Do you remember the “Hee-Haw” skit song “...If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all! Gloom despair and agony on me.” I know everybody’s been in that sort of posture at least once in their life. Most of the time we allow life’s little negatives to set us for disappointment or mega worries that only make matters worse. Then there’s the fact that probably more than half of what we read and hear is of a negative nature skewing our thoughts and responses to become the same. I’m reminded of the “Baldo” comic strip a few weeks back when Baldo and Tia Carmen are watching the TV news. The headline news was all negative, as usual; “A new study shows your front yard is more dangerous than a six lane freeway!” and, “Bacteria in your kitchen and bath are more hazardous than you think!” and, “Bedbugs ...are they cute critters or disease-carrying killers?” Baldo asks, “Why are we sitting here watching this stuff?” Tia Carmen replies, “Are you crazy?! The couch in front of the TV is the safest place in the house!” I was all geared up for surgery last week when a notice came that my pre-op EKG was abnormal. That’s the sort of slap up side the head I didn’t want, but I didn’t let it consume my thoughts either. I went to a heart specialist and found I had no problem. The machine misinterpreted its findings and set off an alarm. No big deal for me, but for those worried for me, the stress meter kind of peaked for a few days. So, my surgery is on again, vocal cords, third time, same as seven years ago. I know I have many praying for me and I ask you not pray for a miracle, rather that I hold true to my faith and accept whatever God has laid out before me. Accepting God’s will is not a negative for me.
Herb came home from work after what seemed like the longest day of his life. Nothing seemed to go right, beginning with the absence of his secretary, leaving him totally lost in his own office. He couldn’t figure out how to use the fax machine and the highlight of his day was when the copier jammed catching the paper on fire. His supervisor called him in on the carpet, scolding him for failing to meet his quota the past month. Arriving home he shared it all with his wife. She didn’t know exactly how to go about delivering more bad news to her husband so simply stated, “Well, I have some good news for you. Three out of four of your children didn’t break an arm today.”
[2 Corinthians 4: 16-18] Life isn’t fair at times and I’ll be the first to hold up that banner, but that’s no excuse to not giving life a purpose. Benjamin Franklin said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” Worry and speculation are a waste of time. Although a remote possibility, I don’t plan on dying or completely losing my voice, but I’m prepared for either. Years before my illness showed up, I found purpose in my life through God’s Word and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus. The apostle James rhetorically asked, “...What is your life?”, then answered, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4: 14) Look at yourself and look at your surroundings. You and everything around you are marvelously made. We’re sharing in only a glimpse of the wonders of God the creator. Look in the mirror; straight in the eye. Tell me there’s no spirit living within you. We’re aliens in this world, living in a fragile tent of flesh and bones that will not last forever. Stop fretting about the obvious. Get to know God and His plan for your return home.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
One More Move
Life has a way of ganging up on us every now and then, and I’m no exception to the rule. The past few weeks I’ve sort of felt like Charlie Brown, trying to get my kite to fly. The avalanche of circumstance started with a little personal battle dealing with others, which can make a person think and say things not supported by their faith. Then a friend passed from this life, very unexpectedly, reinforcing the premise that the future is open to the will of God and we have no control over it. The morning following his funeral a man runs a red light, crashing into my wife, destroying her car. Luckily, his inattentive brain sensed the danger and he turned trying to avoid the inevitable, keeping his home-made Titanic front bumper from hitting the drivers door, which probably would have ended her life. Thank God all that got hurt was the car. Then during my once every six months routine of having my vocal cords looked at, my ENT informs me we need to go back to surgery as the left cord has new growths on it. No, no, no! Not Now! Well, there’s never a convenient time for personal trial, and life holds no promises, except one.
A young boy was waiting after worship for his family. The minister saw the boy standing there and thought he would strike up a conversation. He asked the little boy, “Young man, if you can tell me something that God can do, I’ll give you a big shiny apple.” The little boy thought a moment, then replied, “Mister, if you can think of something that God can’t do, I’ll give you a whole box of apples.”
There is a painting that shows the devil at a chess board with a young man. The devil has just made his move, and the young man’s queen is apparently in checkmate. On his face is written defeat and despair. One day the great chess genius, Paul Morphy, stood looking at that painting. He studied carefully the positions of the pieces remaining on the board. Suddenly his face lit up and he shouted to the young man in the painting, “Don’t give up! You still have a move! ...you still have a move!!”
[James 1: 12] What are some of the phrases we never want to hear? “It’s cancer”; “There’s nothing we can do”; “He didn’t make it”; “There’s been an accident at work”; “You’re fired!”; “We’re downsizing”; “We’ve decided to make a change”; “I’m leaving!”; “I don’t love you anymore”; I have found somebody else”; “You are under arrest.” Each of these phrases can bring chills, tears and despair. Once you have heard one of these, there will be changes taking place. These phrases tell of death, divorce, loss of job, loss of reputation and loss of love. They will become benchmarks of change in someone’s life, be it for good or bad. We see that some, when these situations happen, turn away from God and some turn to God ...the same situation, but with totally different outcomes. We come to those moments when it seems we are checkmated. We see no winning move to make. Some try to blame God for their troubles. Some say God doesn’t care. Others think God has no idea how they feel and what they are going through. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus, the Son of God, the living Word of God, knows all about pain and sickness. Jesus knows about temptation. He knows all about unfair death; he experienced it. “...let this cup pass from me”, he pleaded. But Jesus accepted the will of His Father. Jesus had one more move. An empty grave proves He didn’t give up. With prayer and faith in Jesus my Savior I’ll always have one more move
A young boy was waiting after worship for his family. The minister saw the boy standing there and thought he would strike up a conversation. He asked the little boy, “Young man, if you can tell me something that God can do, I’ll give you a big shiny apple.” The little boy thought a moment, then replied, “Mister, if you can think of something that God can’t do, I’ll give you a whole box of apples.”
There is a painting that shows the devil at a chess board with a young man. The devil has just made his move, and the young man’s queen is apparently in checkmate. On his face is written defeat and despair. One day the great chess genius, Paul Morphy, stood looking at that painting. He studied carefully the positions of the pieces remaining on the board. Suddenly his face lit up and he shouted to the young man in the painting, “Don’t give up! You still have a move! ...you still have a move!!”
[James 1: 12] What are some of the phrases we never want to hear? “It’s cancer”; “There’s nothing we can do”; “He didn’t make it”; “There’s been an accident at work”; “You’re fired!”; “We’re downsizing”; “We’ve decided to make a change”; “I’m leaving!”; “I don’t love you anymore”; I have found somebody else”; “You are under arrest.” Each of these phrases can bring chills, tears and despair. Once you have heard one of these, there will be changes taking place. These phrases tell of death, divorce, loss of job, loss of reputation and loss of love. They will become benchmarks of change in someone’s life, be it for good or bad. We see that some, when these situations happen, turn away from God and some turn to God ...the same situation, but with totally different outcomes. We come to those moments when it seems we are checkmated. We see no winning move to make. Some try to blame God for their troubles. Some say God doesn’t care. Others think God has no idea how they feel and what they are going through. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus, the Son of God, the living Word of God, knows all about pain and sickness. Jesus knows about temptation. He knows all about unfair death; he experienced it. “...let this cup pass from me”, he pleaded. But Jesus accepted the will of His Father. Jesus had one more move. An empty grave proves He didn’t give up. With prayer and faith in Jesus my Savior I’ll always have one more move
No Excuse Sunday
With tongue in cheek, I would like to tell you of our plan to help increase the Lord’s Day morning worship attendance. Next Sunday morning we are going to have a special “No Excuse Sunday”. Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, “Sunday is my only day to sleep in.” There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel our pews are too hard. Eye drops will be supplied for those with tired eyes from watching too much TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets ready for those who say, “The roof would cave in if I ever came to church”. Blankets will be furnished for those who say the building is too cold, and fans for those who say it’s too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can’t go to church and cook dinner for lunch guests too. We will distribute “Stamp Out Stewardship” protest buttons to those who feel that the church is always asking for money. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday. The whole auditorium will be decorated with both Christmas Poinsettias and Easter Lilies for those who have never seen church without them. We will provide hearing aides for those who can’t hear the preacher and cotton balls for those who can, but don’t want to. We’re looking forward to seeing you next Sunday morning. (Author unknown... from the Joyful Noiseletter)
Excuses... we all make them. Here are some excuses children give for not having their homework assignments. “I made a paper airplane out of it and it got hijacked”; “I put it in a safe, but forgot the combination”; “I left it in my shirt pocket and my mother wash it”; “My baby sister ate it”; “I didn’t do it, because I didn’t want the other kids in the class to look bad”; “I didn’t do it, because I didn’t want to add to my teacher’s already heavy work load”; “My parents couldn’t finish it in time, so they took it to their work place to get some additional help”; “My hard drive... well... it went kind of... whatever on me!” What elaborate webs we weave to remove ourselves from obligations.
[Luke 14: 16-24] Jesus speaks of a great banquet being prepared for those invited, but they began to make excuses to those doing the inviting. “I have just bought a field and I must go tend to it”; “I have just bought five yoke of oxen and I’m on my way to try them out”; “I just got married, so I can’t come”. Those who are saved are calling out to those who are lost. Those who are saved from the wrath of God, having their sins washed away in baptism, no longer living in guilt and shame before the Lord, they invite others to join them in their journey to the promised land (the great banquet) where Jesus is preparing a place for the believers. But, most of the time all that is heard are promises that will be broken and excuses why now is not the right time. “He said to another man, ‘Follow me’. But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father’. Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God’.” (Luke 9: 59-60) Are you following Jesus? Are you proclaiming the kingdom of God? Are you inviting others to the great banquet? Have you committed your life to Him, or are you rejecting His invitation? Without excuse, Jesus laid down his life for the redemption of sins, your sins. There’s no excuse for now is the time of the great banquet.
Excuses... we all make them. Here are some excuses children give for not having their homework assignments. “I made a paper airplane out of it and it got hijacked”; “I put it in a safe, but forgot the combination”; “I left it in my shirt pocket and my mother wash it”; “My baby sister ate it”; “I didn’t do it, because I didn’t want the other kids in the class to look bad”; “I didn’t do it, because I didn’t want to add to my teacher’s already heavy work load”; “My parents couldn’t finish it in time, so they took it to their work place to get some additional help”; “My hard drive... well... it went kind of... whatever on me!” What elaborate webs we weave to remove ourselves from obligations.
[Luke 14: 16-24] Jesus speaks of a great banquet being prepared for those invited, but they began to make excuses to those doing the inviting. “I have just bought a field and I must go tend to it”; “I have just bought five yoke of oxen and I’m on my way to try them out”; “I just got married, so I can’t come”. Those who are saved are calling out to those who are lost. Those who are saved from the wrath of God, having their sins washed away in baptism, no longer living in guilt and shame before the Lord, they invite others to join them in their journey to the promised land (the great banquet) where Jesus is preparing a place for the believers. But, most of the time all that is heard are promises that will be broken and excuses why now is not the right time. “He said to another man, ‘Follow me’. But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father’. Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God’.” (Luke 9: 59-60) Are you following Jesus? Are you proclaiming the kingdom of God? Are you inviting others to the great banquet? Have you committed your life to Him, or are you rejecting His invitation? Without excuse, Jesus laid down his life for the redemption of sins, your sins. There’s no excuse for now is the time of the great banquet.
Robert
As time continues to march on, we’ll continue to suffer the loss of loved ones, family and friends. April 1st dawned with the news of a friend passing from this world. Robert came into my life a few short years ago, due to some physical and spiritual problems he was experiencing at the time. My employment and volunteer status then had me involved in both areas of life, so I got to know him well. Robert had a heart as big as all outdoors and a family, it seems, just as big. His love for family stretched from siblings to second and third cousins with warmth and sincerity. He never departed their presence without telling them he loved them, which he also shared with his friends, and as a recipient on many occasions, his statement was genuine and heartfelt. His true love was his wife, whom he cherished and showed constant affection whenever in her company. I know she loved him just as much, even though he would embarrass her now and again causing her to blush, roll her eyes up and say, “Oh Robert!”. Too, she was comfortable playing second fiddle in his life, for the Lord God was first and foremost in everything he did. Robert never calculated time or money when it came to getting things done. Forever volunteering to help, if he couldn’t do it for you, he would call someone in the family or one of his many business contacts with the assurance of completion. Robert was a big man and a comedian in his own little way, always keeping things light no matter the situation. Many physical problems kept doctors in his life busy and frequent hospital stays have not been uncommon the past two years. He reminds me of the little boy in a story I have, who was singing, “Beautiful robes alright...”. His mother corrected him explaining the words of the song were, “Beautiful Robes Of White” and they meant that when we get to heaven we’ll wear beautiful white robes. He looked at her and very emphatically said, “I’m not! I’m taking my pajamas!” Well, every time Robert was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly, his first order of business was to send his wife, Jean, home to retrieve his pj’s. Unfortunately, his physical problems increased and his body failed to a point of having to receive dialysis treatments. The past few months showed great improvements, bringing about bright hopes for the future, but alas his mortal body could no longer stand the strain and gave up. He will be missed by many, but his memory will not soon fade. I know we’ll meet again as brothers in Christ.
[1Peter 2: 17] Loyalty is expected in many areas of life: marriage, family, friends, nation and employment. God also expects loyalty of his children, the subjects of his kingdom. We must be loyal to God, his Son, his Church, his Word and the full brotherhood of the saints. “Lo I come to do thy will, oh God. Out of that dutiful root grows the beautiful life, the life radically and radiantly true to God – the only life that can be lived in both worlds.” (Maltbie Babcock) William Shakespeare penned, “Master go on, and I will follow thee; To the last gasp, with truth and loyalty.” Alexander Pope said of a departed comrade, “...friend to truth! Of soul sincere; In action faithful, and in honor clear; Who broke no promise, served no private end; Who gained no title, and who lost no friend.” I borrow these thoughts to express my sorrow and state in a word, Robert was loyal! I praise God for placing such people in my life. I pray I have learned and grown closer to doing His will. My life is better, because of a loyal friend, Robert.
[1Peter 2: 17] Loyalty is expected in many areas of life: marriage, family, friends, nation and employment. God also expects loyalty of his children, the subjects of his kingdom. We must be loyal to God, his Son, his Church, his Word and the full brotherhood of the saints. “Lo I come to do thy will, oh God. Out of that dutiful root grows the beautiful life, the life radically and radiantly true to God – the only life that can be lived in both worlds.” (Maltbie Babcock) William Shakespeare penned, “Master go on, and I will follow thee; To the last gasp, with truth and loyalty.” Alexander Pope said of a departed comrade, “...friend to truth! Of soul sincere; In action faithful, and in honor clear; Who broke no promise, served no private end; Who gained no title, and who lost no friend.” I borrow these thoughts to express my sorrow and state in a word, Robert was loyal! I praise God for placing such people in my life. I pray I have learned and grown closer to doing His will. My life is better, because of a loyal friend, Robert.
Responsible Leaders
Being a leader is never easy and accepting responsibility, even for the things that go wrong through no fault of your own, is harder yet. A weak leader allows his natural instincts to kick in, running to his own defense, rationalizing and developing a theme that makes him feel better about the whole situation, in many cases bring about some pretty nasty accusations toward other people. I’m a good organizer, but a weak leader at times. I do work hard at accepting things that tend to rub across my grain, but sometimes I’m just not willing to compromise my comfort level for the general overall good of my charge. Well, like I’ve said before, “Humble pie is best served still warm.” This past week I took the lead in getting all bent out of shape over what is amounting to be a lack of communication between my father and myself. Thinking things are running smoothly and being comfortable that all the right things were being done doesn’t mean the train still can’t jump the tracks. Truth and facts sometimes are hard to deal with, but deal with them we must, otherwise chaos develops and innuendoes fly. While I choke down my last piece of pie, I think maybe I’m a little better leader, recognizing once again through trial and error, if one takes on responsibilities, one must accept responsibility. It’s mine.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and their four-year-old son. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred and his steps faltered. The family ate together at the table and the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon to the floor and milk spilled from his glass onto the tablecloth. The son and his wife soon became irritated with the messes. “We must do something”, said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner where the old man sat alone to eat. Because he had broken a dish or two, his food was now served in a wooden bowl. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food on the floor. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper the father noticed his son playing with some wood scrapes on the floor and asked the child, “What are you making?” The boy sweetly replied, “Daddy, I’m making a little bowl for you and mommy to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled innocently and went back to work.
[Isaiah 53: 4-7] Jesus is a great leader. I didn’t say was a great leader, because He still leads today. Jesus, the Word of God, (John 1:1-5) took on the responsibility of bringing the soul saving message of God’s will for man by taking on the form of a man and living upon the earth. (John 1: 14) At thirty years of age, Jesus began his ministry. God the Father spoke well of his leadership responsibilities. (Luke 3: 21-23) Think about this for a moment. Jesus had been living among sinful peoples, witnessing their evils desires and disgusting habits, yet was about to embark on a three year crusade to teach a better way to live, righteously, in love and harmony with everyone, pleasing God and proving to man there is life after death. Jesus is the way; Without His there is no going. Jesus is the truth; Without Him there is no knowing. Jesus is the life; Without Him there is no living. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus gave himself in total obedience to his responsibility as Savior of a lost world.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and their four-year-old son. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred and his steps faltered. The family ate together at the table and the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon to the floor and milk spilled from his glass onto the tablecloth. The son and his wife soon became irritated with the messes. “We must do something”, said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner where the old man sat alone to eat. Because he had broken a dish or two, his food was now served in a wooden bowl. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food on the floor. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper the father noticed his son playing with some wood scrapes on the floor and asked the child, “What are you making?” The boy sweetly replied, “Daddy, I’m making a little bowl for you and mommy to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled innocently and went back to work.
[Isaiah 53: 4-7] Jesus is a great leader. I didn’t say was a great leader, because He still leads today. Jesus, the Word of God, (John 1:1-5) took on the responsibility of bringing the soul saving message of God’s will for man by taking on the form of a man and living upon the earth. (John 1: 14) At thirty years of age, Jesus began his ministry. God the Father spoke well of his leadership responsibilities. (Luke 3: 21-23) Think about this for a moment. Jesus had been living among sinful peoples, witnessing their evils desires and disgusting habits, yet was about to embark on a three year crusade to teach a better way to live, righteously, in love and harmony with everyone, pleasing God and proving to man there is life after death. Jesus is the way; Without His there is no going. Jesus is the truth; Without Him there is no knowing. Jesus is the life; Without Him there is no living. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus gave himself in total obedience to his responsibility as Savior of a lost world.
A Great Change Is Coming
Still to the disbelief of most, the writing on the wall says a big change in the typical American lifestyle is right around the corner, like it or not. Yet, I hear and read surveys taken that show the American public will fight the impending changes until the bitter end. One survey showed most people aren’t going to change their driving habits until the price of gasoline hits $4.50. I’m afraid we’re going to wake up one morning to find we can’t even afford what’s in the grocery store, let alone afford to fill our vehicles with fuel, long before the price reaches $4.50. People are not looking at the big picture. The price of everything is going to rise along with the price of fuel, because everything we buy, and/or consume, at one time or another rides in a truck. As fuel prices go up, the cost of shipping goes up, hence the purchase price goes up. Stop wasting fuel! Buy less! The price will drop! Change your habits, because there’s coming a morning when you wake up, the whole world is going to be changed, and you won’t understand what happened. And it’s not just our fuel habits that need changing. We have become so selfish our entire existence revolves around “me and my needs”, without ever thinking about others. Our selfish, greedy living is going to bring us to our knees, very soon.
“It’s hard to save money when your neighbors keep buying things you can’t afford.”
[Luke 24: 1-49 & John 20] Much like today, living in a country structured around the principles and oracles of God, the leaders of the Jewish nation, God’s people, had become self-serving and righteous in their own minds. Jesus, the promised one, had come teaching not of law and power, but of love and conscience. Jesus was weakening the grip the Jewish leaders had on the people and saw Jesus as a serious threat to their well-being. They rejected Jesus as the promised one even though His life was fulfilling every prophesy right before their eyes. A great change was coming, but they were willing to fight until the bitter end, even to the point of murdering Jesus, which they accomplished by pressuring the Roman leaders. So, the people listened to their leaders, turning a blind eye to the facts before them, and this is some of what happened. The people decided they would rather have evil around them, Barabbas, rather than peace and tranquility, Jesus. They stood by and watched Jesus go to his death, accused of nothing punishable by death. They witnessed an eclipse of the sun lasting three hours in the mid-day. Earthquakes announced the grief of God as He witnessed the death of His son. The curtain in the Temple ripped from top to bottom exposing the Spirit of God to the world. Religious and righteous people came up out of their grave and conversed with the living. Judas, Jesus’ betrayer, hanged himself in guilt and shame. Peter, the one who first confessed that Jesus was the son of the living God, three times denied even knowing Jesus and was now suffering in personal shame. Then, to top it all off, on the morning of the first day of the week after Jesus’ death, his body was missing. It was the resurrection morning. The morning of great change. So great was the change, time, the calendar, started anew. In the evening of the very day of his resurrection, Jesus came to his disciples to assure them of what had happened and opened their eyes to the scriptures proving that all things had been fulfilled. Another great day of change is coming, one that will end time. Are you preparing for that day when Jesus appears in the Eastern sky?
“It’s hard to save money when your neighbors keep buying things you can’t afford.”
[Luke 24: 1-49 & John 20] Much like today, living in a country structured around the principles and oracles of God, the leaders of the Jewish nation, God’s people, had become self-serving and righteous in their own minds. Jesus, the promised one, had come teaching not of law and power, but of love and conscience. Jesus was weakening the grip the Jewish leaders had on the people and saw Jesus as a serious threat to their well-being. They rejected Jesus as the promised one even though His life was fulfilling every prophesy right before their eyes. A great change was coming, but they were willing to fight until the bitter end, even to the point of murdering Jesus, which they accomplished by pressuring the Roman leaders. So, the people listened to their leaders, turning a blind eye to the facts before them, and this is some of what happened. The people decided they would rather have evil around them, Barabbas, rather than peace and tranquility, Jesus. They stood by and watched Jesus go to his death, accused of nothing punishable by death. They witnessed an eclipse of the sun lasting three hours in the mid-day. Earthquakes announced the grief of God as He witnessed the death of His son. The curtain in the Temple ripped from top to bottom exposing the Spirit of God to the world. Religious and righteous people came up out of their grave and conversed with the living. Judas, Jesus’ betrayer, hanged himself in guilt and shame. Peter, the one who first confessed that Jesus was the son of the living God, three times denied even knowing Jesus and was now suffering in personal shame. Then, to top it all off, on the morning of the first day of the week after Jesus’ death, his body was missing. It was the resurrection morning. The morning of great change. So great was the change, time, the calendar, started anew. In the evening of the very day of his resurrection, Jesus came to his disciples to assure them of what had happened and opened their eyes to the scriptures proving that all things had been fulfilled. Another great day of change is coming, one that will end time. Are you preparing for that day when Jesus appears in the Eastern sky?
The Sirens Of Danger
There is a function incorporated in most computer programs called, “Spell Check”, which watches for the incorrect spelling of words as the user types. Some programs automatically correct the most often misspelled words without notification that the typist has spelled a word incorrectly. Otherwise, the misspelled word is underlined with a squiggly red line, whereupon the typist can access a list of word options, because the computer has no idea what you’re trying to spell. Anyway, while typing the following little script, I know I will drive my computer crazy, but I want to do it to show just how wonderfully made your brain is, and the fact that we can readily understand things if only we would put our mind to work. Here goes: I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the huamn mnid aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabridge Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oderr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig, huh?
But, not everything is, as it seems to appear to be, even though you perceive it to be the same inside because the outside looks the same in appearance. Example: A man went to buy a birthday gift for his wife. She was turning forty and feeling a little depressed about being ‘middle-aged’ so the husband wanted to get her something special. At the store he found some beautiful music boxes. One green one played, “Happy Birthday”. Thinking they were all the same, he chose a red one to go with the roses he was purchasing. That evening the loving husband presented his gifts to his wife. When she lifted the lid the box played the unmistakable tune of, “The Old Gray Mare, She Ain’t What She Used To Be”. Oh, the webs we walk straight into when we’re not looking.
[Proverbs 6] Those who live in the land of frequent tornado weather systems are blessed with warning sirens that alert citizens of the eminent danger of an approaching tornado. Hopefully, the warning is advanced enough to enable people to seek adequate shelter from the storm. Sometimes it’s a little hard to bring God’s Word into everyday life, but to me it’s like a siren whaling in the midst of the storm. I know of no other shelter safer than the will of God to escape the wilds of this world. What happens if we don’t respond to the siren? We have been presented with the perfect example in recent weeks. The Governor of New York, known for his strict enforcement of the laws of man, lived his life ignoring the laws of God, and has been (v 26), “...reduced to a loaf of bread.” I pray his repentance is sincere, and his family, and God forgive him. If a siren sounded announcing the possible presence of a tornado and you saw some children playing in a yard unconcerned with their surroundings, would you do nothing? Would you only worry about your own safety? When you go about your journeys in this life, living righteously, reacting to the siren warnings of God, do you think about helping those who are ignorant of the impending dangers surrounding their sinful life? Will you turn a blind eye toward someone you can rescue from the storm? Are you willing to show others the safety you found in Jesus? You can bring others into the shelter of Christ, saving them from the impending firestorm and wrath of God. Hear the sirens?
But, not everything is, as it seems to appear to be, even though you perceive it to be the same inside because the outside looks the same in appearance. Example: A man went to buy a birthday gift for his wife. She was turning forty and feeling a little depressed about being ‘middle-aged’ so the husband wanted to get her something special. At the store he found some beautiful music boxes. One green one played, “Happy Birthday”. Thinking they were all the same, he chose a red one to go with the roses he was purchasing. That evening the loving husband presented his gifts to his wife. When she lifted the lid the box played the unmistakable tune of, “The Old Gray Mare, She Ain’t What She Used To Be”. Oh, the webs we walk straight into when we’re not looking.
[Proverbs 6] Those who live in the land of frequent tornado weather systems are blessed with warning sirens that alert citizens of the eminent danger of an approaching tornado. Hopefully, the warning is advanced enough to enable people to seek adequate shelter from the storm. Sometimes it’s a little hard to bring God’s Word into everyday life, but to me it’s like a siren whaling in the midst of the storm. I know of no other shelter safer than the will of God to escape the wilds of this world. What happens if we don’t respond to the siren? We have been presented with the perfect example in recent weeks. The Governor of New York, known for his strict enforcement of the laws of man, lived his life ignoring the laws of God, and has been (v 26), “...reduced to a loaf of bread.” I pray his repentance is sincere, and his family, and God forgive him. If a siren sounded announcing the possible presence of a tornado and you saw some children playing in a yard unconcerned with their surroundings, would you do nothing? Would you only worry about your own safety? When you go about your journeys in this life, living righteously, reacting to the siren warnings of God, do you think about helping those who are ignorant of the impending dangers surrounding their sinful life? Will you turn a blind eye toward someone you can rescue from the storm? Are you willing to show others the safety you found in Jesus? You can bring others into the shelter of Christ, saving them from the impending firestorm and wrath of God. Hear the sirens?
We Will Become As One
I just want to share a story with you today, something for you to seriously ponder.
Once upon a time, there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the third wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms, but feared that one day she would leave him for another. He loved his second wife as she was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The king’s first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day the king fell ill and knew his time in this world was short. He thought about his luxurious lifestyle with his four wives. He feared losing it all in death and being all alone. “I loved you the most,” he said to his fourth wife. “Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!” was her reply, and simply walked away. He asked the same question of his third wife, to which she replied, “No. Life is too good. I think I’ll get remarried after you’re gone.” To the second wife he asked, “I’ve always turned to you for help in difficult times, will you keep me company in death?” “I’m sorry” she said, “ but I can’t help you this time. I can only walk with you to your grave.” “I’ll go with you!” a voice cried out. The king looked to see his first wife, skinny, suffering from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance.”
We all have what could be considered four wives in our life. Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish to make it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it simply goes to someone else. Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us throughout life, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. Our first wife is our spirit, often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our spirit is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go, even beyond the grave.
[Genesis 1: 26-27] We are made in the likeness of God. God is spirit. We are first, spirit. When we marry, physically, we are taught in God’s Word we become one with the one we marry. (Genesis 2: 24) The Bible also teaches me that my pure spirit will become defiled by the ways of the world, but can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus through baptism and obedience to the Word of God. When I become obedient to the will of God, my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:27) and God adds me to the church. (Acts 2:47) Those who are cleansed are the church. The church is NOT a building! The church is the bride of Christ. There will be a great wedding feast when Christ returns to gather the church and bring it to heaven. The church will become one in spirit with God to live eternally in love. (Rev. 19: 6-9) Cultivate, strengthen and cherish your spirit now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout eternity. Jesus is not seeking an unhealthy bride!!
Once upon a time, there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the third wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms, but feared that one day she would leave him for another. He loved his second wife as she was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The king’s first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day the king fell ill and knew his time in this world was short. He thought about his luxurious lifestyle with his four wives. He feared losing it all in death and being all alone. “I loved you the most,” he said to his fourth wife. “Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!” was her reply, and simply walked away. He asked the same question of his third wife, to which she replied, “No. Life is too good. I think I’ll get remarried after you’re gone.” To the second wife he asked, “I’ve always turned to you for help in difficult times, will you keep me company in death?” “I’m sorry” she said, “ but I can’t help you this time. I can only walk with you to your grave.” “I’ll go with you!” a voice cried out. The king looked to see his first wife, skinny, suffering from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance.”
We all have what could be considered four wives in our life. Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish to make it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it simply goes to someone else. Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us throughout life, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. Our first wife is our spirit, often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our spirit is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go, even beyond the grave.
[Genesis 1: 26-27] We are made in the likeness of God. God is spirit. We are first, spirit. When we marry, physically, we are taught in God’s Word we become one with the one we marry. (Genesis 2: 24) The Bible also teaches me that my pure spirit will become defiled by the ways of the world, but can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus through baptism and obedience to the Word of God. When I become obedient to the will of God, my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:27) and God adds me to the church. (Acts 2:47) Those who are cleansed are the church. The church is NOT a building! The church is the bride of Christ. There will be a great wedding feast when Christ returns to gather the church and bring it to heaven. The church will become one in spirit with God to live eternally in love. (Rev. 19: 6-9) Cultivate, strengthen and cherish your spirit now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout eternity. Jesus is not seeking an unhealthy bride!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Dung Gate
A friend let me borrow a small utility trailer a while back for use in cleaning out my storage building. It didn’t take long to fill it to the brim and when it became convenient for both of us, he brought his truck to drag the trailer to a huge dumpster city residence can use to dispose of their “junk” to large to set at the curb for normal garbage pick-up. Again he graciously left the trailer with me to fill again with more “stuff” no longer needed or wanted. It took a lot longer to fill the trailer this time because I got lazy about doing the job. When I did get around to it circumstances kept the trailer sitting in my yard for weeks. Well, it got emptied the other day and has been returned to its owner. One thing I noticed while unloading the trailer was this. The weather had deteriorated the contents turning some of the stuff into unrecognizable stinky gook. It would have been a lot easier transferring the contents if I had done it right away instead of procrastinating through weeks of every weather pattern known to man. Hanging on to unwanted stuff too long just makes it harder to get rid of. Lesson learned, again.
Outside my window, a new day I see; And only I can determine what kind of day it will be. It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay; Or boring and cold, unhappy and gray. My own state of mind is the determining key; For I am the person I let myself be. I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help; Or be selfish and think of only my self. I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun; Or gripe and complain and make it hard on everyone. I can be patient with those who may not understand; Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can. But I have faith in the Lord and believe when I say; I personally intend to make the best of each day. The author is unknown, but the wisdom is of God.
Did you hear the one about the six-year-old boy who was overheard praying, “…And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who pass trash against us.”
[Nehemiah 3:14] Every day healthy people and healthy cities produce “dung” which must be dealt with in the proper manor or sickness sets in. Remember learning about the European plagues in the Middle Ages? It was finally discovered that the garbage and human waste that was being dumped in the streets were attracting unhealthy rodents and bugs, and poisoning the water supplies. Did you also know that if these people were following some basic principles found in God’s word they would have never confronted the Black Plague? The city of Jerusalem had a gate called the Dung Gate, which we read about in the book of Nehemiah during the time of the rebuilding of the walls of the city. Through this gate all of the unwanted “dung” passed to be dumped outside the city. Today we simply flush it away or put it to the curb for pick up and disposal in a “dung heap” where it cannot bring about illness and death. Physically we live a much healthier life, but spiritually I’m afraid we still have much to learn. And on that point I have to say, if we were to go to God’s word and practice what we find there, depression, anger, hatred, gossip and the like, would become a thing of the past. There are people who are still hanging onto, and sharing, thirty-year-old “dung” harbored in their heart. When you gossip all you’re saying is, “Let me throw some “dung” your way.” Un-expelled “dung” will make you physically sick, and will make you spiritually sick. God has a gate for you to rid yourself of spiritual “dung”. It’s called forgiving and forgetting. Use it daily. TOM
Outside my window, a new day I see; And only I can determine what kind of day it will be. It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay; Or boring and cold, unhappy and gray. My own state of mind is the determining key; For I am the person I let myself be. I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help; Or be selfish and think of only my self. I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun; Or gripe and complain and make it hard on everyone. I can be patient with those who may not understand; Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can. But I have faith in the Lord and believe when I say; I personally intend to make the best of each day. The author is unknown, but the wisdom is of God.
Did you hear the one about the six-year-old boy who was overheard praying, “…And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who pass trash against us.”
[Nehemiah 3:14] Every day healthy people and healthy cities produce “dung” which must be dealt with in the proper manor or sickness sets in. Remember learning about the European plagues in the Middle Ages? It was finally discovered that the garbage and human waste that was being dumped in the streets were attracting unhealthy rodents and bugs, and poisoning the water supplies. Did you also know that if these people were following some basic principles found in God’s word they would have never confronted the Black Plague? The city of Jerusalem had a gate called the Dung Gate, which we read about in the book of Nehemiah during the time of the rebuilding of the walls of the city. Through this gate all of the unwanted “dung” passed to be dumped outside the city. Today we simply flush it away or put it to the curb for pick up and disposal in a “dung heap” where it cannot bring about illness and death. Physically we live a much healthier life, but spiritually I’m afraid we still have much to learn. And on that point I have to say, if we were to go to God’s word and practice what we find there, depression, anger, hatred, gossip and the like, would become a thing of the past. There are people who are still hanging onto, and sharing, thirty-year-old “dung” harbored in their heart. When you gossip all you’re saying is, “Let me throw some “dung” your way.” Un-expelled “dung” will make you physically sick, and will make you spiritually sick. God has a gate for you to rid yourself of spiritual “dung”. It’s called forgiving and forgetting. Use it daily. TOM
Survival Of The Fitest
I know everyone gets down and a little depressed at times and I’ve got to tell you I’m no different, so if this week’s writing is not as uplifting as I try to make them you’ll know why. Probably the greatest thing bothering me today is the ever-increasing cost of purchasing goods. The true shame of it is, those increases revolve around oil and our ever-increasing reliance on it. Greed came home to roost at the gasoline pump again last week, driving the price of a gallon up over $3 again and diesel fuel is nearly $3.60. Those increases start a new spin cycle of passing the cost of business on to the consumer until the consumer is stretched so thin they need a cost of living raise from their employer to survive. So, the cost of doing business goes up or people lose jobs because companies can’t afford to keep all their employees at the price their willing to work. Then, corporate America notices an increase of spending power in the pockets of the consumer spawning new ideas of how to get that money for themselves. And guess what? We’re silly enough to go out and buy that next new product fad, just to brag about having the latest in this or that. My glass is always half full, but it’s getting harder to keep someone else from sticking their straw in it and taking a little drink, causing me to slip into a pessimistic recession every now and then. I pray, tomorrow will be better.
A preacher was asked to speak for a charitable organization’s annual meeting. After the meeting the chairperson handed the preacher a check. “Oh, I couldn’t take this,” the preacher said with some embarrassment. “You have better uses for this money than I do. You keep it and use it for the organization.” The chairperson then asked “Well, do you mind if I put it in our special fund?” “Of course not,” replied the preacher. “What is the special fund for?” The chairperson said, “It’s so we can get a better speaker next year.”
After the morning worship service a brother approached the preacher and said, “That was the most inspiring sermon I ever heard …I believe a real turning point in my life …but did you have to keep us ten minutes overtime?”
[Matthew 16: 26] “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Where are we all going? I’ll tell you. We’re all speeding toward the grave, dragging the world behind us. Consider this. Our whole life, we create the environment in which we want to live in. Our whole life, we survive by adapting to our environment. Except for natural disasters, we, individually, tend to be in the life situation we created. Why do we live as though we’re going to be in this world forever? Is it bad to enjoy life? NO! Is it bad to have nice things? NO! Deep down, do we know where all good things come from? YES! (James 1: 17) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created.” God has never raised the cost of salvation. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ paid the price in full, once for all. (Hebrews 7:27) A spiritual environment of perfection has been created for each and every one of us, so we don’t go to the grave disobedient to our creator. Are we bringing too much of the world into our worship of thanks to God? We need to think about what it means to worship in spirit and in truth, then adapt to survive judgment.
A preacher was asked to speak for a charitable organization’s annual meeting. After the meeting the chairperson handed the preacher a check. “Oh, I couldn’t take this,” the preacher said with some embarrassment. “You have better uses for this money than I do. You keep it and use it for the organization.” The chairperson then asked “Well, do you mind if I put it in our special fund?” “Of course not,” replied the preacher. “What is the special fund for?” The chairperson said, “It’s so we can get a better speaker next year.”
After the morning worship service a brother approached the preacher and said, “That was the most inspiring sermon I ever heard …I believe a real turning point in my life …but did you have to keep us ten minutes overtime?”
[Matthew 16: 26] “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Where are we all going? I’ll tell you. We’re all speeding toward the grave, dragging the world behind us. Consider this. Our whole life, we create the environment in which we want to live in. Our whole life, we survive by adapting to our environment. Except for natural disasters, we, individually, tend to be in the life situation we created. Why do we live as though we’re going to be in this world forever? Is it bad to enjoy life? NO! Is it bad to have nice things? NO! Deep down, do we know where all good things come from? YES! (James 1: 17) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created.” God has never raised the cost of salvation. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ paid the price in full, once for all. (Hebrews 7:27) A spiritual environment of perfection has been created for each and every one of us, so we don’t go to the grave disobedient to our creator. Are we bringing too much of the world into our worship of thanks to God? We need to think about what it means to worship in spirit and in truth, then adapt to survive judgment.
A Place Prepared For Me
Helping my dad get settled into his new environment has been slow, but it seems something gets accomplished each day. He’s methodically sorting and culling out his worldly possessions ridding himself of those things he has no further use for. With the help of my wife, a carload of paperwork and a few days worth of phone calls, has gotten us started, we pray, in the right direction of getting re-established with doctors and mail delivery and so-forth. The satellite TV guy is stuck in the mud someplace and finding a small cabinet for the microwave to rest on has been a challenge, but both will be a problem of the past soon. A good lunch is delivered every weekday through a senior’s program and that linked with the discovery of a few eateries around town that fancy his pallet, I don’t see him going hungry any time soon. No matter the situation life is still good in this ole world. I found the less I worry about tomorrow the better today would be. Yes, I plan ahead, but I don’t fret about what hasn’t even happened yet. I do what I must, but mostly only what I have time for, each day, and look to tomorrow as a continuation to my life’s journey after a short rest in a nice warm bed. Yes, we’ve got it good here, better than most, but still, nothing compared to our place prepared in heaven.
A barn out in the country is struck by lightning. One hundred field mice are killed. They all go to heaven. After a few days of taking it all in, they enter a huge room and there sits God. God says, “I hope you like it here. Is there anything you are in need of?” A spokesman for the mice stepped forward and said, “It’s really great here, but there’s so much to see, and with our little short legs we’ll never be able to see it all.” God says, “I think I can help.” He orders some motorized rollerblades for the mice to use, “There, that should do the trick.” The mice sped on down the street giggling and praising God. Meanwhile, back on Earth a Tomcat is crossing the road and is struck by a huge truck. He goes to heaven too. After a few days of wandering around Tom entered the great room and sees God sitting there. God says, “Hello Tom. How’s it going?” Tom says, “Great! I love it here!” God chuckles and says, “Well, what is it you like best about being here?” Tom thought a moment, and said, “I’d have to say the meals on wheels.”
[Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27; 22: 1-5] Just reading the account of John, as to what he was shown and what he heard from the throne of heaven, makes my head spin with the glory that awaits the faithful. I know it won’t take long to settle into my new environment. I won’t have any earthly baggage to unpack and sort through deciding what I want to keep and what I won’t need anymore. There’ll be no need to worry about tomorrow because there won’t ever be another tomorrow. I will finally get to see the God of my faith. I will be in the presence of the God who has dwelled within my baptized earthly body. I will enjoy face to face the love of the God who supplied my every need while I lived a life seeking His kingdom. The American dream has benefited countless of millions, in countless ways, throughout the history of the United States, only to find in the end, it’s all left behind. I wish I could convince the world, that the Eternal dream of love, peace and tranquility can be lived on earth, as it is in heaven. What a different world this would be if everyone practiced Bible principles. Jesus lived among us and taught, love for God and for one another, will bring us home to Him.
A barn out in the country is struck by lightning. One hundred field mice are killed. They all go to heaven. After a few days of taking it all in, they enter a huge room and there sits God. God says, “I hope you like it here. Is there anything you are in need of?” A spokesman for the mice stepped forward and said, “It’s really great here, but there’s so much to see, and with our little short legs we’ll never be able to see it all.” God says, “I think I can help.” He orders some motorized rollerblades for the mice to use, “There, that should do the trick.” The mice sped on down the street giggling and praising God. Meanwhile, back on Earth a Tomcat is crossing the road and is struck by a huge truck. He goes to heaven too. After a few days of wandering around Tom entered the great room and sees God sitting there. God says, “Hello Tom. How’s it going?” Tom says, “Great! I love it here!” God chuckles and says, “Well, what is it you like best about being here?” Tom thought a moment, and said, “I’d have to say the meals on wheels.”
[Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27; 22: 1-5] Just reading the account of John, as to what he was shown and what he heard from the throne of heaven, makes my head spin with the glory that awaits the faithful. I know it won’t take long to settle into my new environment. I won’t have any earthly baggage to unpack and sort through deciding what I want to keep and what I won’t need anymore. There’ll be no need to worry about tomorrow because there won’t ever be another tomorrow. I will finally get to see the God of my faith. I will be in the presence of the God who has dwelled within my baptized earthly body. I will enjoy face to face the love of the God who supplied my every need while I lived a life seeking His kingdom. The American dream has benefited countless of millions, in countless ways, throughout the history of the United States, only to find in the end, it’s all left behind. I wish I could convince the world, that the Eternal dream of love, peace and tranquility can be lived on earth, as it is in heaven. What a different world this would be if everyone practiced Bible principles. Jesus lived among us and taught, love for God and for one another, will bring us home to Him.
Correctly Handling The Truth
I don’t suppose I could ever count the times I’ve misunderstood someone’s thoughts or intentions toward me, and even if I could, being misunderstood by others would probably outnumber them. We all have this knack of allowing our feelings to get slapped around when someone unintentionally says or does something that accidentally hits us in a private spot. Then again, we also have this knack of sticking our foot in our mouth at just the right time, especially when we’re trying to be funny, exercising what we think to be our personal expert comic relief. That’s the one that generally returns looks letting me know I just stomped a mud hole in someone’s feelings. Once it’s exited the mouth and received, thoughts and intentions between two or more can short circuit and sparks can fly. So remember, “Engage Brain Before Running Mouth”. You may save a friend.
Sometimes we take what is said to us just a little too literally. For example, a man was asked by the police to rid the neighborhood of the pig he kept in his back yard. He was instructed, “You must take him to the zoo”. The police returned the next week to follow up about the pig only to find the pig still on the property. Confronting the owner the policeman said, “I thought we agreed you would take the pig to the zoo?” “Oh I did”, replied the man. “He had a great time and next week we’re going to Six Flags!”
Sometimes we jump to conclusions. For example, a man ran into a drugstore and asked the pharmacist for something to cure hiccups. The druggist filled a glass with water and threw the water into the man’s face. “Why did you do that?” shouted the angry customer. “Well, you don’t have the hiccups anymore, do you?” the pharmacist said. “NO!” the man yelled. “But I’ll bet my wife waiting in the car still does!”
Then there’s that dreaded foot in mouth disease we often contract. A husband and wife hadn’t spoken for days. Confused about the matter the husband concluded it must have something to do with what he might have said. A few nights before his wife nudged him waking him from a sound sleep, all the while whispering in somewhat a panic, “Wake up, wake up!” “What’s the matter?” the he asked. “There are burglars in the kitchen. I think they’re eating the leftover tuna casserole I made last night.” “That’ll teach them”, he replied.
[2 Timothy 2: 14-26] Paul writes to Timothy with encouraging instruction that will enhance him as a teacher and preacher of the Word. We can also learn from Paul about arguing over the use of words when it comes to learning God’s will for man. Paul says to ‘correctly handle the word of truth’ (NIV), ‘rightly dividing the word of truth’ (KJV) which means we must study God’s word to know what it says before teaching it to others. There is an obscure obsession of man that leads him to complicate things that are pure and simple. God’s word is one of those things. Because it involves our spiritual relationship with God and one another, something man cannot touch, feel, smell or see, we try to assign our own ideas to God’s word rather than accepting it as delivered. Paul tells Timothy to simply teach the truth without argument, even to those who oppose him in the hope that it will bring them to their senses. How do you approach the Word of God? Do you take someone else’s word heard for the truth without searching the Bible to see if what is being taught is correct? Do you accept it completely? Do you live it?
Sometimes we take what is said to us just a little too literally. For example, a man was asked by the police to rid the neighborhood of the pig he kept in his back yard. He was instructed, “You must take him to the zoo”. The police returned the next week to follow up about the pig only to find the pig still on the property. Confronting the owner the policeman said, “I thought we agreed you would take the pig to the zoo?” “Oh I did”, replied the man. “He had a great time and next week we’re going to Six Flags!”
Sometimes we jump to conclusions. For example, a man ran into a drugstore and asked the pharmacist for something to cure hiccups. The druggist filled a glass with water and threw the water into the man’s face. “Why did you do that?” shouted the angry customer. “Well, you don’t have the hiccups anymore, do you?” the pharmacist said. “NO!” the man yelled. “But I’ll bet my wife waiting in the car still does!”
Then there’s that dreaded foot in mouth disease we often contract. A husband and wife hadn’t spoken for days. Confused about the matter the husband concluded it must have something to do with what he might have said. A few nights before his wife nudged him waking him from a sound sleep, all the while whispering in somewhat a panic, “Wake up, wake up!” “What’s the matter?” the he asked. “There are burglars in the kitchen. I think they’re eating the leftover tuna casserole I made last night.” “That’ll teach them”, he replied.
[2 Timothy 2: 14-26] Paul writes to Timothy with encouraging instruction that will enhance him as a teacher and preacher of the Word. We can also learn from Paul about arguing over the use of words when it comes to learning God’s will for man. Paul says to ‘correctly handle the word of truth’ (NIV), ‘rightly dividing the word of truth’ (KJV) which means we must study God’s word to know what it says before teaching it to others. There is an obscure obsession of man that leads him to complicate things that are pure and simple. God’s word is one of those things. Because it involves our spiritual relationship with God and one another, something man cannot touch, feel, smell or see, we try to assign our own ideas to God’s word rather than accepting it as delivered. Paul tells Timothy to simply teach the truth without argument, even to those who oppose him in the hope that it will bring them to their senses. How do you approach the Word of God? Do you take someone else’s word heard for the truth without searching the Bible to see if what is being taught is correct? Do you accept it completely? Do you live it?
No Matter The Situation
Moving from one house to another is not one of my favorite chores. I’ve always said I’d rather take a beating as to have to move. Well, let me think about that, again. So anyway, the saga continues with my 90 year-old father’s move from four and one half hours down the road to two minutes away, making his children feel a lot more comfortable. The past ten days have felt like a month trying to get things together for housing and such, but it’s nearing an end and in mere days he’ll be moved in, sleeping in his own bed. A lot of the emotion and stress of the move was diluted when I gave him my vehicle to run around in. Independence is a wonderful morale booster and proved true for both of us. At this point I’ve got to give kudos to my spouse, a helpmate, blessed of God and to my sister a pillar of endurance with a core of love.
A distraught senior citizen called his doctor’s office. “Is it true,” he wanted to know, “that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?” “Yes, I’m afraid so,” the doctor told him. There was a moment of silence before the senior gentleman replied, “I’m wondering then, just how serious is my condition, because I noticed the prescription bottle is marked ‘NO REFILLS’.”
When asked about aging some seniors had these insights to share. “Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it; …The older you get, the fewer the things that seem worth waiting in line for; …When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think about Algebra; …Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable; …If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble when you’re young, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old; …I don’t know how I got over the hill without getting to the top; …Some people want to turn back their odometers. Not me. I want other people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way and frankly, some of the roads weren’t paved.”
Then there’s the “Seniors Prayer”. “Oh God, we ask not for easier tasks, we ask for stronger aptitudes and greater talents to meet the tasks that come our way. Help us to help others so that their lives may be made easier and happier. Strengthen our confidence in our fellow man. Give us strength to live according to the Golden Rule and enthusiasm to inspire those around us. Give us sympathy to lighten the burdens of those who suffer, and a spirit of joy and gladness to share with others. Amen”
[Philippians 4: 4-20] Paul, (Saul), was not trusted by the early Christians, because of his known persecutions of the early church. The faithful members of the church at Philippi were the only people supporting Paul as he journeyed preaching the Gospel of Jesus. As a Jew, Saul would do anything to discredit Jesus, but as a Christian, Paul was ready in any situation to share the peace of God through Jesus or Lord with anyone and everyone at any time. That’s the proper place we ought be in every day whether we’re dealing with 9 year-olds or 90 year-olds. Treat others with respect and in the love of Christ no matter what the situation may be. Thank those who understand and share in your problems of life. Solicit the prayers of others and above all rejoice in the Lord for He is good and will help you through the trials of life. He is the light at the end of the tunnel. He is the Shepard who restores the soul. He walks through the valley with you.
A distraught senior citizen called his doctor’s office. “Is it true,” he wanted to know, “that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?” “Yes, I’m afraid so,” the doctor told him. There was a moment of silence before the senior gentleman replied, “I’m wondering then, just how serious is my condition, because I noticed the prescription bottle is marked ‘NO REFILLS’.”
When asked about aging some seniors had these insights to share. “Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it; …The older you get, the fewer the things that seem worth waiting in line for; …When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think about Algebra; …Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable; …If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble when you’re young, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old; …I don’t know how I got over the hill without getting to the top; …Some people want to turn back their odometers. Not me. I want other people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way and frankly, some of the roads weren’t paved.”
Then there’s the “Seniors Prayer”. “Oh God, we ask not for easier tasks, we ask for stronger aptitudes and greater talents to meet the tasks that come our way. Help us to help others so that their lives may be made easier and happier. Strengthen our confidence in our fellow man. Give us strength to live according to the Golden Rule and enthusiasm to inspire those around us. Give us sympathy to lighten the burdens of those who suffer, and a spirit of joy and gladness to share with others. Amen”
[Philippians 4: 4-20] Paul, (Saul), was not trusted by the early Christians, because of his known persecutions of the early church. The faithful members of the church at Philippi were the only people supporting Paul as he journeyed preaching the Gospel of Jesus. As a Jew, Saul would do anything to discredit Jesus, but as a Christian, Paul was ready in any situation to share the peace of God through Jesus or Lord with anyone and everyone at any time. That’s the proper place we ought be in every day whether we’re dealing with 9 year-olds or 90 year-olds. Treat others with respect and in the love of Christ no matter what the situation may be. Thank those who understand and share in your problems of life. Solicit the prayers of others and above all rejoice in the Lord for He is good and will help you through the trials of life. He is the light at the end of the tunnel. He is the Shepard who restores the soul. He walks through the valley with you.
Does God Exist?
Have you ever experienced a complete lifestyle change? You probably have, but just haven’t thought about it as a change, because it may not have lasted very long before you were back to what was normal for you. Generally any amount of time spent away from home becomes a lifestyle change. Visiting a relative and staying in their house for a few days is compromising and intimidating, certainly out of the norm for you. Vacation or extended travel always brings about activities not natural to ones lifestyle. Well, that’s where my dad finds himself at the moment. He’s camped out at my house in limbo, awaiting decisions of new housing, without his familiar, comfortable furnishings and an unsure daily events schedule. He’s anxious to complete his change of lifestyle and get back to what comes natural to him. We all seek some sort of control over our daily living, but sometimes changes take time. Lord, grant me patience, NOW!
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She began alternating between stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes indeed, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she responded, and then asked, “Did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again she observed, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t He?”
[Psalm 27: 13-14] Is God ever before you in your daily activities? Do you see His works in the world around you? Do you believe all good things come from God? Do you believe good things come to those who wait on God? Or do you have a hard time even believing that God exists? A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about several things on a wide variety of subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said, “I don’t believe that God exists…” “Why do you say that?” the customer asked. “Well”, began the barber, “You just have to go out into the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me. If God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering and pain. I can’t imagine loving a God who would allow all these things.” The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond not wanting to start an argument with a man holding a pair of scissors. The barber finished and the customer left the shop. Just outside the barbershop on the street, he saw a man with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and re-entered the barbershop. He said to the barber, “You know what? Barbers do not exist!” “How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I’m here, I’m a barber and I just worked on you!” “No!! the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist, because if they did, there would be no people with long, dirty hair and untrimmed beards like the man standing outside your door.” “Ahhh, but barbers do exist!” reasoned the barber. “What happens is, people do not come to me.” “The point, exactly!” affirmed the customer. “God does exist! What happens is, people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him. That’s why there’s so much suffering and pain in the world today.” Can I get an Amen?
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She began alternating between stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes indeed, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she responded, and then asked, “Did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again she observed, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t He?”
[Psalm 27: 13-14] Is God ever before you in your daily activities? Do you see His works in the world around you? Do you believe all good things come from God? Do you believe good things come to those who wait on God? Or do you have a hard time even believing that God exists? A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about several things on a wide variety of subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said, “I don’t believe that God exists…” “Why do you say that?” the customer asked. “Well”, began the barber, “You just have to go out into the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me. If God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering and pain. I can’t imagine loving a God who would allow all these things.” The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond not wanting to start an argument with a man holding a pair of scissors. The barber finished and the customer left the shop. Just outside the barbershop on the street, he saw a man with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and re-entered the barbershop. He said to the barber, “You know what? Barbers do not exist!” “How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I’m here, I’m a barber and I just worked on you!” “No!! the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist, because if they did, there would be no people with long, dirty hair and untrimmed beards like the man standing outside your door.” “Ahhh, but barbers do exist!” reasoned the barber. “What happens is, people do not come to me.” “The point, exactly!” affirmed the customer. “God does exist! What happens is, people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him. That’s why there’s so much suffering and pain in the world today.” Can I get an Amen?
My Father Watches Over Me
Well, January 2008 is already half over. How are your, “This year I’m going to…” promises to yourself coming along? Resolving change in your life is very difficult to accomplish if you haven’t really made up your mind to do it. What I mean is, we have to convince ourselves that a certain lifestyle change is going to be very beneficial to us. I quit drinking beer and smoking cigarettes hundreds of times before I finally saw the futility in trying to “control” the habit and simply eliminated the habit. I did both in a year, cold turkey. That was many years ago and I’ve never regretted my decision. It is said it takes twenty-eight days to form a habit and I’ve concluded it takes thirty days to break a habit. The first two days are to gain enough courage to support the other twenty-eight. I hope your doing well on your resolutions to yourself. Have faith, and be strong.
A wife went to the police station with her next-door neighbor to report that her husband was missing. The policeman asked for a description for the report. She said, “He’s thirty-five-years old, six foot four, dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs 185 pounds, is soft spoken and good to children.” The neighbor looked at her and protested, “Your husband is five foot four, chubby, bald, has a big mouth and is mean to your children!” The wife replied, “Yes, but who wants HIM back?”
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson of a battle that goes on inside people. He said’ “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil! It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.” The grandson thought about this for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
[2 Samuel 22] There is a legend concerning the rite of passage for young Cherokee Indian boys. His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolded, and leaves him there, alone. He is required to sit on a stump all night, and not take off the blindfold until a ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of his experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified and hearing all kinds of noises, he envisioned beasts all around him. Maybe even some human would do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and the stump he sat on seemed to shake. But he sat stoically; never removing the blindfold, for he knew it was the only way he could become a man. Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then he saw his father sitting on the stump next to him, keeping watch over him, all night. The young boy endured a terrifying night; he thought, alone, for a change in his life, one he really wanted. How much more comforting would it had been if he knew his father was watching guard over him? (Mark 9: 14-29) After you’ve tried everything else, take the advice of our Lord, Jesus, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Trust me when I tell you I did not go “cold turkey” alone. My lifestyle changes come about through much prayer and faith, that with God I will make it through all the “hoodily-doodilies” that stifle change. God is always there, keeping watch over us.
A wife went to the police station with her next-door neighbor to report that her husband was missing. The policeman asked for a description for the report. She said, “He’s thirty-five-years old, six foot four, dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs 185 pounds, is soft spoken and good to children.” The neighbor looked at her and protested, “Your husband is five foot four, chubby, bald, has a big mouth and is mean to your children!” The wife replied, “Yes, but who wants HIM back?”
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson of a battle that goes on inside people. He said’ “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil! It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.” The grandson thought about this for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
[2 Samuel 22] There is a legend concerning the rite of passage for young Cherokee Indian boys. His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolded, and leaves him there, alone. He is required to sit on a stump all night, and not take off the blindfold until a ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of his experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified and hearing all kinds of noises, he envisioned beasts all around him. Maybe even some human would do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and the stump he sat on seemed to shake. But he sat stoically; never removing the blindfold, for he knew it was the only way he could become a man. Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then he saw his father sitting on the stump next to him, keeping watch over him, all night. The young boy endured a terrifying night; he thought, alone, for a change in his life, one he really wanted. How much more comforting would it had been if he knew his father was watching guard over him? (Mark 9: 14-29) After you’ve tried everything else, take the advice of our Lord, Jesus, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Trust me when I tell you I did not go “cold turkey” alone. My lifestyle changes come about through much prayer and faith, that with God I will make it through all the “hoodily-doodilies” that stifle change. God is always there, keeping watch over us.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Honoring Your Parents
Little did I know while writing my article last week that within hours of completing it I would be called upon to do something I really didn’t want to have to do. I received a phone call from my sister in Houston informing me our father was in the hospital in Brownsville with a severe case of pneumonia. She let me know she was unable to break away from some obligations and would I go look into the situation. I’m grateful for my parents aged life, although my mother passed on a while back, and at age 90 I know it’s only a matter of time before my father’s physical well being would decline and he would have to fall back on those who love him to care for him. Don’t get me wrong here. This may not be something I’ve been looking forward to, nor is it something I want to do, but approaching the situation with prayer, love and concern, I, and my siblings, and my spouse, will accept this challenge of life in remembrance of our dependent childhood.
Brittany, age 4, had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to remove the cap from the pill bottle. Seeing her frustration her mother explained it was a childproof cap and that she would have to remove it for her. Shocked the little girl asked, “How does it know it’s me?” …Susan, age 4, got the hiccups while drinking juice. “Please don’t give me this kind of juice again”, she said. “It makes my teeth cough!” …Diana, age 4, stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked, “So, how much do I cost?” ...Marc, age 4, observed a young couple hugging and kissing in the restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them he asked his dad, “Why is he whispering in her mouth?” …James, age 4, was listening to a Bible story. After his dad read, “Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city and not look back, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.” James asked, “What happened to the flea?” …Tammy, age 4, was with her mother when they met an elderly, and rather wrinkled woman, her mother knew. Tammy looked at her a while and then asked, “Why doesn’t your skin fit your face?” …Steven, age 3, hugged and kissed his mom goodnight saying, “I love you so much that when you die, I’m going to bury you right outside my bedroom window.” …Joseph, age 5, called his grandfather on the telephone to wish him a happy birthday. He asked him how old he was and his grandfather said, 62. Joseph was quiet for a moment, and then asked, “Grandpa, did you start at one?”
[1 Timothy 5: 1-8] I don’t really know what lies ahead, but we pray our father’s illness, restlessness and confusion will pass, once released from the hospital and returns to more familiar surroundings. But, it matters not what his status elevates or declines to, God says we have an obligation to those of our immediate family in need. As I pray for guidance and wisdom in this endeavor of caring for a loved one, I also hold to my faith that God will provide like care for me one day, if I too live long enough to become old and once again dependent on another for my physical well being. Living a righteous life is living a life to please God in all we do. Verse 4 says this: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” Our parents may not remember all we do for them in their old age any more than we remember all they did for us in our childhood, but honor must prevail.
Brittany, age 4, had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to remove the cap from the pill bottle. Seeing her frustration her mother explained it was a childproof cap and that she would have to remove it for her. Shocked the little girl asked, “How does it know it’s me?” …Susan, age 4, got the hiccups while drinking juice. “Please don’t give me this kind of juice again”, she said. “It makes my teeth cough!” …Diana, age 4, stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked, “So, how much do I cost?” ...Marc, age 4, observed a young couple hugging and kissing in the restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them he asked his dad, “Why is he whispering in her mouth?” …James, age 4, was listening to a Bible story. After his dad read, “Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city and not look back, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.” James asked, “What happened to the flea?” …Tammy, age 4, was with her mother when they met an elderly, and rather wrinkled woman, her mother knew. Tammy looked at her a while and then asked, “Why doesn’t your skin fit your face?” …Steven, age 3, hugged and kissed his mom goodnight saying, “I love you so much that when you die, I’m going to bury you right outside my bedroom window.” …Joseph, age 5, called his grandfather on the telephone to wish him a happy birthday. He asked him how old he was and his grandfather said, 62. Joseph was quiet for a moment, and then asked, “Grandpa, did you start at one?”
[1 Timothy 5: 1-8] I don’t really know what lies ahead, but we pray our father’s illness, restlessness and confusion will pass, once released from the hospital and returns to more familiar surroundings. But, it matters not what his status elevates or declines to, God says we have an obligation to those of our immediate family in need. As I pray for guidance and wisdom in this endeavor of caring for a loved one, I also hold to my faith that God will provide like care for me one day, if I too live long enough to become old and once again dependent on another for my physical well being. Living a righteous life is living a life to please God in all we do. Verse 4 says this: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” Our parents may not remember all we do for them in their old age any more than we remember all they did for us in our childhood, but honor must prevail.
Yes You! GO!
I know you have, but I’ll ask anyway just to get you thinking. Have you ever had to do something you really didn’t want to do? Too many to count, right? Well, let’s narrow it down to having to do something out-of-doors in unfavorable weather. I was reminded of a few of those times New Year’s night when I saw a city crew knee deep in cold sloppy mud, out in the middle of a street repairing a ruptured water main. Probably not being one of the things they had planned for a national holiday away from work, I don’t suppose. Early the Sunday morning before, there was the same city crew repairing a water main burst only a few blocks away, definitely not what I would want to be doing on Sunday morning. No, but I can sympathize with them because I’ve spent time under my house repairing water leaks on Sunday morning in the past. From time to time we all get called to do something we really don’t want to do, and with a sense of duty we conquer the threat, slay the dragon or fix whatever broke, then move on in our organized life. By the way, you might just say thanks to some of those city workers some time. After all, what would we do without them on those blistering hot summer days or cold winter nights when there’s no water to flush with? Somebody’s got to do it!
A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best position for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby. “Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray”, said the priest. “No”, said the minister. “I get the best results standing or sitting with my head bowed and my eyes closed.” “You’re both wrong”, the guru said. “The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor.” The repairman could contain himself no longer. “Hey, fellas”, he interrupted. “The best prayin’ I ever did is when I was hangin’ upside down from a telephone pole.”
Following worship one Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a minister when I grow up.” “That’s great, but what made you decide that?” “Well”, replied the boy, “I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen.”
[Exodus 4: 10-13; Acts 9: 10-19] There are times when we’re called upon to act outside of our normal ordinary routine. The request may come at our place of employment, in the home, even at play, or it may come under distress in an emergency situation. Nevertheless, when we feel uncomfortable, we tend to offer excuses why we can’t do what needs to be done. Moses told God he was a poor speaker and felt that the Lord needed to send someone else to Egypt, but it was God who saw Moses as the man to get the job done. Ananias was afraid of Saul and didn’t want to be the one to go visit him, but God saw Ananias as the man that would bring Saul to salvation, filling him with the Holy Spirit. The Lord has asked all believers to go into the world making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them the truths of God from His word. Needless to say, that’s a little out of our normal daily functions so most believers are full of excuses as to why they cannot do what the Lord has asked of them. Well, like Moses, God will find someone to go with you if need be, so go! Like Ananias, God will not send you without a purpose. On the job training is always an eye opener and remember you’re never alone when you’re doing God’s work. Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best position for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby. “Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray”, said the priest. “No”, said the minister. “I get the best results standing or sitting with my head bowed and my eyes closed.” “You’re both wrong”, the guru said. “The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor.” The repairman could contain himself no longer. “Hey, fellas”, he interrupted. “The best prayin’ I ever did is when I was hangin’ upside down from a telephone pole.”
Following worship one Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a minister when I grow up.” “That’s great, but what made you decide that?” “Well”, replied the boy, “I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen.”
[Exodus 4: 10-13; Acts 9: 10-19] There are times when we’re called upon to act outside of our normal ordinary routine. The request may come at our place of employment, in the home, even at play, or it may come under distress in an emergency situation. Nevertheless, when we feel uncomfortable, we tend to offer excuses why we can’t do what needs to be done. Moses told God he was a poor speaker and felt that the Lord needed to send someone else to Egypt, but it was God who saw Moses as the man to get the job done. Ananias was afraid of Saul and didn’t want to be the one to go visit him, but God saw Ananias as the man that would bring Saul to salvation, filling him with the Holy Spirit. The Lord has asked all believers to go into the world making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them the truths of God from His word. Needless to say, that’s a little out of our normal daily functions so most believers are full of excuses as to why they cannot do what the Lord has asked of them. Well, like Moses, God will find someone to go with you if need be, so go! Like Ananias, God will not send you without a purpose. On the job training is always an eye opener and remember you’re never alone when you’re doing God’s work. Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
Gifts For All Year
Well, another holiday season has come and gone, hopefully finding your sanity still in tact. To maintain your sanity in this old world has always meant finding a way to vent the pressures that build up inside. Professional advisers used to say simply to go out in the back yard and scream at the top of your lungs to release pent-up stress. Nowadays you might get locked up for doing that. I do believe though that it beats the alternatives of physically abusing someone, which so many are inclined to do, or self abuse, like drowning your sorrows in alcohol or drugs. It took a long time before I discovered a better way, a way I found to be much safer for myself, and others. Just give a little. Yes, it’s as simple as that. And generally all I have to give is about thirty seconds of my time being silent and patient. Hey, try this the next time some idiot really torques your jaw out on the highway. Simply smile, give a cheerful wave to the other driver and say out loud, oh go ahead he can’t hear you, say out loud, “Yeh, Jesus loves you too” and let it go. Stress gone, I guarantee. A little personal comic relief is a pretty safe vent nowadays.
Can you remember Glen Campbell? Ooooo, sort of sends chills up your back, huh? Well, in his oldie but goodie, “Try A Little Kindness”, the refrain of the song goes like this. “You got to try a little kindness, Yes, show a little kindness, Just shine your light for everyone to see. And if you try a little kindness, then you’ll overlook the blindness, Of the narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.”
A smile costs nothing, but gives much. I enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes only a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. No one is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and is Nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
[Matthew 22: 32-40] Don’t you think you could give all year around as lovingly as you do during the holiday season? Gifts don’t have to be expensive to hold great value. Give The Gift Of Praise: Appropriate mention of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. Give The Gift Of Consideration: Putting yourself in the other man’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. Give The Gift Of Concession: Humbly saying, at just the right point, “I am sorry, you are right, and I am wrong”. Give The Gift Of Gratitude: Never forgetting to say, “I thank you” and never failing to mean it. Give The Gift Of Attention: When others speak, listen attentively. If directed to you personally, meet his eyes squarely. Give The Gift Of Inspiration: Plant seeds of courage and action in another person’s heart. Give The Gift Of Personal Presence: In sickness, in trouble, or in great joy, there’s nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulations. Resolve to give these gifts each day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll receive in return. God never meant for us to live with revengeful stress. His wants us to love one another, even the unlovable.
Can you remember Glen Campbell? Ooooo, sort of sends chills up your back, huh? Well, in his oldie but goodie, “Try A Little Kindness”, the refrain of the song goes like this. “You got to try a little kindness, Yes, show a little kindness, Just shine your light for everyone to see. And if you try a little kindness, then you’ll overlook the blindness, Of the narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.”
A smile costs nothing, but gives much. I enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes only a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. No one is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and is Nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
[Matthew 22: 32-40] Don’t you think you could give all year around as lovingly as you do during the holiday season? Gifts don’t have to be expensive to hold great value. Give The Gift Of Praise: Appropriate mention of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. Give The Gift Of Consideration: Putting yourself in the other man’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. Give The Gift Of Concession: Humbly saying, at just the right point, “I am sorry, you are right, and I am wrong”. Give The Gift Of Gratitude: Never forgetting to say, “I thank you” and never failing to mean it. Give The Gift Of Attention: When others speak, listen attentively. If directed to you personally, meet his eyes squarely. Give The Gift Of Inspiration: Plant seeds of courage and action in another person’s heart. Give The Gift Of Personal Presence: In sickness, in trouble, or in great joy, there’s nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulations. Resolve to give these gifts each day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll receive in return. God never meant for us to live with revengeful stress. His wants us to love one another, even the unlovable.
Jesus' Second Coming
Growing up, Christmas was not a bad word. Everybody used the word. Christmas was found in the newspapers, all the advertisers used it in their special seasonal ads, and storefront windows proudly announced it in big letters with artificial snow from a spray can. Then political correctness entered our lives, Christ got x’d out and the season became Xmas. Today not even Xmas is acceptable for fear of making someone uncomfortable, so now we contend with simply the Holiday Season, and like having no locally farmed peanuts for our annual Peanut Festival, people are beginning to forget the true meaning of the celebration. Our heritage and the true meaning of the New World and America is fading, as laws for the greater good soothe the minority cries. It’s so sad.
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at rows and rows of toys and everything else imaginable and listening to her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what most feel during the holiday season, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the foods and treats, getting that perfect gift for everyone on the shopping list, making sure not to forget anyone on the greeting card list and responding to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened to an already full crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car, dragging her two kids and all her packages in with her. When the doors closed she couldn’t contain her thought and said, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot!” From the back of the car everyone heard a calm quiet voice respond, “Don’t worry, we already crucified him.”
[2 Peter 3: 3-14] Our celebration of Jesus’ birth is filled with love, laughter and giving. Will you celebrate Jesus’ second coming in the same manner? ‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not one in the house; The Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come there; The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their head; And mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took a nap; When out of the east there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter; Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter and lifted the sash; When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here; The light of His face made me cover my head, it was Jesus returning just like he’d said; And though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself; In the Book of Life, which He held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man; He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, when He said, “It’s not here”, my head hung in shame; The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father above; With those who were ready He rose without a sound, while all the others were left standing around; I fell to my knees, but it was too late, I’d waited too long thus sealed my fate; I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, “Oh, if I’d only known this was the night!” In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, the coming of Jesus is now drawing near; There’s only one life and when it comes the last call, We’ll find out the Bible was true after all. What is your fate?
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at rows and rows of toys and everything else imaginable and listening to her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what most feel during the holiday season, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the foods and treats, getting that perfect gift for everyone on the shopping list, making sure not to forget anyone on the greeting card list and responding to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened to an already full crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car, dragging her two kids and all her packages in with her. When the doors closed she couldn’t contain her thought and said, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot!” From the back of the car everyone heard a calm quiet voice respond, “Don’t worry, we already crucified him.”
[2 Peter 3: 3-14] Our celebration of Jesus’ birth is filled with love, laughter and giving. Will you celebrate Jesus’ second coming in the same manner? ‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not one in the house; The Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come there; The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their head; And mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took a nap; When out of the east there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter; Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter and lifted the sash; When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here; The light of His face made me cover my head, it was Jesus returning just like he’d said; And though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself; In the Book of Life, which He held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man; He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, when He said, “It’s not here”, my head hung in shame; The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father above; With those who were ready He rose without a sound, while all the others were left standing around; I fell to my knees, but it was too late, I’d waited too long thus sealed my fate; I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, “Oh, if I’d only known this was the night!” In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, the coming of Jesus is now drawing near; There’s only one life and when it comes the last call, We’ll find out the Bible was true after all. What is your fate?
Ludicrous Trading
There was a day when protecting your hard earned money meant investigating before investing and beware of pickpockets. It seems that is the least of our worries today. No matter which way one turns, someone is standing there devising a way to get you to simply hand over your hard earned money to them, and if you’re not careful, you’re going to receive just about nothing in exchange. Today, one has to listen and read very carefully to everything presented to them and scrutinize everything that comes in the mail. To pick a man’s wallet or snatch a woman’s purse isn’t enough anymore. People are out there that simply want to steal your whole life. Dubbed “identity theft”, thieves today can literally put you into bankruptcy without you even knowing it, until it happens. By gaining access to bank account numbers or social security numbers, complete strangers can literally steal you blind. So, be careful about giving up your personal information over the phone, in the mail or on the Internet. Be sure you know whom you’re dealing with and read carefully the contract of what you are to receive for your money. Don’t blindly give up everything you have for something you probably don’t need anyway. Beware of the one who is trying to get you to open your wallet; they’re only after your money. And always remember what your mother tried to teach you: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” The world is not your best partner.
A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a sweet looking little old lady staring at him every time he turned a corner. Then he found her in line ahead of him at the checkout counter. “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease”, she said. “It’s just that you look so much like my late son…” “Don’t worry about it”, the man said. “You’re very understanding,” she noted. Then she hesitated and sheepishly asked, “I know it’s silly, but it would sure mean a lot to me if you would just call out ‘Goodbye, Mom” as I leave the store.” “Sure”, he shrugged. So as she was walking out of the store, the lady turned back and waved, whereupon the young man, returning her wave, called out, “Good-bye, Mom!” Pleased that he’d brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, he turned back to the cashier. “That comes to $121.85”, she said. “For a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk?” he yelped. “Your mother said you’d be paying for her things too!”
[Hebrews 12: 14-29] You remember the story (Genesis 25: 27-34) – Esau, the outdoorsman, came in from the field and was very hungry. His brother, Jacob, had cooked a container of lentil stew and had it there when Esau arrived. Esau claimed he was starving to death and about to die. Jacob, a shrewd individual, knew his brother as a profane, worldly man. Jacob demanded Esau’s birthright (the right to a double share of his fathers possessions) for a bowl of soup. This was indeed a ludicrous trade, but Esau took it. I’ve heard many times over the years, “The church only wants your money”, and I have to say that trading eternal life with God for a short-term life of pleasure, spending your money as you please, is ludicrous. I’m not going to try and pull the wool over you eyes. The church is people, and people and money don’t always mix well, but that doesn’t make the church non-functional. The purpose of the church is to bring the lost sinner to Christ that he may be saved and gain the inheritance promised by God of everlasting life in His presence. Do you really want to trade heaven for the world?
A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a sweet looking little old lady staring at him every time he turned a corner. Then he found her in line ahead of him at the checkout counter. “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease”, she said. “It’s just that you look so much like my late son…” “Don’t worry about it”, the man said. “You’re very understanding,” she noted. Then she hesitated and sheepishly asked, “I know it’s silly, but it would sure mean a lot to me if you would just call out ‘Goodbye, Mom” as I leave the store.” “Sure”, he shrugged. So as she was walking out of the store, the lady turned back and waved, whereupon the young man, returning her wave, called out, “Good-bye, Mom!” Pleased that he’d brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, he turned back to the cashier. “That comes to $121.85”, she said. “For a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk?” he yelped. “Your mother said you’d be paying for her things too!”
[Hebrews 12: 14-29] You remember the story (Genesis 25: 27-34) – Esau, the outdoorsman, came in from the field and was very hungry. His brother, Jacob, had cooked a container of lentil stew and had it there when Esau arrived. Esau claimed he was starving to death and about to die. Jacob, a shrewd individual, knew his brother as a profane, worldly man. Jacob demanded Esau’s birthright (the right to a double share of his fathers possessions) for a bowl of soup. This was indeed a ludicrous trade, but Esau took it. I’ve heard many times over the years, “The church only wants your money”, and I have to say that trading eternal life with God for a short-term life of pleasure, spending your money as you please, is ludicrous. I’m not going to try and pull the wool over you eyes. The church is people, and people and money don’t always mix well, but that doesn’t make the church non-functional. The purpose of the church is to bring the lost sinner to Christ that he may be saved and gain the inheritance promised by God of everlasting life in His presence. Do you really want to trade heaven for the world?
Romancing God
Romance is not one of my superlative fortes in life, but I must have been doing some things that fancied my spouse twenty-two years ago the twelfth of this month. That was the day she proposed marriage to me. Our domestic position warranted the move and I said yes. For me it was just another workday and she told me she had all things arranged and it wouldn’t take long. She had me wash my hands and put on a clean shirt so we could go down to the courthouse, say “I do” before a judge, which legally bonded our love for one another on a piece of paper. In her attempt to domesticate me I did not come quietly, but her patience has paid off and I’m a better person for that. The romantic part is still being cast. It’s too bad we guys have to live such calculative life’s that romance only fits in for a short time and then sort of gets moved to the back seat, forced to keep quiet so not to distract us while we’re driving down the road of life. We treat romance as simply another phase of life and then move on while our spouse wonders where the guy she fell in love with went. Webster says to be romantic one must give in to romance, be strange and picturesque, imaginative, sentimental, unpractical and unrealistic. Not to many men can sustain that profile for very long. I suppose that’s why women look forward to their wedding anniversary, because we tend to get romantic.
A couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they were going to be recognized by their church congregation. The minister asked John to take a few minutes to share some insight into how he managed to live with the same woman all these years. John replied, “Well, I treated her with respect, spent money on her, but mostly I took her traveling on special occasions.” The minister inquired, “Trips to where?” “For our 25th anniversary I took her to Beijing, China.” The minister then said, “What a terrific example you are to all husbands, John. I understand your wife is not present today and we can all keep a secret, please, tell the audience what you have planned for your 50th anniversary.” With a big smile he boasted, “I’m going back to Beijing to get her!”
[2 Peter 1: 3-11] Do I dare say I have romanced God? Coming to the understanding and belief that there is another life after the one we are presently engaged in, has it’s way of getting us to do things out of the ordinary because of the promised reward. In our immature misunderstanding of God’s will, we tend to “do things for God” that will bring good into our lives. Peter tells us that our faith alone will fail us. We must add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Without these qualities in our life we will soon forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins. In the book of James, 1: 19-27, we read we must live God’s word to live the righteous life God desires for us. And, because we live in the world we don’t come quietly to the full understanding of God’s will. We insist, at times, that we know better than God, and there are avenues of life we have to travel because they are natural phases we go through. The problem is, we keep coming up with phases of life that keep us from the true love of God and His saving grace. (2 Peter 3: 9) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I cannot romance God into giving me His grace. I must obey His will to receive His full love and mercy.
A couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they were going to be recognized by their church congregation. The minister asked John to take a few minutes to share some insight into how he managed to live with the same woman all these years. John replied, “Well, I treated her with respect, spent money on her, but mostly I took her traveling on special occasions.” The minister inquired, “Trips to where?” “For our 25th anniversary I took her to Beijing, China.” The minister then said, “What a terrific example you are to all husbands, John. I understand your wife is not present today and we can all keep a secret, please, tell the audience what you have planned for your 50th anniversary.” With a big smile he boasted, “I’m going back to Beijing to get her!”
[2 Peter 1: 3-11] Do I dare say I have romanced God? Coming to the understanding and belief that there is another life after the one we are presently engaged in, has it’s way of getting us to do things out of the ordinary because of the promised reward. In our immature misunderstanding of God’s will, we tend to “do things for God” that will bring good into our lives. Peter tells us that our faith alone will fail us. We must add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Without these qualities in our life we will soon forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins. In the book of James, 1: 19-27, we read we must live God’s word to live the righteous life God desires for us. And, because we live in the world we don’t come quietly to the full understanding of God’s will. We insist, at times, that we know better than God, and there are avenues of life we have to travel because they are natural phases we go through. The problem is, we keep coming up with phases of life that keep us from the true love of God and His saving grace. (2 Peter 3: 9) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I cannot romance God into giving me His grace. I must obey His will to receive His full love and mercy.
Support
I’ve always needed to know what makes things tick, so naturally I have this overwhelming urge to tear things apart with a prayer I be able to put them back together and have them operate as good, if not better, than when I started. Most of the time though, I deal with things that are already non-functioning just to look inside and perhaps repair for further use. Most of the time it takes some sort of support to accomplish a good repair, for instance a wiring diagram or mechanical drawing. Have you ever had a computer program crash? Not a computer crash due to a parts failure, just a program crash. Now I’ve got to tell you, it takes outside support to recover from that. The first lesson my son taught me about computer programs is, “Don’t ever lose the software that is the program”. I didn’t even know the difference between software and hardware at the time, but he further stressed, holding up several CD’s, “Don’t ever lose these!” I have a program installed to catch crashes before programs completely fall apart, losing data and such, but the program isn’t always fast enough to prevent the loss of an operating file or two, crippling the operation of the program. You non-computer users have no idea what I just said, but here’s my point. Those CD’s, that are kept safe and sound, are now the savior of the program missing a few files. Yes, those missing files can be reinstalled from the original installation tool, saving me from hours and hours of recovery work. By the way, you’ll be surprised what you can find by using that little link word “Support” found on most websites. Just think about how lost you would be if it weren’t for the support you receive from others in everything you do, every day.
As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed beside the track. He was unable to retrieve it, as the train began to move. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe, threw it back along the track, landing close to the first. Ask by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled, “The poor man who finds the shoe lying beside the track,” he replied, “will now also find the other and have a pair he can use.”
[John 14: 1-14] A man wishing to cross a certain desert hired a local guide to assist him. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead saw only trackless sands without the trace of a footprint, nor a path and certainly no road. Turning to his guide he asked, “Where is the road?” Stepping ahead as he began to lead the way the guide replied, “I am the road.” When Thomas, one of the apostles, asked the Lord, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Continue reading and you’ll discover that Jesus himself gives his Father the glory for his works because of the support he receives from the Father. Read on and discover that we can do many things in this life if we would rely on the support we can receive from Jesus if we but ask. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me anything in my name and I will do it.” Are you lacking something in your life, but can’t seem to discover what it is? God has the answers and Jesus is here to support your every need.
As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed beside the track. He was unable to retrieve it, as the train began to move. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe, threw it back along the track, landing close to the first. Ask by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled, “The poor man who finds the shoe lying beside the track,” he replied, “will now also find the other and have a pair he can use.”
[John 14: 1-14] A man wishing to cross a certain desert hired a local guide to assist him. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead saw only trackless sands without the trace of a footprint, nor a path and certainly no road. Turning to his guide he asked, “Where is the road?” Stepping ahead as he began to lead the way the guide replied, “I am the road.” When Thomas, one of the apostles, asked the Lord, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Continue reading and you’ll discover that Jesus himself gives his Father the glory for his works because of the support he receives from the Father. Read on and discover that we can do many things in this life if we would rely on the support we can receive from Jesus if we but ask. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me anything in my name and I will do it.” Are you lacking something in your life, but can’t seem to discover what it is? God has the answers and Jesus is here to support your every need.
First In Line
What in the world are we doing? “Black Friday” has nearly become a national holiday and I don’t doubt it wouldn’t take much convincing by big business to get Washington to declare it as such. A large retailer ran a commercial on television Thanksgiving Day that should have totally outraged the American public. The scene was of a female, presumably a mother, placing the last Thanksgiving feast dish on the dinning table, surrounded by family. Those seated begin to dig in, but not quick enough as the “mother” grabs the end of the tablecloth, dragging it off the table, feast and all through a swinging door into the kitchen, much to the surprise of everyone. Then leaving the assembled group she lets them know dessert is in the fridge. What’s going on? She needs to be first in line, to spend money she probably doesn’t have, at a store that is looking to better its bottom line before the years’ end. So, now we don’t even have enough time to give thanks for what we have before selfishly wanting more? Oh right, I forgot. You’re bargain shopping for Christmas gifts and don’t expect to receive anything in return, right? That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
A neighbor was visiting and the two women sat in the kitchen seriously discussing the situation of all the toy recalls during the past few months. Young Tommy entered the room announcing his desire for a cookie and a drink. While his mother was fulfilling his request the neighbor asked, “Tommy, what are you going to give your baby brother for Christmas this year?” “I dunno”, replied Tommy. “Last year I gave him the measles.”
Morris Siegel, a street person in Los Angles, California, on the surface seemed like your average LA street person – roaming about in dark alleys, sleeping out of doors, carrying everything he owned in an old shopping cart. He died the way one expects a street person to die – found in an alley, dead of natural causes, heart trouble perhaps. But there was something about him that was different. Maybe it was his three bank accounts containing a total amount of $ 207,421.00. In 1979 Morris’ father died and left him the money. When Morris did not claim it, the Division of Unclaimed Property tracked him down and his family forced him to accept it. He did not show up at the ceremony when the cash was handed over. He took enough of the money to buy an old car, where he slept during bad weather. Relatives rented him an apartment; he never went there. He died September 14, 1989, with three dollars in his pocket and an untouched fortune in the bank. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, figure this one out.
[Matthew 16:26] Nearly two thousand years ago, our Heavenly Father ratified his will and left all of his children eternal wealth – life, peace, and victory. (Read Hebrews, Chapters 8, 9 & 10) To this day, many have not claimed the windfall and some have refused to spend any of it. Lost people shuffle down blind alleys of an empty existence, facing hell for an eternity, ignoring the salvation promise in Christ. Many Christians are content to live isolated, unproductive lives on this earth when they have the riches of heaven at their disposal. (Read 2 Corinthians, Chapters 8 & 9) Paul tells us that our Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, but I have this feeling that most people feel that “to give will be blessed by what is received”. Do you really want to be first in line? Stop and truly thank God for all you have, then, give some of it away, free!
A neighbor was visiting and the two women sat in the kitchen seriously discussing the situation of all the toy recalls during the past few months. Young Tommy entered the room announcing his desire for a cookie and a drink. While his mother was fulfilling his request the neighbor asked, “Tommy, what are you going to give your baby brother for Christmas this year?” “I dunno”, replied Tommy. “Last year I gave him the measles.”
Morris Siegel, a street person in Los Angles, California, on the surface seemed like your average LA street person – roaming about in dark alleys, sleeping out of doors, carrying everything he owned in an old shopping cart. He died the way one expects a street person to die – found in an alley, dead of natural causes, heart trouble perhaps. But there was something about him that was different. Maybe it was his three bank accounts containing a total amount of $ 207,421.00. In 1979 Morris’ father died and left him the money. When Morris did not claim it, the Division of Unclaimed Property tracked him down and his family forced him to accept it. He did not show up at the ceremony when the cash was handed over. He took enough of the money to buy an old car, where he slept during bad weather. Relatives rented him an apartment; he never went there. He died September 14, 1989, with three dollars in his pocket and an untouched fortune in the bank. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, figure this one out.
[Matthew 16:26] Nearly two thousand years ago, our Heavenly Father ratified his will and left all of his children eternal wealth – life, peace, and victory. (Read Hebrews, Chapters 8, 9 & 10) To this day, many have not claimed the windfall and some have refused to spend any of it. Lost people shuffle down blind alleys of an empty existence, facing hell for an eternity, ignoring the salvation promise in Christ. Many Christians are content to live isolated, unproductive lives on this earth when they have the riches of heaven at their disposal. (Read 2 Corinthians, Chapters 8 & 9) Paul tells us that our Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, but I have this feeling that most people feel that “to give will be blessed by what is received”. Do you really want to be first in line? Stop and truly thank God for all you have, then, give some of it away, free!
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