Thought For the Week

Dear Friends, I date myself when I suggest everyone knows David Wilkerson, author of the best-selling international adventure story (a true story) written in 1963 and titled “The Cross and the Switchblade.” It chronicled Wilkerson’s work with gangs in New York City and was later made into a biographical crime movie in 1970. One of his lesser-known books is a devotional book entitled, “I’m Not Mad at God,” published in 1967. I have selected three entries. I made some minor grammatical changes for better understanding. I trust at least one of them might hit home with you. Enjoy. "Stay here and keep watch with me." Matt. 26:38 "The true purpose of prayer is that we enjoy much personal communion with the Lord. The heart is reluctant to dwell in God's presence for long, and so it satisfies itself instead with 'devotions.' This describes a hurried period late at night, or early in the morning, when a quick prayer is offered to God after a...

Dear Friends, Today (after a 2-3 week break from sending out some thoughts) I am back at it! For those who may not have heard, I just finished 6 months of cancer treatments at the NIH, and after tests on July 24 was told that it has gone into remission. The next day we discovered Nancy’s mom had passed, with her funeral service being held last Monday. It’s been a busy time. So today, still catching up, I thought I would send out the first “Thought for the Week” I ever sent out – way back in February of 2008! Some may remember the story, while others will not. It’s the story behind the writing of the hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey, published in 1938. I did not reference the book I found it in. Enjoy. The Story Behind the Song, “Precious Lord…” “Back in 1932, I was 32 years old, and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, wh...