July 28 | Moments Almanac | Contend
On July 28, 1881, J. Gresham Machen was born into a world confident that human progress was inevitable. Thirty-three years later, on that same date, the First World War began—a conflict that would claim nearly sixteen million lives and forever shatter that illusion.
Serving with the YMCA in France during the war, Machen witnessed firsthand how quickly civilization can unravel. Returning home, he entered another battle—not on the battlefield, but in the church—defending the historic Christian faith against a growing movement that sought to redefine it.
In this episode of Moments Almanac, we explore the remarkable life of J. Gresham Machen, the outbreak of World War I, the enduring call of Jude to "contend for the faith," and the beautiful longing for heaven expressed by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Together, these moments remind us that while the world continues to shift beneath our feet, Christ remains the one foundation that never moves.
History has a way of exposing false securities. The gospel offers something far more enduring.
Take heart. Notice the scattered moments. Share the grace.
Hello and welcome to this first edition of Scattered Moments Almanac. Today is May the 28th, and on this day in 1738, a weary Anglican priest named John Wesley attended a small gathering on Aldersgate Street in London. He was discouraged, spiritually exhausted. He had preached sermons, traveled across the Atlantic as a missionary, and pursued holiness with relentless discipline. Yet inwardly he felt uncertain and empty. And that evening someone began reading from Martin Luther's preface to the book of Romans, and Wesley later wrote these famous words. I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation. It was not the beginning of his faith, but it was the moment grace moved from his head into his heart. From that quiet meeting would come a revival that swept through England and America, field preaching, hymns sung in the open air, care for the poor, prison ministry, and a renewed call to holy living. Sometimes history turns not on battles, but on a warmed heart in a small room. Luke twenty four thirty two is our scripture for today. Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us. Here's a word from Wesley. Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry. The soul was not designed to live breathlessly. Wesley rode thousands of miles on horseback, preached thousands of sermons, and changed nations. Yet he still understood the difference between urgency and panic. One comes from calling and the other from fear. Here's a poem from William Cooper you may recognize. God moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. Perhaps today feels stormy for you. Perhaps God seems hidden. But hidden doesn't mean absence. Lord Jesus, warm our hearts again, not merely with emotion, but with a deep assurance that you are near. Slow our hurried souls, teach us to live faithfully in ordinary days, and when we cannot trace your hand, help us to trust your heart. Carry peace into the anxious places within us, and let grace rise quietly again like morning light.
unknownAmen.
SPEAKER_00That's the Scattered Moments almanac entry for May twenty eighth. I hope you'll join me tomorrow morning. Until then, take care, notice the scattered moments, and share the grace.
