Fear 0f Flying

Today I will share a great story I was told recently:

There was a religious woman who had to do a lot of traveling for her business. Flying made her very nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her.

One time, she was sitting next to a man. When he saw her pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and smirk and went back to what he was doing.

After awhile, he turned to her and asked, "You don't really believe all that stuff in there do you?"

The woman replied, "Of course I do. It is the Bible."

He said, "Well, what about that guy that was swallowed by that whale?"

She replied, "Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that; it is in the Bible."

He asked, "Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?"

The woman said, "Well, I don't really know. I guess when I get to heaven, I will ask him."

"What if he isn't in heaven?" the man asked sarcastically.

"Then you can ask him," replied the woman.

A MAN’S LIFE

Tony had just graduated with a University degree and had completed his first week at an architectural firm. For the first time in his life he was financially secure. Now, at last, he knew he should feel successful and fulfilled. But something was lacking.

He rummaged around in his desk until he found the long-unused Bible his parents had given him. He turned through the book, scanning the familiar verses. He smiled as he read Psalm 100. Certain phrases stood out: “Serve the Lord with gladness . . . come before his presence . . . we are His people . . . enter into his gates with thanksgiving . . . be thankful unto him . . . for the Lord is good.”

Could that be the answer? Tony knew it had been too long since he had allowed the presence of God in his life. A new resolve came to him: he would find a church where, once again, he could “enter into His gates” to worship.

“Thank You, God,” he whispered.