Beautiful Yukon
The Northwest Mounted Police (Also known as the NWMP or the "Mounties") were
well-liked in the Yukon. Though there were only 19 in a territory that could
have easily supported 50, the Mounties successfully maintained peace and order,
prevented the exploitation of the native people, and protected gold diggers from
themselves. (Aren't we often our worst enemy?)
In their role as Canadian border patrol, the Mounties successfully turned back
nearly every potential rabble-rouser, conman, felon, and liquor trader. As a
result, though the Klondike stampede is recognized as being the biggest gold
rush in history, it was also the most peaceful.
Of course a few of the "shadier" class did slip through. But when they did,
something changed in them. Once in Canada, these same men who had spent their
time robbing the innocent in Skagway, left their guns packed away in their
luggage, never to be used. In fact, they became respected citizens! And this
complete transformation of character happened, as it were, overnight!
Amazing, isn't it, that such a change in heart can originate from mere humans.
This was most definitely a "once in history" occurrence!
But something even better happened once before, 2000 years ago.
2000 years ago, Someone walked the earth who had the power to completely change
not only the behavior of those His life touched, but their inner hearts as well.
And today, 2000 years later, He continues to change the lives and hearts of
thousands of people each and every day.
That Someone?
Jesus Christ!
How do I know this?
I know this because I have experienced Him personally in MY life! He has changed
MY heart! He changed me from a calloused, rabble-rousing addict into a child of
His! What was humanly impossible became possible with the power of Jesus Christ!
"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with
God." (Mark 10:27 NIV)
"God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law,
that we might receive the full rights of sons . Because you are sons , God sent
the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
(Gal 4:4-6 NIV)
Because of Jesus I am now a respectable citizen. Together with the apostle Paul,
I can exclaim: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,
are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes
from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Cor 3:17-18 NIV)
Isn't that cool???
I think it is!
Why?
Because I personally know it to be true!
Would you like to experience His freeing presence as well?
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and
to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7-8 NIV)
P. S. Better get ready! We're getting close to the Canadian border!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.