Saturday, May 29, 2010

It'll Fit, Give It Time

I just changed vehicles the other day, the first time in nine years. I have a habit of driving my vehicles for years, because they become like a comfortable shoe, a reliable friend and a familiar trustworthy ally. I know them mechanically and know there limitations, which lends to long term relationships. To me, getting into a different vehicle is like moving into a new house. All my stuff don’t fit. Plus, it’s getting used to everything being foreign to the touch and sight. It’s like putting on someone else’s shoes. Their not new, where you can mold them to your feet, instead, they’re already molded to other feet and there’s lumps and such contrary to the shape of your feet. You know what I mean; the size is right, there are just a few lumps that need rearranging, to make it comfortable. Anyway, I traded up 5 years to a ’02 and dropped 100,000 miles in another van to assist me in the Lord’s work. It won’t be long before this van fits just as comfortably as the old one, a new old reliable. I pray this one is as good as the last.
Putting on his coat after worship, another said, “Are you Mr. Smith from Newport?” “No I’m not. Why do you ask?” the man inquired. “Well, you see, I am Mr. Smith and I believe that’s his coat you’re putting on.” (It probably didn’t fit right anyway.)
The Navy Chief noticed a new seaman and barked at him, “Get over here! What’s your name?” “Paul”, the new seaman replied. “Look, I don’t know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy junk they’re teaching sailors in boot camp these days, but I don’t call anyone by their first name”, the Chief scowled. “It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last name only: Smith, Jones, Baker, got it? I am to be referred to only as Chief. Do I make myself clear?” “Aye, Chief”, answered the seaman. “Now that we’ve got that straight”, continued the Chief, “what’s your last name?” The young sailor sighed and said, “Darling. My name is Paul Darling, Chief.” “Okay Paul, this is what I want you to do…” (Didn’t fit right.)
[James 4: 8] “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Luciano Pavarotti once said, “When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song. He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my home town of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college. On graduating I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’ ‘Luciano’, my father replied, ‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.’ I chose one. It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my professional appearance. It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera. And now I think whether it’s laying bricks, writing a book – whatever we choose – we should give ourselves to it. Commitment, that’s the key. Choose one chair.” Pavarotti’s words are not only good advise in choosing a career, but good spiritual advise. Too often, the mistake we make is that we are too divided. We want to focus on the things of this world and the things of God, but it’s not possible. “If you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them.” We need to develop a more single-minded love for God. A worthy and fruitful relationship with God must be more than simply one item in an overcrowded agenda. It must be the central force and aim in our lives, the only thing that really matters. God fits comfortably. Try Him on for size.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Hit 'em Again

Well, it appears that greed has finally trumped wisdom setting off the worst man-made natural disaster ever. The Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 in Prince William Sound, Alaska is literally a drop in the ocean compared to what’s happening in the Gulf of Mexico off the shore of Louisiana. Over 5000 barrels (probably a very low conservative guess) of crude oil has been leaking into the gulf waters every day since April 20th, now more than thirty days. Alaska was a long ways away in 1989, but the lessons not learned then have come home to roost in our back yard. The fishing industry in much of the gulf could come to past. Shrimp, oysters, crawfish, dolphins and whatever kind of ocean creature you can think of is going to suffer greatly, not to mention the fishermen losing their livelihood for who knows how long. The favorite vacation spots along the coast are pretty much going to lose their luster and usefulness. Oh, I’m not talking about the lose of summer vacationer revenue, no not at all. I was thinking more about the millions of birds that won’t have a place to go for the winter coming up and maybe many winters to come. Maybe Northerner’s ought to take plenty of pictures of ducks and geese to show their grandchildren. Anyone who thinks this whole mess will be cleaned up before this winter needs to crawl out from under the rock where their living. Only time will tell how many states will be effected by this spill, not only Gulf States, but also, even the possibility of some Atlantic States as the ocean currents move the oil. Think of what a hurricane might do with all this oil.
“I’ll make a suit for you”, agreed the overworked tailor, “but it won’t be ready for at least thirty days.” “Thirty days!” protested the customer. “Why it only took the good Lord six days to create the whole world.” “True”, noted the tailor, “but have you looked at it lately?”
A crumbling old church building needed remodeling, so during his sermon, the preacher made an impassioned appeal, looking directly at the richest man in town. At the end of the sermon, the rich man stood up and announced, “Preacher, I will contribute $1000.” Just then, plaster fell from the ceiling, striking the rich man on the shoulder. He promptly stood back up and shouted, “Preacher, I will increase my donation to $5000.” Before he could sit down again, more plaster fell from the weak ceiling striking him, and he virtually screamed, “Preacher, I will double my last pledge!” He sat down and a large chunk of plaster fell on his head. He stood up once more and hollered, “Preacher, I’ll give $20,000!” Excitement filled the auditorium prompting a deacon to shout, “Hit him again Lord! Hit him again!”
[Ecclesiastes 5: 8 - 6: 12] I don’t want to get off on a rant here making you think I’m dead set against capitalism and the good life. I believe my heavenly Father wants the best for me and I thank God every day for being born in the land of milk and honey. I also believe fewer and fewer people are doing so. People are not waking, thanking their God for another day and all the good things it holds in store; rather they’re waking up cursing the day because they can’t keep up with their neighbor. Lying and cheating, short-changing and short sheeting is becoming a way of life in this country and the consequences are sprouting everywhere. Remember, you reap what you sow. I’m afraid the elders seated around the throne are yelling, “Hit ‘em again Lord! Hit ‘em again!”

Saturday, May 15, 2010

The Final Exam

The month of May brings forth wild flowers, the signs of growth in newly planted crops and stretch limousines. That can only mean that summer is drawing close, High School Proms are in full bloom and school is about to wind down for another year. It’s hard to believe we have a grandson already a full year out of high school and a granddaughter starting high school next year. Makes a body wonder where the time has gone. I remember a sign on the wall next to the clock in one of my eight-grade classrooms that read, “Time Will Pass – Will You?” Unfortunately, the message never had much impact on my studies as I barely squeaked through the remainder of the basic twelve-year curriculum. Semester tests, pop-quizzes and final exams never turned me on, as preparedness never crossed my mind as a way of easing the pain of failure. I guess that’s why I’ve been enrolled in the school of hard knocks all my life. I started out a southpaw and can’t help but think how different things would have been if it weren’t for the teacher that forced me to write with my other hand. In the grand scheme of things, teachers are the greatest asset the world can boast, if only they were allowed to teach and administer discipline. In the new world order of political correctness, our teacher’s hands are tied in many aspects, unable to distribute moral thinking and plain old fashion respect for self and others. Our children need more facts, not more theories.
A group of kindergarten students were being led on a tour through a hospital, and this conversation between one of the little girls and an x-ray technician was overheard: “Have you ever broken a bone?” he asked. “Yes”, the girl replied. Did it hurt?, asked the tech. “No”, said the girl. “Really? Which bone did you break?” “My sister’s arm.”
“Well, son” asked the father as he settled down with his evening newspaper, “Are you going to need any help with you homework tonight?” “No, thanks dad”, the boy replied. Then following a sigh he added, “I might as well get it wrong all by my self”
Noticing that his son was studying while watching TV and listening to music, the father said to him, “When Abe Lincoln was your age he didn’t have all these distractions. He was studying his books by the light of the fireplace.” The boy replied, “When Mr. Lincoln was your age, he was president of the United States.”
[2 Corinthians 5: 10] “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” Every human being will have to stand before God and give an account of one’s life. You might say that there is a final exam coming that all of us must take. We’ve all been challenged with tests at different times in our life, some we’ve passed well and others not so well, some we’ve fail at miserably, but hopefully, we’ve learned something from all of them. We’ve also experienced pop-quizzes, totally unexpected little tests that sort of challenge our sense of stability. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and goodness…” and we can “…escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” In all your tests there has been a question, “Who are you going to rely on now? A. God or B. Yourself?” James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who preservers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” God doesn’t want to see you fail. He loves you. (2 Peter 3: 9-15) Time will pass! Will you?

Saturday, May 08, 2010

The Wife Of Noble Charactor

Mother’s Day is a day set aside to honor the mother we all have. The celebration has ancient roots to Greece and Rome in forms of worshipping mothers and motherhood. Throughout history, some sort of observance celebrating motherhood has been passed down from generation to generation, mostly as a religious observance. Apart from religion, the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” by Julia Ward Howe, was one of the early calls to celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States. Written in 1870, it was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Persian War. The Proclamation was tied to Howe’s feminist belief that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level. More commonly known history in our observance of Mother’s Day originated in 1907 with the efforts of a devoted daughter, Anna M. Jarvis of Philadelphia, who conceived the idea of a nationwide celebration. Growing in popularity, in 1912, Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day” creating the Mother’s Day International Association. On May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, and within a few years, the idea gained worldwide prominence. Thanks to Wikipedia and the Old Farmers Almanac, even I learned something. Telephones are ringing around the world, “Hi, Mom!”
A mother was dropping her son off at a friend’s house. She said to him, “Will you be good while mommy’s gone?” The boy replied, “If you give me a dollar I will.” The mother shook her head and said, “Why can’t you be good for nothing like your father!”
Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while, he emerged and informed his mother he had thought it over and had said a prayer. “Fine,” said the pleased mother, “If you ask God to help you not misbehave He will.” “I didn’t ask Him to help me not misbehave,” said Johnny, “I asked Him to help you put up with me”
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back …somebody never organized seven giggling Girl Scouts to sell cookies. Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child got married …somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother’s heartstrings. Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home …somebody evidently never had any grandchildren. Somebody said your mother knows you love her, no need to tell her …somebody isn’t a mother.
[Proverbs 31: 10-31] Following the book of Psalms, which focuses on our devotional life, we find the book of Proverbs, which focuses on our practical life. The English word “proverb” means a brief saying in place of many words. It would in deed take many more words to honor mothers than are stated in Proverbs, but “The Wife of Noble Character” depicted here can certainly apply to any loving, caring mother. As I read, I can see my own mother going about in her daily routines seldom for self-gratification, rather for the comfort and welfare of her family. I don’t think she felt her work had ever been completed as she was always seeking to please others rather than herself. Peace and tranquility was her foremost goal, but I think she felt she would only find it in the arms of Jesus. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone,” she always threatened. I’m glad she lived a full life. I do miss her, but I know I’ll see her again, with Jesus.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

What's Your Prediction?

According to Webster, to predict, is to foretell; to state what one believes will happen and a prediction is a forecast or prophecy. Therefore, it must take some sort of knowledge about a certain subject in order to make an intelligent prediction of what might happen next, when and if the subject is altered by outside influences. For example, gasoline is gasoline, until introduced to a spark, and then it becomes an explosion. Knowing this, I have a tendency to avoid flames and sparks when hand-carrying gasoline, but have no fear of driving around with 30 gallons of it stored under the back seat of my car. Knowledge is a wonderful thing, I think. The prediction of weather patterns is something we’re all familiar with. Weather forecasts are totally based on past knowledge and the predictable performance of similar patterns. When I first came to Texas I was told only two people predict the weather here; Fools and Newcomers. Since then we’ve gained the assistance of satellite imagery and good radar and Doppler echo return equipment to aid those predicting the weather making them look a lot smarter than they used to be. If you want to look smarter, listen to the forecasters and plan your day accordingly, amaze your friends and neighbors. If you want a good hoot, look up “Weather Folklore” on the Web, and remember, these people didn’t have anything to fall back on but experience. Enjoy the Texas weather.
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, “Why is the bride dressed in white?” The mother replied, “Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.” The child thought about this for a few moments, then asked, “Why is the groom wearing black?”
Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, the teacher stopped to gently reprove the child. Smiling sweetly, the teacher said, “Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that.” Bobby looked at her and replied, “Well, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”
A mother told her little boy that if he kept sucking his thumb, he would blow up. A few days later, they were visiting her doctor. Entering the waiting room, the little boy saw half a dozen women seated awaiting their appointed turn, which were all pregnant. “Mom!” the boy cried out. “All these women have been sucking their thumbs?”
[Matthew 24:36 - 25:23] Predictions for the end time have been circulated for hundreds and hundreds of years. People gather bits of fact and hearsay, throw them into a blender and pour out a date with enough conviction they’re believable, to some. The end of the world, the return of Jesus, has come and gone three times in my life and another date is fast approaching. The Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012 and many people have accredited the Mayan’s with great insight to the end of everything. The Greek word for this type of prediction is “hogwash”. It appears to simply be the end to a movement cycle in the stars and planets, which will start over again the next day. Read the text! “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” I am to glorify God in all I do, repent of my sins, fight off the evil one and be ready at all times for Jesus’ return, that’s all. The only prediction I dare make is Jesus will return on a first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. What if the Lord were to come right now? Are you ready to go to heaven with Him?