STEEL AND CONCRETE, September 2000
THE STEEL AND CONCRETE
MISSION FIELD NEWSLETTER
September 2000
GOD'S CONDUCTOR
by Bro. Gregory Wamsley
Faithful servants of God witness, give testimonies, and spread the Gospel to the lost souls of this world. Often these precious sowers never see just how much of a harvest they've produced. No doubt, one day at the Judgment Seat of Christ, all believers will be rewarded for all they have done for Christ.
A seed was planted into the stony, cold heart of this writer 15 years ago. I remember praying to my Savior and Lord, "Lord, before I die, let me be able to thank the dear spiritual servant face to face for leading me to you." Just a couple of weeks ago I was blessed with an answer to my prayer. I received a visit from Brother Jim Shriver that day. I haven't seen this man in 15 years since the day of my salvation. I am sure that he had told us once before, but I didn't remember, that he used to work on and was retired from the railroad. He had this position just before WWII. We talked about his life. As I sat there the Spirit flooded my mind with many analogies. His bluish eyes, though not as clear as I had remembered, still twinkled with the Love of God as he spoke of his past advancement to the position of conductor. I thought to myself, "God's Conductor," a fitting metaphor for this prince of Christians.
Although God's Conductor has had physical setbacks (delays), I can still see the Lord's been good to this old train's journey of 80+ years. I thought that I might not recognize him, but the image of the one that leads you to Christ isn't easily forgotten. As our visit progressed, the 15 years just seemed to unfold and melt away. I couldn't help noticing the parallel lines that ran across his brow. They reminded me of the very dual lines upon which he used to ride. Retired steam engines of yesteryear still hold an important historical position. Like those old engines, my old engine visitor, though retired from prison ministry, still serves his historical purpose too. I see spiritually dead souls everywhere, as cold and dormant as the very steel rails he used to ride. Despite popular public opinion, these lost souls are not untreatable. I thank God that he allowed this Old Spiritual Conductor to pull his train of salvation into "Station Gregory." When he came to visit it was as if his journey had come full circle.
Old conductors and old trains may be retired, but they have given the right of passage over to younger conductors and faster trains. I consider it an honor to take up where this God's Conductor has left off. I, too, have had my little setbacks; not actually physical, but more like the disobedient type. Like the "Little Engine That Could," by the Grace of God, I can. I now spread the same Gospel Message to the lost souls (stations) I encounter. God's Spirit reminds me that trains need tracks to stay on course. All believers need the tracks of faith in Christ, and hope in Christ to keep their Christian journey on course. Yes, today it's the Word of God, "Christ," that fuels this little spiritual train's engine. The Holy Spirit teaches and guides me along life's rails. Conductors are famous for precision timing and keeping a meticulous schedule. More often than not they were right on time. God is the Great Conductor who's always right on time. It's the conductor's whistle that announces the train's arrival. Today I await the Great Conductor's trumpet signal announcing the return and arrival of Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a part of God's Spiritual Railroad. Although I have traveled many tracks, today my destination remains unchanged: First Stop, Gloryland! It is my desire that you follow in the same tracks, that you heed the Old Spiritual Conductor's call. If you listen carefully, you can still hear God's Conductors say . . . "All Aboard!"
GOD IS A LITTLE LIKE
author unknown
found on http://www.daily-blessings.com/godislike.htm
God is a little like General Electric - He lights your path.
God is a little like Bayer Aspirin - He works wonders.
God is a little like Hallmark Cards - He cared enough to send the very best.
God is a little like Tide - He gets out the stains that others leave behind.
God is a little like VO-5 Hair Spray - He holds through all kinds of weather.
God is a little like Dial Soap - Aren't you glad you know Him? Don't you wish everyone did?
God is a little like Sears - He has everything.
God is a little like Alka Seltzer - Oh, what a relief He is!
God is a little like Scotch Tape - You can't see Him but you know He's there
God is a little like The Copper Top Battery - Nothing can outlast him.
God is a little like American Express - Don't leave home without Him!
THE CROSS
author unknown
submitted by Barbara K. Timm
A young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on. I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The weary man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses. Some so large the tops were not even visible. It was then that he saw a tiny cross leaning against the far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."
When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what crosses other people are carrying. You may then realize with God's help your cross isn't that big at all, and you are more fortunate than you imagined.
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