Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 13:40:53 EDT

Good Day-The year is one-half complete.

BIRTHDAYS-This week holds three very important ones:
July 1 1899-Some men who travelled established the Gideons.
July 4,1776-Brave men began this "noble experiment".
July 5,1865-William Booth founded the Salvation Army.
These grand institutions have endured during days of great change in 
knowledge and mobility as prophesied in Daniel 12:4.

THINK-Somebody wrote me this week to say that they "figured out" my mode and 
motive in teaching--Only tell you enough to make you think. Thanks

HINDSIGHT-Is a necessary aid to thanksgiving. A year ago this weekend my 
son-in-law, Randall McKnight, and I were planning a trip to Harrisburg, PA 
by air. The occasion was a celebration of retirement by Dr. Wendeel Kempion 
after thirty plus years as leader of Association of Baptists for World 
Evangelization. He invited me as a childhood friend. My initial look at ABWE 
filled me with awe at the faithfulness of God to this group. As Wendell signs 
all mail "Great Things He Hath Done, Over and Over Again"
All of the blessings are renewed this week- Wendell called me to report God's 
blessing on the work after his smooth retirement . We also have a date for 
dinner today.

HOW TO PRAY-How do you pray for a 94 year old lady who has needed to move to 
assisted living situation? However you do-Thank you on behalf of loved ones.

HOW-Ancient Jewish scholars often let the first word of a writing serve as 
the title.
We call it Lamentations they call it "How". Whatever you name it, it is 
dismal.

You must read half of the five verses of sad poetry to find a glimmer of 
hope. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his 
compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" 
Lamentations 3: 22,23

This narrative sharpens my vision of this verse---It would not be 
inconsistent with the story as told in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings and Jeremiah: A 
brokenhearted preacher is fleeing for his life, His nation is overthrown and 
is being systematically burned. He is making a long journey from north and 
west of Jerusalem toward Egypt. Each morning revealed a column of smoke 
rising as a great funeral pyre. Suddenly his heart sings this paean of 
praise.

His,
Ron Krantz