Ride of a Lifetime - Joe Morris

"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God." Deuteronomy 28:2


“What do you think?” I asked my son as we stared at the river flowing beneath us. He shrugged, his apprehension obvious. We walked toward the building where we’d rent our wetsuits. Minutes later we gathered with the other rafters by the edge of the river to hear the safety speech. We’d be assigned a guide, and begin our down-river adventure in an inflatable raft meant to carry us through both rapids and calm waters. It would be a 10 mile journey that sunny morning.

The first few miles were uneventful as we floated along the calm waters under a beautiful Colorado sky. Our guide, a young Christian man, talked of his college plans while pointing out various rock formations in the canyon as we passed. Before long we faced the first set of rapids. I glanced at my son, seated between his mother and me, to make sure he was ready. As we entered the rapids, a wall of water rose above the raft and engulfed us. When the rush subsided, I eyed my son to see how he had fared. A huge grin split his face.

The rest of the ride consisted of moving from one rapid to the next with short bursts of calm—kind of like life. Like life, we would have missed the enjoyment that day had we simply stood on the banks, afraid to test the waters. Reflecting on that day makes me wonder how much joy I have missed throughout my life because I was afraid to trust God—jump in the boat.

Maybe you understand. Maybe you’ve been there in your own life; feet planted firmly on the shore while God asked you to test the waters. Don’t let fear or uncertainty rob the joy you could be experiencing. Push into the deep waters of your faith and see what God has in store for you. You could experience the thrill of a lifetime. You’ll never know if you refuse to leave the shore.



Joe Morris is married to Kim. He resides with his family in Platte City, Missouri. Joe has been published in The Family Journal. He serves as treasurer, assistant Sunday school superintendant and assistant adult Sunday school teacher in his church. Read Joe's devotions.

Work To Be Done - Joe Morris

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

“I expect this work to be done when I get back.” How often we heard those words when my dad would leave to make a delivery.

A friend of mine who wanted to make a few extra bucks would help with my responsibilities on the weekends and in the summer. No sooner would my dad be out of sight than my brother would turn to us and say, “Let’s play football now, and I’ll help you do your work when we’re done.”

“I don’t know,” I would begin, but by then the others were already heading out to start playing. Not wanting to be left out I would follow, the desire to be a part of the group too strong to resist.

Later, when the game was over, my friend and I would head back to get our work done. My brother was nowhere to be found—his earlier promise of help long forgotten once the game was over.

We continued to play football, even long after it became apparent my brother was never going to follow through on his promise. Even with the consequence, we’d rather be playing football than working! It was more fun! What really bothers me, is that I continue to do the same thing today. While I should be about the Father’s business, I sometimes find myself easily distracted by other things. While there certainly is a time for rest and a time for fun, there is also a time to do the things God has asked us to do.

I have begun making an effort to tell myself every morning, “I am going to do something for God today. I am going to put Him first in my heart.”

It might be something as simple as offering a kind word to someone who needs to hear it or it may be writing a devotion containing a portion of His Word. Nonetheless, it’s work for the Father and that’s where my heart is.

Resolve to be steadfast and immovable in the desire to do the Lord’s work. Let Him fill your heart with joy.

Joe Morris lives in Platte City, Missouri. God has blessed him with an amazing wife, Kim, and 2 children who have taught them the value of patience and a love that only God can give. Joe contributes articles to the Family Journal, a bi-monthly publication. He is active in his church, including serving as Assistant Adult Sunday School teacher. His prayer is that God will speak to others through his writing.