Morning Devotional

December  27, 2005
"We Never Give Up"           
    by Don Emmitte

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And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up. (2 Corinthians 4:1 NLT).

The first transcontinental flight across the country from New York, NY, to Long Beach, CA was completed by American aviation pioneer Cal P. Rodgers in an early Wright flyer called the Vin Fiz after a soft drink company that sponsored the trip. On September 17, 1911, he left Sheepshead Bay at Brooklyn, NY, and arrived in California on December 10, 1911, 84 days later. Rodgers actual time in the air was 3 days, 10 hours and 14 minutes. The airplane was forced down by weather and mechanical failure more than 30 times resulting in "light crashes" to crashes that required major repairs. When Rodgers landed in Long Beach the only original parts on the airplane were the rear rudder and the oil pan on the engine.

That's determination and persistence! Obviously Cal Rodgers had a mission he was determined to fulfill and a goal to reach. Men and women like this are the ones who make things happen. They never give up. Unfortunately, determination works equally for both evil people as well as good people. As Christians who have the Good News—the greatest news/plan/message in all the world—we need to be more determined than ever to live and spread the gospel message especially in this day of ever increasing terrorism motivated by false religion, and an ever increasing moral decline promoted by those who are determined to tear down all moral standards as set by God for the good of all mankind.

This is much more about being than saying. Having just returned from Texas for the holidays I noticed a real difference. Maybe its only because I wanted to notice a difference and maybe its because there is a difference. When we stepped off the plane in Dallas we walked from the gate to the baggage claim and were greeted with a live blue grass band and some volunteers giving travelers a small cup of soft drink with books or small toys for the children! What a difference from the sterile “hurry-up-and-get-out-of-here” attitude we were sent off with in Raleigh. Some would say it is just a difference in culture. Others would say it is a demographic phenomenon. Whatever scientific reason is assigned to the difference, we ought to determine not to let that be our focus. Wherever we may be, there are many around us who are desperately looking for someone with a genuine interest in simply being kind.

We have a message of hope and life. Let 2006 be a year in which you become that source of joy and life for others. You may not always have that kindness returned. Keep at it! Be persistent in your goodness!