Thought for the day
A freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26, 1997. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to the alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide." And for plenty of good reasons, since it can:
1. cause excessive sweating and vomiting
2. it is a major component in acid rain
3. it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
4. accidental inhalation can kill you
5. it contributes to erosion
6. it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
7. it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients
He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical dihydrogen monoxide. Forty-three said yes, six were undecided, and only one knew that the chemical was...WATER!!!
The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?" The conclusion is obvious.
Religion is another area where people have a tendency to be gullible. Extreme examples can be found in David Koresh's followers and the Heaven's Gate cult. But it can happen any time we believe someone without checking out God's Word to see if what is being taught is the truth. Faith does not mean blindly accepting whatever anyone (even a preacher) says.John warned,
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (I John 4:1).Use God's Word to discern between what is true and what is false. And if you feel like living dangerously today, pour yourself a big tall glass of dihydrogen monoxide.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
And Jesus answered them, "I solemnly say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt at all, you will not only do the sort of wonder done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Get up and throw yourself into the sea,' it will be done.
Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
John 15:7
"If you abide in Me and allow My words to govern your prayer life, you can ask for anything you want and have it,
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the LORD, you who are His holy ones, fear Him, and you will lack nothing. Young lions may be in need and go hungry, but those who go to the LORD for help have every good thing.
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 settings 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 honor You in all I say and do. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday prayer & verses (15 01 2010)
Thought for the day
ATTENTION CHILDREN:
The Bathroom Door is Closed. Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out.
Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it's been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.
Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.
Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door. Do not go running back to the phone yelling, "She's in the BATHROOM!"
Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.
Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.
Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.
If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.
And yes, I still love you. (signed)Mom
I know that every parent (and especially every mother) can relate to that. Sometimes it seems that there is no hope of any privacy. No matter where you go, little steps are heard right behind you. You try to hold a private conversation and little ears are listening. There's no getting away from it!
That's true of God as well. Though we may sometimes wish that we could get away from Him for just a few minutes, there's no way. Listen to how David put it:
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalm 139:7-8, NIV).
Though, at first, it may seem that God's continual presence is something to dread, David realizes that there is great comfort in such knowledge:
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."(Psalm 139:9, NIV). God's omnipresence means that He will always be there to take care of us, no matter where we may be. Instead of being something to fear, His presence is something which gives us comfort.
Take comfort today in knowing that you can never get away from God -- not even by closing the bathroom door!
Verses
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes, saying, "You have believed and so it shall be."
Exodus 23:26
No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.
For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
Matthew 18:18
"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when those aboard the ship in Acts 27 were looking at the gloomy forecast that appeared for many days their hopes diminished day by day. So often that’s what leads us to defeat; we fear the raging storm and the damage it will do, instead of looking for the Peacespeaker who controls the wind and waves. When we consider the scores of relief workers in Haiti we’re reminded that it is their duty to go beyond the dangerous ransacked rubble to search for life. They must expect the impossible in order to save lives where it would seem there could be no one alive. We trust You for the miraculous stories that will eventually be reported, reminding us that You are a God of the impossible, bringing hope in the midst of devastation, restoration in the midst of loss. We entrust every one of these workers to Your care and pray for their safety as well as those who are presently entrapped by the rubble. We pray that there will be Christian believers who will bring the life-saving message of Jesus Christ to the hearts of surviving Haitians so that their hope is not based on what they see, but in the hope we have through the Holy Spirit as we trust in You. Amen.
ATTENTION CHILDREN:
The Bathroom Door is Closed. Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out.
Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it's been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.
Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.
Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door. Do not go running back to the phone yelling, "She's in the BATHROOM!"
Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.
Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.
Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.
If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.
And yes, I still love you. (signed)Mom
I know that every parent (and especially every mother) can relate to that. Sometimes it seems that there is no hope of any privacy. No matter where you go, little steps are heard right behind you. You try to hold a private conversation and little ears are listening. There's no getting away from it!
That's true of God as well. Though we may sometimes wish that we could get away from Him for just a few minutes, there's no way. Listen to how David put it:
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalm 139:7-8, NIV).
Though, at first, it may seem that God's continual presence is something to dread, David realizes that there is great comfort in such knowledge:
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."(Psalm 139:9, NIV). God's omnipresence means that He will always be there to take care of us, no matter where we may be. Instead of being something to fear, His presence is something which gives us comfort.
Take comfort today in knowing that you can never get away from God -- not even by closing the bathroom door!
Verses
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes, saying, "You have believed and so it shall be."
Exodus 23:26
No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.
For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
Matthew 18:18
"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when those aboard the ship in Acts 27 were looking at the gloomy forecast that appeared for many days their hopes diminished day by day. So often that’s what leads us to defeat; we fear the raging storm and the damage it will do, instead of looking for the Peacespeaker who controls the wind and waves. When we consider the scores of relief workers in Haiti we’re reminded that it is their duty to go beyond the dangerous ransacked rubble to search for life. They must expect the impossible in order to save lives where it would seem there could be no one alive. We trust You for the miraculous stories that will eventually be reported, reminding us that You are a God of the impossible, bringing hope in the midst of devastation, restoration in the midst of loss. We entrust every one of these workers to Your care and pray for their safety as well as those who are presently entrapped by the rubble. We pray that there will be Christian believers who will bring the life-saving message of Jesus Christ to the hearts of surviving Haitians so that their hope is not based on what they see, but in the hope we have through the Holy Spirit as we trust in You. Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday prayer & verses (14 01 2010)
Thought for the day
In one episode from the comic strip "Peanuts", Lucy comes up to her brother, Linus, and tells him that she has "converted" someone in her class to her way of thinking religiously. Knowing his sister, Linus couldn't believe it.
"How did you do it?" he asked.
Lucy explained,
"I told him everything I believe and asked him if hebelieved it, too. When we came to something he didn't see my way, Ijust hit him over the head with my lunch box until he believed it!"
I've seen some instances of "lunch box evangelism", haven't you? It's not very effective. Unfortunately, there are times that the way we talk and the way we act make it difficult for us to share our faith with those around us.
Listen to these words of advice Peter gives to Christian women who are married to non-Christian husbands: "In the same way, you wives should yield to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not obey God's teaching, they will be persuaded to believe without anyone's saying a word to them. They will be persuaded by the way their wives live. Your husbands will see the pure lives you live with your respect for God." (I Peter 3:1-2, NCV).
Peter isn't saying that we shouldn't talk to people about the Christian life, but he is saying that it is more effective for others to see us actually living that life.
Know someone who needs to hear the gospel message? Put your lunch boxaway and be careful of the example that you set around them.
Verses
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would in that case say to this sycamine tree, Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.
Acts 5:16
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to journey in faith when the path is dimmed or obscured. When I can only see through a glass darkly, help me to trust You for what is yet to come. May I have a believing, obedient spirit even when I don’t fully understand Your plan. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are Your ways my ways. They are higher and wiser and are of divine origin, so help me to be mindful that You always know what’s best and will lead me according to Your will and Your timing. Amen.
In one episode from the comic strip "Peanuts", Lucy comes up to her brother, Linus, and tells him that she has "converted" someone in her class to her way of thinking religiously. Knowing his sister, Linus couldn't believe it.
"How did you do it?" he asked.
Lucy explained,
"I told him everything I believe and asked him if hebelieved it, too. When we came to something he didn't see my way, Ijust hit him over the head with my lunch box until he believed it!"
I've seen some instances of "lunch box evangelism", haven't you? It's not very effective. Unfortunately, there are times that the way we talk and the way we act make it difficult for us to share our faith with those around us.
Listen to these words of advice Peter gives to Christian women who are married to non-Christian husbands: "In the same way, you wives should yield to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not obey God's teaching, they will be persuaded to believe without anyone's saying a word to them. They will be persuaded by the way their wives live. Your husbands will see the pure lives you live with your respect for God." (I Peter 3:1-2, NCV).
Peter isn't saying that we shouldn't talk to people about the Christian life, but he is saying that it is more effective for others to see us actually living that life.
Know someone who needs to hear the gospel message? Put your lunch boxaway and be careful of the example that you set around them.
Verses
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would in that case say to this sycamine tree, Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.
Acts 5:16
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to journey in faith when the path is dimmed or obscured. When I can only see through a glass darkly, help me to trust You for what is yet to come. May I have a believing, obedient spirit even when I don’t fully understand Your plan. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are Your ways my ways. They are higher and wiser and are of divine origin, so help me to be mindful that You always know what’s best and will lead me according to Your will and Your timing. Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Wednesday prayer & verses (13 01 2010)
Thought for the day
This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left several years ago on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
"Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
"Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
"Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
"Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
"Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
"Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
"Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
"Need more signs to keep area pristine."
"The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
"Too many rocks in the mountains."
Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well!
Living in the mountains as I do, it's hard to imagine anyone complaining about God's creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork."Praise the LORD!....Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created....Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl....Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:1a,3-5,7-10,13)
Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
2 Corinthians 5:14
We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death.
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
Romans 5:17
If, by reason of one man's fall, death exercised dominion through that one man's agency, much more will those who receive the abundance of God's grace and His free gift of righteousness reign triumphantly in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we treasure the intercessory prayers of faithful believers when we undergo testing periods. Because we walk in the visible realm, we sometimes forget that Jesus is interceding on our behalf, faithfully presenting our needs to You in a place unseen by human eyes. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, realizing the eternal purpose in all that we deal with. Help us to trust You even when we don’t understand Your plan, knowing in our hearts, that You do all things well and for our eternal good. Help us to look beyond our immediate need to see the victorious faith and spiritual fruit You are developing in our lives as we remain faithful trusting You to work out that which concerns us. Amen.
This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left several years ago on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
"Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
"Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
"Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
"Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
"Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
"Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
"Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
"Need more signs to keep area pristine."
"The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
"Too many rocks in the mountains."
Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well!
Living in the mountains as I do, it's hard to imagine anyone complaining about God's creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork."Praise the LORD!....Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created....Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl....Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:1a,3-5,7-10,13)
Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
2 Corinthians 5:14
We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death.
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
Romans 5:17
If, by reason of one man's fall, death exercised dominion through that one man's agency, much more will those who receive the abundance of God's grace and His free gift of righteousness reign triumphantly in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we treasure the intercessory prayers of faithful believers when we undergo testing periods. Because we walk in the visible realm, we sometimes forget that Jesus is interceding on our behalf, faithfully presenting our needs to You in a place unseen by human eyes. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, realizing the eternal purpose in all that we deal with. Help us to trust You even when we don’t understand Your plan, knowing in our hearts, that You do all things well and for our eternal good. Help us to look beyond our immediate need to see the victorious faith and spiritual fruit You are developing in our lives as we remain faithful trusting You to work out that which concerns us. Amen.
Tuesday prayer & verses (12 01 2010)
Though for the day
Today's story (which is a bit longer than usual) can only be labeled as "bizarre". This is an edited version of a speech that was given in 1994 at an awards dinner for the American Association for Forensic Science.
While some sources refer to this as a "true story" by AAFS President Don Mills, other sources are I believe more accurate when they describe this as a "tall tale on complex forensics".
On March 23, 1994, a medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound of the head. Opus had jumped from the top of a ten-story building intending to commit suicide (he left a note indicating his despondency). He was unaware that a safety net had been set up at the eighth floor level to protect some window washers and his attempt to kill himself would not succeed. As he fell past the ninth floor, however, he was hit by a shotgun blast through a window, which killed him instantly.Suicide or homicide?
If Opus was going to die anyway, it would still be categorized as suicide. But the fact that his suicide attempt would not have been successful caused the medical examiner to believe it was homicide. The room on the ninth floor out of which the shotgun blast came was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing and he threatened her with the shotgun. He was so upset that, when he pulled the trigger, he completely missed his wife and the pellets went through the window striking Opus.
When one intends to kill subject A but kills subject B in the attempt, he is guilty of the murder of subject B. When confronted with this charge, the old man and his wife were both adamant that neither knew that the shotgun was loaded. The old man said it was his long-standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her - therefore, the killing of Opus appeared to be an accident.
The continuing investigation turned up a witness, though, who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun approximately six weeks prior to the fatal incident. It seems that the mother cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother. The case now became one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus.
However, further investigation revealed that the son had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led the son, Ronald Opus, to jump off a ten-story building on March 23, only to be killed by a shotgun blast through the ninth story window.
The medical examiner closed the case as a suicide.
So often we find that attempts to hurt others only hurt us in the end. For example, perhaps we refuse to forgive someone, thinking "I'll show them!", only to suffer the consequences of bitterness in our own lives.
But, the opposite is also true. Attempts to do good to others come back to benefit us in the end. Jesus said that how we treat others will determine how we ourselves are treated, often by men, and most certainly by God."Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:37-38)
May you do much good to others today, and may much good find its way back to you in return.
Verses
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has power over death and life, and those who love to talk will have to eat what they say.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
John 6:63
It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so they give life.
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
Romans 5:17
If, by reason of one man's fall, death exercised dominion through that one man's agency, much more will those who receive the abundance of God's grace and His free gift of righteousness reign triumphantly in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, as we consider the fertile fields and lush vegetation that are a result of Your faithfully sending moisture to the earth, we’re also reminded of the power of Your Word that does not return void. The Word also accomplishes great things as it breathes life and hope into those who apply its salvation message to their lives. It turns our losses into gains, our weakness into strength, our fear into courage and our wanderings into purpose-filled direction. Thank You for Your Holy Word that has completely changed my life. Amen.
Today's story (which is a bit longer than usual) can only be labeled as "bizarre". This is an edited version of a speech that was given in 1994 at an awards dinner for the American Association for Forensic Science.
While some sources refer to this as a "true story" by AAFS President Don Mills, other sources are I believe more accurate when they describe this as a "tall tale on complex forensics".
On March 23, 1994, a medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound of the head. Opus had jumped from the top of a ten-story building intending to commit suicide (he left a note indicating his despondency). He was unaware that a safety net had been set up at the eighth floor level to protect some window washers and his attempt to kill himself would not succeed. As he fell past the ninth floor, however, he was hit by a shotgun blast through a window, which killed him instantly.Suicide or homicide?
If Opus was going to die anyway, it would still be categorized as suicide. But the fact that his suicide attempt would not have been successful caused the medical examiner to believe it was homicide. The room on the ninth floor out of which the shotgun blast came was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing and he threatened her with the shotgun. He was so upset that, when he pulled the trigger, he completely missed his wife and the pellets went through the window striking Opus.
When one intends to kill subject A but kills subject B in the attempt, he is guilty of the murder of subject B. When confronted with this charge, the old man and his wife were both adamant that neither knew that the shotgun was loaded. The old man said it was his long-standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her - therefore, the killing of Opus appeared to be an accident.
The continuing investigation turned up a witness, though, who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun approximately six weeks prior to the fatal incident. It seems that the mother cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother. The case now became one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus.
However, further investigation revealed that the son had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led the son, Ronald Opus, to jump off a ten-story building on March 23, only to be killed by a shotgun blast through the ninth story window.
The medical examiner closed the case as a suicide.
So often we find that attempts to hurt others only hurt us in the end. For example, perhaps we refuse to forgive someone, thinking "I'll show them!", only to suffer the consequences of bitterness in our own lives.
But, the opposite is also true. Attempts to do good to others come back to benefit us in the end. Jesus said that how we treat others will determine how we ourselves are treated, often by men, and most certainly by God."Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:37-38)
May you do much good to others today, and may much good find its way back to you in return.
Verses
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has power over death and life, and those who love to talk will have to eat what they say.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
John 6:63
It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so they give life.
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
Romans 5:17
If, by reason of one man's fall, death exercised dominion through that one man's agency, much more will those who receive the abundance of God's grace and His free gift of righteousness reign triumphantly in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, as we consider the fertile fields and lush vegetation that are a result of Your faithfully sending moisture to the earth, we’re also reminded of the power of Your Word that does not return void. The Word also accomplishes great things as it breathes life and hope into those who apply its salvation message to their lives. It turns our losses into gains, our weakness into strength, our fear into courage and our wanderings into purpose-filled direction. Thank You for Your Holy Word that has completely changed my life. Amen.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Friday prayer & verses (08 01 2010)
Thought for the day
According to news reports, Lucky, a German shepherd guide-dog for the blind, has so far been responsible for the deaths of all four of his previous owners.``We will not have him put down. Lucky is basically a good guide dog,' Ernst Gerber, a dog trainer from Wuppertal, Germany told reporters. ``He just needs a little brush-up on some elementary skills, that's all.'``I admit it's not an impressive record on paper.
He led his first owner in front of a bus, and the second off the end of a pier. He actually pushed his third owner off a railway platform just as the Cologne to Frankfurt express was approaching and he walked his fourth owner into heavy traffic, before abandoning him and running away to safety. But, apart from epileptic fits, he has a lovely temperament. And guide dogs are difficult to train these days.'
Asked if Lucky's fifth owner would be told about his previous record, Gerber replied: ``No. It would make them nervous, and would make Lucky nervous. And when Lucky gets nervous he's liable to do something silly.'Jesus spoke about the "blind leading the blind." I think he would have been just as critical of the "dangerous leading the blind." Either way, the point is that we need to take a good look at who (or what) it is that is leading us. Who (or what) have you chosen to follow? The answer is important because many of our choices are just as deadly as trusting Lucky.
There is only one truly safe guide:"He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.....When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2,4,5)Father, today I seek to hear your voice. In a world full of voices that try to lead me down paths that would harm me spiritually, I trust only you. Thank you for your faithfulness that allows me to trust your leadership.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear it.
Colossians 4:2
Don't be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God's answers and remember to be thankful when they come.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the LORD, That delighteth greatly in His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house; And his merit endureth for ever.
Prayer
Father, as we consider the fertile fields and lush vegetation that are a result of Your faithfully sending moisture to the earth, we’re also reminded of the power of Your Word that does not return void. The Word also accomplishes great things as it breathes life and hope into those who apply its salvation message to their lives. It turns our losses into gains, our weakness into strength, our fear into courage and our wanderings into purpose-filled direction. Thank You for Your Holy Word that has completely changed my life. Amen.
According to news reports, Lucky, a German shepherd guide-dog for the blind, has so far been responsible for the deaths of all four of his previous owners.``We will not have him put down. Lucky is basically a good guide dog,' Ernst Gerber, a dog trainer from Wuppertal, Germany told reporters. ``He just needs a little brush-up on some elementary skills, that's all.'``I admit it's not an impressive record on paper.
He led his first owner in front of a bus, and the second off the end of a pier. He actually pushed his third owner off a railway platform just as the Cologne to Frankfurt express was approaching and he walked his fourth owner into heavy traffic, before abandoning him and running away to safety. But, apart from epileptic fits, he has a lovely temperament. And guide dogs are difficult to train these days.'
Asked if Lucky's fifth owner would be told about his previous record, Gerber replied: ``No. It would make them nervous, and would make Lucky nervous. And when Lucky gets nervous he's liable to do something silly.'Jesus spoke about the "blind leading the blind." I think he would have been just as critical of the "dangerous leading the blind." Either way, the point is that we need to take a good look at who (or what) it is that is leading us. Who (or what) have you chosen to follow? The answer is important because many of our choices are just as deadly as trusting Lucky.
There is only one truly safe guide:"He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.....When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2,4,5)Father, today I seek to hear your voice. In a world full of voices that try to lead me down paths that would harm me spiritually, I trust only you. Thank you for your faithfulness that allows me to trust your leadership.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear it.
Colossians 4:2
Don't be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God's answers and remember to be thankful when they come.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the LORD, That delighteth greatly in His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house; And his merit endureth for ever.
Prayer
Father, as we consider the fertile fields and lush vegetation that are a result of Your faithfully sending moisture to the earth, we’re also reminded of the power of Your Word that does not return void. The Word also accomplishes great things as it breathes life and hope into those who apply its salvation message to their lives. It turns our losses into gains, our weakness into strength, our fear into courage and our wanderings into purpose-filled direction. Thank You for Your Holy Word that has completely changed my life. Amen.
Thursday prayer & verses (07 01 2010)
Thought for the day
The Bible tells us that the way of a ship on the high seas is a wonder (Proverbs 30:19). Two sailing ships can be driven by the same wind and yet one will go east and the other will go west. This is determined by how the sail is set, not the direction of the wind. A ship can alter direction using the same wind by simply changing the setting of the sail.
Life is much like that. We all have goals, and we need to know how to set the sails in order to reach those goals. If the wind changes, the sail must be adjusted. Not paying attention to the changing winds can take us far off course. Our goals and ambitions in life require constant attention and the willingness to make adjustments when needed. Sailors do not regret or fight the wind; they rejoice in it and use it. That is what makes them excellent seamen.
Paying attention to the way we set our sails and how we read the wind will keep us on course.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Matthew 9:24
He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
Matthew 21:22
If you will only believe, every gift you ask for in your prayer will be granted.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Everyone must give whatever he has decided on, not reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer
Father, we live in an age similar to Daniel’s where people mock and ridicule the one and only true God of the universe. So many worship music gods, technology gods, beauty gods, media gods, body building gods, intellectual gods and countless others. They render You powerless, but we who have exchanged a life enslaved to sin for a life that is forgiven and wholly saved know that they have not had a personal encounter with a holy God. Only You can turn beauty into ashes, our weapons into plowshares, our selfishness into selflessness. Only You can take a meaningless life and establish purpose in our hearts. Only You can replace the fear in our hearts with an eternal hope. Because of Your infinite love and care for us I want to honor You in all that I do, for I love You with all my heart. Amen.
The Bible tells us that the way of a ship on the high seas is a wonder (Proverbs 30:19). Two sailing ships can be driven by the same wind and yet one will go east and the other will go west. This is determined by how the sail is set, not the direction of the wind. A ship can alter direction using the same wind by simply changing the setting of the sail.
Life is much like that. We all have goals, and we need to know how to set the sails in order to reach those goals. If the wind changes, the sail must be adjusted. Not paying attention to the changing winds can take us far off course. Our goals and ambitions in life require constant attention and the willingness to make adjustments when needed. Sailors do not regret or fight the wind; they rejoice in it and use it. That is what makes them excellent seamen.
Paying attention to the way we set our sails and how we read the wind will keep us on course.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Matthew 9:24
He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
Matthew 21:22
If you will only believe, every gift you ask for in your prayer will be granted.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Everyone must give whatever he has decided on, not reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer
Father, we live in an age similar to Daniel’s where people mock and ridicule the one and only true God of the universe. So many worship music gods, technology gods, beauty gods, media gods, body building gods, intellectual gods and countless others. They render You powerless, but we who have exchanged a life enslaved to sin for a life that is forgiven and wholly saved know that they have not had a personal encounter with a holy God. Only You can turn beauty into ashes, our weapons into plowshares, our selfishness into selflessness. Only You can take a meaningless life and establish purpose in our hearts. Only You can replace the fear in our hearts with an eternal hope. Because of Your infinite love and care for us I want to honor You in all that I do, for I love You with all my heart. Amen.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Thought for the day
The majestic eagle can teach us much about rising above the storms of life and preparing to soar.
Each of the birds God created is special, but to me the eagle is extraordinary. It possesses great beauty as well as tremendous strength and skill. The eagle is also highly respected by man. For Americans, this bird is the symbol of our country. Its image is engraved on our national seal.
And when we lay our eyes upon this creature we can't help but be amazed. Its flight is nothing short of dramatic. Each of these great birds seems to just glide on the air with movements that are more elegant than a waltz.
But is there something we can learn from this majestic creature?
Eagles in a Storm
Did you know that an eagle can detect when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? It will actually fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.
Isn't that remarkable? While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above. It does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. What an extra-ordinary way to deal with adversity!
There is a wonderful lesson for God's children to learn from the way an eagle approaches a storm. When the storms of life come upon us, we, too, can rise above them by setting our minds and our hearts toward God. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.
Furthermore, the storms (or trials) of life can actually help us in our walk of faith. This is because they build something in us that will be a part of our lives forever. Notice what Paul wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
We can use adversity for gain. We need to learn from trials—to grow from the experience and be made better (James 1:2-3). Sometimes we should "escape" trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes we should "flee" (Matthew 10:23). And at other times, trials are to be confronted and endured (2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 12:7). We must face the things that challenge us and grow in virtue because of them.
God is looking for over comers. And He has a wonderful promise for them. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21).
An Eagle's Story
Faith in the Night Seasons by Chuck and Nancy Missler begins with a story about a wounded eaglet that was rescued by a kind farmer. He found the bird in one of his fields and so took him home, tended to his wounds and then placed him outside in the barnyard to recover.
Strangely enough, the young eaglet soon adapted to the habits of all the barnyard chickens. He learned to walk and cluck like them. He learned to drink from a trough and peck the dirt for food, and for many years he resigned himself to this new life on the ground.
But then one day, one of the farmer's friends spotted the eagle and asked, "Why in the world is that bird acting like a chicken?" The farmer explained what had happened. Even so, the man could hardly accept the situation.
"It's just not right," said the friend. "The Creator made that bird to soar in the heavens, not scavenge in the barnyard!" So he picked up the unsuspecting eagle, climbed onto a nearby fence post, and tossed him into the air. But the confused bird just fell back to earth and searched for his feathered friends.
Undaunted, the man then grabbed the eagle and climbed to the top of the barn. As he heaved him off the roof, the bird made a few halfhearted squawks and flaps before falling into a bale of hay. After shaking his head a few times, the eagle then made himself comfortable and began mindlessly pecking at straw.
The friend went home that night dejected, and could barely sleep as he remembered the sight of those powerful talons caked with barnyard mud. He couldn't bear the thought, so the very next day, he headed back to the farm for another try. This time he carried the eagle to the top of a nearby mountain where the sky unfolded in a limitless horizon.
He looked into the eagle's eyes and cried out, "Don't you understand? You weren't made to live like a chicken! Why would you want to stay down here when you were born for the sky?" As the man held the confused bird, he made sure the eagle was facing into the brilliant light of the setting sun. Then he powerfully heaved the bird into the sky, and this time the eagle opened his wings, looked at the sun, caught the updraft rising from the valley, and disappeared into the clouds of heaven.
God's children were born to fly. They were created by a loving God to soar. He has called them to live in the heights, yet too many have huddled together in the barnyard and become content and comfortable with crumbs.
Helen Keller once said, "One can never consent to creep when he feels an impulse to soar." God's people need to cultivate and exercise that impulse. If we do, we will one day soar like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). UN
Verses
Romans 10:17
So then, faith must be the consequence of hearing the message, and the message comes through the word which tells of Christ and which was sent by him.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Matthew 9:38
"Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Matthew 7:11
If therefore you, who are corrupt, know how to bestow benefits upon your children, how much rather will your Father Who is in heaven give benefits to those who ask Him!
Prayer
Jesus, You have shown us the greatest example of loyalty when Peter denied You at the critical hour prior to Your crucifixion. It is so encouraging to know that Peter was forgiven, reinstated, and entrusted to be a great messenger of the Gospel. Enable us, through following Your example and by the power of Your Spirit, to be forgiving, loyal, and dependable in the midst of difficult circumstances. Help us to do unto others as we would have them do to us.
The majestic eagle can teach us much about rising above the storms of life and preparing to soar.
Each of the birds God created is special, but to me the eagle is extraordinary. It possesses great beauty as well as tremendous strength and skill. The eagle is also highly respected by man. For Americans, this bird is the symbol of our country. Its image is engraved on our national seal.
And when we lay our eyes upon this creature we can't help but be amazed. Its flight is nothing short of dramatic. Each of these great birds seems to just glide on the air with movements that are more elegant than a waltz.
But is there something we can learn from this majestic creature?
Eagles in a Storm
Did you know that an eagle can detect when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? It will actually fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.
Isn't that remarkable? While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above. It does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. What an extra-ordinary way to deal with adversity!
There is a wonderful lesson for God's children to learn from the way an eagle approaches a storm. When the storms of life come upon us, we, too, can rise above them by setting our minds and our hearts toward God. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.
Furthermore, the storms (or trials) of life can actually help us in our walk of faith. This is because they build something in us that will be a part of our lives forever. Notice what Paul wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
We can use adversity for gain. We need to learn from trials—to grow from the experience and be made better (James 1:2-3). Sometimes we should "escape" trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes we should "flee" (Matthew 10:23). And at other times, trials are to be confronted and endured (2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 12:7). We must face the things that challenge us and grow in virtue because of them.
God is looking for over comers. And He has a wonderful promise for them. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21).
An Eagle's Story
Faith in the Night Seasons by Chuck and Nancy Missler begins with a story about a wounded eaglet that was rescued by a kind farmer. He found the bird in one of his fields and so took him home, tended to his wounds and then placed him outside in the barnyard to recover.
Strangely enough, the young eaglet soon adapted to the habits of all the barnyard chickens. He learned to walk and cluck like them. He learned to drink from a trough and peck the dirt for food, and for many years he resigned himself to this new life on the ground.
But then one day, one of the farmer's friends spotted the eagle and asked, "Why in the world is that bird acting like a chicken?" The farmer explained what had happened. Even so, the man could hardly accept the situation.
"It's just not right," said the friend. "The Creator made that bird to soar in the heavens, not scavenge in the barnyard!" So he picked up the unsuspecting eagle, climbed onto a nearby fence post, and tossed him into the air. But the confused bird just fell back to earth and searched for his feathered friends.
Undaunted, the man then grabbed the eagle and climbed to the top of the barn. As he heaved him off the roof, the bird made a few halfhearted squawks and flaps before falling into a bale of hay. After shaking his head a few times, the eagle then made himself comfortable and began mindlessly pecking at straw.
The friend went home that night dejected, and could barely sleep as he remembered the sight of those powerful talons caked with barnyard mud. He couldn't bear the thought, so the very next day, he headed back to the farm for another try. This time he carried the eagle to the top of a nearby mountain where the sky unfolded in a limitless horizon.
He looked into the eagle's eyes and cried out, "Don't you understand? You weren't made to live like a chicken! Why would you want to stay down here when you were born for the sky?" As the man held the confused bird, he made sure the eagle was facing into the brilliant light of the setting sun. Then he powerfully heaved the bird into the sky, and this time the eagle opened his wings, looked at the sun, caught the updraft rising from the valley, and disappeared into the clouds of heaven.
God's children were born to fly. They were created by a loving God to soar. He has called them to live in the heights, yet too many have huddled together in the barnyard and become content and comfortable with crumbs.
Helen Keller once said, "One can never consent to creep when he feels an impulse to soar." God's people need to cultivate and exercise that impulse. If we do, we will one day soar like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). UN
Verses
Romans 10:17
So then, faith must be the consequence of hearing the message, and the message comes through the word which tells of Christ and which was sent by him.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Matthew 9:38
"Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Matthew 7:11
If therefore you, who are corrupt, know how to bestow benefits upon your children, how much rather will your Father Who is in heaven give benefits to those who ask Him!
Prayer
Jesus, You have shown us the greatest example of loyalty when Peter denied You at the critical hour prior to Your crucifixion. It is so encouraging to know that Peter was forgiven, reinstated, and entrusted to be a great messenger of the Gospel. Enable us, through following Your example and by the power of Your Spirit, to be forgiving, loyal, and dependable in the midst of difficult circumstances. Help us to do unto others as we would have them do to us.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Tuesday prayer & verses (05 01 2010)
Thought for the day
A couple from Bakersfield, California purchased a new boat, but they were having serious problems. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get the boat going. It was sluggish no matter which way they turned or how much power was applied. After an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, hoping someone could tell them what was wrong. A thorough check on the topside of the boat revealed everything was in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. Then, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking with laughter. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
How often have we been guilty of the same thing? We sputter along in our spiritual lives, wondering why we're not making much progress, wondering why we don't feel any closer to God than we do. We take a spiritual check of the situation and find that we're attending worship regularly, we're reading our Bibles, we're praying. On the surface, everything appears to be what it ought to be. But beneath the surface lurks some sin that we have allowed to latch hold of our lives. And there it lies, unforgiven, maybe even unrecognized, dragging us down.
Though the Hebrew writer used the image of a runner as opposed that that of a boat, the concept is exactly the same: "...
(L)et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1).
If your spiritual life is sputtering along, perhaps you would do well to look for sin that lies beneath the surface. Throw off everything that hinders you, and you'll find that things will run a lot more smoothly.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.
2 Kings 20:5
"Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ overwhelms us when we consider that if one man died for all, then all have died;
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray unceasingly.
Proverbs 22:4
Humility and fearing the LORD are rewarded with riches, honor, and life.
Prayer
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20,21).
A couple from Bakersfield, California purchased a new boat, but they were having serious problems. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get the boat going. It was sluggish no matter which way they turned or how much power was applied. After an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, hoping someone could tell them what was wrong. A thorough check on the topside of the boat revealed everything was in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. Then, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking with laughter. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
How often have we been guilty of the same thing? We sputter along in our spiritual lives, wondering why we're not making much progress, wondering why we don't feel any closer to God than we do. We take a spiritual check of the situation and find that we're attending worship regularly, we're reading our Bibles, we're praying. On the surface, everything appears to be what it ought to be. But beneath the surface lurks some sin that we have allowed to latch hold of our lives. And there it lies, unforgiven, maybe even unrecognized, dragging us down.
Though the Hebrew writer used the image of a runner as opposed that that of a boat, the concept is exactly the same: "...
(L)et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1).
If your spiritual life is sputtering along, perhaps you would do well to look for sin that lies beneath the surface. Throw off everything that hinders you, and you'll find that things will run a lot more smoothly.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.
2 Kings 20:5
"Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ overwhelms us when we consider that if one man died for all, then all have died;
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray unceasingly.
Proverbs 22:4
Humility and fearing the LORD are rewarded with riches, honor, and life.
Prayer
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20,21).
Monday, January 04, 2010
Monday prayer & verses (04 01 2010)
Thought for the day
I was fascinated by a story in the news a while back. The story came out of Sydney, Australia where police suggest "a bicycle enthusiast became a little obsessed with his hobby later in life after discovering 435 bikes in his house after his death...It took police seven days to remove the bikes along with hundreds of frames, wheels and other parts from [his] house."
The article reports that it was a 3-bedroom house stacked to the rafters with bicycles that the man had collected over the years. Some bicycles were bought, some were traded, and police believe many of the bicycles were stolen.
Wow! I can't begin to imagine what's it's like to live in a house filled with that many bicycles. I think the police were being kind when they described the man as being "a little obsessed." I'd say it was more than a little. It's easy to see what the focus of that man's life was. And while we would be quick to say that he was ridiculous for placing so much emphasis on bicycles, is he really any different from those of us who put other material things at the center of our lives?
Jesus talked about a man who was so obsessed with his "stuff" that he had to tear down his barns and build bigger barns to keep it in (Luke 12:13-21). Let me assure you - if the focus of your life isn't "serving God", then it really doesn't matter what your focus is. Whether it's bicycles, jewelry or a vacation home at the beach or the mountains, it's all just "clutter" that one day will be worthless.
Oh, there's one more thing about the news article that intrigued me. I mentioned the man's death, but I failed to tell you how he died. He died after hitting his head after falling off a bicycle! How ironic (but not all that unusual) that his obsession resulted in the hastening of his death. Some obsessions result in death, and whenever (or however) death comes, it means the loss of everything. Only one obsession results in life.
May we all be able to say with Paul, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21)What are you obsessed with?
Verses
Galatians 6:9
Let us not get tired doing good. We will harvest at the right time if we do not drop out.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "You must obey the Lord, your God. You must do what the Lord said is right. You must obey all his laws and keep his rules. If you do these things, I will not give you any of the sicknesses I gave the Egyptians. I am the Lord. I am the Lord who heals you."
1 John 4:4
My dear children, you belong to God. So you have defeated them because God's Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.
1 Kings 8:54
And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, that he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
Psalm 34:9-10
Keep yourselves in the fear of the Lord, all you his saints; for those who do so will have no need of anything. The young lions are in need and have no food; but those who are looking to the Lord will have every good thing.
Prayer
Father, help us to keep a Biblical perspective as we consider the brief duration of our life on this earth in light of eternity. Our lives are not meaningless nor are they insignificant for we acknowledge that You have brought purpose to our lives. It will take us a lifetime on this earth to fully experience and understand Your purpose, but we do seek to trust and obey You so that we know Your plan and so that we honor You. Amen.
I was fascinated by a story in the news a while back. The story came out of Sydney, Australia where police suggest "a bicycle enthusiast became a little obsessed with his hobby later in life after discovering 435 bikes in his house after his death...It took police seven days to remove the bikes along with hundreds of frames, wheels and other parts from [his] house."
The article reports that it was a 3-bedroom house stacked to the rafters with bicycles that the man had collected over the years. Some bicycles were bought, some were traded, and police believe many of the bicycles were stolen.
Wow! I can't begin to imagine what's it's like to live in a house filled with that many bicycles. I think the police were being kind when they described the man as being "a little obsessed." I'd say it was more than a little. It's easy to see what the focus of that man's life was. And while we would be quick to say that he was ridiculous for placing so much emphasis on bicycles, is he really any different from those of us who put other material things at the center of our lives?
Jesus talked about a man who was so obsessed with his "stuff" that he had to tear down his barns and build bigger barns to keep it in (Luke 12:13-21). Let me assure you - if the focus of your life isn't "serving God", then it really doesn't matter what your focus is. Whether it's bicycles, jewelry or a vacation home at the beach or the mountains, it's all just "clutter" that one day will be worthless.
Oh, there's one more thing about the news article that intrigued me. I mentioned the man's death, but I failed to tell you how he died. He died after hitting his head after falling off a bicycle! How ironic (but not all that unusual) that his obsession resulted in the hastening of his death. Some obsessions result in death, and whenever (or however) death comes, it means the loss of everything. Only one obsession results in life.
May we all be able to say with Paul, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21)What are you obsessed with?
Verses
Galatians 6:9
Let us not get tired doing good. We will harvest at the right time if we do not drop out.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "You must obey the Lord, your God. You must do what the Lord said is right. You must obey all his laws and keep his rules. If you do these things, I will not give you any of the sicknesses I gave the Egyptians. I am the Lord. I am the Lord who heals you."
1 John 4:4
My dear children, you belong to God. So you have defeated them because God's Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.
1 Kings 8:54
And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, that he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
Psalm 34:9-10
Keep yourselves in the fear of the Lord, all you his saints; for those who do so will have no need of anything. The young lions are in need and have no food; but those who are looking to the Lord will have every good thing.
Prayer
Father, help us to keep a Biblical perspective as we consider the brief duration of our life on this earth in light of eternity. Our lives are not meaningless nor are they insignificant for we acknowledge that You have brought purpose to our lives. It will take us a lifetime on this earth to fully experience and understand Your purpose, but we do seek to trust and obey You so that we know Your plan and so that we honor You. Amen.
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