Thought for the day
Judith Viorst once wrote an essay based on interviews she had with children. The subject was "What's a good mother like?"
Viorst reports that the children expected their mother to get angry from time to time. "She has to," said Ted, "or she'll faint from holding it in."
"But it's best to remember," said Randy, "that when your mother starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder if you giggle."
"My mommy got so mad," said Megan, "that she yanked the plate off the table and all the mashed potatoes flew into the air."
"And why," Viorst asked, pretending she'd never heard of such shocking behavior, "why would a mother do a thing like that?"
"Well," said Megan, "she told my older brother, Mike, he's 11 years old, to eat the potatoes on his plate and he said 'Later.' And then she told him again to eat the potatoes and Mike said 'Soon.' And then she told him he had better eat those potatoes right now and he said, 'In a minute.' And then she stood up and Mike finally took a bite and told her, 'How can I eat them? They're cold!'"
It truly is not easy being a Mom! But how blessed we were to have our mothers. In this country, we will honor our mothers on Sunday, and I think it’s certainly appropriate. Paul said we as Christians are to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and I can’t think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers. I hope that you will honor in a special way those mothers who are like Hannah.
In I Samuel 1, we have recorded the birth of Samuel. Before he was born, Hannah prayed a vow to God. She said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11)
The Lord heard her petition and she was blessed with the birth of Samuel. Hannah didn’t forget her vow to the Lord. She took her son Samuel to be trained at the feet of Eli, the priest of God. From a very young age, Hannah made sure that her son was preparing to serve the Lord.
I heard about a preacher a number of years ago who came home after preaching a gospel meeting, and he was asked how it went. Rather discouraged, he said that he had only baptized one young girl who was about 12 or 13 years old -- all in all, comparatively speaking, not a very successful meeting. But, after that girl grew up, she married and became the mother of five sons who became gospel preachers. What a great impact that young lady ended up having in the world!
I know that mothers -- especially mothers of young children -- sometimes get discouraged because they wonder if they’re really accomplishing anything. Let me assure you that if you are instilling within your children a love for God and His Word, you’re accomplishing something. It may be years down the road before you see the results, but you’re having an impact. You’re making a difference.
Give honor this weekend to your own mother -- and to those mothers around you -- who, like Hannah, have vowed to give their children over to God.
Verses
Romans 8:37
No, in all these circumstances we may live triumphantly through Christ's love.
Isaiah 53:4
But it was our pain he took, and our diseases were put on him: while to us he seemed as one diseased, on whom God's punishment had come.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Colossians 4:2
You must never grow discouraged in prayer, and, when you pray, you must be unwearied in thanksgiving.
1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Make the most of your time
Thought for the day
Zig Ziglar, well-known motivational speaker, tells the story about a thief who was robbed. The incident took place back in 1887 in a small neighborhood grocery store when a middle-aged gentleman, Emanuel Nenger, gave the assistant a $20 note to pay for the turnip greens he was purchasing. When the assistant placed the note in the cash drawer she noticed that some of the ink from the $20 came off on her hands which were wet from wrapping the turnip greens.
She'd known Mr. Nenger for years and was shocked. She pondered, "Is this man giving me a counterfeit $20 note?" She dismissed the thought immediately and gave him his change. But $20 was a lot of money in those days so she notified the police who, after procuring a search warrant, went to Emanuel Nenger's home where they found in his attic the tools he was using to reproduce the counterfeit $20 notes. They found an artist's easel, paint brushes, and paints which Nenger was using to meticulously paint the counterfeit money. He was a master artist.
The police also found three portraits that Nenger had painted - paintings that sold at public auction for a little over $16,000!
The irony was that it took him almost as much time to paint a $20 note as it did to paint those portraits which sold for more than $5,000 each.
We are shocked that someone would waste their time doing something so foolish when he had the opportunity to do something so valuable. But we're all guilty of the same thing, aren't we? Think for a moment about how you spent your time yesterday, or last week. Think of the hours wasted dong things that were unimportant (or maybe even destructive) -- time which could have been spent developing your relationship with God and helping others.
We have each been given a gift by God of 1,440 minutes every day. In terms of time, no one is any richer than anyone else, for we all get exactly the same amount. And, like the manna of the Hebrews in the wilderness, none of those minutes can be stored up and used the next day. They must (and will) be used on the day they were given. But how we use those minutes is our choice. Choose wisely.
"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we profess, for he who has given us his promise may be trusted.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Proverbs 28:25
Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity.
Prayer
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
Zig Ziglar, well-known motivational speaker, tells the story about a thief who was robbed. The incident took place back in 1887 in a small neighborhood grocery store when a middle-aged gentleman, Emanuel Nenger, gave the assistant a $20 note to pay for the turnip greens he was purchasing. When the assistant placed the note in the cash drawer she noticed that some of the ink from the $20 came off on her hands which were wet from wrapping the turnip greens.
She'd known Mr. Nenger for years and was shocked. She pondered, "Is this man giving me a counterfeit $20 note?" She dismissed the thought immediately and gave him his change. But $20 was a lot of money in those days so she notified the police who, after procuring a search warrant, went to Emanuel Nenger's home where they found in his attic the tools he was using to reproduce the counterfeit $20 notes. They found an artist's easel, paint brushes, and paints which Nenger was using to meticulously paint the counterfeit money. He was a master artist.
The police also found three portraits that Nenger had painted - paintings that sold at public auction for a little over $16,000!
The irony was that it took him almost as much time to paint a $20 note as it did to paint those portraits which sold for more than $5,000 each.
We are shocked that someone would waste their time doing something so foolish when he had the opportunity to do something so valuable. But we're all guilty of the same thing, aren't we? Think for a moment about how you spent your time yesterday, or last week. Think of the hours wasted dong things that were unimportant (or maybe even destructive) -- time which could have been spent developing your relationship with God and helping others.
We have each been given a gift by God of 1,440 minutes every day. In terms of time, no one is any richer than anyone else, for we all get exactly the same amount. And, like the manna of the Hebrews in the wilderness, none of those minutes can be stored up and used the next day. They must (and will) be used on the day they were given. But how we use those minutes is our choice. Choose wisely.
"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we profess, for he who has given us his promise may be trusted.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Proverbs 28:25
Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity.
Prayer
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Repainting the lines.
Thought for the day
The following news story came out of Tel Aviv on June 23:
"Tel Aviv - An Israeli woman who was caught by a police officer crossing a straight white line on a road in northern Israel, found a creative way to avoid a fine and plead innocent at a future court hearing, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported on Thursday.
"Two hours after she was caught on Wednesday morning, the 45-year-old woman sent a friend to the spot, who began painting black gaps in the line on the middle of the road.
"Unfortunately for the woman and her friend, the officer was still on undercover duty at the same location and arrested the suspect."
There is the temptation when we are discovered with sin in our lives to try to "re-write" the scriptures so as to be found innocent. That's why some people say that "the Bible doesn't teach that homosexuality is a sin" or "God could never condemn us. He's a God of love and mercy."
I actually knew someone who believed that baptism had nothing to do with salvation because he had taken a pair of scissors and cut out the passages which stated that!
But just as repainting lines doesn't change the offense, turning the dial on a set of scales doesn't change our weight problem, and breaking a mirror doesn't remove any dirt that may be on our faces, so removing (or ignoring) scriptures doesn't change what God thinks on a matter.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
Verses
Hebrews 10:38
But the righteous one shall live as a result of faith; and if he shall shrink back, my soul takes no pleasure in him.
Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Romans 12:2
Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God's good, acceptable to him and perfect.
James 1:4
And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Prayer
Father, as we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen.
The following news story came out of Tel Aviv on June 23:
"Tel Aviv - An Israeli woman who was caught by a police officer crossing a straight white line on a road in northern Israel, found a creative way to avoid a fine and plead innocent at a future court hearing, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported on Thursday.
"Two hours after she was caught on Wednesday morning, the 45-year-old woman sent a friend to the spot, who began painting black gaps in the line on the middle of the road.
"Unfortunately for the woman and her friend, the officer was still on undercover duty at the same location and arrested the suspect."
There is the temptation when we are discovered with sin in our lives to try to "re-write" the scriptures so as to be found innocent. That's why some people say that "the Bible doesn't teach that homosexuality is a sin" or "God could never condemn us. He's a God of love and mercy."
I actually knew someone who believed that baptism had nothing to do with salvation because he had taken a pair of scissors and cut out the passages which stated that!
But just as repainting lines doesn't change the offense, turning the dial on a set of scales doesn't change our weight problem, and breaking a mirror doesn't remove any dirt that may be on our faces, so removing (or ignoring) scriptures doesn't change what God thinks on a matter.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
Verses
Hebrews 10:38
But the righteous one shall live as a result of faith; and if he shall shrink back, my soul takes no pleasure in him.
Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Romans 12:2
Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God's good, acceptable to him and perfect.
James 1:4
And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Prayer
Father, as we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Missed Opportunities
Thought for the day
The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10).
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Romans 8:28
and we know that for those who love God and have been called in accordance with his purpose, the Spirit makes everything work harmoniously for good.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
John 14:24
He that does not love me neglects my words. Yet the word you hear is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, And I will tell you wondrous things, Secrets you have not known.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you more than you need of every divine gift, so that in every situation you will always have everything you need, and enough left over for every good work,
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 story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10).
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Romans 8:28
and we know that for those who love God and have been called in accordance with his purpose, the Spirit makes everything work harmoniously for good.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
John 14:24
He that does not love me neglects my words. Yet the word you hear is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, And I will tell you wondrous things, Secrets you have not known.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you more than you need of every divine gift, so that in every situation you will always have everything you need, and enough left over for every good work,
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.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
The power of prayers
Thought for the day
One of Erma Bombeck's favorite Jewish grandmother stories involves a grandmother who took her grandson to the beach. She put a sun hat on him and then dozed off to sleep as the little boy played with his bucket and shovel in the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came in and dragged the child out to sea. The grandmother woke and was devastated. She fell to her knees and prayed, "God, if you'll save my grandson, I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll join whatever club you want me to. I'll volunteer at the hospital, give to the poor and do anything that makes you happy."
Suddenly, another huge wave came in and tossed her grandson on the beach at her feet. She noticed there was color in his cheeks and his eyes were bright. He was alive!
As she stood up, however, she seemed to be upset. She put her hands on her hips, looked skyward, and said sharply, "He had a hat, you know."
Though we may not always get everything we want when we pray, the Bible teaches a great deal about the power of prayer. Prayer truly makes a difference. As James said, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16).
We see it happen time and again in the scriptures. Abraham's servant prayed and Rebekah appeared. Hannah prayed and Samuel was born. Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed, and 185,000 Assyrians were slain. After three years of drought, Elijah prayed again and rain came. The church in Jerusalem prayed and Peter was released from prison. That's just a small sampling of answered prayer in the Bible.
We've seen it happen in our own lives as well. We do not receive everything we ask for (even the apostle Paul didn't), but we have seen God's answers time and again -- for sickness to be healed, for safety through difficult times, for the wisdom to make right decisions, for needs to be provided.
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14)
Praise be to God -- our Heavenly Father -- who is willing to hear us and cares enough about us to answer our prayers. Most of us have been more than willing over the years to carry our burdens to God and tell Him what we want. May I suggest that you take some time today to give God your thanks for the many times He has heard and answered.
Verses
Psalm 89:34
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:7
If you stay with me, and my sayings stay in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Romans 8:32
He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
Prayer
Father, we are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts. Amen.
One of Erma Bombeck's favorite Jewish grandmother stories involves a grandmother who took her grandson to the beach. She put a sun hat on him and then dozed off to sleep as the little boy played with his bucket and shovel in the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came in and dragged the child out to sea. The grandmother woke and was devastated. She fell to her knees and prayed, "God, if you'll save my grandson, I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll join whatever club you want me to. I'll volunteer at the hospital, give to the poor and do anything that makes you happy."
Suddenly, another huge wave came in and tossed her grandson on the beach at her feet. She noticed there was color in his cheeks and his eyes were bright. He was alive!
As she stood up, however, she seemed to be upset. She put her hands on her hips, looked skyward, and said sharply, "He had a hat, you know."
Though we may not always get everything we want when we pray, the Bible teaches a great deal about the power of prayer. Prayer truly makes a difference. As James said, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16).
We see it happen time and again in the scriptures. Abraham's servant prayed and Rebekah appeared. Hannah prayed and Samuel was born. Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed, and 185,000 Assyrians were slain. After three years of drought, Elijah prayed again and rain came. The church in Jerusalem prayed and Peter was released from prison. That's just a small sampling of answered prayer in the Bible.
We've seen it happen in our own lives as well. We do not receive everything we ask for (even the apostle Paul didn't), but we have seen God's answers time and again -- for sickness to be healed, for safety through difficult times, for the wisdom to make right decisions, for needs to be provided.
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14)
Praise be to God -- our Heavenly Father -- who is willing to hear us and cares enough about us to answer our prayers. Most of us have been more than willing over the years to carry our burdens to God and tell Him what we want. May I suggest that you take some time today to give God your thanks for the many times He has heard and answered.
Verses
Psalm 89:34
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:7
If you stay with me, and my sayings stay in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Romans 8:32
He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
Prayer
Father, we are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts. Amen.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The evil eye.
Thought for the day
English professors love to catch the errors students make in their term papers, and they love nothing better than to catch mixed metaphors. The "friends and survivors" of Calvin College English department collected this list of mixed metaphors and posted them on their web site:
"He swept the rug under the carpet."
"She's burning the midnight oil at both ends."
"It was so cold last night I had to throw another blanket on the fire."
"It's time to step up to the plate and cut the mustard."
"She's robbing Peter to pay the piper."
"He's up a tree without a paddle."
"Beware my friend...you are skating on hot water."
"Keep your ear to the grindstone."
"Sometimes you've gotta stick your neck out on a limb."
"Some people sail through life on a bed of roses like a knife slicing through butter."
There are no mixed metaphors in the Bible...or are there? There are certainly many metaphors (we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world", Jesus is the "good shepherd" and the "bread of life" -- the list could go on and on). But surely there are no mixed metaphors. There's one scripture, though, that I've often struggled with because the metaphor seemed out of place.
In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus is talking about our attitude toward material things -- "treasures on earth", "mammon". Right in the middle of this passage, though, Jesus says,
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23-24)
Talking about a "good eye" and a bad eye" seems somewhat out of place in this discussion. But I learned something recently. I was doing some research on the word "envy" and checked the dictionary to see what the derivation of our English word is. Envy comes from two Latin words meaning "to look upon". Past usage included the phrase "to cast an evil eye upon".
An "evil eye" is one that looks with envy, A "good eye" is one that does not. Knowing that sheds new light on this passage. The metaphor (as always) is so very fitting, and serves as reminder to me that I need to learn the value of contentment in my own life.
Is your eye good?
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
So my guide is faith, not physical sight.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Romans 12:2
Do not conform outwardly to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good, and is pleasing to him, and is perfect.
Colossians 4:2
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows abundantly will reap abundantly.
Prayer
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from You. As recipients of Your tender compassions and tremendous comfort help us to be like cisterns pouring out the mercies we receive from You into the lives of those who desperately need it. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
English professors love to catch the errors students make in their term papers, and they love nothing better than to catch mixed metaphors. The "friends and survivors" of Calvin College English department collected this list of mixed metaphors and posted them on their web site:
"He swept the rug under the carpet."
"She's burning the midnight oil at both ends."
"It was so cold last night I had to throw another blanket on the fire."
"It's time to step up to the plate and cut the mustard."
"She's robbing Peter to pay the piper."
"He's up a tree without a paddle."
"Beware my friend...you are skating on hot water."
"Keep your ear to the grindstone."
"Sometimes you've gotta stick your neck out on a limb."
"Some people sail through life on a bed of roses like a knife slicing through butter."
There are no mixed metaphors in the Bible...or are there? There are certainly many metaphors (we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world", Jesus is the "good shepherd" and the "bread of life" -- the list could go on and on). But surely there are no mixed metaphors. There's one scripture, though, that I've often struggled with because the metaphor seemed out of place.
In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus is talking about our attitude toward material things -- "treasures on earth", "mammon". Right in the middle of this passage, though, Jesus says,
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23-24)
Talking about a "good eye" and a bad eye" seems somewhat out of place in this discussion. But I learned something recently. I was doing some research on the word "envy" and checked the dictionary to see what the derivation of our English word is. Envy comes from two Latin words meaning "to look upon". Past usage included the phrase "to cast an evil eye upon".
An "evil eye" is one that looks with envy, A "good eye" is one that does not. Knowing that sheds new light on this passage. The metaphor (as always) is so very fitting, and serves as reminder to me that I need to learn the value of contentment in my own life.
Is your eye good?
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
So my guide is faith, not physical sight.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Romans 12:2
Do not conform outwardly to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good, and is pleasing to him, and is perfect.
Colossians 4:2
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows abundantly will reap abundantly.
Prayer
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from You. As recipients of Your tender compassions and tremendous comfort help us to be like cisterns pouring out the mercies we receive from You into the lives of those who desperately need it. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Suing God.
Thought for the day
Did you hear in the news about the prisoner in a Romanian jail who is suing God?
"God received different material valuables from me, as well as prayers in exchange for promises of a better life. In reality, this did not happen - I found myself in the devil's hands," the plaintiff said.
The convict is serving 20 years in the west Romanian city of Timisoara. He apparently blames God for the troubles in his life and wants God brought to account for failing to fulfill the commitments He undertook and for taking bribes.
The plaintiff said that when he had been baptized in childhood, he concluded a contract with God that had legal effect - God was supposed to protect him from evil.
The plaintiff said the Romanian Orthodox Church, which, according to him, directly represents God, should compensate him for the alleged God-inflicted damage.
I promise - I'm not making this up! Does it surprise you? It shouldn't. The truth, there are a lot of people who feel the same way.
And while they may not take the absurd step of filing a lawsuit against God, they do feel that God has let them down and hasn't fulfilled his part of the "bargain."
Often, when people become Christians, they expect that God will take away all their problems and life will be easy (and many of them expect that because that's what a preacher told them). I suspect that we've all had the thought at some point in our lives, "How could God let that happen to me after all that I've done to serve Him?"
But, living the Christian life does involve difficulties. In fact, it may even be more difficult than life before Christ! Financial problems don't magically disappear, there are still health concerns, people still let you down, and on top of everything else, there are people in this world who don't like Christ who will make your life miserable at times.
But there's no way to accuse God of breach of contract. Jesus was very clear about things up front - "In the world you will have tribulation." (John 16:33). The problems don't disappear, but we are promised God's presence and His strength. And what God gives us far more than outweighs what we have given Him. Let's just hope that God doesn't sue us for our breach of contract!
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
However, we have the same spirit of faith. And you know how it is written, 'I believed and therefore I had to speak'; so I believe and am under the same constraint to speak.
1 Peter 3:10
For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
Ephesians 5:1
Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.
Isaiah 41:17
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
2 Corinthians 9:10
God, who gives seed to sow and bread to eat, will give you an abundant supply of seed, and he will make it grow into a plentiful harvest, which will be the result of your charity to others.
Prayer
Father, Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You; for it teaches me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You. Even when it brings about hurtful circumstances help me to do the right thing in keeping with the Christ-filled nature I received upon the day of my salvation. May I not be found lacking in integrity but rather be characterized by my integrity as it honors my Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Did you hear in the news about the prisoner in a Romanian jail who is suing God?
"God received different material valuables from me, as well as prayers in exchange for promises of a better life. In reality, this did not happen - I found myself in the devil's hands," the plaintiff said.
The convict is serving 20 years in the west Romanian city of Timisoara. He apparently blames God for the troubles in his life and wants God brought to account for failing to fulfill the commitments He undertook and for taking bribes.
The plaintiff said that when he had been baptized in childhood, he concluded a contract with God that had legal effect - God was supposed to protect him from evil.
The plaintiff said the Romanian Orthodox Church, which, according to him, directly represents God, should compensate him for the alleged God-inflicted damage.
I promise - I'm not making this up! Does it surprise you? It shouldn't. The truth, there are a lot of people who feel the same way.
And while they may not take the absurd step of filing a lawsuit against God, they do feel that God has let them down and hasn't fulfilled his part of the "bargain."
Often, when people become Christians, they expect that God will take away all their problems and life will be easy (and many of them expect that because that's what a preacher told them). I suspect that we've all had the thought at some point in our lives, "How could God let that happen to me after all that I've done to serve Him?"
But, living the Christian life does involve difficulties. In fact, it may even be more difficult than life before Christ! Financial problems don't magically disappear, there are still health concerns, people still let you down, and on top of everything else, there are people in this world who don't like Christ who will make your life miserable at times.
But there's no way to accuse God of breach of contract. Jesus was very clear about things up front - "In the world you will have tribulation." (John 16:33). The problems don't disappear, but we are promised God's presence and His strength. And what God gives us far more than outweighs what we have given Him. Let's just hope that God doesn't sue us for our breach of contract!
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
However, we have the same spirit of faith. And you know how it is written, 'I believed and therefore I had to speak'; so I believe and am under the same constraint to speak.
1 Peter 3:10
For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
Ephesians 5:1
Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.
Isaiah 41:17
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
2 Corinthians 9:10
God, who gives seed to sow and bread to eat, will give you an abundant supply of seed, and he will make it grow into a plentiful harvest, which will be the result of your charity to others.
Prayer
Father, Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You; for it teaches me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You. Even when it brings about hurtful circumstances help me to do the right thing in keeping with the Christ-filled nature I received upon the day of my salvation. May I not be found lacking in integrity but rather be characterized by my integrity as it honors my Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Expectations of Jesus
Thought for the day
After being with his blind date all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with her. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened.
When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died."
"Thank goodness," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!"
I am so glad that I don't have to deal with the "dating scene" -- worrying about making a good first impression so that I can meet her expectations and trying to deal with the awkwardness of the situation if she's doesn't meet my expectations. That's especially the problem with "blind dates", something I managed to avoid altogether in my dating years. You get an image in your mind of what your date is going to be like (or what you hope she's going to be like), and it often doesn't take much to shatter that misconception. Granted, your date could possibly turn out to be better than you expected, but it seldom seems to work out that way.
That was a problem that Jesus faced when he came to this earth. He should have been greeted with open arms -- after all, he was the long-awaited Messiah. The problem is that the Jews had expectations of what the Messiah would be like. For most of the Jews, that preconception involved an earthly king who would boot the Romans out of the land and assume control. In fact, they were quite prepared to make Jesus that king (John 6:15).
Even without that misconception, though, none of the Jews could imagine a Messiah hanging on a cross. So the cross became a "stumbling block" to the Jews and "foolishness" to the Greeks (I Cor. 1:23). Jesus didn't meet their expectations and they hurried to find a way to end the relationship.
Philip Yancey deals with this topic in his book "The Jesus I Never Knew". He speaks of his own misconceptions of Jesus at an early age: "I recalled the Sunday school image of Jesus that I grew up with: someone kind and reassuring, with no sharp edges at all -- a Mister Rogers before the age of children's television." Certainly Jesus was kind and reassuring, but he was so much more than that -- he was a man who was strong (physically and emotionally) and passionate.
What's important is that we allow the Gospels to define who Jesus was, and not expect him to measure up to our preconceived ideas. I challenge you to read the Gospels in a fresh light. Remove all expectations and allow the Word of God to define and shape who Jesus was. I guarantee the Messiah will turn out to be better than you expected!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and does not waver in his heart, but believes that whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you; I will tell you great secrets of which you know nothing.
Romans 10:12
Indeed there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same universal Lord is abounding in resources [accessible] to all who call upon him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
After being with his blind date all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with her. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened.
When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died."
"Thank goodness," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!"
I am so glad that I don't have to deal with the "dating scene" -- worrying about making a good first impression so that I can meet her expectations and trying to deal with the awkwardness of the situation if she's doesn't meet my expectations. That's especially the problem with "blind dates", something I managed to avoid altogether in my dating years. You get an image in your mind of what your date is going to be like (or what you hope she's going to be like), and it often doesn't take much to shatter that misconception. Granted, your date could possibly turn out to be better than you expected, but it seldom seems to work out that way.
That was a problem that Jesus faced when he came to this earth. He should have been greeted with open arms -- after all, he was the long-awaited Messiah. The problem is that the Jews had expectations of what the Messiah would be like. For most of the Jews, that preconception involved an earthly king who would boot the Romans out of the land and assume control. In fact, they were quite prepared to make Jesus that king (John 6:15).
Even without that misconception, though, none of the Jews could imagine a Messiah hanging on a cross. So the cross became a "stumbling block" to the Jews and "foolishness" to the Greeks (I Cor. 1:23). Jesus didn't meet their expectations and they hurried to find a way to end the relationship.
Philip Yancey deals with this topic in his book "The Jesus I Never Knew". He speaks of his own misconceptions of Jesus at an early age: "I recalled the Sunday school image of Jesus that I grew up with: someone kind and reassuring, with no sharp edges at all -- a Mister Rogers before the age of children's television." Certainly Jesus was kind and reassuring, but he was so much more than that -- he was a man who was strong (physically and emotionally) and passionate.
What's important is that we allow the Gospels to define who Jesus was, and not expect him to measure up to our preconceived ideas. I challenge you to read the Gospels in a fresh light. Remove all expectations and allow the Word of God to define and shape who Jesus was. I guarantee the Messiah will turn out to be better than you expected!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and does not waver in his heart, but believes that whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you; I will tell you great secrets of which you know nothing.
Romans 10:12
Indeed there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same universal Lord is abounding in resources [accessible] to all who call upon him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Based on an idea of mine.
Thought for the day
Townsend, the developer of the laser, was once asked if he didn't have a tremendous sense of achievement in all he had accomplished with his invention, such as methods for precision measurements, laser disc, and weapons technology.
He remarked, "Not really." He said that he could easily identify with the beaver and relayed the following story:
A beaver and a chipmunk happened upon the Hoover Dam while out strolling one day. They were caught off-guard, completely overwhelmed with amazement and awe at the size and magnificence of this structure.
Once the beaver recovered, he remarked, "Well, actually, I didn't build it myself, but it's based upon an idea of mine."
Like much of scientific advancement, I see spiritual growth as a building process. I took the spiritual training my parents gave me and have built upon it, and I expect my children to take the training that I give them and build upon that. I fully expect them to accomplish some great things in their lives, things that I may not have built myself, but which are based on spiritual principles which I have shared with them.
Paul was referring to this process when he said of Timothy, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." (I Timothy 1:5). I wonder if Lois and Eunice ever even imagined all that that little boy Timothy would accomplish in his lifetime?
You may not feel like you're accomplishing much, but if you are instilling in your children (or others) a faith in God, who knows what they may accomplish in the years ahead!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety onto Him, because it matters to Him concerning you.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Colossians 4:3
meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Townsend, the developer of the laser, was once asked if he didn't have a tremendous sense of achievement in all he had accomplished with his invention, such as methods for precision measurements, laser disc, and weapons technology.
He remarked, "Not really." He said that he could easily identify with the beaver and relayed the following story:
A beaver and a chipmunk happened upon the Hoover Dam while out strolling one day. They were caught off-guard, completely overwhelmed with amazement and awe at the size and magnificence of this structure.
Once the beaver recovered, he remarked, "Well, actually, I didn't build it myself, but it's based upon an idea of mine."
Like much of scientific advancement, I see spiritual growth as a building process. I took the spiritual training my parents gave me and have built upon it, and I expect my children to take the training that I give them and build upon that. I fully expect them to accomplish some great things in their lives, things that I may not have built myself, but which are based on spiritual principles which I have shared with them.
Paul was referring to this process when he said of Timothy, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." (I Timothy 1:5). I wonder if Lois and Eunice ever even imagined all that that little boy Timothy would accomplish in his lifetime?
You may not feel like you're accomplishing much, but if you are instilling in your children (or others) a faith in God, who knows what they may accomplish in the years ahead!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety onto Him, because it matters to Him concerning you.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Colossians 4:3
meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Complain or fish?
Thought for the day
A game warden noticed how a particular fellow named Sam consistently caught more fish than anyone else, whereas the other guys would only catch three or four a day. Sam would come in off the lake with a boat full.
Stringer after stringer was always packed with freshly caught trout. The warden, curious, asked Sam his secret. The successful fisherman invited the game warden to accompany him and observe. So the next morning the two met at the dock and took off in Sam's boat. When they got to the middle of the lake, Sam stopped the boat, and the warden sat back to see how it was done.
Sam's approach was simple. He took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it in the air. The explosion rocked the lake with such a force that dead fish immediately began to surface. Sam took out a net and started scooping them up.
Well, you can imagine the reaction of the game warden. When he recovered from the shock of it all, he began yelling at Sam. "You can't do this! I'll put you in jail, buddy! You will be paying every fine there is in the book!"
Sam, meanwhile, set his net down and took out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and tossed it in the lap of the game warden with these words, "Are you going to sit there all day complaining, or are you going to fish?"
Seems to me we have two similar options as Christians -- we can spend our time complaining or we can "fish." Jesus, of course, used the concept of fishing to describe the work of evangelism ("Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." -- Matthew 4:19). The method we use does not involve dynamite, but it does involve the word from which dynamite comes to us -- "dunamis," the Greek word for "power."
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
I've known some folks in the church who use the "dunamis" of the gospel to fish for souls, and I've known other folks content to do nothing but sit back and complain about what everybody else is or isn't doing. It's your choice -- Are you going to complain or are you going to fish?
Verses
Mark 5:36
But Jesus heard what the men were saying, and so He said to Jairus, "You mustn't be afraid. The one thing you must do is keep on believing!"
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Colossians 4:2
Keep an open line of communication to God with a grateful attitude and be responsive to what he says.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
A game warden noticed how a particular fellow named Sam consistently caught more fish than anyone else, whereas the other guys would only catch three or four a day. Sam would come in off the lake with a boat full.
Stringer after stringer was always packed with freshly caught trout. The warden, curious, asked Sam his secret. The successful fisherman invited the game warden to accompany him and observe. So the next morning the two met at the dock and took off in Sam's boat. When they got to the middle of the lake, Sam stopped the boat, and the warden sat back to see how it was done.
Sam's approach was simple. He took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it in the air. The explosion rocked the lake with such a force that dead fish immediately began to surface. Sam took out a net and started scooping them up.
Well, you can imagine the reaction of the game warden. When he recovered from the shock of it all, he began yelling at Sam. "You can't do this! I'll put you in jail, buddy! You will be paying every fine there is in the book!"
Sam, meanwhile, set his net down and took out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and tossed it in the lap of the game warden with these words, "Are you going to sit there all day complaining, or are you going to fish?"
Seems to me we have two similar options as Christians -- we can spend our time complaining or we can "fish." Jesus, of course, used the concept of fishing to describe the work of evangelism ("Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." -- Matthew 4:19). The method we use does not involve dynamite, but it does involve the word from which dynamite comes to us -- "dunamis," the Greek word for "power."
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
I've known some folks in the church who use the "dunamis" of the gospel to fish for souls, and I've known other folks content to do nothing but sit back and complain about what everybody else is or isn't doing. It's your choice -- Are you going to complain or are you going to fish?
Verses
Mark 5:36
But Jesus heard what the men were saying, and so He said to Jairus, "You mustn't be afraid. The one thing you must do is keep on believing!"
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Colossians 4:2
Keep an open line of communication to God with a grateful attitude and be responsive to what he says.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
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