. (Philippians 3:20) Wicked politicians are a burden to thei

Photo Credit: Missionary Portal Yesterday I closed with a Poem by C.T. Studd (1860-1931). He was a well-known Cricket player in England who turned to missions. He is remembered as one of the famous "Cambridge Seven" who responded to a call to missions from the encouragement of Hudson Taylor. Studd served in China, India, and Africa before his death. Here is his poem again: Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past,  Only what’s done for Christ will last.   Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat; Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.   Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’

  While reading these two books, I had numerous flashbacks of burdens shared by parents and youth. I was even reminded of my own teenage struggles. Even better though are David's solutions; His writing is relatable, biblical, and practical. I wish I read this book as a youth. He clears away the mystery of teen anxiety and depression in bite-sized chapters, only 5-6 pages each. These books hit a sweet spot for a stressed, anxious, and depressed generation of teens. They are written by Bible Teacher and Counselor, David Murray, to help parents and teens face these problems head-on. Each chapter tells a story of a struggling youth who found help in God's word to navigate through their issues.  I especially connected with chapter four, "Imaginative Imogen." David discussed how our minds are like a movie theater, constantly playing a movie, and some teens endlessly replay movies of past trauma, horrific hypothetical situations, or graphic images so that anxiety and guilt t