It’s that time of the year when it seems most families have shifted gears and roared off into a totally different daily routine. This is especially prevalent in families with school children. The summer out of school daily activities verses the in school, is totally different, yet sometimes still just as hair pulling. Getting back into a ridged time schedule of going to bed at night and rising on time in the morning has been known to heighten the emotions of both parent and child to a point of screaming and crying. I think most families renew their evening meal gathering which may have unraveled during the summer months. It’s a good time to talk about the next days schedule and whose suppose to be where and when. There is so much activity in school nowadays I don’t know how some families keep up. Whatever a “normal” school year routine is for your family, good luck, and don’t get too hyper with each other, it’s not healthy.
A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather’s computer keyboard producing an array of letters and numbers on the monitor screen. When questioned what she was doing, she said she was writing a story. “What’s it about?’ asked the grandfather. “Oh, I don’t know”, she replied. He then asked, “How come?” She stopped what she was doing, sighed and answered, “Because I can’t read, Grandpa!”
A little boy was spending the weekend with his grandmother after a particularly trying week in kindergarten. His grandmother decided to take him to the park. It was the fall of the year and everything was beautiful. His grandmother remarked, “Doesn’t it look like an artist painted the scenery? Do you know God painted this for you?” The little boy said “Yes, God did it and he did it left handed.” Grandma inquired, “What makes you say God did this with his left hand?” With great assurance the little boy said, “Well, in Sunday school we learned that Jesus sits on God’s right hand.”
[Hosea 4: 1-6] I know that relaxed schedules and disciplines can also bring about the skipping of worship during the summer. Spiritual education is as important as mental schooling. Our country is suffering due to the lack of faithfulness, and love, and no acknowledgement of God in the land. This is a good time to return to worship as a family. A preacher made a house-call to a long time member who suddenly stopped coming to worship. The preacher waited patiently at the door after knocking. The member opened the door and without a sound returned to his rocking chair in front of the fireplace. The preacher also sat in a chair next to the fireplace for quite some time without a word ever being said. Then the preacher got up, took the tongs, and picking up a glowing ember he placed it on the hearth where both could see it. The preacher sat back down without saying a word and the silence continued between the two men. The ember glowed for a while, but then started to lose its brilliance and heat. When the ember was just about out, the preacher silently stood up, took the tongs and returned the ember to the fire where it once again glowed brilliantly. After a few more moments watching the fire, the preacher turned to leave. The man got up out of his chair and as he walked him to the door he said, “Thanks for the fiery sermon. I’ll see you Sunday.” Without God, we as a people, living in a land of milk and honey, will be destroyed because of our lack of knowledge about God’s will for our lives. Our country is being plundered and paganized by anti-Christ’s. One day, God will turn his back on America.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Do You Ignore Instructions?
It’s time for that old school bell to start ringing again. Of course that’s only a call for formal classes of teaching. It seems there’s a lot of activities going on around the school yard at least a full month before classes begin. Football players are scrimmaging in the attempt to learn new plays and formations with the hope of throwing off upcoming opponents. Sports of new sorts such as volleyball and soccer, not in my yearbook, and the old standards, track and field, baseball and basketball, will be in the lineup of activities throughout the year. The band and flag corps along with the cheerleaders are practicing new routines to razzle-dazzle and excite assembled fans of interscholastic competition. I’ve got to tell you though; I don’t know how some of these teens and parents get it all done in a 24 hour period. I’m just happy there’s a learning rule in effect: No pass; No play. Learning has to be the number one priority.
Here’s a helpful hint for you busy soccer moms. Unless you deliberately set aside a little time for regular relaxation, you will not be able to efficiently care for your family. Therefore, plan to relax a minimum of an hour and a half every couple of years.
A teacher in the second grade drew a greater-than (>) and a less-than (<) sign on the chalkboard and asked, “Does anyone know what these signs mean?” A few moments passed, and then a boy confidently raising his hand said, “Fast-forward and rewind!”
Catlin’s mother was teaching her the Lord’s Prayer. For several evenings, at bedtime, she would repeat what her mother would say as she learned. One night, Catlin decided to go solo. Her mother listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word with perfection right up to the end of the prayer. “…lead us not into temptation”, she prayed, “but deliver us some e-mail…” What?!! Keep working at it mom.
During one high-school concert season, the music students were preparing for the big extravaganza. The teacher had clearly communicated every detail to the students and to the parents, on two different occasions, what was expected of the students, including the time for the mandatory rehearsal. But, on rehearsal day, one panicky mother called during practice to see what time her teenager was suppose to show up. Another called to say, “Oh, we’re taking Tommy to Grandma’s. It’s okay if he misses rehearsal, right?” When the teacher reminded the parents that this was a mandatory rehearsal and it had already begun she heard, “Why didn’t someone tell me? How was I to know?” How often are we instructed and informed, only to not listen and act?
[1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12] Just as the teacher was troubled that her clear instructions were ignored, is it possible that God is troubled by our tendency to ignore his clear instructions? Paul reminds us that his God-inspired message tells us “…how to live in order to please God…” and that those instructions come by “…the authority of the Lord Jesus.” God is not pleased, but grieved, when we ignore his instructions. (Ephesians 4:17 - 5:2) How do we keep from forgetting about God in our busy daily life? The Hebrew writer says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…” and “…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” How can we do this? “Let us not give up meeting together… but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10: 23-25) We don’t meet together because we have nothing better to do. We meet to remember God and his love for us. Are you following instructions?
Here’s a helpful hint for you busy soccer moms. Unless you deliberately set aside a little time for regular relaxation, you will not be able to efficiently care for your family. Therefore, plan to relax a minimum of an hour and a half every couple of years.
A teacher in the second grade drew a greater-than (>) and a less-than (<) sign on the chalkboard and asked, “Does anyone know what these signs mean?” A few moments passed, and then a boy confidently raising his hand said, “Fast-forward and rewind!”
Catlin’s mother was teaching her the Lord’s Prayer. For several evenings, at bedtime, she would repeat what her mother would say as she learned. One night, Catlin decided to go solo. Her mother listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word with perfection right up to the end of the prayer. “…lead us not into temptation”, she prayed, “but deliver us some e-mail…” What?!! Keep working at it mom.
During one high-school concert season, the music students were preparing for the big extravaganza. The teacher had clearly communicated every detail to the students and to the parents, on two different occasions, what was expected of the students, including the time for the mandatory rehearsal. But, on rehearsal day, one panicky mother called during practice to see what time her teenager was suppose to show up. Another called to say, “Oh, we’re taking Tommy to Grandma’s. It’s okay if he misses rehearsal, right?” When the teacher reminded the parents that this was a mandatory rehearsal and it had already begun she heard, “Why didn’t someone tell me? How was I to know?” How often are we instructed and informed, only to not listen and act?
[1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12] Just as the teacher was troubled that her clear instructions were ignored, is it possible that God is troubled by our tendency to ignore his clear instructions? Paul reminds us that his God-inspired message tells us “…how to live in order to please God…” and that those instructions come by “…the authority of the Lord Jesus.” God is not pleased, but grieved, when we ignore his instructions. (Ephesians 4:17 - 5:2) How do we keep from forgetting about God in our busy daily life? The Hebrew writer says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…” and “…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” How can we do this? “Let us not give up meeting together… but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10: 23-25) We don’t meet together because we have nothing better to do. We meet to remember God and his love for us. Are you following instructions?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Departing Embarassment
Life is full of challenges and most of us like to hit them head-on, giving them all we have. The down side to jumping right in a pot of hot stew is, sometimes we find out it’s a kettle of fish. Embarrassment sort of crops up every once in a while in life and being the brunt of laughter and finger pointing just seems to make matters worse. Take it to heart the next time you find yourself in an embarrassing situation; it happens to everyone now and again. Laugh at your self; it’s not the end of the world.
A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, “Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it and I would turn red in the face.” She continued, “Why is it then, while standing upright, the blood doesn’t run into my feet?” A small child’s quizzical voice broke the short silence, “Because your feet aren’t empty?”
Grandpa lived most of his life in Skunk Hollow. He was a preacher there and his small congregation met in the schoolhouse. He was also a member of the small Rotary Club of the community and never left a meeting without inviting his fellow club members to Sunday worship. One Sunday three of the service club’s members walked in the door. Excited, grandpa hurriedly whispered to an usher, “Give three chairs to the Rotarians.” The usher didn’t understand and asked, “What did you say?” Grandpa whispered again, “Give three chairs to the Rotarians.” The usher stood up and yelled, “Okay, everyone, all together now. Three cheers for the Rotarians!”
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. “I’d like to be six again” she replied still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Rollercoaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He took her to a McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie with popcorn, a soda pop and her favorite candy snack. What a fabulous adventure! Finally, she wobbled into the house with her husband and collapsed on the bed, exhausted. With a big smile, he leaned over to his wife and lovingly asked, “Well Dear, how did it feel being six again?” Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed, “I meant my dress size, you moron!”
[Matthew 7: 21-23] Jesus was teaching his disciples… “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 25: 31-46] Jesus is going to separate those who loved doing the will of God through no personal gain from those who ignored the needs of the indigent. He will separate those who daily lived in harmony with the will of God from those who devised ways to be recognized in their seemingly service to God. Is your Christian life centered on the love of God and His will for man or is it centered on self advancement and its rewards. It will be the ultimate embarrassing moment if Jesus says to you… “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, “Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it and I would turn red in the face.” She continued, “Why is it then, while standing upright, the blood doesn’t run into my feet?” A small child’s quizzical voice broke the short silence, “Because your feet aren’t empty?”
Grandpa lived most of his life in Skunk Hollow. He was a preacher there and his small congregation met in the schoolhouse. He was also a member of the small Rotary Club of the community and never left a meeting without inviting his fellow club members to Sunday worship. One Sunday three of the service club’s members walked in the door. Excited, grandpa hurriedly whispered to an usher, “Give three chairs to the Rotarians.” The usher didn’t understand and asked, “What did you say?” Grandpa whispered again, “Give three chairs to the Rotarians.” The usher stood up and yelled, “Okay, everyone, all together now. Three cheers for the Rotarians!”
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. “I’d like to be six again” she replied still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Rollercoaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He took her to a McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie with popcorn, a soda pop and her favorite candy snack. What a fabulous adventure! Finally, she wobbled into the house with her husband and collapsed on the bed, exhausted. With a big smile, he leaned over to his wife and lovingly asked, “Well Dear, how did it feel being six again?” Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed, “I meant my dress size, you moron!”
[Matthew 7: 21-23] Jesus was teaching his disciples… “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 25: 31-46] Jesus is going to separate those who loved doing the will of God through no personal gain from those who ignored the needs of the indigent. He will separate those who daily lived in harmony with the will of God from those who devised ways to be recognized in their seemingly service to God. Is your Christian life centered on the love of God and His will for man or is it centered on self advancement and its rewards. It will be the ultimate embarrassing moment if Jesus says to you… “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Identification Please
What is the immigration issue? It has become so clouded with individual agendas that the seriousness of the problem, if there really is a problem at all, has become buried in unwarranted racial and ethnic tensions. Let’s face it; we don’t live in the same world we were accustomed to twenty-five or thirty years ago. National security needs to be in the forefront of concern when it comes to protecting our neighborhoods from international threats on our way of living. I’m not against immigration nor am I well versed in immigration law. I do feel that common sense has been locked up in a closet someplace being held hostage by the news media of this country just to sensationalize anything that can stir the racial pot to a boiling point. Look; an immigrant is a person who has recently settled in a country but was not born there. An immigrant is one who follows all the laws of immigration. An immigrant is essentially invited into their new country with open arms. An alien is much the same. An alien is a person from another country; a person of foreign birth who has not been naturalized. (Also, a being from outer space, I’ve never encountered one of them.) The simple rub is this; illegal means that an immigrant or alien has entered their new country without telling the legal authorities of that country. I dare you to enter a foreign country of this world without proper, legal identification papers, issued to you by the authorities of that country. Your passport becomes those papers of identification when it gets stamped at the port of entry. Failure to present your passport to authorities of that country at any time will land you in prison immediately, no questions asked. That’s all that is being asked of persons crossing our borders every day, proper identification. I, a born citizen of this country, have to show proper identification when asked by officials and I don’t see bigotry or racism involved in asking the same of anyone in this country. Quit listening to the media. The Gestapo is not breaking down doors. And, if you won’t go find out whom your neighbor is, who will? That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
[Ephesians 2] All good things in this life are conditional. I can drive as well as anyone, but I cannot receive a license to drive on our public highways until I prove my abilities to certain government officials. Driving is a privilege. I am invited to join others in this privilege, but I must work at being a safe driver every day. I have been invited to heaven through the grace of God, but it is conditional. Oh no, Tom. It’s a gift from God and you can’t earn it. You’re right. Now, tell me when the last time you gave a complete stranger a place to live, free of charge for the rest of his life. On the Day of Judgment it’s going to take proper identification to enter into heaven. God’s grace won’t be poured out to complete strangers. The gift of salvation is conditional my friend. We cannot disregard plain statements such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 where we are taught it will take belief, repentance and baptism to be saved. In addition we must obey God; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9; Revelation 22:14. When preparing to visit a foreign country, one must obtain all the things necessary to legally enter that country. If you don’t fulfill all the demands of the authority of that country, you will not be allowed to enter. Think seriously about your entry into heaven. Have you fulfilled all that is being demanded by God? Will your passport of faith be enough? Will a clean criminal record be enough? Can you show proper Christian identification?
[Ephesians 2] All good things in this life are conditional. I can drive as well as anyone, but I cannot receive a license to drive on our public highways until I prove my abilities to certain government officials. Driving is a privilege. I am invited to join others in this privilege, but I must work at being a safe driver every day. I have been invited to heaven through the grace of God, but it is conditional. Oh no, Tom. It’s a gift from God and you can’t earn it. You’re right. Now, tell me when the last time you gave a complete stranger a place to live, free of charge for the rest of his life. On the Day of Judgment it’s going to take proper identification to enter into heaven. God’s grace won’t be poured out to complete strangers. The gift of salvation is conditional my friend. We cannot disregard plain statements such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 where we are taught it will take belief, repentance and baptism to be saved. In addition we must obey God; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9; Revelation 22:14. When preparing to visit a foreign country, one must obtain all the things necessary to legally enter that country. If you don’t fulfill all the demands of the authority of that country, you will not be allowed to enter. Think seriously about your entry into heaven. Have you fulfilled all that is being demanded by God? Will your passport of faith be enough? Will a clean criminal record be enough? Can you show proper Christian identification?
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