Thought for the day
Someone has composed the following "Top Ten" list of signs you may not
be reading your Bible enough:
10) The Preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians..... and you
check the table of contents.
9) You think Abraham, Isaac & Jacob may have had a few hit songs
during the 60's.
8) You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII savings bond falls
out.
7) Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.
6) Your favorite Bible verse is "Cleanliness is next to
godliness."
5) You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn't listed in
either the concordance or the table of contents.
4) Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand:
"Who gave you this stuff?"
3) You think the Minor Prophets worked in the quarries.
2) You keep falling for it every time when the preacher tells you
to turn to First Condominiums.
And the number one sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:
1) The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime
story: "Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors."
It's hard to over-estimate the importance of reading and studying the
Bible. God's Word is our source of spiritual nourishment, our light
in the midst of a dark world, our mirror to see what needs to be
corrected in our lives. And yet, it is so easy to let other things
get in the way and interrupt time we have wanted to dedicate to Bible
reading.
"Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psa. 119:97).
Have you read your Bible today?
Verses
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And we are healed because of his wounds.
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that all your interests may prosper and that you may have good health, in the same way that your soul is prospering.
Prayer
Father, we want to trust You at all times – in the good times and in troubled times. Thank You for Your promise that You will not let us drown when we pass through the deep waters. We will not be burned nor will the flames hurt us when we walk through the raging fires that seek to engulf us. We don’t have to be afraid because You have saved us and called us by name. You are truly our Refuge and we pour out our hearts out to You for all that we have need of. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
It takes a lot of courage.
Thought for the day
A businessman boards an airplane to find that his neighbor in first class is a parrot. They take off and the stewardess asks what they would like to drink. "I'll have a Coke," says the parrot. The businessman also orders a Coke. After waiting two or three minutes, the bird starts yelling, "Where's my drink?! Stop fooling around and give me my drink!"
The stewardess runs to him with his glass, leaving the businessman still thirsty. Half an hour later the stewardess makes a second round. The bird orders another Coke and a Wall Street Journal. The businessman asks again for his Coke. Again, after waiting a couple of minutes, the bird screams, squawking, "Are you lazy or stupid? I want my drink, and don't forget my paper!" The poor stewardess nearly trips over herself getting the parrot his drink and the newspaper. The businessman still has nothing, and after ten more minutes he decides to take his cue from the bird.
"Hey! Bring me my Coke right now!" he shouts. Out of nowhere the stewardess, the captain and two passengers grab the businessman and the bird, open the hatch and throw them out of the plane. At 30,000 feet, the two are falling side by side. The parrot says to the terrified man, "Wow -- that took a lot of guts for a guy with no wings!"
It takes more courage for some people to do some things than it does others. For example, it doesn't take a lot of courage for me to get up and preach Jesus as the Christ on Sunday morning. The worst consequence I face is a nodding head in the pew. There are those in the world, though, at this very moment who face very serious consequences for doing the same thing. They risk punishment, even to the point of death. Hearing of the courage of others serves to inspire us. That's why the Hebrew writer told about some of the trials faced by the saints of the Old Testament:
"Others were tortured and refused to accept their freedom so they could be raised from the dead to a better life. Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in half, and they were killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. They were poor, abused, and treated badly. The world was not good enough for them! They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the earth. All these people are known for their faith, but none of them received what God had promised. God planned to give us something better so that they would be made perfect, but only together with us."(Hebrews 11:3540, NCV).
Robert Anthony once said, "Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway."
Very likely, there is something which God is calling you to do that scares you to death. May you blessed with the courage you need to act anyway.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality -- faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
John 15:7
If you live in me, and my words stay part of you, you may ask what you will -- it will be done for you.
3 John 2
First and foremost, dear friend, I trust you are well and prosperous, as prosperous as your soul is.
Prayer
Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours. Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us. Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure. You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
A businessman boards an airplane to find that his neighbor in first class is a parrot. They take off and the stewardess asks what they would like to drink. "I'll have a Coke," says the parrot. The businessman also orders a Coke. After waiting two or three minutes, the bird starts yelling, "Where's my drink?! Stop fooling around and give me my drink!"
The stewardess runs to him with his glass, leaving the businessman still thirsty. Half an hour later the stewardess makes a second round. The bird orders another Coke and a Wall Street Journal. The businessman asks again for his Coke. Again, after waiting a couple of minutes, the bird screams, squawking, "Are you lazy or stupid? I want my drink, and don't forget my paper!" The poor stewardess nearly trips over herself getting the parrot his drink and the newspaper. The businessman still has nothing, and after ten more minutes he decides to take his cue from the bird.
"Hey! Bring me my Coke right now!" he shouts. Out of nowhere the stewardess, the captain and two passengers grab the businessman and the bird, open the hatch and throw them out of the plane. At 30,000 feet, the two are falling side by side. The parrot says to the terrified man, "Wow -- that took a lot of guts for a guy with no wings!"
It takes more courage for some people to do some things than it does others. For example, it doesn't take a lot of courage for me to get up and preach Jesus as the Christ on Sunday morning. The worst consequence I face is a nodding head in the pew. There are those in the world, though, at this very moment who face very serious consequences for doing the same thing. They risk punishment, even to the point of death. Hearing of the courage of others serves to inspire us. That's why the Hebrew writer told about some of the trials faced by the saints of the Old Testament:
"Others were tortured and refused to accept their freedom so they could be raised from the dead to a better life. Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in half, and they were killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. They were poor, abused, and treated badly. The world was not good enough for them! They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the earth. All these people are known for their faith, but none of them received what God had promised. God planned to give us something better so that they would be made perfect, but only together with us."(Hebrews 11:3540, NCV).
Robert Anthony once said, "Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway."
Very likely, there is something which God is calling you to do that scares you to death. May you blessed with the courage you need to act anyway.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality -- faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
John 15:7
If you live in me, and my words stay part of you, you may ask what you will -- it will be done for you.
3 John 2
First and foremost, dear friend, I trust you are well and prosperous, as prosperous as your soul is.
Prayer
Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours. Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us. Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure. You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Love of wisdom.
Thought for the day
A couple of classroom stories:
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. "In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some languages though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative.
"However," he pointed out, "there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."
A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."
A college student in a philosophy class was taking his first examination. On the paper there was a single line which simply said: "Is this a question? -- Discuss."
After a short time he wrote: "If that is a question, then this is an answer."
The student received an "A" in the class
Philosophy. We sometimes think of it as a class where everyone sits around asking ridiculous questions ("If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it......."). But the word "philosophy comes from a Greek word meaning "love of wisdom" and that is something the Bible speaks positively about.
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." (Proverbs 3:13).
It's important to understand what the Bible means by "wisdom". The best definition I've ever heard is "the ability to make right decisions", and to do that we must listen to God.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7).
May God bless you in your pursuit of wisdom this day!
Verses
Romans 10:17
Faith then comes as a result of hearing, and hearing comes through the word of Christ.
Mark 16:17-18
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
1 John 4:17
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
Luke 18:1
And he told them a parable of which the point was that they must always pray and never give up:
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commandments. Plenty and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure for ever.
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
A couple of classroom stories:
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. "In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some languages though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative.
"However," he pointed out, "there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."
A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."
A college student in a philosophy class was taking his first examination. On the paper there was a single line which simply said: "Is this a question? -- Discuss."
After a short time he wrote: "If that is a question, then this is an answer."
The student received an "A" in the class
Philosophy. We sometimes think of it as a class where everyone sits around asking ridiculous questions ("If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it......."). But the word "philosophy comes from a Greek word meaning "love of wisdom" and that is something the Bible speaks positively about.
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." (Proverbs 3:13).
It's important to understand what the Bible means by "wisdom". The best definition I've ever heard is "the ability to make right decisions", and to do that we must listen to God.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7).
May God bless you in your pursuit of wisdom this day!
Verses
Romans 10:17
Faith then comes as a result of hearing, and hearing comes through the word of Christ.
Mark 16:17-18
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
1 John 4:17
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
Luke 18:1
And he told them a parable of which the point was that they must always pray and never give up:
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commandments. Plenty and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure for ever.
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
Monday, September 27, 2010
What is a friend?
Thought for the day
Through the years, we have different ideas of what having a friend means to us. Someone has composed the following list, showing the way that friendship changes through the years:
In kindergarten, your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.
In first grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.
In second grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.
In third grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.
In fourth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.
In fifth grade, your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.
In sixth grade, your idea of a friend was the person who went up to Nick or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.
In seventh grade, your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had forgotten about.
In eighth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball cards so that your room would be a "high-schooler's" room, but didn't laugh when you finished and broke into tears.
In ninth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who went with you to that "cool" party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.
In tenth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.
In eleventh grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, and consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan.
In twelfth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college, assured you that you would get into that college, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go.
At graduation, your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.
Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!
Solomon had several things to say as well about what it means to be a friend.
A friend is loyal. "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
A friend is someone who will hang in there with you when the going gets tough. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)
A friend will give you good advice. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend does so by hearty counsel." (Proverbs 27:9)
A friend will be honest with you. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:6)
How does a person get friends like that? Solomon tells us how. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24)
May God bless us with many wonderful friends, but, more importantly, may God help us to be the kind of friend we need to be to others.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
This is why you should take God's whole armor; then you can resist when things are at their worst and having done everything, you can hold your ground.
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 5:1
Try, then, to imitate God, as children of his that he loves,
Isaiah 58:9
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that you may have good success and good health. I know your soul is well.
Prayer
Father, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.<
Through the years, we have different ideas of what having a friend means to us. Someone has composed the following list, showing the way that friendship changes through the years:
In kindergarten, your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.
In first grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.
In second grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.
In third grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.
In fourth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.
In fifth grade, your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.
In sixth grade, your idea of a friend was the person who went up to Nick or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.
In seventh grade, your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had forgotten about.
In eighth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball cards so that your room would be a "high-schooler's" room, but didn't laugh when you finished and broke into tears.
In ninth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who went with you to that "cool" party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.
In tenth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.
In eleventh grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, and consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan.
In twelfth grade, your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college, assured you that you would get into that college, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go.
At graduation, your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.
Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!
Solomon had several things to say as well about what it means to be a friend.
A friend is loyal. "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
A friend is someone who will hang in there with you when the going gets tough. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)
A friend will give you good advice. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend does so by hearty counsel." (Proverbs 27:9)
A friend will be honest with you. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:6)
How does a person get friends like that? Solomon tells us how. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24)
May God bless us with many wonderful friends, but, more importantly, may God help us to be the kind of friend we need to be to others.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
This is why you should take God's whole armor; then you can resist when things are at their worst and having done everything, you can hold your ground.
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 5:1
Try, then, to imitate God, as children of his that he loves,
Isaiah 58:9
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that you may have good success and good health. I know your soul is well.
Prayer
Father, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.<
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The last day of your life.
Thought for the day
The following quotes are reported to come from an actual newspaper contest where entrants ages 4 to 15 were asked to imitate "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey":
Give me the strength to change the things I can, the grace to accept the things I cannot, and a great big bag of money. --Age 13
It sure would be nice if we got a day off for the president's birthday, like they do for the queen's. Of course, then we would have a lot of people voting for a candidate born on July 3 or December 26, just for the long weekends. --Age 8
Democracy is a beautiful thing, except for that part about letting just any old yokel vote. --Age 10
For centuries, people thought the moon was made of green cheese. Then the astronauts found that the moon is really a big hard rock. That's what happens to cheese when you leave it out. --Age 6
As you make your way through this hectic world of ours, set aside a few minutes each day. At the end of the year, you'll have a couple of days saved up. --Age 7
Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number. --Age 15
The only stupid question is the one that is never asked, except maybe "Don't you think it is about time you audited my return?" or "Isn't it morally wrong to give me a warning when, in fact, I was speeding?" --Age 15
If we could just get everyone to close their eyes and visualize world peace for an hour, imagine how serene and quiet it would be until the looting started. --Age 15
I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life? --Age 15
Who can argue with that last statement? But it raises an interesting question. If you knew (with full certainty) that this would be your last day on this earth, how would you live it? Would you spend the day in Bible study and prayer? Talking with people about Christ? Relaxing with your family? Or would you spend it washing clothes, cleaning the house, going to work and doing all the "mundane" things that you do every day?
We are told to "watch" at all times, knowing that the second coming of Christ will be as unexpected as a "thief in the night" (I Thess 5:1-6). It could be within the next few hours! And since none of us are promised a certain number of years, this may well be our last day of life on this earth. So how should that affect the way we live?
If we really believed that, it would cause us to rearrange our priorities. It would cause us to ask ourselves, "Is what I am doing important from an eternal viewpoint?" Mundane tasks such as washing our clothes remain necessary, but we all find ourselves spending much of our time doing things that seem to be important at the moment (from an earthly perspective), but which have no eternal significance.
"Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober......For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thess. 5:6,9-11)
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
for through faith we are ordering our manner of life, not by something seen.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, if you believe that you have received it, it shall be yours.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Now this -- he who keeps sowing sparingly, sparingly shall he also reap; and he who keeps sowing on the basis of blessings, on the basis of blessings shall he also reap.
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
The following quotes are reported to come from an actual newspaper contest where entrants ages 4 to 15 were asked to imitate "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey":
Give me the strength to change the things I can, the grace to accept the things I cannot, and a great big bag of money. --Age 13
It sure would be nice if we got a day off for the president's birthday, like they do for the queen's. Of course, then we would have a lot of people voting for a candidate born on July 3 or December 26, just for the long weekends. --Age 8
Democracy is a beautiful thing, except for that part about letting just any old yokel vote. --Age 10
For centuries, people thought the moon was made of green cheese. Then the astronauts found that the moon is really a big hard rock. That's what happens to cheese when you leave it out. --Age 6
As you make your way through this hectic world of ours, set aside a few minutes each day. At the end of the year, you'll have a couple of days saved up. --Age 7
Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number. --Age 15
The only stupid question is the one that is never asked, except maybe "Don't you think it is about time you audited my return?" or "Isn't it morally wrong to give me a warning when, in fact, I was speeding?" --Age 15
If we could just get everyone to close their eyes and visualize world peace for an hour, imagine how serene and quiet it would be until the looting started. --Age 15
I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life? --Age 15
Who can argue with that last statement? But it raises an interesting question. If you knew (with full certainty) that this would be your last day on this earth, how would you live it? Would you spend the day in Bible study and prayer? Talking with people about Christ? Relaxing with your family? Or would you spend it washing clothes, cleaning the house, going to work and doing all the "mundane" things that you do every day?
We are told to "watch" at all times, knowing that the second coming of Christ will be as unexpected as a "thief in the night" (I Thess 5:1-6). It could be within the next few hours! And since none of us are promised a certain number of years, this may well be our last day of life on this earth. So how should that affect the way we live?
If we really believed that, it would cause us to rearrange our priorities. It would cause us to ask ourselves, "Is what I am doing important from an eternal viewpoint?" Mundane tasks such as washing our clothes remain necessary, but we all find ourselves spending much of our time doing things that seem to be important at the moment (from an earthly perspective), but which have no eternal significance.
"Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober......For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thess. 5:6,9-11)
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
for through faith we are ordering our manner of life, not by something seen.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, if you believe that you have received it, it shall be yours.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Now this -- he who keeps sowing sparingly, sparingly shall he also reap; and he who keeps sowing on the basis of blessings, on the basis of blessings shall he also reap.
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Changing the standard
Thought for the day
Conductor to orchestra at the beginning of a rehearsal:
"Please get your pencils out . . . we have some marking to do on this score:
The first two bars are in 3/4, not 4/4 as written.
Next, in the 5th bar, change it to 7/8 and this remains to the end.
Now, in bar 7 we lower the pitch 1/2 step.
In bar 13, lower the pitch one whole step and this will remain to the end.
Thank you. Now, let us begin."
Soprano soloist: "Excuse me, Maestro. What would you like for me to change?"
Conductor: "Nothing, madam. Just sing it exactly as you did yesterday."
When we vary from the standard, there are two things we can do. We can alter our lives to meet the standard, or (as in the story above) we can alter the standard and expect everyone else to meet this new flawed standard.
The spiritual application should be readily apparent. What should we do when someone is teaching that which is not according to the Word of God, our spiritual standard? Do we hold to the standard and require them to comply, or do we attempt to change the standard?
There can be no choice -- the standard cannot change. Breaking the scale won't fix our weight problem, breaking the mirror won't change the way we look, and changing (or ignoring) God's Word won't make our sinful behavior acceptable."Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17)
"The word of the Lord endures forever." (I Peter 1:25)
Verses
Corinthians 4:18
For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are
transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent.
John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Proverbs 13:21
Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
Prayer
Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night. You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams. You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs. Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore. Amen.
Conductor to orchestra at the beginning of a rehearsal:
"Please get your pencils out . . . we have some marking to do on this score:
The first two bars are in 3/4, not 4/4 as written.
Next, in the 5th bar, change it to 7/8 and this remains to the end.
Now, in bar 7 we lower the pitch 1/2 step.
In bar 13, lower the pitch one whole step and this will remain to the end.
Thank you. Now, let us begin."
Soprano soloist: "Excuse me, Maestro. What would you like for me to change?"
Conductor: "Nothing, madam. Just sing it exactly as you did yesterday."
When we vary from the standard, there are two things we can do. We can alter our lives to meet the standard, or (as in the story above) we can alter the standard and expect everyone else to meet this new flawed standard.
The spiritual application should be readily apparent. What should we do when someone is teaching that which is not according to the Word of God, our spiritual standard? Do we hold to the standard and require them to comply, or do we attempt to change the standard?
There can be no choice -- the standard cannot change. Breaking the scale won't fix our weight problem, breaking the mirror won't change the way we look, and changing (or ignoring) God's Word won't make our sinful behavior acceptable."Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17)
"The word of the Lord endures forever." (I Peter 1:25)
Verses
Corinthians 4:18
For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are
transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent.
John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Proverbs 13:21
Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
Prayer
Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night. You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams. You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs. Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Give your best in the workplace.
Thought for the day
Below are excerpts reported to be from U.S. and British officer performance reviews: Actual (?) lines out of U.S. Military OERs (Officer Efficiency Report):
-- Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
-- Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching.
-- A room temperature IQ.
-- Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.
-- Bright as Alaska in December.
-- Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
-- So dense, light bends around him.
-- If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate.
-- If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
-- Was left on the Tilt-A-Whirl a bit too long as a baby.
-- Wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
Actual (?) excerpts from Royal Navy and Marines officer fitness reports:
-- His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.
-- I would not breed from this officer.
-- He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entire satisfaction.
-- He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.
-- This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
-- Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.
-- She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achievethem.
-- He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.
-- Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in atrap.
-- This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
It may be that the comments above are an indication of the intelligence of the men involved. But I suspect rather that they reflect the attitude of those men. You see, whether we want to admit it or not, the attitude that we have in the workplace makes an impression on others. And if we give only a half-hearted effort, or show disrespect for those in authority over us, then it not only leaves a negative impression of us, but of the Christianity we claim to believe and live.
Paul speaks in Colossians 3 to slaves of the first century, but his words apply to all Christians in the workplace: "Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." (Col. 3:22-24).
In all that you do at work, it should be the very best you have to offer! May that be the motto of every Christian in the workplace.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
so that, instead of being slack, you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Ceaselessly pray!
3 John 2
Beloved, I am praying that you keep in health and for you to prosper in every way, just as your soul is prospering.
Prayer
Father, since we belong to You we want to bless others in Your name. Help us to love without reserve and give generously of our resources. We will reap not only a reward in heaven, but we will also enjoy the spiritual fulfillment of being Your hand extended to those in need.
Below are excerpts reported to be from U.S. and British officer performance reviews: Actual (?) lines out of U.S. Military OERs (Officer Efficiency Report):
-- Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
-- Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching.
-- A room temperature IQ.
-- Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.
-- Bright as Alaska in December.
-- Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
-- So dense, light bends around him.
-- If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate.
-- If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
-- Was left on the Tilt-A-Whirl a bit too long as a baby.
-- Wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
Actual (?) excerpts from Royal Navy and Marines officer fitness reports:
-- His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.
-- I would not breed from this officer.
-- He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entire satisfaction.
-- He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.
-- This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
-- Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.
-- She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achievethem.
-- He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.
-- Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in atrap.
-- This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
It may be that the comments above are an indication of the intelligence of the men involved. But I suspect rather that they reflect the attitude of those men. You see, whether we want to admit it or not, the attitude that we have in the workplace makes an impression on others. And if we give only a half-hearted effort, or show disrespect for those in authority over us, then it not only leaves a negative impression of us, but of the Christianity we claim to believe and live.
Paul speaks in Colossians 3 to slaves of the first century, but his words apply to all Christians in the workplace: "Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." (Col. 3:22-24).
In all that you do at work, it should be the very best you have to offer! May that be the motto of every Christian in the workplace.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
so that, instead of being slack, you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Ceaselessly pray!
3 John 2
Beloved, I am praying that you keep in health and for you to prosper in every way, just as your soul is prospering.
Prayer
Father, since we belong to You we want to bless others in Your name. Help us to love without reserve and give generously of our resources. We will reap not only a reward in heaven, but we will also enjoy the spiritual fulfillment of being Your hand extended to those in need.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dodging obstacles.
Thought for the day
A traffic official pulled over a woman on a lonely back road and said, "Ma'am, is there a reason why you're weaving all over the road?"
The woman replied, "Oh officer, thank goodness you're here! I almost had an accident! I looked up and there was a tree right in front of me. So, I swerved to the left and there was another tree in front of me. Then, I swerved to the right and there was another tree in front of me!"
The officer reached through the side window to the rear view mirror, and explained, "Ma'am... that's your air freshener."
Like that woman, we spend much of our lives "dodging obstacles" which are really not obstacles at all. We worry (and lose sleep) over things which never materialize. We hesitate to take action because we are fearful of what "might" happen. Our imagined fears keep us from driving down the straight and narrow ("What will they say? What will they do?")"
The lazy man says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!' " (Prov. 22:13)
Was there really a lion in the streets? No, but any excuse will work when you don't want to do something, even dodging imaginary obstacles.
Is there anything you've hesitated doing lately because of an obstacle in your way? Be certain the obstacle is real. It might just be your air freshener!
Verses
Mark 5:34
'My daughter,' he said, 'your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint.'
Jeremiah 33:6
'Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Acts 10:38
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Prayer
Father, Your vast wisdom is given to those who seek godly wisdom and Your knowledge to the discerning believer. You are the bright light that comes bursting forth when darkness seeks to blind the godly. All foes are rendered powerless in Your presence. Thank You for the marvelous standing we have as Your children.
A traffic official pulled over a woman on a lonely back road and said, "Ma'am, is there a reason why you're weaving all over the road?"
The woman replied, "Oh officer, thank goodness you're here! I almost had an accident! I looked up and there was a tree right in front of me. So, I swerved to the left and there was another tree in front of me. Then, I swerved to the right and there was another tree in front of me!"
The officer reached through the side window to the rear view mirror, and explained, "Ma'am... that's your air freshener."
Like that woman, we spend much of our lives "dodging obstacles" which are really not obstacles at all. We worry (and lose sleep) over things which never materialize. We hesitate to take action because we are fearful of what "might" happen. Our imagined fears keep us from driving down the straight and narrow ("What will they say? What will they do?")"
The lazy man says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!' " (Prov. 22:13)
Was there really a lion in the streets? No, but any excuse will work when you don't want to do something, even dodging imaginary obstacles.
Is there anything you've hesitated doing lately because of an obstacle in your way? Be certain the obstacle is real. It might just be your air freshener!
Verses
Mark 5:34
'My daughter,' he said, 'your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint.'
Jeremiah 33:6
'Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Acts 10:38
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Prayer
Father, Your vast wisdom is given to those who seek godly wisdom and Your knowledge to the discerning believer. You are the bright light that comes bursting forth when darkness seeks to blind the godly. All foes are rendered powerless in Your presence. Thank You for the marvelous standing we have as Your children.
Going home
Thought for the day
"Say, Bill," a man said to his pal, "how do you like your new job?"
"It's the worst job I ever had."
"How long have you been there?"
"About three months."
"Why don't you quit?"
"No way. This is the first time in 20 years that I've looked forward to going home."
I feel the same way about living in this world. Sometimes people wonder why God didn't give us a "perfect" world in which to live. Of course, their idea of "perfect" means a world without pain, without suffering, without hatred, without all the things that sometimes make life miserable for us. Why couldn't God have made a better place for us?
I wouldn't dare attempt to explain it all in just a couple of short paragraphs, but I can say that living in this world with all of its trials and difficulties makes me look forward to going home. I look forward to the day when I will know no more suffering, but will rest in the arms of a loving Father. I look forward to the day when I don't see the consequences of sin all about me, but will enjoy the fellowship of God's family throughout all ages. Don't get me wrong -- life here is good, it's wonderful! But it can't compare with what waits for me. I'm looking forward to going home!
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-3, NIV)
Verses
1 John 5:4
Because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world, and this is the victory that triumphs over the world, the faith that we have.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Romans 12:12
Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
Proverbs 13:21
Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I commit myself to You this day, I ask that You make me a glowing ember of Your truth, Your wisdom, and Your compassionate mercy. I want my light to shine for You so that all glory will be directed back to You, my source of light. If I find myself in the midst of a circle of employees engaged in ungodly conversation help me not to blend in. But rather help me to be the light of Your glory in my conversation, full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I will know how to respond to each person. I ask that You would reveal to me any false motivation for carrying out good deeds. Remind me that it is for Your glory that I do these things. It is neither for the praise of others nor for personal advancement, but the advancement of the Gospel. Lord, help me to reach just one today with an unexpected act of kindness that will direct the recipient’s thoughts toward my Father in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
"Say, Bill," a man said to his pal, "how do you like your new job?"
"It's the worst job I ever had."
"How long have you been there?"
"About three months."
"Why don't you quit?"
"No way. This is the first time in 20 years that I've looked forward to going home."
I feel the same way about living in this world. Sometimes people wonder why God didn't give us a "perfect" world in which to live. Of course, their idea of "perfect" means a world without pain, without suffering, without hatred, without all the things that sometimes make life miserable for us. Why couldn't God have made a better place for us?
I wouldn't dare attempt to explain it all in just a couple of short paragraphs, but I can say that living in this world with all of its trials and difficulties makes me look forward to going home. I look forward to the day when I will know no more suffering, but will rest in the arms of a loving Father. I look forward to the day when I don't see the consequences of sin all about me, but will enjoy the fellowship of God's family throughout all ages. Don't get me wrong -- life here is good, it's wonderful! But it can't compare with what waits for me. I'm looking forward to going home!
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-3, NIV)
Verses
1 John 5:4
Because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world, and this is the victory that triumphs over the world, the faith that we have.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Romans 12:12
Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
Proverbs 13:21
Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I commit myself to You this day, I ask that You make me a glowing ember of Your truth, Your wisdom, and Your compassionate mercy. I want my light to shine for You so that all glory will be directed back to You, my source of light. If I find myself in the midst of a circle of employees engaged in ungodly conversation help me not to blend in. But rather help me to be the light of Your glory in my conversation, full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I will know how to respond to each person. I ask that You would reveal to me any false motivation for carrying out good deeds. Remind me that it is for Your glory that I do these things. It is neither for the praise of others nor for personal advancement, but the advancement of the Gospel. Lord, help me to reach just one today with an unexpected act of kindness that will direct the recipient’s thoughts toward my Father in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What to do with a dead horse.
Thought for the day
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from one generation to the next, says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.
However, in modern business, because of the heavy investment factors to be taken into consideration, often other strategies have to be tried with dead horses, including the following:
1. Buying a stronger whip.
2. Changing riders.
3. Threatening the horse with termination.
4. Appointing a committee to study the horse.
5. Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses.
6. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.
7. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired.
8. Change the form so that it reads: "This horse is not dead."
9. Hire outside contractors to ride the dead horse.
10. Harness several dead horses together for increased speed.
11. Donate the dead horse to a recognized charity, thereby deducting itsfull original cost.
12. Providing additional funding to increase the horse's performance.
13. Do a time management study to see if the lighter riders would improveproductivity.
14. Declare that a dead horse has lower overhead and therefore performsbetter.
15. Promote the dead horse to a supervisory position.
(author unknown)
We've all done it before -- committed a significant amount of time and energy to a particular project (or even a person) only to find that all our effort was to no avail. But we find it difficult to cut our losses and move on, so we keep trying and keep trying, pouring more and more of ourselves into it, all the while taking away resources that could be spent on something more profitable.
As difficult as it may be at times to do, the Dakota Indians were right -- when you find you are riding a dead horse, the only sensible thing to do is to dismount.
Jesus put it this way: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." (Matthew 7:6)
Jesus was saying that there may come a time when we need to realize that we are wasting our time and energy trying to reach someone who has shown a total disregard for God and the things of God. We dare not reach such a conclusion too quickly (many of us are thankful for others who refused to give up on us), but once you become convinced you're riding a dead horse, there's only one sensible thing to do.
Take a look at how you're spending your time. If you're "spinning your wheels" and not making any progress, make sure that the horse you're riding is still alive.
Verses
Mark 9:23
'If it is possible!' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible to one who has faith.'
Isaiah 53:5
But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
1 Peter 3:7
In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way. You should show respect to them. They are weaker than you. But God gives them the same blessing that he gives you--the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.
2 Corinthians 9:11
So then, growing rich in all things, you will be prepared to show all kinds of generosity--generosity which through our instrumentality produces thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from one generation to the next, says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.
However, in modern business, because of the heavy investment factors to be taken into consideration, often other strategies have to be tried with dead horses, including the following:
1. Buying a stronger whip.
2. Changing riders.
3. Threatening the horse with termination.
4. Appointing a committee to study the horse.
5. Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses.
6. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.
7. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired.
8. Change the form so that it reads: "This horse is not dead."
9. Hire outside contractors to ride the dead horse.
10. Harness several dead horses together for increased speed.
11. Donate the dead horse to a recognized charity, thereby deducting itsfull original cost.
12. Providing additional funding to increase the horse's performance.
13. Do a time management study to see if the lighter riders would improveproductivity.
14. Declare that a dead horse has lower overhead and therefore performsbetter.
15. Promote the dead horse to a supervisory position.
(author unknown)
We've all done it before -- committed a significant amount of time and energy to a particular project (or even a person) only to find that all our effort was to no avail. But we find it difficult to cut our losses and move on, so we keep trying and keep trying, pouring more and more of ourselves into it, all the while taking away resources that could be spent on something more profitable.
As difficult as it may be at times to do, the Dakota Indians were right -- when you find you are riding a dead horse, the only sensible thing to do is to dismount.
Jesus put it this way: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." (Matthew 7:6)
Jesus was saying that there may come a time when we need to realize that we are wasting our time and energy trying to reach someone who has shown a total disregard for God and the things of God. We dare not reach such a conclusion too quickly (many of us are thankful for others who refused to give up on us), but once you become convinced you're riding a dead horse, there's only one sensible thing to do.
Take a look at how you're spending your time. If you're "spinning your wheels" and not making any progress, make sure that the horse you're riding is still alive.
Verses
Mark 9:23
'If it is possible!' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible to one who has faith.'
Isaiah 53:5
But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
1 Peter 3:7
In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way. You should show respect to them. They are weaker than you. But God gives them the same blessing that he gives you--the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.
2 Corinthians 9:11
So then, growing rich in all things, you will be prepared to show all kinds of generosity--generosity which through our instrumentality produces thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Selling our souls.
Thought for the day
You may have read this unusual story that was reported through the AFP news organization several years ago:
A 24-year-old man in Shanghai tried to sell his soul on China's most popular auction website and managed to get 58 bids before operators pulled his ad. The man posted his announcement on Taobao (a site similar to eBay) last week asking a starting price of 10 yuan ( 1.23 US dollars). But the company decided that selling one's soul was inappropriate and deleted the ad on Friday. By then there were 58 bids from people with the highest at 681 yuan (84 dollars). "We pulled down the posting because we think only God can control souls," said Taobao's public relations manager Tao Ran.
Why would a man agree to sell his soul for as little as a dollar and a quarter? The truth is, I'm not all that surprised because I know of others who were willing to sell their souls for a measly amount. Judas was willing to do it for thirty pieces of silver. For Achan (Joshua 7), it was a robe, five pounds of silver and a bar of gold. For Elisha's servant (I Kings 5), it was 150 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing. For Esau, it was a bowl of soup.
If you're willing to be even more honest, you know that there are people all around you who have sold their souls for something of little value. Maybe you've even done it yourself. Maybe you've spent so much time making money to gather "the finer things of life" that you have no time or energy left for God. Maybe you've cheated others (like the tax man or health insurance companies) thinking they'll never miss it and no one will ever be the wiser. Maybe your desire for riches has clouded your judgment and caused you to do something that has damaged your integrity.
Jesus once said, "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?" (Matthew 16:26)
The question was intended to be rhetorical. There's nothing in this world (nor everything in the world combined) that begins to equal the value of your soul. Bill Gates and all of his fellow billionaires don't have enough money to even make an opening offer. So, don't ever put a price tag on your soul. Not on eBay. Not in your workplace. Not in your daily life.
Verses
Matthew 17:20
"Because you have so little trust," he told them. "I assure you, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you.
Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 Chronicles 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Romans 8:31
What then are we to conclude in view of all this? If God is for us, who is against us?
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
You may have read this unusual story that was reported through the AFP news organization several years ago:
A 24-year-old man in Shanghai tried to sell his soul on China's most popular auction website and managed to get 58 bids before operators pulled his ad. The man posted his announcement on Taobao (a site similar to eBay) last week asking a starting price of 10 yuan ( 1.23 US dollars). But the company decided that selling one's soul was inappropriate and deleted the ad on Friday. By then there were 58 bids from people with the highest at 681 yuan (84 dollars). "We pulled down the posting because we think only God can control souls," said Taobao's public relations manager Tao Ran.
Why would a man agree to sell his soul for as little as a dollar and a quarter? The truth is, I'm not all that surprised because I know of others who were willing to sell their souls for a measly amount. Judas was willing to do it for thirty pieces of silver. For Achan (Joshua 7), it was a robe, five pounds of silver and a bar of gold. For Elisha's servant (I Kings 5), it was 150 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing. For Esau, it was a bowl of soup.
If you're willing to be even more honest, you know that there are people all around you who have sold their souls for something of little value. Maybe you've even done it yourself. Maybe you've spent so much time making money to gather "the finer things of life" that you have no time or energy left for God. Maybe you've cheated others (like the tax man or health insurance companies) thinking they'll never miss it and no one will ever be the wiser. Maybe your desire for riches has clouded your judgment and caused you to do something that has damaged your integrity.
Jesus once said, "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?" (Matthew 16:26)
The question was intended to be rhetorical. There's nothing in this world (nor everything in the world combined) that begins to equal the value of your soul. Bill Gates and all of his fellow billionaires don't have enough money to even make an opening offer. So, don't ever put a price tag on your soul. Not on eBay. Not in your workplace. Not in your daily life.
Verses
Matthew 17:20
"Because you have so little trust," he told them. "I assure you, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you.
Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 Chronicles 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Romans 8:31
What then are we to conclude in view of all this? If God is for us, who is against us?
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Friday, September 10, 2010
George and the dragon.
Thought for the day
A poor vagabond, traveling a country road in England, tired and hungry, came to a roadside inn with a sign reading: "George and the Dragon." He knocked. The innkeeper's wife stuck her head out a window.
"Could ye spare some victuals?" he asked. The woman glanced at his shabby clothes and obviously poor condition. "No!" she said rather sternly."Could I have a pint of ale?" "No!" she said again."Could I at least sleep in your stable?" "No!" By this time, she was fairly shouting. The vagabond said, "Might I please...?" "What now?" the woman interrupted impatiently.
"Do you suppose," he asked, "I might have a word with George?"
Is it possible that people around us who are in need view us as a "dragon" because of our callous indifference to their plight? Oh, I know, I know. I'm sure many of you did what I did a few weeks ago at a family gathering. As you sat down to a sumptuous feast, you offered up a prayer to God for those "less fortunate. "But did you actually do anything to help anyone?
We live in a time when it's easy to be suspicious. There are some who refuse to work, preferring to live off the government and charitable organizations. There are some who seem to take joy in seeing how much they can get from naive souls willing to believe their concocted "sob stories." But, there are also many around us in genuine need, and if we're not careful, we can come across to them like the woman above -- indifferent and uncaring.
The scriptures have much to say about our attitude toward those in need. In fact, Jesus said that will be one factor which determines where we will spend eternity (Matthew 25:31-46). May we be known not only as a people who care, but as a people whose concern is shown through our actions."If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:15-16)
Do people view you as George.......or the dragon?
Verses
Mark 5:34
Jesus said to the woman, "Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace. You will have no more suffering."
Mark 6:13
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Mark 14:38
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."
Proverbs 22:4
The humble and the reverent are rewarded with wealth and honour and long life
Prayer
Father, You have crowned our year with Your goodness that flourishes within our hearts, in our relationships, in our provisions, and it is evident throughout the universe. In a world that is filled with evil intent and short-sided vision we cling to Your goodness and seek the eternal perspective in all that we experience in this year of 2010. Spiritual blessings come from You in the midst of Satan's attacks and because of this essential truth we know that if You are for us, who can be against us! There is no formidable foe that cannot be conquered as the power of Your Holy Spirit enables us to remain faithful and ever growing in our devotion to You.
Remind us that as we share in Your sufferings we also share in Your glory. In all areas of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, and danger we are more than conquerors through You who loves us abundantly. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all of Your creation will be able to separate us from Your love that has been revealed to us through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice with our family of believers and with all of Your creation in the paths of abundance You lay out before us and walk hand in hand with us. Amen.
A poor vagabond, traveling a country road in England, tired and hungry, came to a roadside inn with a sign reading: "George and the Dragon." He knocked. The innkeeper's wife stuck her head out a window.
"Could ye spare some victuals?" he asked. The woman glanced at his shabby clothes and obviously poor condition. "No!" she said rather sternly."Could I have a pint of ale?" "No!" she said again."Could I at least sleep in your stable?" "No!" By this time, she was fairly shouting. The vagabond said, "Might I please...?" "What now?" the woman interrupted impatiently.
"Do you suppose," he asked, "I might have a word with George?"
Is it possible that people around us who are in need view us as a "dragon" because of our callous indifference to their plight? Oh, I know, I know. I'm sure many of you did what I did a few weeks ago at a family gathering. As you sat down to a sumptuous feast, you offered up a prayer to God for those "less fortunate. "But did you actually do anything to help anyone?
We live in a time when it's easy to be suspicious. There are some who refuse to work, preferring to live off the government and charitable organizations. There are some who seem to take joy in seeing how much they can get from naive souls willing to believe their concocted "sob stories." But, there are also many around us in genuine need, and if we're not careful, we can come across to them like the woman above -- indifferent and uncaring.
The scriptures have much to say about our attitude toward those in need. In fact, Jesus said that will be one factor which determines where we will spend eternity (Matthew 25:31-46). May we be known not only as a people who care, but as a people whose concern is shown through our actions."If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:15-16)
Do people view you as George.......or the dragon?
Verses
Mark 5:34
Jesus said to the woman, "Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace. You will have no more suffering."
Mark 6:13
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Mark 14:38
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."
Proverbs 22:4
The humble and the reverent are rewarded with wealth and honour and long life
Prayer
Father, You have crowned our year with Your goodness that flourishes within our hearts, in our relationships, in our provisions, and it is evident throughout the universe. In a world that is filled with evil intent and short-sided vision we cling to Your goodness and seek the eternal perspective in all that we experience in this year of 2010. Spiritual blessings come from You in the midst of Satan's attacks and because of this essential truth we know that if You are for us, who can be against us! There is no formidable foe that cannot be conquered as the power of Your Holy Spirit enables us to remain faithful and ever growing in our devotion to You.
Remind us that as we share in Your sufferings we also share in Your glory. In all areas of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, and danger we are more than conquerors through You who loves us abundantly. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all of Your creation will be able to separate us from Your love that has been revealed to us through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice with our family of believers and with all of Your creation in the paths of abundance You lay out before us and walk hand in hand with us. Amen.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Compared to Perfection
Thought for the day
A man walks into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabby says, "Perfect timing. You're just like Frank."
Passenger: "Who?"
Cabby: "Frank Feldman. He's a guy who did everything right - all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time."
Passenger: "There are always a few clouds over everybody."
Cabby: "Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy."
Passenger: "Sounds like he was something really special."
Cabby: "There's more.......He had a memory like a computer. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right."
Passenger. "Wow, some guy then."
Cabby: "He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams, not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake."
Passenger. "Mmm, there's not many like him around."
Cabby: "And he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good and never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too - he was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman."
Passenger: "An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?"
Cabby: "Well, I never actually met Frank."
Passenger: "Then how do you know so much about him?"
Cabby: "I married his widow."
It's hard to live in the shadow of someone great. That's true not only in marriage, but in other areas as well. Those of you who are younger children may have constantly been compared to your older siblings ("Why can't you bring home good grades like your brother?!"). You may have this problem in the workplace if you have replaced someone who was a particularly good worker ("Bob didn't seem to have any trouble meeting his sales quota. Why do you?")
As Christians, we face a similar difficulty in that our goal is to follow after the example of Jesus Christ. The problem with our attempt to do that is that Jesus had no sin, and any comparison we make is going to fall far short! "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in his steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth.' " (I Peter 2:21-22)
There is a big difference, though, between Jesus and others whom we may seek to emulate. Christ not only set the standard for us, but he seeks to strengthen us as we resolve to follow his example. "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18). "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all..." (I Thess. 3:12).
Thanks be to God for not leaving us to feel helpless at our inability to "measure up", but rather strengthens us as we grow closer and closer to that perfect example.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the confidence that the things which as yet we only hope for really do exist. It is the conviction of the reality of the things which as yet are out of sight.
Exodus 15:26
and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
Luke 10:42
and yet only one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and she shall not be deprived of it."
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his descendants, but the sinner's hoard passes to the righteous.
Prayer
Father, we want to be your faithful follower as You fulfill Your purpose in our lives. The Psalmist traced Your hand to the secret place where all Your ordained plans were written for his life even before he drew his first breath. We too can trace Your hand in the origin of our birth right up to the present day in which we close out another year. You have ordained the trials, the victories, the losses, the gains and all the paths laid out for us even before we were conceived in our mother's womb. We trust You for the days ahead and new year that lies before us that You will supply needed wisdom and staying power for the challenges that are certain to come as they did for Moses, Daniel, Paul, for other believers throughout the centuries and for those in our present day. We will not fear or dread the future as we look ahead through eyes of faith. The victory is on the horizon because of the conquering power of our soon coming King! Amen.
A man walks into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabby says, "Perfect timing. You're just like Frank."
Passenger: "Who?"
Cabby: "Frank Feldman. He's a guy who did everything right - all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time."
Passenger: "There are always a few clouds over everybody."
Cabby: "Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy."
Passenger: "Sounds like he was something really special."
Cabby: "There's more.......He had a memory like a computer. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right."
Passenger. "Wow, some guy then."
Cabby: "He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams, not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake."
Passenger. "Mmm, there's not many like him around."
Cabby: "And he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good and never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too - he was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman."
Passenger: "An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?"
Cabby: "Well, I never actually met Frank."
Passenger: "Then how do you know so much about him?"
Cabby: "I married his widow."
It's hard to live in the shadow of someone great. That's true not only in marriage, but in other areas as well. Those of you who are younger children may have constantly been compared to your older siblings ("Why can't you bring home good grades like your brother?!"). You may have this problem in the workplace if you have replaced someone who was a particularly good worker ("Bob didn't seem to have any trouble meeting his sales quota. Why do you?")
As Christians, we face a similar difficulty in that our goal is to follow after the example of Jesus Christ. The problem with our attempt to do that is that Jesus had no sin, and any comparison we make is going to fall far short! "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in his steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth.' " (I Peter 2:21-22)
There is a big difference, though, between Jesus and others whom we may seek to emulate. Christ not only set the standard for us, but he seeks to strengthen us as we resolve to follow his example. "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18). "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all..." (I Thess. 3:12).
Thanks be to God for not leaving us to feel helpless at our inability to "measure up", but rather strengthens us as we grow closer and closer to that perfect example.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the confidence that the things which as yet we only hope for really do exist. It is the conviction of the reality of the things which as yet are out of sight.
Exodus 15:26
and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
Luke 10:42
and yet only one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and she shall not be deprived of it."
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his descendants, but the sinner's hoard passes to the righteous.
Prayer
Father, we want to be your faithful follower as You fulfill Your purpose in our lives. The Psalmist traced Your hand to the secret place where all Your ordained plans were written for his life even before he drew his first breath. We too can trace Your hand in the origin of our birth right up to the present day in which we close out another year. You have ordained the trials, the victories, the losses, the gains and all the paths laid out for us even before we were conceived in our mother's womb. We trust You for the days ahead and new year that lies before us that You will supply needed wisdom and staying power for the challenges that are certain to come as they did for Moses, Daniel, Paul, for other believers throughout the centuries and for those in our present day. We will not fear or dread the future as we look ahead through eyes of faith. The victory is on the horizon because of the conquering power of our soon coming King! Amen.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Are you a giant....or a Burden?
Thought for the day
After dinner, the children turned to Jacob and asked if he would tell them a story. "A story about what?" asked Jacob. "About a giant," squealed the children. Jacob smiled, leaned against the warm stones at the side of the fireplace, and his voice turned softly inward.
"Once there was a boy who asked his father to take him to see the great parade that passed through the village. The father, remembering the parade from when he was a boy, quickly agreed, and the next morning the boy and his father set out together. "As they approached the parade route, people started to push in from all sides, and the crowd grew thick. When the people along the way became almost a wall; the father lifted his son and placed him on his shoulders.
"Soon the parade began and as it passed, the boy kept telling his father how wonderful it was and how spectacular were the colors and images. The boy, in fact, grew so prideful of what he saw that he mocked those who saw less saying, even to his father, 'If only you could see what I see.'" "But," said Jacob staring straight in the faces of the children, "what the boy did not look at was why he could see. What the boy forgot was that once his father, too, could see.
"Then as if he had finished the story, Jacob stopped speaking. "Is that it?" said a disappointed girl. "We thought you were going to tell us a story about a giant." "But I did," said Jacob. "I told you a story about a boy who could have been a giant." "How?" squealed the children.
"A giant," said Jacob," is anyone who remembers we are all sitting on someone else's shoulders." "And what does it make us if we don't remember?" asked the boy. "A burden," answered Jacob. We all have been richly blessed by those who have gone before us. As a family member, I recognize that I have grandparents and parents who through much sacrifice and effort have given me the opportunity to do things that they couldn't even dream of doing. As a citizen of South Africa, I owe a great debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedoms I am able to enjoy. And as a Christian, I look back on so many others (both in recent years and in biblical times) who laid a foundation of faith that gives me the encouragement to draw closer to God myself.
I pray that I will never forget that I am sitting on someone else's shoulders." And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- of whom the world was not worthy..... Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb. 11:35b-38a;12:1)
Are you a giant......or a burden?
Verses
Matthew 8:13
And Jesus said to the Army Captain, "Go; the result shall be as you have believed it can be." And the man-servant recovered at that moment.
Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.
Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Colossians 4:2
Attend to your prayers, maintain your zest for prayer by thanksgiving;
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
Prayer
Father, we ascribe to You glory and honor and power and strength due Your name. We rejoice in our salvation made possible through the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem humankind from their wretched sin. For, at just the right time, while we were still powerless and dead in our sins, Jesus died for us. God, You demonstrated Your love for us, in that You credited righteousness to us through Christ's death, and justified us from sin. Your wondrous love is truly amazing and we can only respond by dedicating to You our soul, our life, our all! Amen.
After dinner, the children turned to Jacob and asked if he would tell them a story. "A story about what?" asked Jacob. "About a giant," squealed the children. Jacob smiled, leaned against the warm stones at the side of the fireplace, and his voice turned softly inward.
"Once there was a boy who asked his father to take him to see the great parade that passed through the village. The father, remembering the parade from when he was a boy, quickly agreed, and the next morning the boy and his father set out together. "As they approached the parade route, people started to push in from all sides, and the crowd grew thick. When the people along the way became almost a wall; the father lifted his son and placed him on his shoulders.
"Soon the parade began and as it passed, the boy kept telling his father how wonderful it was and how spectacular were the colors and images. The boy, in fact, grew so prideful of what he saw that he mocked those who saw less saying, even to his father, 'If only you could see what I see.'" "But," said Jacob staring straight in the faces of the children, "what the boy did not look at was why he could see. What the boy forgot was that once his father, too, could see.
"Then as if he had finished the story, Jacob stopped speaking. "Is that it?" said a disappointed girl. "We thought you were going to tell us a story about a giant." "But I did," said Jacob. "I told you a story about a boy who could have been a giant." "How?" squealed the children.
"A giant," said Jacob," is anyone who remembers we are all sitting on someone else's shoulders." "And what does it make us if we don't remember?" asked the boy. "A burden," answered Jacob. We all have been richly blessed by those who have gone before us. As a family member, I recognize that I have grandparents and parents who through much sacrifice and effort have given me the opportunity to do things that they couldn't even dream of doing. As a citizen of South Africa, I owe a great debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedoms I am able to enjoy. And as a Christian, I look back on so many others (both in recent years and in biblical times) who laid a foundation of faith that gives me the encouragement to draw closer to God myself.
I pray that I will never forget that I am sitting on someone else's shoulders." And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- of whom the world was not worthy..... Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb. 11:35b-38a;12:1)
Are you a giant......or a burden?
Verses
Matthew 8:13
And Jesus said to the Army Captain, "Go; the result shall be as you have believed it can be." And the man-servant recovered at that moment.
Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.
Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Colossians 4:2
Attend to your prayers, maintain your zest for prayer by thanksgiving;
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
Prayer
Father, we ascribe to You glory and honor and power and strength due Your name. We rejoice in our salvation made possible through the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem humankind from their wretched sin. For, at just the right time, while we were still powerless and dead in our sins, Jesus died for us. God, You demonstrated Your love for us, in that You credited righteousness to us through Christ's death, and justified us from sin. Your wondrous love is truly amazing and we can only respond by dedicating to You our soul, our life, our all! Amen.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
The seven ages of a marriage cold
Thought for the day
I first saw today's bit of humor a number of years ago in Bulletin Digest, which relayed an article that first appeared in Saturday Evening Post a number of years before that. It reveals a sequence of actions where a husband reacted to his wife's colds during seven years of marriage.
1st year cold: The husband said, "Sugar dumpling! I'm really worried about my baby girl! You've got a bad sniffle and there's no telling about these things with all the strep going around. I'm putting you in the hospital this afternoon for a general check-up and a good rest. I know the food is lousy there, so I'll be bringing you food from Tosini's. I've already got it all arranged with the floor superintendent."
2nd year cold: "Listen, darling! I don't like the sound of that cough! I've called Dr. Miller to rush over here. Now you go to bed like a good little girl just for Poppa."
3rd year cold: "Maybe you better lie down, Honey. Nothing like a little rest when you feel lousy. I'll bring you something. Do you have any canned soup?"
4th year cold: "Now look dear, be sensible! After you've fed the kids, washed the dishes and finished vacuuming, you'd better lie down."
5th year cold: "Why don't you take a couple of aspirin?"
6th year cold: "If you'd just gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a seal!"
7th year cold: "For Pete's sake, stop sneezing! Are you trying to give me pneumonia!?"
Things do change over the years, don't they? But they don't have to. May I encourage those of you who are married to do something special for your spouse today. Write a sweet note or buy a card. Pick up some flowers or a small gift (yes, I know, be prepared for a response like, "What did you do now, wreck the car?"). Just make a conscious effort not to take one another for granted.
Those of you who aren't married, sorry, I have no words of wisdom for you today. But, print this out and save it. Who knows when it may come in handy! :-)
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25)"...admonish the young women to love their husbands...." (Titus 2:4)
Verses
Mark 11:23
I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him.
Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
John 2
I pray, dear friend, that you are in good health and that all your condition is as good as is the condition of your soul.
Prayer
Father, You're a compassionate, all-powerful, on-time God. No need in our life is overlooked, overwhelming, or overly difficult for You to meet. You use the good, the bad, and the complex matters that we sort through daily to test our faith and grow our endurance. These challenges that are continually before us compel us to look to the Scriptures for spiritual understanding and sustaining power. I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation, in the midst of the wait. My heart seeks after You, my Lord and my God, for You have cared for me all the days of my life and You will continue to do so, for You promise to never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.
I first saw today's bit of humor a number of years ago in Bulletin Digest, which relayed an article that first appeared in Saturday Evening Post a number of years before that. It reveals a sequence of actions where a husband reacted to his wife's colds during seven years of marriage.
1st year cold: The husband said, "Sugar dumpling! I'm really worried about my baby girl! You've got a bad sniffle and there's no telling about these things with all the strep going around. I'm putting you in the hospital this afternoon for a general check-up and a good rest. I know the food is lousy there, so I'll be bringing you food from Tosini's. I've already got it all arranged with the floor superintendent."
2nd year cold: "Listen, darling! I don't like the sound of that cough! I've called Dr. Miller to rush over here. Now you go to bed like a good little girl just for Poppa."
3rd year cold: "Maybe you better lie down, Honey. Nothing like a little rest when you feel lousy. I'll bring you something. Do you have any canned soup?"
4th year cold: "Now look dear, be sensible! After you've fed the kids, washed the dishes and finished vacuuming, you'd better lie down."
5th year cold: "Why don't you take a couple of aspirin?"
6th year cold: "If you'd just gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a seal!"
7th year cold: "For Pete's sake, stop sneezing! Are you trying to give me pneumonia!?"
Things do change over the years, don't they? But they don't have to. May I encourage those of you who are married to do something special for your spouse today. Write a sweet note or buy a card. Pick up some flowers or a small gift (yes, I know, be prepared for a response like, "What did you do now, wreck the car?"). Just make a conscious effort not to take one another for granted.
Those of you who aren't married, sorry, I have no words of wisdom for you today. But, print this out and save it. Who knows when it may come in handy! :-)
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25)"...admonish the young women to love their husbands...." (Titus 2:4)
Verses
Mark 11:23
I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him.
Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
John 2
I pray, dear friend, that you are in good health and that all your condition is as good as is the condition of your soul.
Prayer
Father, You're a compassionate, all-powerful, on-time God. No need in our life is overlooked, overwhelming, or overly difficult for You to meet. You use the good, the bad, and the complex matters that we sort through daily to test our faith and grow our endurance. These challenges that are continually before us compel us to look to the Scriptures for spiritual understanding and sustaining power. I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation, in the midst of the wait. My heart seeks after You, my Lord and my God, for You have cared for me all the days of my life and You will continue to do so, for You promise to never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Error messages?
Thought for the day
The following are some suggested new error messages for Microsoft Windows:
1) Smash forehead on keyboard to continue.
2) Enter any 11-digit prime number to continue.
3) Press any key to continue or any other key to quit.
4) Press any key... no, no, no, NOT THAT ONE!
5) Close your eyes and press escape three times.
6) Bad command or file name! Go stand in the corner.
7) Keyboard not attached. Press F1 to continue.
8) CONGRESS.SYS corrupted... Re-boot Washington D.C? (Y/N)
9) Runtime Error 6D at 417A:32CF: Incompetent User.
10) Error reading FAT record: Try the SKINNY one? (Y/N)
11) WinErr 547: LPT1 not found. Use backup.....PENCIL & PAPER.
12) Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic.
Wouldn't it be nice if every time we made a mistake in real life, we received an "error message" telling us we did something wrong, along with instructions on how to correct it? And wouldn't it be nice to keep "backups" so if we did something stupid we could go back and put in the backup, continuing on as if nothing had ever gone wrong? And if things get really bad, wouldn't it be nice just to be able to "reboot" and completely start all over again from scratch?
In essence, God has given us a way to do just that. Part of the blessing of becoming a Christian is the ability to start afresh. Paul said of the Corinthians:
"Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (I Cor. 6:9b-11).
Thanks be to God for giving us all a way to "reboot" and start over.
Verses
Ephesians 6:11
In addition, arm yourselves with every spiritual weapon in God's arsenal, so that you may be able to encounter and survive the cunning assaults and stratagems of the devil.
1 Peter 2:24
The burden of our sins He Himself carried in His own body to the Cross and bore it there, so that we, having died so far as our sins are concerned, may live righteous lives. By His wounds yours have been healed.
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever it may be you pray for or ask for, believe that you will obtain it and you will have it.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But keep in mind the Lord your God: for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, so that he may give effect to the agreement which he made by his oath with your fathers, as at this day.
Prayer
Father, we recognize You as our Creator; therefore we do not reject You, but receive Your words of instruction, warning, assurance and affirmation. We not only want to give attention to Your teachings, but we want to observe and obey them as we live out our lives here on earth. Through the grace given to us by Your Spirit we can do so. Amen.
The following are some suggested new error messages for Microsoft Windows:
1) Smash forehead on keyboard to continue.
2) Enter any 11-digit prime number to continue.
3) Press any key to continue or any other key to quit.
4) Press any key... no, no, no, NOT THAT ONE!
5) Close your eyes and press escape three times.
6) Bad command or file name! Go stand in the corner.
7) Keyboard not attached. Press F1 to continue.
8) CONGRESS.SYS corrupted... Re-boot Washington D.C? (Y/N)
9) Runtime Error 6D at 417A:32CF: Incompetent User.
10) Error reading FAT record: Try the SKINNY one? (Y/N)
11) WinErr 547: LPT1 not found. Use backup.....PENCIL & PAPER.
12) Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic.
Wouldn't it be nice if every time we made a mistake in real life, we received an "error message" telling us we did something wrong, along with instructions on how to correct it? And wouldn't it be nice to keep "backups" so if we did something stupid we could go back and put in the backup, continuing on as if nothing had ever gone wrong? And if things get really bad, wouldn't it be nice just to be able to "reboot" and completely start all over again from scratch?
In essence, God has given us a way to do just that. Part of the blessing of becoming a Christian is the ability to start afresh. Paul said of the Corinthians:
"Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (I Cor. 6:9b-11).
Thanks be to God for giving us all a way to "reboot" and start over.
Verses
Ephesians 6:11
In addition, arm yourselves with every spiritual weapon in God's arsenal, so that you may be able to encounter and survive the cunning assaults and stratagems of the devil.
1 Peter 2:24
The burden of our sins He Himself carried in His own body to the Cross and bore it there, so that we, having died so far as our sins are concerned, may live righteous lives. By His wounds yours have been healed.
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever it may be you pray for or ask for, believe that you will obtain it and you will have it.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But keep in mind the Lord your God: for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, so that he may give effect to the agreement which he made by his oath with your fathers, as at this day.
Prayer
Father, we recognize You as our Creator; therefore we do not reject You, but receive Your words of instruction, warning, assurance and affirmation. We not only want to give attention to Your teachings, but we want to observe and obey them as we live out our lives here on earth. Through the grace given to us by Your Spirit we can do so. Amen.
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