Have you seen the TV commercial for the Greater Off-Shore Bank and Trust? It’s a scam, a totally fake set-up to see how much personal information people are willing to give a complete stranger. The bait is the promise of $500 given to every person who opens a new account. Then the “bank executive” begins helping the new customer fill out the account application with questions that should cause the applicant to suspect something is not right. Yet they continue to answer questions giving up names, phone numbers and addresses of friends and family, other bank account numbers, credit card numbers including PIN numbers, place of employment and descriptions of personal belongings. One woman was asked for a strand of hair for DNA identification and she willingly gave it. For a pot of stew, people are willing to give up their whole life. The commercial was sponsored by Internet Explorer which claims to keep you safe on the internet by filtering out such scam artists, keeping your personal information safe. Well all I can say is, be sure you know who you give information to these days. Any one who offers you something for nothing is out to take everything you have; word.
Time is of the essence and it seems today everyone has filled their 24 hours with 30 hours worth of stuff to do. And if you don’t think people are in a hurry, or even worse, simply running on cruise control while preoccupied with another task, get a lawn chair and sit at the nearest street corner that has a stop sign and witness how many drivers fail to even attempt to stop at the intersection. I recently nearly broad-sided a vehicle that simply didn’t stop at an intersection. The driver looked but never stopped. I sensed the pending doom and avoided ruining my day. I’m losing more and more trust in my fellow man and my faith suffers because of it. We’re becoming a hard, cold people.
[Matthew 28: 18-20] In his sermon titled, “How to Worry”, Donald Lee tells about the clock that had a nervous breakdown. This new clock was ticking away on the shelf, two ticks to the second like any good, self-respecting clock should tick when it began to think about how times it was going to have to tick. “Two ticks to the second means 120 ticks per minute”, it mused. “That’s 7,200 ticks per hour, 172,800 ticks per day. 1,209,600 ticks per week for 52 weeks for a total of 62,889,200 ticks per year.” Horrors!! Straightway the clock had a nervous breakdown. The clock was taken to a psychiatrist who inquired, “Clock, what’s your trouble?” “Oh doctor”, wailed the clock. “I have to tick so much. I have to tick two ticks to the second and 120 ticks per minute and 7,200 ticks per hour and….” “Hold it”, interrupted the psychiatrist. “How many ticks do you have to tick at one time?” “Oh, I just have to tick one tick at a time”, the clock replied. “Then let me make a suggestion”, said the doctor. “Go home and try ticking one tick at a time. Don’t even think about the next tick until it’s time. Just one tick at a time. That I’m confident you can do.” We become worriers by practicing worry. We can become free of worry by practicing the opposite and stronger habit of faith. Faith is ticking one tick at a time knowing that God will give us strength for the next tick. Every day of your life see yourself as living in partnership and companionship with Jesus Christ. Should you be worried or afraid? We demand too much control of our life, thus we overload our skills and worry about the outcome. God is in control and His guidance should be a comfort to us, in all that we do, every day.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Seemingly Unrelated
I hope I’m not alone here, but I’m tired of opening a door to enter a building and watching twenty or more crickets exploding into the room ahead of me. With perfect environmental conditions this year, we sure had a bumper crop of those noisy little critters. The birds have certainly benefitted from the banquet of over-abundance in the food chain along with the roaming neighborhood felines now fat and sassy. I think the hotter, drier weather has the crickets on the wane. The only thing we have to put up with now is the stench of dead crickets everywhere. This to shall pass. I wish that were the only problem we face in this world today, but a lot of other things stink in a far worse way than dead crickets. I fail to understand why big business refuses to learn from the mistakes of others. This oil well failure in the Gulf should have never happened. Call it an accident if you want, but every “accident” investigation ever conducted has reveled that two or more seemingly unrelated events had to come together causing the “accident”. Several known, ignored problems existed on that oil platform, if corrected, would have prevented the “accident” in the first place, but combined at just the right time, became explosive. All the things tried by BP to stop the flow of oil were tried in the late 70’s off the coast of Mexico with no success, yet they tried them anyway, why? With all the forked tongued double-talk about how everything is going to be okay, this “accident” still has the potential to become a huge environmental disaster. It’s still all about how much the bottom line is going to suffer.
A couple went to breakfast at a restaurant where the “seniors’ special” was two eggs, bacon, hash brown and toast for $1.99. “Sounds good”, said the woman, “but I don’t want the eggs.” “Then I’ll have to charge you $2.49 because you’re ordering a la carte”, the waitress warned her. “You mean I’d have to pay for not taking the eggs?” the woman asked incredulously. “YES!!” stated the waitress. “I’ll take the special then”, said the woman. “How would you like your eggs?” asked the waitress. “Raw and in the shell”, the woman politely replied. She took the two eggs home. To survive these days you have to think like big business, it’s all about the bottom line. Right?
Two deaf men were in a coffee shop discussing their wives. One signed to the other, “Boy was my wife angry with me last night. She went on and on and wouldn’t stop!” The other signed back, “When my wife goes off on me I just don’t listen.” The first man inquired, “How do you do that?” With a smile he signed, “I turn off the lights.”
[2 Chronicles 7: 11-22] “…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We know what happened to the Temple and the City of Jerusalem; they were destroyed because the people turned away from God. Look around you; look at this country founded on the principles of God and His Word. We as a people are committing spiritual suicide and in the end this great nation will be aborted by God if we don’t humble ourselves and repent our selfish ways. Pornography, abortion, gambling, cheating, lying, worship of material things, drugs, defilement of the marriage bed, disassembling of the family, etc; are all seemingly unrelated events going on in this country which will one day bring us to our knees. The bottom line is, repent, and get on your knees this very day. Pray!
A couple went to breakfast at a restaurant where the “seniors’ special” was two eggs, bacon, hash brown and toast for $1.99. “Sounds good”, said the woman, “but I don’t want the eggs.” “Then I’ll have to charge you $2.49 because you’re ordering a la carte”, the waitress warned her. “You mean I’d have to pay for not taking the eggs?” the woman asked incredulously. “YES!!” stated the waitress. “I’ll take the special then”, said the woman. “How would you like your eggs?” asked the waitress. “Raw and in the shell”, the woman politely replied. She took the two eggs home. To survive these days you have to think like big business, it’s all about the bottom line. Right?
Two deaf men were in a coffee shop discussing their wives. One signed to the other, “Boy was my wife angry with me last night. She went on and on and wouldn’t stop!” The other signed back, “When my wife goes off on me I just don’t listen.” The first man inquired, “How do you do that?” With a smile he signed, “I turn off the lights.”
[2 Chronicles 7: 11-22] “…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We know what happened to the Temple and the City of Jerusalem; they were destroyed because the people turned away from God. Look around you; look at this country founded on the principles of God and His Word. We as a people are committing spiritual suicide and in the end this great nation will be aborted by God if we don’t humble ourselves and repent our selfish ways. Pornography, abortion, gambling, cheating, lying, worship of material things, drugs, defilement of the marriage bed, disassembling of the family, etc; are all seemingly unrelated events going on in this country which will one day bring us to our knees. The bottom line is, repent, and get on your knees this very day. Pray!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Now I See
It’s been ten days since my eye surgery and two post-op check-ups later, the report is good. One might expect “eye surgery” to be a painful thing, but there was very little pain involved, in fact less than an accidental poke in the eye. I have several eye drop medicines to administer daily for the rest of the month, a small price to pay for better eyesight, whenever that might occur. The only thing I can positively say is all the “floaters” in the surgical eye are gone thanks to the fluid change. The still blurred vision has me concerned, but I have to be a patient, patient. I have seen a slight improvement every day and pray-fully, I’ll have the eye of an eagle once again.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to be without eyesight. I think I could get along without eyesight, but I couldn’t survive without insight. Insight is the ability to see and understand clearly the inner nature of things. I encountered a short sarcastic article the other day beginning with the statement, “What we are depends mainly on what we are looking for”. Then it went on from there with several insightful proverbs. “The dreams of the older generation were to pay off a mortgage. The dreams of today’s young families are to get a mortgage.” “There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.” “If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry – it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, don’t worry – it’ll change.” “Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.” “Self-control is keeping yourself from telling others how much you know.” “About the only thing you do on a shoestring these days is trip and fall.” “Always remember, the future comes one day at a time.” “If you think no one cares you’re alive, miss a couple of payments on your house.” “A roadmap contains a wealth of information, except how to fold it up again.” “Nothing needs reforming more than other people’s habits.”
Doctor: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news.” Patient: “What’s the good news?” Doctor: “The good news is they’re naming the disease after you.”
[Psalm 89: 14-18] In his book, “The One Year Walk with God”, Chris Tiegreen says this. “Worship is a learned art. It is an attitude of the heart that continually acknowledges God and values His character. It is the ultimate reflection of reality in the mind of the believer and it is the key to blessing. With natural eyes, we often see our struggles as huge obstacles and our chances of overcoming them as slim. We are easily overwhelmed. We know our limitations and God’s omnipotence seems distant. When we acclaim Him, as the Psalm says, we shed those earthbound illusions. Our worship brings us into the light of His presence and reminds us of who He really is. It radically alters our perspective. Where we once thought our struggles were real and our God might be illusionary, we realize that our God is real and our struggles are illusionary. There is profound blessing in knowing who God is and claiming His presence in your life. His greatness makes all other things – especially the hard things – seem small. It allows you to pray with confidence and faith that you, through Him, will overcome. When He fills your heart with His presence, no burden can fill your heart with its weight. Learn the art of worship, and be blessed.” “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God is Light; God is Love; God is Life. (1 John) Amen
I can’t imagine what it would be like to be without eyesight. I think I could get along without eyesight, but I couldn’t survive without insight. Insight is the ability to see and understand clearly the inner nature of things. I encountered a short sarcastic article the other day beginning with the statement, “What we are depends mainly on what we are looking for”. Then it went on from there with several insightful proverbs. “The dreams of the older generation were to pay off a mortgage. The dreams of today’s young families are to get a mortgage.” “There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.” “If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry – it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, don’t worry – it’ll change.” “Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.” “Self-control is keeping yourself from telling others how much you know.” “About the only thing you do on a shoestring these days is trip and fall.” “Always remember, the future comes one day at a time.” “If you think no one cares you’re alive, miss a couple of payments on your house.” “A roadmap contains a wealth of information, except how to fold it up again.” “Nothing needs reforming more than other people’s habits.”
Doctor: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news.” Patient: “What’s the good news?” Doctor: “The good news is they’re naming the disease after you.”
[Psalm 89: 14-18] In his book, “The One Year Walk with God”, Chris Tiegreen says this. “Worship is a learned art. It is an attitude of the heart that continually acknowledges God and values His character. It is the ultimate reflection of reality in the mind of the believer and it is the key to blessing. With natural eyes, we often see our struggles as huge obstacles and our chances of overcoming them as slim. We are easily overwhelmed. We know our limitations and God’s omnipotence seems distant. When we acclaim Him, as the Psalm says, we shed those earthbound illusions. Our worship brings us into the light of His presence and reminds us of who He really is. It radically alters our perspective. Where we once thought our struggles were real and our God might be illusionary, we realize that our God is real and our struggles are illusionary. There is profound blessing in knowing who God is and claiming His presence in your life. His greatness makes all other things – especially the hard things – seem small. It allows you to pray with confidence and faith that you, through Him, will overcome. When He fills your heart with His presence, no burden can fill your heart with its weight. Learn the art of worship, and be blessed.” “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God is Light; God is Love; God is Life. (1 John) Amen
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Liberty
“Happy Birthday America”! Well, it’s official. The United States of America is now engaged in the longest war in it’s history. I’m sort of confused as to the country or the conquest that has given U.S. that great honor, but I assume all our military activity is being lumped under one banner, “The War on Terror”. Then again, it hasn’t been a real healthy practice lately to assume anything, expecting the truth to reveal itself or be witness to a positive conclusion of action at a later date. I’ve served my time and I’m happy I can stand in the shadow of our flag, still free to pursue my dreams of life.
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is “Old Glory”. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutes of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up to see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped; I am saluted; I am loved; I am revered; I am respected; and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill and in the trenches of France. People of the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and Vietnam all know me. I was there. I led the troops. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but the soldiers cheered me on and I was proud to serve. I have been burned, torn and trampled on in the streets I have helped set free. It never hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of my own country by those whom I have served in battle and that hurts, but I shall overcome for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and flown proudly over the uncharted frontiers of space. From my vantage point on the moon I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours, but my finest hour is yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, when I am flown at half-mast to honor a fallen soldier, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their child, then am I most proud. My name is “Old Glory”, long may I wave. Dear God in heaven, long may I wave!
[Leviticus 25:8-54; Isaiah 61; Luke 4: 16-21] The Liberty Bell is one of the great symbols of freedom for our country. It was cast in London, England in 1752 and rang when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Do you know what is inscribed on the bell? Leviticus 25:10; “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Liberty! What a blessing for the downtrodden! Jubilee was every fifty years when each family received its property back, debts were forgiven and slaves were set free. God reminded the people it all belongs to him and he wanted it renewed. Jubilee, was the foreshadow of the blessings which Christ would bring. Isaiah predicted it (Isaiah 61) and Jesus confirmed it (Luke 4: 16-21). No matter what is going on in the world, we need to rejoice in the Lord. Christ came to set us free! We can now be released from the bondage of our sins, and enjoy the glorious liberty of being a child of God. As we stand in the shadow of the cross, rejoice knowing the debt for sin has been paid. The battle is over! Raise up God’s Word. Ring out the news!
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is “Old Glory”. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutes of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up to see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped; I am saluted; I am loved; I am revered; I am respected; and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill and in the trenches of France. People of the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and Vietnam all know me. I was there. I led the troops. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but the soldiers cheered me on and I was proud to serve. I have been burned, torn and trampled on in the streets I have helped set free. It never hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of my own country by those whom I have served in battle and that hurts, but I shall overcome for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and flown proudly over the uncharted frontiers of space. From my vantage point on the moon I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours, but my finest hour is yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, when I am flown at half-mast to honor a fallen soldier, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their child, then am I most proud. My name is “Old Glory”, long may I wave. Dear God in heaven, long may I wave!
[Leviticus 25:8-54; Isaiah 61; Luke 4: 16-21] The Liberty Bell is one of the great symbols of freedom for our country. It was cast in London, England in 1752 and rang when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Do you know what is inscribed on the bell? Leviticus 25:10; “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Liberty! What a blessing for the downtrodden! Jubilee was every fifty years when each family received its property back, debts were forgiven and slaves were set free. God reminded the people it all belongs to him and he wanted it renewed. Jubilee, was the foreshadow of the blessings which Christ would bring. Isaiah predicted it (Isaiah 61) and Jesus confirmed it (Luke 4: 16-21). No matter what is going on in the world, we need to rejoice in the Lord. Christ came to set us free! We can now be released from the bondage of our sins, and enjoy the glorious liberty of being a child of God. As we stand in the shadow of the cross, rejoice knowing the debt for sin has been paid. The battle is over! Raise up God’s Word. Ring out the news!
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