Scripture reading
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.
–Deuteronomy 13:4
Thought of the Day
A few years ago a most amazing thing happened on a commuter airplane flight from Portland, Maine to Boston. Henry Dempsey, the pilot heard an unusual sound from the rear of the small aircraft. The co-pilot took over the controls and Henry went back to check it out. As he approached the rear door the plane hit an air pocket and Henry fell against the door. He instantly figured out what the noise had been. The rear door was not properly latched and when he fell into the door, it flew open and Henry was sucked out of the jet. The co-pilot, seeing a red light that signaled an open door, immediately radioed the nearest airport reporting that the pilot had fallen out of the plane. The plane made an emergency landing and much to everyone’s amazement, they found old Henry Dempsey, holding on to the outdoor ladder of the airplane. Somehow, someway, Henry had grabbed the ladder on his way out and managed to hang on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4000 feet. After all of that Henry still managed to keep from hitting the runway which was a mere twelve inches away from his head. The article said, “it took airport personnel several minutes to pry Henry’s fingers from the ladder”.
I imagine that was an understatement. You see, Henry Dempsey was holding fast. You know, we live in a turbulent world. It gets kind of crazy sometimes. Sometimes it even feels like we are barely hanging on. We can learn from old Henry, I think. We have to hold fast to God in order to live. Hold fast.
Prayer
Father, Thank you for holding fast to me as I hold fast to you. Amen.