076 – DECEMBER 2010
ROAD RUTS
Most times, it’s best to stay in the middle of the road and avoid the ruts that are found on both sides.
The road to Christmas Day is no exception. Wow!
Rut - side 1. The holiday trap. If your parents passed it down, you will do it too. If you grew up with less you want to be sure that your kids experience things better.
I’m talking about the abnormal compulsion to gift giving and presents. ‘What do I get Uncle Bobby?’ ‘What did they get me last year?’ ‘I need to spend another $20 on Suzie … to even things out.’ ‘What can I get for hubby? He’s already got everything he needs!’ (interesting)
And on and on and on … and on!
Rut 1 is a silly side to be on.
Rut – side 2. The Grouch! Bah! Humbug! The season can actually put some people in a bad mood. ‘Don’t get nothin’ for me and I don’t want to get nothin’ for you.’ ‘The whole thing is just stupid.’ ‘Scrooge had it right in the first place.’ ‘Sweetie, listen to me – I know what I’m talking about.’ ‘I hate this time of year!!!’
And on and on and on … and on!
Rut 2 is a silly side to be on.
The whole Christmas giving issue comes up every year. The Rut 1’ers resolve to not fall into dizzy mismanagement … again next year. And, the rut 2’ers promise to be nicer.
It would be wise to decide what to do and make some gift giving plans. But, that can often fail and make things worse. So, you should now be saying to yourself, “Doesn’t sound like this guy has any answers.”
And, that’s correct! After many years of impasse, I still have no answers to this. I do, however, offer the following suggestions to help avoid the ruts and work your way to the middle of the road:
* Be aware that some folks are really excited about all of this.
* Be aware that some folks are really not excited about all of this.
* Practice restraint, esp. if you have entered into limit agreements with spousie.
* Don’t be a selfish scrooge and spoil things for others.
* Enjoy every day of this great Christmas season.
* Share a lot of joy. Smile, laugh, and be merry … as in Merry Christmas!
* Purpose to delight in family and friends. Mmmmmm!
* Above all – remember the reason for the season and, in all that you do, you do it unto the Lord and give God thanks. (Romans 14)
Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Jesus Christ the Lord”
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
SIMPLE PLEASURES
075 – NOVEMBER 2009
SIMPLE PLEASURES
I enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It comes quite natural for me. I don’t require a lot of ‘things’ or a lot of hoopla to keep me happy. I am thankful for my life and am determined to enjoy those moments that I could so easily take for granted. I don’t want to be that person that grudges through daily living only to respond for a short period due to a tragedy or a death.
I wake up each morning and acknowledge life with a stretch and a deep breath. Both feel very good. I smile and say “Good Morning, Lord!” (Not “Good Lord, it’s morning!”) I am already determined to savor the stuff of the day.
So, I hit the switch and the lights go on. Sometimes I just stare at the outlet and thank those who are so much smarter than I am. (That’s most people.) Think about it – you stick this 2 pronged thing in the whatever and you get power!!! … to create light, to perk coffee, to cook eggs, or to open your garage door. Power at the flick of the switch! Why would we take that for granted?
I marvel that I can spin the faucet handle and water comes running for me. I love the smell of the soap and think of Sammy as I squirt a bit of hooch to my neck.
I squeeze a dab of toothpaste on my brush. I also do the same for Pat’s brush and grin playfully as I keep the score for this thoughtful morning deed. I easily hold a 10 to 1 advantage.
The rest of the day is similar. Stirring trouble at Dunkin’ Donuts. (Non morning people are such a great target.) Spontaneously, I’ll yell out a bad joke to everyone. I.e.: 2 cannibals were eating a clown and one scrunched his nose and asked “This taste funny to you?”
The morning crowd has no sense of humor. They seem grouchy, but I know they love me.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I enjoy my first cup of coffee. I enjoy all the people that I meet. I love making a “Things-to-do” list and crossing off the things as I go through the day. I may get too much pleasure from that. Is that bad? Should I see someone about it?
I enjoy Judge Judy, FreeCell, Aesop’s Fables, and root beer floats. I am thankful for chairs, scissors, country music, and great smelling liquid soaps. I get excited that my car starts each day and I love that my reading glasses are still at 1.75+. I am totally wowed figuring out my new GPS. Who can be so smart to create that?
At the end of each full day, I am aware of the happy calm when my muscles and bones relax horizontally on the bed. I contently close my eyes and deliver a long and delightful ‘ahhh’.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I am thankful for my relationship with Christ and fully realize that it is because of God that all these pleasures of life are not eternally futile.
With Thanksgiving upon us - BE THANKFUL! Enjoy the simple pleasures that you could take for granted. Lighten up and savor the moments of each day.
* Note: I am not perfect in this savoring thing. I am on record to say that I am not fond of gout, tofu, skunks, or airline travel. And I can be a real ‘pill’ around these things. (Golf is pending daily.) Signed:
SIMPLE PLEASURES
I enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It comes quite natural for me. I don’t require a lot of ‘things’ or a lot of hoopla to keep me happy. I am thankful for my life and am determined to enjoy those moments that I could so easily take for granted. I don’t want to be that person that grudges through daily living only to respond for a short period due to a tragedy or a death.
I wake up each morning and acknowledge life with a stretch and a deep breath. Both feel very good. I smile and say “Good Morning, Lord!” (Not “Good Lord, it’s morning!”) I am already determined to savor the stuff of the day.
So, I hit the switch and the lights go on. Sometimes I just stare at the outlet and thank those who are so much smarter than I am. (That’s most people.) Think about it – you stick this 2 pronged thing in the whatever and you get power!!! … to create light, to perk coffee, to cook eggs, or to open your garage door. Power at the flick of the switch! Why would we take that for granted?
I marvel that I can spin the faucet handle and water comes running for me. I love the smell of the soap and think of Sammy as I squirt a bit of hooch to my neck.
I squeeze a dab of toothpaste on my brush. I also do the same for Pat’s brush and grin playfully as I keep the score for this thoughtful morning deed. I easily hold a 10 to 1 advantage.
The rest of the day is similar. Stirring trouble at Dunkin’ Donuts. (Non morning people are such a great target.) Spontaneously, I’ll yell out a bad joke to everyone. I.e.: 2 cannibals were eating a clown and one scrunched his nose and asked “This taste funny to you?”
The morning crowd has no sense of humor. They seem grouchy, but I know they love me.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I enjoy my first cup of coffee. I enjoy all the people that I meet. I love making a “Things-to-do” list and crossing off the things as I go through the day. I may get too much pleasure from that. Is that bad? Should I see someone about it?
I enjoy Judge Judy, FreeCell, Aesop’s Fables, and root beer floats. I am thankful for chairs, scissors, country music, and great smelling liquid soaps. I get excited that my car starts each day and I love that my reading glasses are still at 1.75+. I am totally wowed figuring out my new GPS. Who can be so smart to create that?
At the end of each full day, I am aware of the happy calm when my muscles and bones relax horizontally on the bed. I contently close my eyes and deliver a long and delightful ‘ahhh’.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I am thankful for my relationship with Christ and fully realize that it is because of God that all these pleasures of life are not eternally futile.
With Thanksgiving upon us - BE THANKFUL! Enjoy the simple pleasures that you could take for granted. Lighten up and savor the moments of each day.
* Note: I am not perfect in this savoring thing. I am on record to say that I am not fond of gout, tofu, skunks, or airline travel. And I can be a real ‘pill’ around these things. (Golf is pending daily.) Signed:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
LOVE
074 – OCTOBER 2009
LOVE
Love is a feeling?
Whether it is romantic, maternal, friendship, or other – love begins and you react.
“Oh, I think I will faint. What an angel … I’m so in love. I could just kiss that person!”
Love certainly seems to carry a lot of feeling.
Love is a choice?
As you meander through a relationship, and conflict rears it’s ugly head - you react.
“Oh, I think I will leave. What a jerk … I’m so upset. I could just strangle that person!”
Different feelings! And, now you might have to make a choice to love that person who is bugging the heck out of you.
Maybe a feeling? Maybe a choice? Maybe both? Maybe neither?
1 John 4:16 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
Because God is love and because we are made in His image - Love should rule our hearts. It should be our nature to love. It should be the essence and the structure of our soul to love.
Whether someone is nice or naughty, the disposition of our very being should respond in love. Whether someone annoys or delights, our substance should react in love.
My greatest goal is to sense God’s presence ‘by the moment’. I want to breath God. I want to inhale His spirit and exhale love. I want it to be spontaneous and instinctive.
In other words - I don’t want to have to work so hard at this love thing. I want it to be natural. I want it to be my nature.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old (nature) has gone, the new (nature) has come!.”
When I wake up each morning I say “Good morning Lord! What do you have planned for me today?”
Before I leave the house, I whack the side of my head and repeat to myself – “Chris, don’t forget your purpose - Love and serve. Love and serve. Love and serve.”
Oh, the wonderful day when I don’t have to remind myself and love rules my heart!
Albeit, I believe this love thing is getting easier … more automatic and less thinking about it.
Think about it!
LOVE
Love is a feeling?
Whether it is romantic, maternal, friendship, or other – love begins and you react.
“Oh, I think I will faint. What an angel … I’m so in love. I could just kiss that person!”
Love certainly seems to carry a lot of feeling.
Love is a choice?
As you meander through a relationship, and conflict rears it’s ugly head - you react.
“Oh, I think I will leave. What a jerk … I’m so upset. I could just strangle that person!”
Different feelings! And, now you might have to make a choice to love that person who is bugging the heck out of you.
Maybe a feeling? Maybe a choice? Maybe both? Maybe neither?
1 John 4:16 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
Because God is love and because we are made in His image - Love should rule our hearts. It should be our nature to love. It should be the essence and the structure of our soul to love.
Whether someone is nice or naughty, the disposition of our very being should respond in love. Whether someone annoys or delights, our substance should react in love.
My greatest goal is to sense God’s presence ‘by the moment’. I want to breath God. I want to inhale His spirit and exhale love. I want it to be spontaneous and instinctive.
In other words - I don’t want to have to work so hard at this love thing. I want it to be natural. I want it to be my nature.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old (nature) has gone, the new (nature) has come!.”
When I wake up each morning I say “Good morning Lord! What do you have planned for me today?”
Before I leave the house, I whack the side of my head and repeat to myself – “Chris, don’t forget your purpose - Love and serve. Love and serve. Love and serve.”
Oh, the wonderful day when I don’t have to remind myself and love rules my heart!
Albeit, I believe this love thing is getting easier … more automatic and less thinking about it.
Think about it!
BE BOLD - SEPT 2009
073 – SEPTEMBER 2009
BE BOLD
There are times when your prayers will result in miraculous victories and there are other times when the same prayers of faith seem to not line up with your expectations.
I do not have all the answers for that, but I do know that I am called to pray … and then trust the resolve to God.
James 5:16 ” … and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Because of our faith, Pat and I have never been shy to pray for people - especially in the marketplace. (My def: marketplace - anywhere outside of the church, synagogue, or other location where one might expect prayer or other religious activity.)
We try to be alert to pray for people at conventions, Dunkin’ Donuts, and on the street. We are not reluctant to pray for strangers or new acquaintances … in the elevator, at the studio, or attending a ball game.
Sometimes the situation is such that we are not able to follow up.
However, just these last 3 months, we have been excited to receive a significant amount of reports from some prayers through the years:
* During High School Senior portrait season, 3 different parents shared how we prayed for their children during baby portrait sessions … 16 years ago !
* One Senior boy is a tae kwan do champion and instructor. His mom reminded us that we prayed for him at our studio when he was a baby with health issues regarding growth and strength development.
* One woman stopped by the studio to remind us of our prayers in the studio for her husband. She had scheduled a family portrait session because the father had been diagnosed with untreatable cancer. She shared that, today, he is alive and well.
* Another lady, during a family portrait sale with Pat, asked “Do you remember me?”
Pat tried to recall as the woman proceeded to share an experience with Pat that had happened 5 years before.
She said “Remember? I had a cane and you asked ‘Why?’ You then laid your hands on me, prayed for healing of lupus, and I have since regained health. No cane! It changed my life in other ways also and I am so thankful that you had the heart to pray for me.”
Psalm 31:24 ” Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.
I believe the past 3 months have been a supernatural time of God sent encouragement. It served the challenge to continue to have courage, to love, to serve, and to engage our life into actions of caring and compassion.
And think about it - Most people are encouraged to know that God cares (and are surprised that some non clergy/photographer person would boldly pray with them.)
So, be bold! When someone has a need – love on them! It’s important! Pray with them and watch what God might do through your actions of love and faith.
BE BOLD
There are times when your prayers will result in miraculous victories and there are other times when the same prayers of faith seem to not line up with your expectations.
I do not have all the answers for that, but I do know that I am called to pray … and then trust the resolve to God.
James 5:16 ” … and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Because of our faith, Pat and I have never been shy to pray for people - especially in the marketplace. (My def: marketplace - anywhere outside of the church, synagogue, or other location where one might expect prayer or other religious activity.)
We try to be alert to pray for people at conventions, Dunkin’ Donuts, and on the street. We are not reluctant to pray for strangers or new acquaintances … in the elevator, at the studio, or attending a ball game.
Sometimes the situation is such that we are not able to follow up.
However, just these last 3 months, we have been excited to receive a significant amount of reports from some prayers through the years:
* During High School Senior portrait season, 3 different parents shared how we prayed for their children during baby portrait sessions … 16 years ago !
* One Senior boy is a tae kwan do champion and instructor. His mom reminded us that we prayed for him at our studio when he was a baby with health issues regarding growth and strength development.
* One woman stopped by the studio to remind us of our prayers in the studio for her husband. She had scheduled a family portrait session because the father had been diagnosed with untreatable cancer. She shared that, today, he is alive and well.
* Another lady, during a family portrait sale with Pat, asked “Do you remember me?”
Pat tried to recall as the woman proceeded to share an experience with Pat that had happened 5 years before.
She said “Remember? I had a cane and you asked ‘Why?’ You then laid your hands on me, prayed for healing of lupus, and I have since regained health. No cane! It changed my life in other ways also and I am so thankful that you had the heart to pray for me.”
Psalm 31:24 ” Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.
I believe the past 3 months have been a supernatural time of God sent encouragement. It served the challenge to continue to have courage, to love, to serve, and to engage our life into actions of caring and compassion.
And think about it - Most people are encouraged to know that God cares (and are surprised that some non clergy/photographer person would boldly pray with them.)
So, be bold! When someone has a need – love on them! It’s important! Pray with them and watch what God might do through your actions of love and faith.
JOY
072 – AUGUST 2009
JOY
acrostic - def: a composition in which sets of letters, taken in order, form a word or phrase.
How ‘bout this one! JOY J = Jesus, O = Others, Y = You
Explanation? Simple! If you want to have “joy” in your life, you set your priorities of concern and focus in the acrostic order.
1. God – Deut 6:5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (The first commandment)
2. Others – Phil 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.”
3. Yourself – Col 3:3 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Rom 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; …”
If you have no joy, if you lost your joy, or if you are never had joy in your life – you might discover that your acrostic is in the reverse order. That spells YOJ! I don’t even know what that means but it sounds awful … as though you might be a bit miserable or something.
You could have your eyes so cast down on yourself that you miss the wonderful blessings of a joyful heart that surround you. So, “Get outta yo’self!”
I think this acrostic idea is simple, wise, practical and profoundly powerful. You could push it aside and say “That was cute!” or you could take some time to really think about it, make some decisions and take some action about your life. If you need some joy!
Some additional joy! Any kind of joy! This could work for you!
Start loving God! Serve others! And, for Heaven’s sake, stop thinking about yourself all day long!
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these
JOY
acrostic - def: a composition in which sets of letters, taken in order, form a word or phrase.
How ‘bout this one! JOY J = Jesus, O = Others, Y = You
Explanation? Simple! If you want to have “joy” in your life, you set your priorities of concern and focus in the acrostic order.
1. God – Deut 6:5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (The first commandment)
2. Others – Phil 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.”
3. Yourself – Col 3:3 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Rom 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; …”
If you have no joy, if you lost your joy, or if you are never had joy in your life – you might discover that your acrostic is in the reverse order. That spells YOJ! I don’t even know what that means but it sounds awful … as though you might be a bit miserable or something.
You could have your eyes so cast down on yourself that you miss the wonderful blessings of a joyful heart that surround you. So, “Get outta yo’self!”
I think this acrostic idea is simple, wise, practical and profoundly powerful. You could push it aside and say “That was cute!” or you could take some time to really think about it, make some decisions and take some action about your life. If you need some joy!
Some additional joy! Any kind of joy! This could work for you!
Start loving God! Serve others! And, for Heaven’s sake, stop thinking about yourself all day long!
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these
NEW THINGS
071 – JULY 2009
NEW THINGS
Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weavers shuttle, and are spent without hope.
Have you ever questioned the meaning for life and your purpose for breathing? Have you ever determined that nothing is making any sense? Does life sometimes seem silly? … ending abruptly in some worthless dust and meaningless ashes? I used to ask these questions. All the time! I remember looking at old photos from the late 1800’s and becoming very disturbed about the people in the photos. Born – Lived – Died ! !!! ??? What the heck! It was an eerie feeling and I thought, “There has to be more!”
In addition to those weighty life questions, I was not too happy with myself. October of 1976 - As I looked into the mirror, I was very disappointed with the reflection that I viewed. My heart was far from pure and I was miserable. I concluded that only “with God” could anything make sense. I was 27 years old and I was desperate for meaning and purpose. I shouted out to God, “If you are real, I need to know.”
That wonderful Monday morning, I made a commitment to Christ. I decided that I would seek Him and serve Him until the day that I passed from this earth and into eternity with Him. That morning, my life changed!
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
Upon this conversion, I received a new heart … much softer and kinder than the original.
I received a new tongue so that I could speak more encouragingly … and without swearing.
I received new eyes … leaving the system of the world and entering into a spiritual Kingdom that I had never seen before.
I received some new ears so that I can now hear the voice of God.
Actually, I received a whole bunch of new things and, as I look back on it – it was easy! I wish that I had done it sooner! However, think about it, the old adage “Better late than never!” does not apply more profoundly than in this incomparable contract with life.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
NEW THINGS
Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weavers shuttle, and are spent without hope.
Have you ever questioned the meaning for life and your purpose for breathing? Have you ever determined that nothing is making any sense? Does life sometimes seem silly? … ending abruptly in some worthless dust and meaningless ashes? I used to ask these questions. All the time! I remember looking at old photos from the late 1800’s and becoming very disturbed about the people in the photos. Born – Lived – Died ! !!! ??? What the heck! It was an eerie feeling and I thought, “There has to be more!”
In addition to those weighty life questions, I was not too happy with myself. October of 1976 - As I looked into the mirror, I was very disappointed with the reflection that I viewed. My heart was far from pure and I was miserable. I concluded that only “with God” could anything make sense. I was 27 years old and I was desperate for meaning and purpose. I shouted out to God, “If you are real, I need to know.”
That wonderful Monday morning, I made a commitment to Christ. I decided that I would seek Him and serve Him until the day that I passed from this earth and into eternity with Him. That morning, my life changed!
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
Upon this conversion, I received a new heart … much softer and kinder than the original.
I received a new tongue so that I could speak more encouragingly … and without swearing.
I received new eyes … leaving the system of the world and entering into a spiritual Kingdom that I had never seen before.
I received some new ears so that I can now hear the voice of God.
Actually, I received a whole bunch of new things and, as I look back on it – it was easy! I wish that I had done it sooner! However, think about it, the old adage “Better late than never!” does not apply more profoundly than in this incomparable contract with life.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
BE A 10
070 – JUNE 2009
BE A 10
I stopped my car just before the crosswalk and watched this teenage boy give me a smile and a very nice thank you wave. It was so nice to see, because the news can sometimes suggest that our ‘global society’ is declining into a pit of self-centeredness and that everyone seems to be retreating from a proper spirit of gratitude.
It seems to be a correct evaluation, but I think it may be less societal and more of a human nature thing . Think about it – Maybe things haven’t changed that much.
Luke 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Jesus healed 10 lepers and only 1 returned to give him a ‘thank you’. Only 1! 1 of 10! 10%!
I believe that this 1 in 10 can apply to human nature and I have a saying that I use from this Bible account – “Be a 10!” Be that 1 of 10 that has gratitude. Be that 1 of 10 that will take the time to be courteous, considerate, and well mannered. Take the time and be thoughtful and friendly to both friends and strangers.
It’s easy to be a 90! It’s easy to be in the 90% group. That’s why it’s 90! It’s more difficult to be a 10. It’s hard to be in the 10% group! That’s why it’s 10!
Be a 10! Find ways to get out of yourself. Make it a point to slow down and be attentive to the virtues that will have positive affects on others. Share smiles more quickly and use positive words of kindness, encouragement, praise, and good manners.
It may be easier to skip past all of this but then you’ll be just a 90. You’ll just be average! In my mind, I see that teen pedestrian … with the big smile and courteous wave. He’s a 10! He might have just finished a can of Red Bull and was responding from a caffeine overdose … but I don’t think so. I’m guessing that a spirit of thankfulness lives in the foundation of his character.
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones was my favorite motivational speakers. At age 80, just one month before he died, he gave an interview. The final question was “After all of these years of life learning, what would you say is the most important thing you have learned about life? ” Jones leaned over, touched the reporter on the shoulder and said, “Always be thankful - A thankful spirit is what breeds every other quality.”!”
BE A 10
I stopped my car just before the crosswalk and watched this teenage boy give me a smile and a very nice thank you wave. It was so nice to see, because the news can sometimes suggest that our ‘global society’ is declining into a pit of self-centeredness and that everyone seems to be retreating from a proper spirit of gratitude.
It seems to be a correct evaluation, but I think it may be less societal and more of a human nature thing . Think about it – Maybe things haven’t changed that much.
Luke 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Jesus healed 10 lepers and only 1 returned to give him a ‘thank you’. Only 1! 1 of 10! 10%!
I believe that this 1 in 10 can apply to human nature and I have a saying that I use from this Bible account – “Be a 10!” Be that 1 of 10 that has gratitude. Be that 1 of 10 that will take the time to be courteous, considerate, and well mannered. Take the time and be thoughtful and friendly to both friends and strangers.
It’s easy to be a 90! It’s easy to be in the 90% group. That’s why it’s 90! It’s more difficult to be a 10. It’s hard to be in the 10% group! That’s why it’s 10!
Be a 10! Find ways to get out of yourself. Make it a point to slow down and be attentive to the virtues that will have positive affects on others. Share smiles more quickly and use positive words of kindness, encouragement, praise, and good manners.
It may be easier to skip past all of this but then you’ll be just a 90. You’ll just be average! In my mind, I see that teen pedestrian … with the big smile and courteous wave. He’s a 10! He might have just finished a can of Red Bull and was responding from a caffeine overdose … but I don’t think so. I’m guessing that a spirit of thankfulness lives in the foundation of his character.
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones was my favorite motivational speakers. At age 80, just one month before he died, he gave an interview. The final question was “After all of these years of life learning, what would you say is the most important thing you have learned about life? ” Jones leaned over, touched the reporter on the shoulder and said, “Always be thankful - A thankful spirit is what breeds every other quality.”!”
PURE HEARTS
069 – MAY 2009
PURE HEARTS
Have you ever encountered someone whose conversation is a bit scheming?
Maybe you know someone who seems obsessed with underlying motives and plotting words … cleverly working towards some type of control? Do you ever find yourself wandering into these clever areas of communication?
Pure Hearts (Chris’ def.) “Persons who think and speak with honesty… and without guile or false motive.”
Other words that are closely allied to this thought are: genuine, simple, sincere, real, truthful, etc. You know people like that. They are truly unaware that they are a pure heart. “Isn’t everyone?”
1 Peter 3:10 “Wherefore, lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking.”
Whenever I think of a “pure heart”. I think of my friend - Bob Jenks, whom I have known for over 30 years. Bob has a non controlling spirit and you don’t have to guess if there might be concealed motives to what he says. I’m not talking about someone who is clever or someone who is “sicky-sweet”, but someone who is honest in heart. Bob’s thoughts is clean are not clouded or contaminated with ulterior purpose or bad thoughts.
Not that Bob doesn’t spit, cuss, or chew – but his communication and conversation is quite pure hearted and, therefore, he speaks from the abundance of that virtue.
Matthew 12:34 “ … For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
In addition, he likes everyone and never shows contempt towards another.
I have never heard him say a bad word towards someone. That’s impressive! That’s a pure heart! I wish I was always pure in heart. I want to be that. I want to have my thoughts and my words be spotless before man and before God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
So, although I occasionally fall short, I know that I’ve been renewed. I know that I can gain victory through the life changing power of Christ who is working in me for that very pure heart that I desire.
PURE HEARTS
Have you ever encountered someone whose conversation is a bit scheming?
Maybe you know someone who seems obsessed with underlying motives and plotting words … cleverly working towards some type of control? Do you ever find yourself wandering into these clever areas of communication?
Pure Hearts (Chris’ def.) “Persons who think and speak with honesty… and without guile or false motive.”
Other words that are closely allied to this thought are: genuine, simple, sincere, real, truthful, etc. You know people like that. They are truly unaware that they are a pure heart. “Isn’t everyone?”
1 Peter 3:10 “Wherefore, lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking.”
Whenever I think of a “pure heart”. I think of my friend - Bob Jenks, whom I have known for over 30 years. Bob has a non controlling spirit and you don’t have to guess if there might be concealed motives to what he says. I’m not talking about someone who is clever or someone who is “sicky-sweet”, but someone who is honest in heart. Bob’s thoughts is clean are not clouded or contaminated with ulterior purpose or bad thoughts.
Not that Bob doesn’t spit, cuss, or chew – but his communication and conversation is quite pure hearted and, therefore, he speaks from the abundance of that virtue.
Matthew 12:34 “ … For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
In addition, he likes everyone and never shows contempt towards another.
I have never heard him say a bad word towards someone. That’s impressive! That’s a pure heart! I wish I was always pure in heart. I want to be that. I want to have my thoughts and my words be spotless before man and before God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
So, although I occasionally fall short, I know that I’ve been renewed. I know that I can gain victory through the life changing power of Christ who is working in me for that very pure heart that I desire.
5 STEPS
068 – APRIL 2009
5 STEPS
I have implemented these 5 steps to a bit of financial success.
1. GIVE. The most important step is the 1st one. This step is often neglected and simply should not be. Giving sets the entire plan into proper directional motion. It is a spiritual step that puts your finances and your life in order. 10% of your income is a good idea.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
2. SAVE. Not only do people not save anymore, but most folks are in debt. This
should not be. Save 10% of every dollar that you receive. Put it away and don’t look at it. A young couple earning $50,000 per year could invest 10%. At 8% interest, this couple would compound their annual $5,000 investment to over $2.2 million by age 65. (google - moneychimp / compound interest calculator)
Proverbs 30:25 “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;”
To this point, you might be saying “I can’t live on what I got … and you’re asking me to give and save 20% of that. Isn’t that impossible?” Answer: No! You’d be surprised.
3. INSURE. You do not want a catastrophe to wipe out your entire plan for saving. In some instances, it is mandatory - you must have insurance to own a house or drive a car. Health insurance with a medium deductible should protect you from any major financial setback.
4. NEEDS. Note that this is the 4th step! The list includes food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Add to that - “debt reduction”. It has become a need.
5. EXTRA. If you have followed steps 1 – 4 correctly and you have extra, you can do what you want with it!!! Travel. Buy a diamond ring. Go to the movies. Buy a new piece of furniture. Throw a party. Whatever you want. It’s the 5th step!
It is simple and it works! I have used this 5 step plan every week of my professional life. I have taught it and I have written a children’s book about it.
My son was only 1 year out of college. I asked him if he was using the 5 step principle with his income. He said “Run through it one more time!”
I proceeded through the steps and he laughed out loud before he spoke, “I’m doing it all backwards! In reverse!”
That’s why so many folks are in such a financial jam. Think about it! If you use the steps in reverse, you will never get to steps 1 and 2. You may never be in a position to give or to save. Going down hill is a lot easier but only for a while. Eventually you will have to start making the climb again.
Proverbs 3:13 “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding,”
WHO CARES
067 –MARCH 2009
Who Cares?
James 2:16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
Just last week, Pat and I were eating out and this fellow walked up to our table. His eyes lit up and we greeted each other in an excitable manner. Pat asked who it was and I explained that, “20 years ago, on my way to work, I spotted him next to his stalled car and I turned back to help him. I know him as Dan. It was the only time we have ever had an exchange of time but, whenever we cross paths, we picture the 2 of us with our heads under his hood … trying to get him to work on time.
I often wish that I had more stories to share. I wish that there were a thousand people like Dan. I wish that my life was less busy. I wish that I wasn’t so easily inconvenienced. Sometimes it is too easy to neglect someone in need.
Luke 10:30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,”
Read the rest of this story.
Everyone in Pat’s family always wondered why her Dad would always go out of his way to pick up a few groceries at Dente’s Market. I will never forget that moment when he opened his wallet to show us something that no one had ever seen before. The mystery was being revealed as he carefully unfolded this old and tattered invoice that was ripping at the folds. He explained
“We moved to Barre and I started a car dealership. It took a while for things to get started and at one point we were seriously broke. With 3 small children needing to eat, I dragged myself to this small market and asked Mr. Dente if he would trust me for a few groceries. He did not know me but he showed compassion and trusted me for the purchase. I paid the bill in a few weeks and I carry this IOU invoice in my wallet as a reminder of his great kindness.”
Our throats lumped up as we gazed at the yellowed piece of paper. The bill totaled around $13. It was in his wallet for over 50 years.
The enclosed photo (with permission) is a copy of a painting by Mauricio Palacio. (A beautiful 27 X 20 poster is available at http://www.lastdaysministries.org/. under “Art.”) It is an artistic interpretation of a Godly vision written by General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. I won’t add explanation to it. Just study it for a moment and then … ‘Think About It’.
Who Cares?
James 2:16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
Just last week, Pat and I were eating out and this fellow walked up to our table. His eyes lit up and we greeted each other in an excitable manner. Pat asked who it was and I explained that, “20 years ago, on my way to work, I spotted him next to his stalled car and I turned back to help him. I know him as Dan. It was the only time we have ever had an exchange of time but, whenever we cross paths, we picture the 2 of us with our heads under his hood … trying to get him to work on time.
I often wish that I had more stories to share. I wish that there were a thousand people like Dan. I wish that my life was less busy. I wish that I wasn’t so easily inconvenienced. Sometimes it is too easy to neglect someone in need.
Luke 10:30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,”
Read the rest of this story.
Everyone in Pat’s family always wondered why her Dad would always go out of his way to pick up a few groceries at Dente’s Market. I will never forget that moment when he opened his wallet to show us something that no one had ever seen before. The mystery was being revealed as he carefully unfolded this old and tattered invoice that was ripping at the folds. He explained
“We moved to Barre and I started a car dealership. It took a while for things to get started and at one point we were seriously broke. With 3 small children needing to eat, I dragged myself to this small market and asked Mr. Dente if he would trust me for a few groceries. He did not know me but he showed compassion and trusted me for the purchase. I paid the bill in a few weeks and I carry this IOU invoice in my wallet as a reminder of his great kindness.”
Our throats lumped up as we gazed at the yellowed piece of paper. The bill totaled around $13. It was in his wallet for over 50 years.
The enclosed photo (with permission) is a copy of a painting by Mauricio Palacio. (A beautiful 27 X 20 poster is available at http://www.lastdaysministries.org/. under “Art.”) It is an artistic interpretation of a Godly vision written by General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. I won’t add explanation to it. Just study it for a moment and then … ‘Think About It’.
TRUST IN GOD
066 – FEBRUARY 2009
TRUST IN GOD
I was so humored with the question to Dionne Warwick regarding the 1998
bankruptcy of her Psychic Friends Network (PFN). As Warwick persisted that these were bona fide psychics, the interviewer asked, “So, if that is true, why didn’t they foresee that your ‘psychic network hotline’ was going to go bankrupt?”
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.”
John Stossel (ABC News, 20/20) had a great series titled “Give Me a Break”, with which he exposed some myths, lies and other silly things. At the end of each investigative report, he would say - “Give me a break.”
My most favorite of these reports was when he collected 30 astrological believing people in a room. He asked them to fill out a personal information form which he would feed into a computer for a personal horoscope report based upon their “sign”.
As the computer results were handed out, each person shared approval and astonishment at this incredibly accurate account of their personality and their future. After 5 minutes of excitement (laughing, crying, and hugging), Stossel asked this question, “What would you think if I told you that you all received the same report?”
There was a long and freaky silence before he said “You all have the same report!”
You could feel their panic as he prepared them for his 2nd question, “What would you think if I told you that it was a copy of an astrological computer report from personal information given by a mass murderer on death row?”
There was a longer and more freaky silence just before he said “It is!”
Stossel then closed with his anticipated adieu, “Give me a break!”
Many enthusiasts will ask, What is your sign?”
I used to answer their question quickly … to which they would reply “I knew it!” Now, I answer “You tell me!” They go through 6 or more guesses before they
answer correctly. Then, astonishingly, they triumphantly declare, “I knew it!”
Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Why do people trust in psychics, horoscopes, fortune tellers, or … tarot cards?
Some stranger deals out a bunch of cards and prognosticates a bunch of stuff! What makes her look so reliable? The scarf around her head? The glass ball on the table? The mole on her cheek? The $50 fee? Think about it – This innocent ‘dabbling’ could harm your invaluable life with misdirection. Maybe God has someone with blue eyes for you!
Why put your trust in ‘silly things’? You can be assured of peace and healthy restful nights by trusting in God. Ask Him!
Isaiah 26:3 “God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him!
TRUST IN GOD
I was so humored with the question to Dionne Warwick regarding the 1998
bankruptcy of her Psychic Friends Network (PFN). As Warwick persisted that these were bona fide psychics, the interviewer asked, “So, if that is true, why didn’t they foresee that your ‘psychic network hotline’ was going to go bankrupt?”
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.”
John Stossel (ABC News, 20/20) had a great series titled “Give Me a Break”, with which he exposed some myths, lies and other silly things. At the end of each investigative report, he would say - “Give me a break.”
My most favorite of these reports was when he collected 30 astrological believing people in a room. He asked them to fill out a personal information form which he would feed into a computer for a personal horoscope report based upon their “sign”.
As the computer results were handed out, each person shared approval and astonishment at this incredibly accurate account of their personality and their future. After 5 minutes of excitement (laughing, crying, and hugging), Stossel asked this question, “What would you think if I told you that you all received the same report?”
There was a long and freaky silence before he said “You all have the same report!”
You could feel their panic as he prepared them for his 2nd question, “What would you think if I told you that it was a copy of an astrological computer report from personal information given by a mass murderer on death row?”
There was a longer and more freaky silence just before he said “It is!”
Stossel then closed with his anticipated adieu, “Give me a break!”
Many enthusiasts will ask, What is your sign?”
I used to answer their question quickly … to which they would reply “I knew it!” Now, I answer “You tell me!” They go through 6 or more guesses before they
answer correctly. Then, astonishingly, they triumphantly declare, “I knew it!”
Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Why do people trust in psychics, horoscopes, fortune tellers, or … tarot cards?
Some stranger deals out a bunch of cards and prognosticates a bunch of stuff! What makes her look so reliable? The scarf around her head? The glass ball on the table? The mole on her cheek? The $50 fee? Think about it – This innocent ‘dabbling’ could harm your invaluable life with misdirection. Maybe God has someone with blue eyes for you!
Why put your trust in ‘silly things’? You can be assured of peace and healthy restful nights by trusting in God. Ask Him!
Isaiah 26:3 “God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him!
THAT'S A LOT OF POTATOES
065 – JANUARY 2009
THAT’S A LOT OF POTATOES
When someone has offended you and caused you harm, it is just not easy to extend forgiveness (The greater the harm – the greater the challenge.) Our flesh loves to bathe in the warm pool of unforgiveness. It feels good to be upset with the villains of our life and we hang on with great excuses and justification.
“I need to forgive that person … But, but, but!!!” Sounds like a billy goat!
Unforgiveness is a soul weight that easily besets us. In a physical comparison – it would be like going through life while dragging around a 100 pound bag of potatoes.
Unforgiveness! We place a debt on someone. Maybe we want an apology? Maybe a confession of blame? A bit of remorse? Or maybe it’s a money thing? We require something. They owe us. We should know because we have sent the Accounts Payable to them. Multiple times!!! They owe us for the mistake that they made and we will hold that grudge we until we receive payment … or until we die. Ouch!
The ”Lord’s Prayer” is found in the 6th chapter of Matthew and contains this contingency request in verse 12.
“And forgive us our debts (trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us).”
Quite simply, we pray that God will forgive us and we ask Him to do it in the same manner that we forgive others. Ouch #2! It might be better to drop the prerequisite that we give to him and just pray “Forgive me my trespasses and disregard the manner with which I forgive those who trespass against me.”
It seems rather silly. I know that you have earned the right to hold the grudge but it would be so much easier to accept the challenge and take the high road of forgiveness. It’s a decision that you need to make. Do away with the “fitting” debt to your hurt and maltreatment. Let go of excuses and justifications. Take the time to think about this and decide to forgive someone.
This could be a great way to begin the New Year. Release the debt. Set free the person who has wronged you. Deliver yourself. And, liberate your family and friends, who are probably being affected by this added weight.
So – be good to your soul. Let go of that sack of potatoes . 100 pounds! It will put that hop back into your step.
Next? I gotta lose 20 pounds. And, I’m talking about body.
THAT’S A LOT OF POTATOES
When someone has offended you and caused you harm, it is just not easy to extend forgiveness (The greater the harm – the greater the challenge.) Our flesh loves to bathe in the warm pool of unforgiveness. It feels good to be upset with the villains of our life and we hang on with great excuses and justification.
“I need to forgive that person … But, but, but!!!” Sounds like a billy goat!
Unforgiveness is a soul weight that easily besets us. In a physical comparison – it would be like going through life while dragging around a 100 pound bag of potatoes.
Unforgiveness! We place a debt on someone. Maybe we want an apology? Maybe a confession of blame? A bit of remorse? Or maybe it’s a money thing? We require something. They owe us. We should know because we have sent the Accounts Payable to them. Multiple times!!! They owe us for the mistake that they made and we will hold that grudge we until we receive payment … or until we die. Ouch!
The ”Lord’s Prayer” is found in the 6th chapter of Matthew and contains this contingency request in verse 12.
“And forgive us our debts (trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us).”
Quite simply, we pray that God will forgive us and we ask Him to do it in the same manner that we forgive others. Ouch #2! It might be better to drop the prerequisite that we give to him and just pray “Forgive me my trespasses and disregard the manner with which I forgive those who trespass against me.”
It seems rather silly. I know that you have earned the right to hold the grudge but it would be so much easier to accept the challenge and take the high road of forgiveness. It’s a decision that you need to make. Do away with the “fitting” debt to your hurt and maltreatment. Let go of excuses and justifications. Take the time to think about this and decide to forgive someone.
This could be a great way to begin the New Year. Release the debt. Set free the person who has wronged you. Deliver yourself. And, liberate your family and friends, who are probably being affected by this added weight.
So – be good to your soul. Let go of that sack of potatoes . 100 pounds! It will put that hop back into your step.
Next? I gotta lose 20 pounds. And, I’m talking about body.
THE STOCKING STUFFER
064 – DECEMBER 2008
THE STOCKING STUFFER
For some reason, I have been stuffing Christmas stockings for over 20 years. How I was picked to do this … I do not know! But, I am the stocking stuffer man. I am the Santa Claus that stuffs those stockings to overflow. It started with 3 stockings and has grown to 10. Ten! Ten!
1. Shopping for stuffers. I hit the stuffer trail and visit my 3 favorite places (Unidentified - I can’t give away all my secrets) and begin the process of shopping. After 20 years of practice, I move through the aisles with great confidence and buying precision. I can now purchase over 100 gifts in only 2.34 minutes. Really! Not really!
Of course, I buy everything in “10’s”. The foundational gifts include - 10 rulers, 10 stretch gloves, 10 tooth brushes, 10 Pilot “P-700” fine point pens, 5 “8-packs” of mini candy bars, 10 decks of cards, etc. All are wrapped in aluminum foil. Really!
Because of my great stuffer skills - I also include 4 or 5 original stuffers. This year, one of the unique items will be the “Ped Egg”. I love those infomercials.
2. Sorting the stuffers. I go back to my secret sorting place. I gather 10 bags, write names on them and … I sort!
3. Stuffing the stockings. On Christmas Eve, after everyone has gone to bed, I pour the bagged stuffers into the appropriate stockings. Simple ! Done! I can make a perfect “pour” … every time. Each item goes from bag to stocking without a miss. I’m unbelievable.
Christmas morning, the most unusual facial contortions begin and verbal gratitude includes ”Aw, Dad!” / “Oh, Wow! A ruler!” / “Dad, you really went all out this year.” / “Dad! Really! A Ped Egg?“ / and additional loving insults.
They balk at the standard stuffers and they scorn at the new “never received before” items, YET - just last week I was visiting my daughter and we were looking for a deck of cards and not one was to be found. They get 5 decks each Christmas!!!! My stuffer genius continues to astound them all.
Each year I try to pass on this ghastly responsibility, but no one will ever take it on. I ask them all if I have “Dummy” written across my forehead and they all respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
My granddaughter, Sophia, is now 13 years old and had helped me with the process for the past 2 years. She called in sick this year! Really! Not really!
So, Merry Christmas! Enjoy your Christmas this year. Be thankful for all of your seasonal traditions and take time to appreciate all those who love you.
And, be thankful that God didn’t pack a stocking full of stuff. He carefully chose the one greatest gift for each of us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
THE STOCKING STUFFER
For some reason, I have been stuffing Christmas stockings for over 20 years. How I was picked to do this … I do not know! But, I am the stocking stuffer man. I am the Santa Claus that stuffs those stockings to overflow. It started with 3 stockings and has grown to 10. Ten! Ten!
1. Shopping for stuffers. I hit the stuffer trail and visit my 3 favorite places (Unidentified - I can’t give away all my secrets) and begin the process of shopping. After 20 years of practice, I move through the aisles with great confidence and buying precision. I can now purchase over 100 gifts in only 2.34 minutes. Really! Not really!
Of course, I buy everything in “10’s”. The foundational gifts include - 10 rulers, 10 stretch gloves, 10 tooth brushes, 10 Pilot “P-700” fine point pens, 5 “8-packs” of mini candy bars, 10 decks of cards, etc. All are wrapped in aluminum foil. Really!
Because of my great stuffer skills - I also include 4 or 5 original stuffers. This year, one of the unique items will be the “Ped Egg”. I love those infomercials.
2. Sorting the stuffers. I go back to my secret sorting place. I gather 10 bags, write names on them and … I sort!
3. Stuffing the stockings. On Christmas Eve, after everyone has gone to bed, I pour the bagged stuffers into the appropriate stockings. Simple ! Done! I can make a perfect “pour” … every time. Each item goes from bag to stocking without a miss. I’m unbelievable.
Christmas morning, the most unusual facial contortions begin and verbal gratitude includes ”Aw, Dad!” / “Oh, Wow! A ruler!” / “Dad, you really went all out this year.” / “Dad! Really! A Ped Egg?“ / and additional loving insults.
They balk at the standard stuffers and they scorn at the new “never received before” items, YET - just last week I was visiting my daughter and we were looking for a deck of cards and not one was to be found. They get 5 decks each Christmas!!!! My stuffer genius continues to astound them all.
Each year I try to pass on this ghastly responsibility, but no one will ever take it on. I ask them all if I have “Dummy” written across my forehead and they all respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
My granddaughter, Sophia, is now 13 years old and had helped me with the process for the past 2 years. She called in sick this year! Really! Not really!
So, Merry Christmas! Enjoy your Christmas this year. Be thankful for all of your seasonal traditions and take time to appreciate all those who love you.
And, be thankful that God didn’t pack a stocking full of stuff. He carefully chose the one greatest gift for each of us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
HABITS
063 – NOVEMBER 2008
HABITS
Question : If you had 2 plants, and fed only one of them, what would happen?
Answer: One would grow. One would shrivel – and eventually die.
Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
I find myself in this human predicament of not being able to do the things that I should be (or want to be) doing. As I prepare to fall asleep each night, I think about some of the bad daily habits that I have. I determine “Tomorrow – I am going to start new habits to get in better shape, to find a way to add more exercise to my schedule and to stop all the unnecessary snacking after 7:00 P.M.”
Morning arrives. The day moves on. The bad habits follow. You tighten up on your evening resolution and become more determined for the next day - only to come up short and fumble again. And, on and on and on - and on!
In a like manner, you leave church all pumped up to begin a good habit or to end an old one – only to have forgotten the whole thing just after lunch.
Think about it! Think about how pitiful it is!! I can’t seem to do the things that I want (need) to do and, I can’t seem to not do the things that I don’t want (need) to do. Whether it is deciding “No” to a trivial indulgence or a weighty and disturbing sin, it is not easy to follow through with our decisions.
Paul verbalized this struggle with the old nature in his letter to the church at Rome:
Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do, I do.
18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
Although this struggle is commonplace, it does not mean that we should succumb to it’s outcome. We have a choice to feed the one and not the other. We can choose to be weak, give in to the bad habit or the bad sin , and feed the monster flesh. Or, we can choose self-control, rise above the fray, and feed the spirit. With either choice, one will grow and the other will shrivel – and eventually die. It would be astounding (miracle?) to watch your struggle droop - and die.
Romans 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me …?”
Paul gives us additional help at the end of Romans 7. Read the whole chapter and feed the spirit.
HABITS
Question : If you had 2 plants, and fed only one of them, what would happen?
Answer: One would grow. One would shrivel – and eventually die.
Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
I find myself in this human predicament of not being able to do the things that I should be (or want to be) doing. As I prepare to fall asleep each night, I think about some of the bad daily habits that I have. I determine “Tomorrow – I am going to start new habits to get in better shape, to find a way to add more exercise to my schedule and to stop all the unnecessary snacking after 7:00 P.M.”
Morning arrives. The day moves on. The bad habits follow. You tighten up on your evening resolution and become more determined for the next day - only to come up short and fumble again. And, on and on and on - and on!
In a like manner, you leave church all pumped up to begin a good habit or to end an old one – only to have forgotten the whole thing just after lunch.
Think about it! Think about how pitiful it is!! I can’t seem to do the things that I want (need) to do and, I can’t seem to not do the things that I don’t want (need) to do. Whether it is deciding “No” to a trivial indulgence or a weighty and disturbing sin, it is not easy to follow through with our decisions.
Paul verbalized this struggle with the old nature in his letter to the church at Rome:
Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do, I do.
18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
Although this struggle is commonplace, it does not mean that we should succumb to it’s outcome. We have a choice to feed the one and not the other. We can choose to be weak, give in to the bad habit or the bad sin , and feed the monster flesh. Or, we can choose self-control, rise above the fray, and feed the spirit. With either choice, one will grow and the other will shrivel – and eventually die. It would be astounding (miracle?) to watch your struggle droop - and die.
Romans 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me …?”
Paul gives us additional help at the end of Romans 7. Read the whole chapter and feed the spirit.
BODY, SOUL & SPIRIT
062 – OCTOBER 2008
BODY, SOUL & SPIRIT
A brief conversation released penitence and great faith from one of the men who hung next to Jesus at the cross.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Unless we are faced with it, we don’t spend a lot of time talking about death. We tend to avoid the subject. In fact, we only think about it during those occasional weekly spreads provoked by a death and funeral. It’s an uncomfortable subject.
And it’s a bit scary … especially if you believe that when you die your “life” will decay in the earth. Ouch! I don’t believe that!
Nor do I believe that you will come back to Earth as a caterpillar, a cow or a more enlightened human being (status dependent on how well you performed in your previous life.)
2 Corinthians 5:18 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
We are made in 3 parts – body, soul & spirit. I believe that my body is a temporary house for my eternal soul and spirit. And, when I die … I don’t!!! I just slip out of my body.
If a glove was my body and my hand was my spirit and soul - I could wiggle my hand and, as people viewed the glove, they might say “That’s Chris.”
Now, when I die, my hand will slip out of my glove. People will look at the limp glove, and say “He’s dead.” Yet, they will need to observe that my hand is still alive and my fingers are still moving. Through Christ, I am alive. And, as I move out of the glove, there will not be one millisecond of time that I am dead. I simply proceed from this earthly pilgrimage into eternity. I leave wiggling and … very alive!!! I am immediately in the presence of God.
We seem to be a bit preoccupied with the body. We seem to be overly troubled about what, when and how often we should eat. We observe ourselves in the mirror and wonder how cute we might be without certain blemishes and lines. Forget the full length mirror! We diet, shave, and shampoo. We trim our nails, wash our feet, and as we age, witness hair disappear from areas that we want it to be and travel to areas where we don’t.
We should not neglect our body yet, think about it - you can’t really tell a book by it’s cover.
It would be wise to inject time into the soul (will, intellect & emotions), to resolve an excellence of behavior and attitude, and to seize a desire to be more caring, more forgiving, more positive and more loving … to name a few.
The spirit is the pulse beat of your being. It would be most wise to discover your spirit. It is the heart of your soul. It is “life” itself – with God being the source for your spirit to be alive. Apprehend God and have Him be the essence of your life.
2 Cor 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
BODY, SOUL & SPIRIT
A brief conversation released penitence and great faith from one of the men who hung next to Jesus at the cross.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Unless we are faced with it, we don’t spend a lot of time talking about death. We tend to avoid the subject. In fact, we only think about it during those occasional weekly spreads provoked by a death and funeral. It’s an uncomfortable subject.
And it’s a bit scary … especially if you believe that when you die your “life” will decay in the earth. Ouch! I don’t believe that!
Nor do I believe that you will come back to Earth as a caterpillar, a cow or a more enlightened human being (status dependent on how well you performed in your previous life.)
2 Corinthians 5:18 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
We are made in 3 parts – body, soul & spirit. I believe that my body is a temporary house for my eternal soul and spirit. And, when I die … I don’t!!! I just slip out of my body.
If a glove was my body and my hand was my spirit and soul - I could wiggle my hand and, as people viewed the glove, they might say “That’s Chris.”
Now, when I die, my hand will slip out of my glove. People will look at the limp glove, and say “He’s dead.” Yet, they will need to observe that my hand is still alive and my fingers are still moving. Through Christ, I am alive. And, as I move out of the glove, there will not be one millisecond of time that I am dead. I simply proceed from this earthly pilgrimage into eternity. I leave wiggling and … very alive!!! I am immediately in the presence of God.
We seem to be a bit preoccupied with the body. We seem to be overly troubled about what, when and how often we should eat. We observe ourselves in the mirror and wonder how cute we might be without certain blemishes and lines. Forget the full length mirror! We diet, shave, and shampoo. We trim our nails, wash our feet, and as we age, witness hair disappear from areas that we want it to be and travel to areas where we don’t.
We should not neglect our body yet, think about it - you can’t really tell a book by it’s cover.
It would be wise to inject time into the soul (will, intellect & emotions), to resolve an excellence of behavior and attitude, and to seize a desire to be more caring, more forgiving, more positive and more loving … to name a few.
The spirit is the pulse beat of your being. It would be most wise to discover your spirit. It is the heart of your soul. It is “life” itself – with God being the source for your spirit to be alive. Apprehend God and have Him be the essence of your life.
2 Cor 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
SPEAR THROWING
061 – SEPTEMBER 2008
SPEAR THROWING
David loved and adored King Saul of Israel. He honored the King, played music for him, and would have done anything the King asked him to do. Saul’s response seems to be a love/hate thing. At times, Saul seemed to love David. Yet, at times, he would become enraged to the point where he would throw spears at him.
Fortunately, most people are grateful for the goodness that you show them. But, sometimes it happens. Sometimes a person that you help ends up being a person who mistreats you. You pour yourself into helping someone out of their troubles and their sorrows … only to have them respond with disrespect towards you. Go figure! People can seem to dislike you for no reason at all!
If this has happened to you, you can find a bit of comfort in the fact that you are not alone. It’s no big deal! It happens! Don’t flinch! Don’t live your life based on these few setbacks.
You must understand that, many times, unexpected ill-treatment is someone’s reaction due to their inability to admit blame or accept truth for a situation. It could also be due to some sort of jealousy.
1 Samuel 18:7 “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Having said all of this – I must admit that there have been times where I spent way too much time and energy on analyzing these unfair reversals. I would remind God of that “give and receive” thing. I would murmur that, while I gave and gave and gave, I received nothing but reproach from the person that I poured my heart into. God set me free as He whispered to me (this is very important) that the destination that you “give to” will not always be the source that you “receive from”.
So, continue to give. You need to think about that!
In conclusion – I decided, long ago, that I would rather live my life trusting and being run over a few times … than to live my life wincing and worrying about whether or not I should trust someone. Folks may abuse your goodness. They may chuck spears at you. Don’t flinch. Move on. Determine to be a lavishly giving person. Decide that you will never reciprocate kindness with spite or ill will. And, you will surely get (most times indirectly) a heavenly return.
And be thankful for the many loyal friends, family, and acquaintances that you have.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
What happened with David and Saul? ( Good reading – 1 Samuel 8:19 – 31:13 )
SPEAR THROWING
David loved and adored King Saul of Israel. He honored the King, played music for him, and would have done anything the King asked him to do. Saul’s response seems to be a love/hate thing. At times, Saul seemed to love David. Yet, at times, he would become enraged to the point where he would throw spears at him.
Fortunately, most people are grateful for the goodness that you show them. But, sometimes it happens. Sometimes a person that you help ends up being a person who mistreats you. You pour yourself into helping someone out of their troubles and their sorrows … only to have them respond with disrespect towards you. Go figure! People can seem to dislike you for no reason at all!
If this has happened to you, you can find a bit of comfort in the fact that you are not alone. It’s no big deal! It happens! Don’t flinch! Don’t live your life based on these few setbacks.
You must understand that, many times, unexpected ill-treatment is someone’s reaction due to their inability to admit blame or accept truth for a situation. It could also be due to some sort of jealousy.
1 Samuel 18:7 “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Having said all of this – I must admit that there have been times where I spent way too much time and energy on analyzing these unfair reversals. I would remind God of that “give and receive” thing. I would murmur that, while I gave and gave and gave, I received nothing but reproach from the person that I poured my heart into. God set me free as He whispered to me (this is very important) that the destination that you “give to” will not always be the source that you “receive from”.
So, continue to give. You need to think about that!
In conclusion – I decided, long ago, that I would rather live my life trusting and being run over a few times … than to live my life wincing and worrying about whether or not I should trust someone. Folks may abuse your goodness. They may chuck spears at you. Don’t flinch. Move on. Determine to be a lavishly giving person. Decide that you will never reciprocate kindness with spite or ill will. And, you will surely get (most times indirectly) a heavenly return.
And be thankful for the many loyal friends, family, and acquaintances that you have.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
What happened with David and Saul? ( Good reading – 1 Samuel 8:19 – 31:13 )
A MERRY HEART
060 – AUGUST 2008
A MERRY HEART
Luke 24:17 “And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these, that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?”
I remember when Pastor Bob Walton posed a question that went something like this – “When you end a conversation, the person with whom you spoke can affect you to feel refreshed or to feel sapped. How do people leave a conversation with you?”
I have always tried to fill my conversation with positive words and encouragement. I surely desire to have people leave a conversation refreshed and not sapped.
Sophia is my 12 year old granddaughter. Just recently, I walked into her bedroom and tried to calm her emotions over a minor distress. I began by imparting wisdom and consolations. And, as I continued to strike conversation - her brother Sam walked in the door. Sam is 5 years old and he asked, “What are you guys talking about?”
I responded by asking him to step into the hallway and we would be done in 5 minutes. Sophia and I began to speak and were disrupted from the hallway in a melodious “I can h-e-a-r you.”
I said, “Sam, close the door.”
I turned to Sophia and noticed a slight smile on her face. We tried to resume our talk when from the other side of the door came “I can still h-e-a-r you.”
Sam knew perfectly well that he was being comical. Sophia’s smile grew and I fueled the comic relief by asking Sam to step back and stand on the hallway carpet. Within a minute we heard, “I can still h-e-a-r you. What are you t-a-l-k-i-n-g about."
We both laughed out loud. We threw up our hands in surrender and Sophia jumped off the bed … healed of all distress.
Proverbs 15:15 “… but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
So, I want to step it up a bit. I surely want to refresh but I also desire to be more light hearted. I would love to use more quips and clever comebacks. I would like tap into the satire and wit of a Mark Twain, a Winston Churchill, or a Will Rogers. I know that all of those great men participated in some very weighty conversations, but they all seemed to have a knack for being cleverly lighthearted at precise moments. The serious times will come and will require somber and thoughtful conversation. But what about the rest of the times?
Some of my friends that have this knack of lighthearted quick wit – Bryan, my son in law / Aaron, my son / Dan, the Chiropractor / Brian, the BK computer genius / … to name a few. When you leave conversation with them, you are not only refreshed but you usually have a smile on your face.
And there are those who really enjoy laughing – My mom had an easy and contagious laugh. Also, Pat, my wife / Herm, the Pastor / Sarah, the photographer / Arlene, the Dentist… to name a few more.
Pr 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
So – step it up a bit. Be refreshing. Laugh. And bring laughter. Think about it. It’s like medicine to the soul. And Sam is “getting it” … at 5 years old.
A MERRY HEART
Luke 24:17 “And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these, that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?”
I remember when Pastor Bob Walton posed a question that went something like this – “When you end a conversation, the person with whom you spoke can affect you to feel refreshed or to feel sapped. How do people leave a conversation with you?”
I have always tried to fill my conversation with positive words and encouragement. I surely desire to have people leave a conversation refreshed and not sapped.
Sophia is my 12 year old granddaughter. Just recently, I walked into her bedroom and tried to calm her emotions over a minor distress. I began by imparting wisdom and consolations. And, as I continued to strike conversation - her brother Sam walked in the door. Sam is 5 years old and he asked, “What are you guys talking about?”
I responded by asking him to step into the hallway and we would be done in 5 minutes. Sophia and I began to speak and were disrupted from the hallway in a melodious “I can h-e-a-r you.”
I said, “Sam, close the door.”
I turned to Sophia and noticed a slight smile on her face. We tried to resume our talk when from the other side of the door came “I can still h-e-a-r you.”
Sam knew perfectly well that he was being comical. Sophia’s smile grew and I fueled the comic relief by asking Sam to step back and stand on the hallway carpet. Within a minute we heard, “I can still h-e-a-r you. What are you t-a-l-k-i-n-g about."
We both laughed out loud. We threw up our hands in surrender and Sophia jumped off the bed … healed of all distress.
Proverbs 15:15 “… but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
So, I want to step it up a bit. I surely want to refresh but I also desire to be more light hearted. I would love to use more quips and clever comebacks. I would like tap into the satire and wit of a Mark Twain, a Winston Churchill, or a Will Rogers. I know that all of those great men participated in some very weighty conversations, but they all seemed to have a knack for being cleverly lighthearted at precise moments. The serious times will come and will require somber and thoughtful conversation. But what about the rest of the times?
Some of my friends that have this knack of lighthearted quick wit – Bryan, my son in law / Aaron, my son / Dan, the Chiropractor / Brian, the BK computer genius / … to name a few. When you leave conversation with them, you are not only refreshed but you usually have a smile on your face.
And there are those who really enjoy laughing – My mom had an easy and contagious laugh. Also, Pat, my wife / Herm, the Pastor / Sarah, the photographer / Arlene, the Dentist… to name a few more.
Pr 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
So – step it up a bit. Be refreshing. Laugh. And bring laughter. Think about it. It’s like medicine to the soul. And Sam is “getting it” … at 5 years old.
HARSH WORDS
059 – JULY 2008
HARSH WORDS
Psalm 64:3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.
I do not like to hear the words “stupid”, “idiot”, or “moron” (many times preceded by the words - “Shut up, you …”) Most strong attack words are usually assigned to name calling and I am just not a fan of harsh words.
I especially don’t like to hear these words come from the mouths of parents. Husbands and wives need to eliminate it also. Ditto, friends. Ditto, enemies. Leave this strong vocabulary to those it was designed for – the politicians. J
Remember growing up? Remember the neighborhood? Remember the little ditty
that you sneered back to the kids who called you a bad name (and maybe hurled some swear words)? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” C’mon - it’s a lie. It’s a cover up that serves only as a quick and witty rebut to make the conflict go away. And as children walk away, they are hurt on the inside.
As I have grown older, I still hear adults using the “big 3”. Also, in their maturity(?), they have added to their name calling arsenal. You can hear more sophisticated hallmarks, such as “bigot”, “self-righteous”, “hypocrite”, and some perfectly timed adult-allowable obscenities. And, as adults walk away, they are hurt on the inside.
Col 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
So, let’s grow up! If you feel a harsh word scooting from your heart to your mouth – cover your mouth. If it’s too late and the bomb already fell from your lips – yield a quick and sincere apology.
Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
This is just my interpretation of this matter. You can do whatever you want. And, I’ll concede that timely name calling can surely satisfy the flesh, but, think about it – we really do have a much higher calling. You can drop all harsh words and replace them with words of compliment and praise. Load your tongue gun with positive words that promote blessings, healing, and celebration.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Johnson Oatman / Charles Gabriel
HARSH WORDS
Psalm 64:3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.
I do not like to hear the words “stupid”, “idiot”, or “moron” (many times preceded by the words - “Shut up, you …”) Most strong attack words are usually assigned to name calling and I am just not a fan of harsh words.
I especially don’t like to hear these words come from the mouths of parents. Husbands and wives need to eliminate it also. Ditto, friends. Ditto, enemies. Leave this strong vocabulary to those it was designed for – the politicians. J
Remember growing up? Remember the neighborhood? Remember the little ditty
that you sneered back to the kids who called you a bad name (and maybe hurled some swear words)? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” C’mon - it’s a lie. It’s a cover up that serves only as a quick and witty rebut to make the conflict go away. And as children walk away, they are hurt on the inside.
As I have grown older, I still hear adults using the “big 3”. Also, in their maturity(?), they have added to their name calling arsenal. You can hear more sophisticated hallmarks, such as “bigot”, “self-righteous”, “hypocrite”, and some perfectly timed adult-allowable obscenities. And, as adults walk away, they are hurt on the inside.
Col 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
So, let’s grow up! If you feel a harsh word scooting from your heart to your mouth – cover your mouth. If it’s too late and the bomb already fell from your lips – yield a quick and sincere apology.
Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
This is just my interpretation of this matter. You can do whatever you want. And, I’ll concede that timely name calling can surely satisfy the flesh, but, think about it – we really do have a much higher calling. You can drop all harsh words and replace them with words of compliment and praise. Load your tongue gun with positive words that promote blessings, healing, and celebration.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Johnson Oatman / Charles Gabriel
PUTTING ON
058 – JUNE 2008
PUTTING ON
In the middle of your seemingly impossible dilemma to alter some sin or bad habit, some well meaning person advises “Just relax and let God do it .”
What does that mean? I know that God could do it and He could do it a whole bunch better than I do. But what exactly does He do and what (if any) is my part in the whole thing.
I believe that you are responsible for the action and God responds by changing your heart. This is very important so let me explain.
Thought 1. You cannot change your heart. David was overwhelmed with a heavily repentant and apologetic heart when he wrote Psalm 51. Helplessly, he pleaded to God to change the heart.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Thought 2. You can, however, change your actions.
In the middle of Colossians chapter 3, there is a great code of counsel. It should be on the top shelf of the “Self-Help” section in every book store. It is a principle for change. It is a key for setting yourself free from the sin and bad habits that you wish you did not have.
Col 3:12 “Put on therefore … mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another … even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
The phrase “put on” comes from the Greek word “enduo” and means to “clothe yourself” or to put on as though you were putting on a piece of clothing.
Therefore, in those instances where you want to be angry - put on peace. Where you might want to be intolerant – put on patience. Where you are craving revenge - put on (clothe yourself with) forgiveness.
These are all acts of righteousness (doing what is right) and obedience to God. You would be consciously acting to do the right thing … even though your flesh is screaming for it’s own way.
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
You are responsible for the action and God responds by changing your heart. In your quest for change, God is with you. You can execute the assignments with “faith” … believing that while you are replacing (sometimes reluctantly) your substandard garment for one that is much nicer, God responds. He begins the process of changing you. That’s very powerful!
Example - If you are an intolerant person, you can make a decision to put on tolerance. You can trudge through a bit of self control with the assurance that God is honoring your actions and is changing your heart. You will wake up one morning and realize that you have changed and that you are now a tolerant person. You applied the action with the faith that God would change your heart. Think about that! It’s quite incredible.
(I used the “intolerance” example, because it was one of my own changes of heart.)
Col 3:14 And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.
PUTTING ON
In the middle of your seemingly impossible dilemma to alter some sin or bad habit, some well meaning person advises “Just relax and let God do it .”
What does that mean? I know that God could do it and He could do it a whole bunch better than I do. But what exactly does He do and what (if any) is my part in the whole thing.
I believe that you are responsible for the action and God responds by changing your heart. This is very important so let me explain.
Thought 1. You cannot change your heart. David was overwhelmed with a heavily repentant and apologetic heart when he wrote Psalm 51. Helplessly, he pleaded to God to change the heart.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Thought 2. You can, however, change your actions.
In the middle of Colossians chapter 3, there is a great code of counsel. It should be on the top shelf of the “Self-Help” section in every book store. It is a principle for change. It is a key for setting yourself free from the sin and bad habits that you wish you did not have.
Col 3:12 “Put on therefore … mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another … even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
The phrase “put on” comes from the Greek word “enduo” and means to “clothe yourself” or to put on as though you were putting on a piece of clothing.
Therefore, in those instances where you want to be angry - put on peace. Where you might want to be intolerant – put on patience. Where you are craving revenge - put on (clothe yourself with) forgiveness.
These are all acts of righteousness (doing what is right) and obedience to God. You would be consciously acting to do the right thing … even though your flesh is screaming for it’s own way.
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
You are responsible for the action and God responds by changing your heart. In your quest for change, God is with you. You can execute the assignments with “faith” … believing that while you are replacing (sometimes reluctantly) your substandard garment for one that is much nicer, God responds. He begins the process of changing you. That’s very powerful!
Example - If you are an intolerant person, you can make a decision to put on tolerance. You can trudge through a bit of self control with the assurance that God is honoring your actions and is changing your heart. You will wake up one morning and realize that you have changed and that you are now a tolerant person. You applied the action with the faith that God would change your heart. Think about that! It’s quite incredible.
(I used the “intolerance” example, because it was one of my own changes of heart.)
Col 3:14 And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.
DELIGHT IN THE LORD
057 – MAY 2008
DELIGHT IN THE LORD
I went golfing the other day. It was a last minute decision so I was alone and I played a quick 9. I cleared the ravine on the 6th hole and, as I walked to the ball, I spied a lost golf ball in the ravine. It was about 50 feet away and I did not really want to brave the bushes and the wet grounds. Also, I have hundreds of golf balls (from being in the woods so often.) But, upon some quirky adventurous impulse, I headed for the little white ball … worth a buck!
Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
I picked up the ball and noticed that it was a TopFlite (my favorite). I thought that was quite cool and voiced a heavenly “Thank you”. I looked to the left and there was another ball … a TopFlite! As I straightened up, I noticed another. And then another And another! The first 5 were all TopFlites. Together, God and I delighted in this crazy fun and I walked out of the ravine with 10 golf balls - 7 TopFlites, a Nike, a Molitor, and a Pinnacle. It was exciting! It was crazy! And, it was fun to have someone to share it with!
Psalm 37:4a “Delight yourself in the Lord …
Some folks believe that God orchestrates every area of our life. My humble theological opinion is that He has combined His written word with a lot of living-liberty. God doesn’t have a spoken word of direction for every move that we make. (Although, on the other hand, I think He desires to speak to us more than we are in a position to hear.)
So - this little golf adventure was probably not arranged by God. It certainly was not a miracle and the 10 golf balls were not a desire of my heart. We simply experienced a light hearted time of friendship. It was easy and natural to sense His presence. In the scope of great matters, this 5 minute period was insignificant, yet I truly delighted in it. We enjoyed each other in a bond of companionship. I even giggled out loud a few times.
Psalm 37:4b “ … and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
The true desires of my heart lie in the areas of faith, family, friends, and health.
So, the golf ball hunt was a “delight in the Lord” thing. The treasure was certainly not the golf balls but rather the pleasant fellowship with God.
In the midst of all of the world’s great issues of life, God wants to have a relationship with us. Determine to invite God into every area of your life. Resolve to experience His presence in all things. Delight in His friendship.
And, the promise is that He will give you the desires of your heart.
DELIGHT IN THE LORD
I went golfing the other day. It was a last minute decision so I was alone and I played a quick 9. I cleared the ravine on the 6th hole and, as I walked to the ball, I spied a lost golf ball in the ravine. It was about 50 feet away and I did not really want to brave the bushes and the wet grounds. Also, I have hundreds of golf balls (from being in the woods so often.) But, upon some quirky adventurous impulse, I headed for the little white ball … worth a buck!
Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
I picked up the ball and noticed that it was a TopFlite (my favorite). I thought that was quite cool and voiced a heavenly “Thank you”. I looked to the left and there was another ball … a TopFlite! As I straightened up, I noticed another. And then another And another! The first 5 were all TopFlites. Together, God and I delighted in this crazy fun and I walked out of the ravine with 10 golf balls - 7 TopFlites, a Nike, a Molitor, and a Pinnacle. It was exciting! It was crazy! And, it was fun to have someone to share it with!
Psalm 37:4a “Delight yourself in the Lord …
Some folks believe that God orchestrates every area of our life. My humble theological opinion is that He has combined His written word with a lot of living-liberty. God doesn’t have a spoken word of direction for every move that we make. (Although, on the other hand, I think He desires to speak to us more than we are in a position to hear.)
So - this little golf adventure was probably not arranged by God. It certainly was not a miracle and the 10 golf balls were not a desire of my heart. We simply experienced a light hearted time of friendship. It was easy and natural to sense His presence. In the scope of great matters, this 5 minute period was insignificant, yet I truly delighted in it. We enjoyed each other in a bond of companionship. I even giggled out loud a few times.
Psalm 37:4b “ … and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
The true desires of my heart lie in the areas of faith, family, friends, and health.
So, the golf ball hunt was a “delight in the Lord” thing. The treasure was certainly not the golf balls but rather the pleasant fellowship with God.
In the midst of all of the world’s great issues of life, God wants to have a relationship with us. Determine to invite God into every area of your life. Resolve to experience His presence in all things. Delight in His friendship.
And, the promise is that He will give you the desires of your heart.
SHEEP
056 – APRIL 2008
SHEEP
Ps 23:11 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
I admit it! I have trouble being a sheep!
I know that my life would become more simple if I were a sheep. It would be nice to move through life more slowly, graze leisurely, bleat a few times each day, trust the shepherd, and listen for his voice.
But, nope! Not me! I seem to prefer to run around with my head cut off. That’s what I do. I suppose I must enjoy it - a hectic schedule, talking way too much, and trusting my decisions with out hearing from God.
It’s hard! I’d rather be a bull. I certainly wouldn’t mind being a lion or a tiger … maybe even a charger. I just have trouble being a sheep!
Imagine a pro sports team selecting such a passive team mascot:
“Let’s hear a big cheer for your San Diego Sheep!”?
Or, “And now the starting lineup for your Chicago Lambs!”?
How could you even expect to win?
Yes, I know that God does not want us to sit around all day grazing and bleating. God wants us to be busy about the Kingdom. However, it’s very important that we understand this sheep/shepherd relationship that He has prepared for us.
Ps 23:2 “… He leadeth me beside still waters.”
As I move along through my years, I find that, more and more, I want to be directed. At home or at work, I simply want someone to tell me what needs to be done, to point me in a proper direction, and to say “Go!”
More than any other voice , I do want to hear His. Think about it - As the Great Shepherd - He provides, He protects, and He leads. He cares for you. He loves you and wants the best for you. He even seems to stop what He is doing in order to find you when you get lost.
Mt 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”
So, surrender a bit of the “in charge” status and listen for His voice. You’ll hear it.
SHEEP
Ps 23:11 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
I admit it! I have trouble being a sheep!
I know that my life would become more simple if I were a sheep. It would be nice to move through life more slowly, graze leisurely, bleat a few times each day, trust the shepherd, and listen for his voice.
But, nope! Not me! I seem to prefer to run around with my head cut off. That’s what I do. I suppose I must enjoy it - a hectic schedule, talking way too much, and trusting my decisions with out hearing from God.
It’s hard! I’d rather be a bull. I certainly wouldn’t mind being a lion or a tiger … maybe even a charger. I just have trouble being a sheep!
Imagine a pro sports team selecting such a passive team mascot:
“Let’s hear a big cheer for your San Diego Sheep!”?
Or, “And now the starting lineup for your Chicago Lambs!”?
How could you even expect to win?
Yes, I know that God does not want us to sit around all day grazing and bleating. God wants us to be busy about the Kingdom. However, it’s very important that we understand this sheep/shepherd relationship that He has prepared for us.
Ps 23:2 “… He leadeth me beside still waters.”
As I move along through my years, I find that, more and more, I want to be directed. At home or at work, I simply want someone to tell me what needs to be done, to point me in a proper direction, and to say “Go!”
More than any other voice , I do want to hear His. Think about it - As the Great Shepherd - He provides, He protects, and He leads. He cares for you. He loves you and wants the best for you. He even seems to stop what He is doing in order to find you when you get lost.
Mt 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”
So, surrender a bit of the “in charge” status and listen for His voice. You’ll hear it.
THE ROOM THEORY
055 – MARCH 2008
THE ROOM THEORY
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”
I’m having a hard time with this evolution theory. I realize that I am not a scientist but the whole thing raises a lot of elementary type questions.
* Was there really a first living cell that came outta nowhere? Really - Where did the first cell come from? If this is really true, then this is a big deal! Shouldn’t we name it and honor it with a holiday or something?
* Did this first cell reproduce? How long did it have to wait for another cell to come along? Did a whole bunch hit the scene like a street gang? And, how did they know they had to make more? Did they have brains first?
* They must have evolutioned the brain first, otherwise how did they all know they were going to need more than one eye, or one ear, or one hand? The brain must have come first to be able to sense these needs. But then, how can you sense a need for seeing when you don’t even know it's available? Does anyone really believe that the eye merely evolved? How about the brain?
* I have always wondered why there is not a species creature that evolved with just one leg? Just hopping around having a blast? … not even knowing that he might need a second leg? One eye, one arm, one index finger, one ear, … ? What’s with the two? So, why not 2 noses then? How did all these little cells evolve on their very own and not have a great mix of onesys and twosies?
* Finally – If man really evolved from the apes … Did the apes know that they needed to be smarter? Did they care? Or, did they (somewhere in their little evolutionary brain) know that eventually they would require conveniences such as roads, buildings, toilets, refrigerators, or potato chips? Those apes!
I have a new theory – The Room Theory! I think that they (the little one cell things that came from nowhere) all got packed in a little (Didn’t have to be too big!) room (for millions of years of course). Now picture this - Maybe one of the little itty bitty cells got stuck in the back wanted to see over the crowd what was going on up front. For years this little cell grunted and pushed and strained. Maybe this cellular situation caused it to became a giraffe or something. Maybe a need to hear something caused the rabbit to evolve? A need to wiggle to the front caused the snake? A need to smell the skunk (who had already evolved) caused the blood hound?
A big question is how all these little guys in this room, became “alike per species.” Why are there a bunch of the same? Why are there a bunch of orangutans? Or sharks, or centipedes, or roses, or moose? Think about it - Acting on their own - Shouldn’t there only be one?
Maybe, all of the cells had an opportunity to observe what they wanted to evolve to. Or, was there a boss cell who plucked each little guy from the Main Gathering Room and decided for all of them which of the species they were to become?
I can picture it – The boss points to a selected Species Evolving Room (with a category sign on the door) and the poor little cell starts to cry ”I don’t want to be a plant?” Or screams, “A fly? Are you crazy … “I’ll spend a million years evolving to a lousy fly and then have only 24 hours to live?” Forget it – I’d rather be a worm or even a pond leech!”
I realize that my new Room Theory has a bunch of flaws and questions. For example - While they were all in this room – Did they have to eat? What did they eat? And the big question, based on the fact “When you gotta go – you gotta go!”, will be - Can you imagine having to go to the bathroom for a million years?
The Room Theory is pretty silly. But, if I could just get enough people to believe it …?
Nehemiah 9:6 “Thou, even thou, art Lord alone: thou has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all the things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou you preservest them all …”
THE ROOM THEORY
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”
I’m having a hard time with this evolution theory. I realize that I am not a scientist but the whole thing raises a lot of elementary type questions.
* Was there really a first living cell that came outta nowhere? Really - Where did the first cell come from? If this is really true, then this is a big deal! Shouldn’t we name it and honor it with a holiday or something?
* Did this first cell reproduce? How long did it have to wait for another cell to come along? Did a whole bunch hit the scene like a street gang? And, how did they know they had to make more? Did they have brains first?
* They must have evolutioned the brain first, otherwise how did they all know they were going to need more than one eye, or one ear, or one hand? The brain must have come first to be able to sense these needs. But then, how can you sense a need for seeing when you don’t even know it's available? Does anyone really believe that the eye merely evolved? How about the brain?
* I have always wondered why there is not a species creature that evolved with just one leg? Just hopping around having a blast? … not even knowing that he might need a second leg? One eye, one arm, one index finger, one ear, … ? What’s with the two? So, why not 2 noses then? How did all these little cells evolve on their very own and not have a great mix of onesys and twosies?
* Finally – If man really evolved from the apes … Did the apes know that they needed to be smarter? Did they care? Or, did they (somewhere in their little evolutionary brain) know that eventually they would require conveniences such as roads, buildings, toilets, refrigerators, or potato chips? Those apes!
I have a new theory – The Room Theory! I think that they (the little one cell things that came from nowhere) all got packed in a little (Didn’t have to be too big!) room (for millions of years of course). Now picture this - Maybe one of the little itty bitty cells got stuck in the back wanted to see over the crowd what was going on up front. For years this little cell grunted and pushed and strained. Maybe this cellular situation caused it to became a giraffe or something. Maybe a need to hear something caused the rabbit to evolve? A need to wiggle to the front caused the snake? A need to smell the skunk (who had already evolved) caused the blood hound?
A big question is how all these little guys in this room, became “alike per species.” Why are there a bunch of the same? Why are there a bunch of orangutans? Or sharks, or centipedes, or roses, or moose? Think about it - Acting on their own - Shouldn’t there only be one?
Maybe, all of the cells had an opportunity to observe what they wanted to evolve to. Or, was there a boss cell who plucked each little guy from the Main Gathering Room and decided for all of them which of the species they were to become?
I can picture it – The boss points to a selected Species Evolving Room (with a category sign on the door) and the poor little cell starts to cry ”I don’t want to be a plant?” Or screams, “A fly? Are you crazy … “I’ll spend a million years evolving to a lousy fly and then have only 24 hours to live?” Forget it – I’d rather be a worm or even a pond leech!”
I realize that my new Room Theory has a bunch of flaws and questions. For example - While they were all in this room – Did they have to eat? What did they eat? And the big question, based on the fact “When you gotta go – you gotta go!”, will be - Can you imagine having to go to the bathroom for a million years?
The Room Theory is pretty silly. But, if I could just get enough people to believe it …?
Nehemiah 9:6 “Thou, even thou, art Lord alone: thou has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all the things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou you preservest them all …”
DIFFERENTLY THE SAME
054 – FEBRUARY 2008
DIFFERENTLY THE SAME
Par-a-dox Pronunciation [par-uh-doks] 1. A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
The Bible has a bunch of beautiful paradoxes. Here are a few:
Give to receive.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure …, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Die to live.
Gal 2:19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”
When you are weak, you are strong.
2 Cor 12:10 “ … for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
One of my own paradox blends is “We are all differently the same.”
We are the same. We all have a body, a soul, and a spirit. We think, we speak, we act. We sleep, we eat, we cry, we laugh. We succeed, we fail, we get hurt, and we cause hurt. We rejoice, we grieve, we justify, we forgive. And, of course, the list goes on. We are the same.
We are different. We certainly look differently from everyone else. We think differently, act differently, and speak differently. Government and Law Enforcement tracks your identity by your unique thumb print, your eyes, and even your ears. We are different.
The relevance of this paradox is in the encouragement that it gives.
A It’s nice to know that you are the same as everyone else. So - We can understand and we can share our lives. We are able to rejoice, to celebrate, and to share our triumphs with one another. We are also able to endure heartaches, face tragedies, lose a friend, and survive conflicts with a loved one. We can have assurance that there will be someone to offer comfort. There will be someone to love you, hug you and serve hope when it is needed. Be encouraged We are all in this together. We were created in the image of God.
B. It’s nice to know that you are different from everyone. You act and react differently than anyone else that ever was or ever will be. Think about it. You are different! You are special! There will never be another you! That is Gods’ creative intention and He loves you. You were created in the image of God.
DIFFERENTLY THE SAME
Par-a-dox Pronunciation [par-uh-doks] 1. A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
The Bible has a bunch of beautiful paradoxes. Here are a few:
Give to receive.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure …, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Die to live.
Gal 2:19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”
When you are weak, you are strong.
2 Cor 12:10 “ … for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
One of my own paradox blends is “We are all differently the same.”
We are the same. We all have a body, a soul, and a spirit. We think, we speak, we act. We sleep, we eat, we cry, we laugh. We succeed, we fail, we get hurt, and we cause hurt. We rejoice, we grieve, we justify, we forgive. And, of course, the list goes on. We are the same.
We are different. We certainly look differently from everyone else. We think differently, act differently, and speak differently. Government and Law Enforcement tracks your identity by your unique thumb print, your eyes, and even your ears. We are different.
The relevance of this paradox is in the encouragement that it gives.
A It’s nice to know that you are the same as everyone else. So - We can understand and we can share our lives. We are able to rejoice, to celebrate, and to share our triumphs with one another. We are also able to endure heartaches, face tragedies, lose a friend, and survive conflicts with a loved one. We can have assurance that there will be someone to offer comfort. There will be someone to love you, hug you and serve hope when it is needed. Be encouraged We are all in this together. We were created in the image of God.
B. It’s nice to know that you are different from everyone. You act and react differently than anyone else that ever was or ever will be. Think about it. You are different! You are special! There will never be another you! That is Gods’ creative intention and He loves you. You were created in the image of God.
VISIONS
053 – JANUARY 2008
VISIONS
God wants to have 1st place in your heart. He, at least, wants to have easy access.
During a time of Holy Spirit meditation, I had a vision. (which means I am getting younger*). It was a short vision that disclosed God’s hands parting the “stuff & things” that lay between He and my heart. It appeared that God was trying to get some admittance and was having a bit of trouble getting there. As He persistently parted the growth, He grew closer … only to witness new “stuff & things” continue to sprout. The thickness of the field eventually had Him back off from His approach. (End of vision.)
This vision often applies to my state of being … and maybe yours. It certainly applies to the world and, quite probably, the church.
Matthew 22:35 “Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Wouldn’t it be great to give Jesus the first place of honor? Think about it! … Wouldn’t it be great to have God so dominate your life that you could have the confidence of Godly righteousness in all of your response, reactions, thoughts and deeds? Yuh? Yuh!
So, for me, I am determined to bring passion to the famous hymn I Surrender All and pursue a heartfelt rededication of His life in me.
“Now” is the best time for that. I will take a good look in the mirror of my heart and examine the “stuff & things” that hinder His authority to my soul and spirit.
And, I am convinced that (though you might feel a 1,000 step separation between you and God), if you take the first step of rededication, He will minister grace to close the remaining gap.
All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus, I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with thy love and power, Let thy blessing fall on me.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
Judson W. Van de Venter, 1855-1939 / Winfield S. Weeden, 1847-1908
* Acts 2:16 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” J.
VISIONS
God wants to have 1st place in your heart. He, at least, wants to have easy access.
During a time of Holy Spirit meditation, I had a vision. (which means I am getting younger*). It was a short vision that disclosed God’s hands parting the “stuff & things” that lay between He and my heart. It appeared that God was trying to get some admittance and was having a bit of trouble getting there. As He persistently parted the growth, He grew closer … only to witness new “stuff & things” continue to sprout. The thickness of the field eventually had Him back off from His approach. (End of vision.)
This vision often applies to my state of being … and maybe yours. It certainly applies to the world and, quite probably, the church.
Matthew 22:35 “Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Wouldn’t it be great to give Jesus the first place of honor? Think about it! … Wouldn’t it be great to have God so dominate your life that you could have the confidence of Godly righteousness in all of your response, reactions, thoughts and deeds? Yuh? Yuh!
So, for me, I am determined to bring passion to the famous hymn I Surrender All and pursue a heartfelt rededication of His life in me.
“Now” is the best time for that. I will take a good look in the mirror of my heart and examine the “stuff & things” that hinder His authority to my soul and spirit.
And, I am convinced that (though you might feel a 1,000 step separation between you and God), if you take the first step of rededication, He will minister grace to close the remaining gap.
All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus, I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with thy love and power, Let thy blessing fall on me.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
Judson W. Van de Venter, 1855-1939 / Winfield S. Weeden, 1847-1908
* Acts 2:16 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” J.
THE LAW OF LIBERTY
052 – DECEMBER 2007
THE LAW OF LIBERTY
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Romans 14. It is often referred to as The Law of Liberty (what an interesting grouping of words).
It is a short discourse that answers the questions about those non sin issues that tend to separate and cause disagreement among folks … what to eat, what to wear, when to stand, when to sit, where you should go, etc.
Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only herbs. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
That verse contains a great word template that you can fill with all those silly ‘things’ that have the potential to stir discord and dissension:
He who ---------, --------‘s to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not --------, to the Lord he does not --------, and gives God thanks.
Example - He who wears blue jeans to church, wears blue jeans to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not wear blue jeans to church, to the Lord he does not wear blue jeans, and gives God thanks.
Ditto - raises their hands during ‘worship’, wears make-up, wears gaudy jewelry, covers their head, allows ‘entertainment’ in the church service (that will get me in trouble), etc.
The Christmas Season presents a few challenges. This festive season road contains a religious rut where one could become a bit legalistic and judgmental … questioning all the “things” that others do during the season:
You can add to the template: decorate a tree, shop for gifts, attend a party, heartily sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, allow your kids to watch the Grinch, or allow your kids to believe in Santa (definitely in trouble now), etc.
For the next few weeks of this Christmas season – Relax regarding other folk’s choices that are different from yours. Remember that this is about the birth of Christ. It’s a big, big birthday celebration for the one died for you.
Stay joyful! Greet one another with warmth and kindness. Let everyone do their thing and just make sure that you bring Christ into whatever you choose to do or that you choose not to do.
THE LAW OF LIBERTY
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Romans 14. It is often referred to as The Law of Liberty (what an interesting grouping of words).
It is a short discourse that answers the questions about those non sin issues that tend to separate and cause disagreement among folks … what to eat, what to wear, when to stand, when to sit, where you should go, etc.
Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only herbs. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
That verse contains a great word template that you can fill with all those silly ‘things’ that have the potential to stir discord and dissension:
He who ---------, --------‘s to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not --------, to the Lord he does not --------, and gives God thanks.
Example - He who wears blue jeans to church, wears blue jeans to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not wear blue jeans to church, to the Lord he does not wear blue jeans, and gives God thanks.
Ditto - raises their hands during ‘worship’, wears make-up, wears gaudy jewelry, covers their head, allows ‘entertainment’ in the church service (that will get me in trouble), etc.
The Christmas Season presents a few challenges. This festive season road contains a religious rut where one could become a bit legalistic and judgmental … questioning all the “things” that others do during the season:
You can add to the template: decorate a tree, shop for gifts, attend a party, heartily sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, allow your kids to watch the Grinch, or allow your kids to believe in Santa (definitely in trouble now), etc.
For the next few weeks of this Christmas season – Relax regarding other folk’s choices that are different from yours. Remember that this is about the birth of Christ. It’s a big, big birthday celebration for the one died for you.
Stay joyful! Greet one another with warmth and kindness. Let everyone do their thing and just make sure that you bring Christ into whatever you choose to do or that you choose not to do.
CONTENTMENT... AND A PARABLE OF SUCESS
051 – NOVEMBER 2007
Contentment … and A Parable of Success
Proverbs 15:16 “ Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The following is a modern day parable. It causes me to think about a lot of things. I really like it and I hope that you do too.
The Mexican Fisherman by Unknown Author
An American businessman was at a pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of fish and asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish. The fisherman said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. Then the American asked what he did with the rest of his time?
The fisherman responded, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, and stroll to the village each evening – where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos.”
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and I can help you. You have a very special talent for fishing. You should spend more time fishing. With the proceeds, you could buy bigger boats and hire more employees. You could eventually have a fleet of boats, open your own cannery, cut out the middleman, and control all product and distribution. You might have to leave your fishing village and live in LA or New York to run your enterprise. But in 20 years - you would announce an IPO, sell your company stock to the public, and make millions!”
The Mexican fisherman responded, "Millions, Senor? Then what?"
The American said, "Why, you could retire! You could move to a small coastal village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village each evening – where you would sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”
Think about it!
Contentment … and A Parable of Success
Proverbs 15:16 “ Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The following is a modern day parable. It causes me to think about a lot of things. I really like it and I hope that you do too.
The Mexican Fisherman by Unknown Author
An American businessman was at a pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of fish and asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish. The fisherman said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. Then the American asked what he did with the rest of his time?
The fisherman responded, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, and stroll to the village each evening – where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos.”
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and I can help you. You have a very special talent for fishing. You should spend more time fishing. With the proceeds, you could buy bigger boats and hire more employees. You could eventually have a fleet of boats, open your own cannery, cut out the middleman, and control all product and distribution. You might have to leave your fishing village and live in LA or New York to run your enterprise. But in 20 years - you would announce an IPO, sell your company stock to the public, and make millions!”
The Mexican fisherman responded, "Millions, Senor? Then what?"
The American said, "Why, you could retire! You could move to a small coastal village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village each evening – where you would sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”
Think about it!
INTIMACY WITH GOD
050 – October 2007
INTIMACY WITH GOD
If someone asked you to describe the personality and the character of a casual acquaintance, you might respond, “Well, she seems to be a very nice person. Uh, whenever I meet her, she has a nice smile. Um, I don’t really know her that well.”
Contrarily, if someone asked you to describe your wife, husband, son, daughter, or someone else that you love dearly, you would respond, “Oh, she’s wonderful! She’s caring and kind and giving and … I could go on all day! How much time do you have?”
The difference is in the amount of time and the times that you have shared with that person.
I believe that God wants a personal relationship with us and, think about it, our depth of response to “Describe God!” would vary due to the amount of time and the times that we have shared with Him.
The Bible speaks often of the importance of a “morning watch” … a time of one-on-one with God. This is a time that you spend seeking intimacy with Him.
Ps 5:3 “My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
Devote a time each morning to talk with God. It is easier than you might think to find a quiet place, close your eyes, and concentrate on Him. It is a time of prayer that includes the following:
* Thanksgiving – There is a lot to be thankful for.
* Praise - God “… inhabits the praises of His people.”
* Confession – Acknowledge and disburden your offences.
* Intercession – Praying for others.
* Petition – Praying for yourself.
* Listen – Don’t do all the talking. Use spiritual ears to hear His voice.
* Read – Open your Bible, for faith comes from hearing … the Word of God.
* Speak – Preach some of the things that you just read. Speak words of faith … Out loud!
* Meditate – Ponder your time. Close your eyes and feel His presence.
* Praise – End with praise (expecting to feel His presence throughout the day.)
Verse 1 and the chorus from my Mom’s favorite hymn, In the Garden:
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.e tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
I have enclosed a cue card for your convenience.
INTIMACY WITH GOD
If someone asked you to describe the personality and the character of a casual acquaintance, you might respond, “Well, she seems to be a very nice person. Uh, whenever I meet her, she has a nice smile. Um, I don’t really know her that well.”
Contrarily, if someone asked you to describe your wife, husband, son, daughter, or someone else that you love dearly, you would respond, “Oh, she’s wonderful! She’s caring and kind and giving and … I could go on all day! How much time do you have?”
The difference is in the amount of time and the times that you have shared with that person.
I believe that God wants a personal relationship with us and, think about it, our depth of response to “Describe God!” would vary due to the amount of time and the times that we have shared with Him.
The Bible speaks often of the importance of a “morning watch” … a time of one-on-one with God. This is a time that you spend seeking intimacy with Him.
Ps 5:3 “My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
Devote a time each morning to talk with God. It is easier than you might think to find a quiet place, close your eyes, and concentrate on Him. It is a time of prayer that includes the following:
* Thanksgiving – There is a lot to be thankful for.
* Praise - God “… inhabits the praises of His people.”
* Confession – Acknowledge and disburden your offences.
* Intercession – Praying for others.
* Petition – Praying for yourself.
* Listen – Don’t do all the talking. Use spiritual ears to hear His voice.
* Read – Open your Bible, for faith comes from hearing … the Word of God.
* Speak – Preach some of the things that you just read. Speak words of faith … Out loud!
* Meditate – Ponder your time. Close your eyes and feel His presence.
* Praise – End with praise (expecting to feel His presence throughout the day.)
Verse 1 and the chorus from my Mom’s favorite hymn, In the Garden:
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.e tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
I have enclosed a cue card for your convenience.
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
049 – SEPTEMBER 2007
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
Proverbs 13:7 “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
I happened upon a bunch of trophies and ribbons from the back of our portrait studio. They represent many years of photographic awards and I had intensions to rescue and repair them from years of tarnishing, rusting, molding, and breaking tops ... but I gave up quickly as I realized that they had declined beyond repair. I’m not quite sure what to do with them.
Don’t get me wrong – Pat and I are very honored to have received these awards. We, in fact, still enter photographs in the different State, Regional, and National Print Competitions. These awards bring back some great memories, but think about it - when I depart from this world, who will want them? Answer: Nobody! And, in the scope of life’s important matters, of what great value are they?
1 Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
My attention to the depreciation in value of theses pieces of wood and metal stimulated some thinking.
Life! What’s it all about? All of the sudden, a little sperm works it’s way to some little egg and Boop! … it started! From nothin’ … to me! That’s noteworthy !
So, why do I age? I dunno! Good question!
And, what happens after death? Big question! As for me, I am convinced of eternity! I am sure that I will slip into the arms of Jesus … forever!
And then what? I dunno! But it’ll be real good! And I do know that 80-90 years on this planet is a particular part of my eternal life that has unique relevance and purpose, yet … a mere droplet in the ocean of time eternal.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So, think about it - we might want to focus on eternal things. We might want to focus a bit on the kingdom of God, on love, on peace, on faith, and on affecting others in a great way. After all, everything material will rust, corrode or decay. Except, maybe, for plastic? Just kidding! I know that God thought of that. After all, it does melt! J
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
Proverbs 13:7 “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
I happened upon a bunch of trophies and ribbons from the back of our portrait studio. They represent many years of photographic awards and I had intensions to rescue and repair them from years of tarnishing, rusting, molding, and breaking tops ... but I gave up quickly as I realized that they had declined beyond repair. I’m not quite sure what to do with them.
Don’t get me wrong – Pat and I are very honored to have received these awards. We, in fact, still enter photographs in the different State, Regional, and National Print Competitions. These awards bring back some great memories, but think about it - when I depart from this world, who will want them? Answer: Nobody! And, in the scope of life’s important matters, of what great value are they?
1 Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
My attention to the depreciation in value of theses pieces of wood and metal stimulated some thinking.
Life! What’s it all about? All of the sudden, a little sperm works it’s way to some little egg and Boop! … it started! From nothin’ … to me! That’s noteworthy !
So, why do I age? I dunno! Good question!
And, what happens after death? Big question! As for me, I am convinced of eternity! I am sure that I will slip into the arms of Jesus … forever!
And then what? I dunno! But it’ll be real good! And I do know that 80-90 years on this planet is a particular part of my eternal life that has unique relevance and purpose, yet … a mere droplet in the ocean of time eternal.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So, think about it - we might want to focus on eternal things. We might want to focus a bit on the kingdom of God, on love, on peace, on faith, and on affecting others in a great way. After all, everything material will rust, corrode or decay. Except, maybe, for plastic? Just kidding! I know that God thought of that. After all, it does melt! J
LIFE QUOTES
048 – AUGUST 2007
LIFE QUOTES
A life quote is a concisely worded piece of advice for living a good life.
One example from the Bible inventory of wise counsel is from James 1:19,
“ … be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
My current selection for life quote is – “Pick your battles.”
I chose this because we have such a tendency to be extremely touchy over every decision. . We can make mountains out of molehills and live a life of conflict and duress … over some very trite issues. And, the emotional disagreements over silly things can cause unnecessary tension in our lives, as well as our loved ones’.
Luke 10:41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,”
Think about it. We debate, squabble and fight over the dumbest things. We become testy and touchy over hackneyed matters. And even though you will have some issues or disagreements that are worth a fight, most are not worth the stress that the battle brings.
Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
So - “Pick your battles.” Lay aside your passion for everything. Withhold your tongue and don’t feel that your opinion is so vital to every conversation. Relax and enjoy others’ views.
Worry less, trust God, cut some slack, relax, and save your energy for the issues that really matter.
Assignment - If someone asked you for just one piece of ‘life’ advice … what would you say? I know that you must have a few, but if you could choose just one, what would be your life quote? What one thing would you tell someone to help them through life? What one thing would you choose to say to help them live a happier, more productive, and more peaceful life?
I have asked this question to many people. All the responses are great and I have listed just a few for your thoughts:
Jamie Hayes – “Surround yourself with happy people.”
Kent Smith – “Love and be honest.”
Pat Beltrami – “Give Jesus a chance.”
Jed Taufer – “Never hesitate to sincerely apologize.”
(Note: Send me one of your life quotes and I will publish it in next month’s TAI.)
LIFE QUOTES
A life quote is a concisely worded piece of advice for living a good life.
One example from the Bible inventory of wise counsel is from James 1:19,
“ … be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
My current selection for life quote is – “Pick your battles.”
I chose this because we have such a tendency to be extremely touchy over every decision. . We can make mountains out of molehills and live a life of conflict and duress … over some very trite issues. And, the emotional disagreements over silly things can cause unnecessary tension in our lives, as well as our loved ones’.
Luke 10:41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,”
Think about it. We debate, squabble and fight over the dumbest things. We become testy and touchy over hackneyed matters. And even though you will have some issues or disagreements that are worth a fight, most are not worth the stress that the battle brings.
Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
So - “Pick your battles.” Lay aside your passion for everything. Withhold your tongue and don’t feel that your opinion is so vital to every conversation. Relax and enjoy others’ views.
Worry less, trust God, cut some slack, relax, and save your energy for the issues that really matter.
Assignment - If someone asked you for just one piece of ‘life’ advice … what would you say? I know that you must have a few, but if you could choose just one, what would be your life quote? What one thing would you tell someone to help them through life? What one thing would you choose to say to help them live a happier, more productive, and more peaceful life?
I have asked this question to many people. All the responses are great and I have listed just a few for your thoughts:
Jamie Hayes – “Surround yourself with happy people.”
Kent Smith – “Love and be honest.”
Pat Beltrami – “Give Jesus a chance.”
Jed Taufer – “Never hesitate to sincerely apologize.”
(Note: Send me one of your life quotes and I will publish it in next month’s TAI.)
EVERYTHING IS SATISFACTUAL
047 – JULY 2007
EVERYTHING IS SATISFACTUAL
Have you ever had a song that attached itself to you. As hard as you try, you cannot get the ditty off your mind or your tongue. I call it Stuck Tune Syndrome - an affliction that causes you to sing one particular song over and over. A song leaps from the airwaves and sticks like glue … sometimes for an entire day.
Pat, my dear wife, seems to think that she can tell my thoughts or my moods by those songs that stick. She may be right. The Andy Griffith Show whistle may not apply, but songs like “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, “All Alone Am I”, “Sunrise, Sunset”, or “What Kind of Fool Am I” could be evidence to her theory.
There is, however, a big difference between a song in your head and a song in your heart. There is a song in your heart. It is at the core of who you are. It could be your spirit. It’s at least a mood in your spirit. It’s not a particular title or tune … but a “song” nonetheless. My song has always been one of lightheartedness, thankfulness, and joy.
Recently, I had misplaced my song. Ugh! I made a bad trade. I began to “sing” a deep reflection, melancholy, “Sunrise, Sunset” type of song.
While talking with God, I became aware of my condition and prayed for a new song.
Ps 40:3 “And he has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: …”
So, I have my old “new song” back. This does not mean that I can’t have deep reflections, but it sure is nice to wake up each day and say “Good morning, Lord!” (vs. “Good Lord, it’s morning!”)
Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
If you don’t like the song that you are singing – Start praising God. And, then, try this song on for size. Thank and praise God as you sing and … it should be a good fit!
Zip-A Dee-Do-Da! Zipadee-ay Mr. Bluebird’s on my shoulder.
My! Oh my! What a wonderful day. It’s the truth! It’s actual!
Plenty of sunshine headed my way. Everything is satisfactual !!
Zip-A Dee-Do-Da! Zipadee-ay! Zip-A Dee-Do-Da! Zipadee-ay!
Wonderful feeling! Wonderful day!
Yes, you can thank me that I have given you a great melody for Stuck Tune Syndrome. It could get stuck in your head for all of today . And, Think about it – If you need one, it’s not a bad theme for a new song in your heart.
FRIENDS
046 – JUNE 2007
FRIENDS
Have you ever been hurt by an enemy?
Have you ever been hurt by a friend?
What a difference in the “hurtometer”!
Ps 55:12 “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, …
13 But it is you, a man my equal. My companion and my familiar friend;
14 We who had sweet fellowship together …”
Just recently, I was deeply hurt by a friend. Quite simply, this person did something that I never have done to a friend. It cut deeply and I shed tears of anguish over the incident. In this ill fated deed, this friend broke the bond of loyalty* and actually joined the “other side”. This person knowingly and willingly entered the enemies’ camp and joined their forces to knife me in the back. (The easiest target is there.)
This happened over a month ago. I have been working through this “hurt” thing and have come out the other end with some growing up. Here’s what I have discovered –
They asked Peter if he was Jesus” friend. Peter responded that he didn’t know him.
Mt 26:71 “When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do no know the man.”
Ouch! 3 times!!! With an oath! That must have hurt Jesus. It must have cut deeply.
Yet Jesus understood. Jesus understood his weakness. Jesus understands our weaknesses.
He understands. He forgives us. And, he still calls us friends. (John 15:15)
I need to understand also. I may not have done exactly what this friend did to me but I know that I am very capable of messing up and coming short of the loyalty* that friendship hopes for.
John 8:7 “ … If any one of you is without sin,
Let him be the first to throw a stone …”
So, who am I to get all upset at the very thing that I am so capable of doing. I must
take the Jesus high road! He is gracious to me. A lot of people are gracious to me. So how can I do less? I’ll understand. I’ll forgive! And, I will still call them friend.
Honestly – Does it still hurt? Yep!! But what else can you do? Think about it!
*I took a poll!
Question: “What is the most important thing that you look for in a friend?
Answer: The #1 answer, overwhelming, was … loyalty.
FRIENDS
Have you ever been hurt by an enemy?
Have you ever been hurt by a friend?
What a difference in the “hurtometer”!
Ps 55:12 “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, …
13 But it is you, a man my equal. My companion and my familiar friend;
14 We who had sweet fellowship together …”
Just recently, I was deeply hurt by a friend. Quite simply, this person did something that I never have done to a friend. It cut deeply and I shed tears of anguish over the incident. In this ill fated deed, this friend broke the bond of loyalty* and actually joined the “other side”. This person knowingly and willingly entered the enemies’ camp and joined their forces to knife me in the back. (The easiest target is there.)
This happened over a month ago. I have been working through this “hurt” thing and have come out the other end with some growing up. Here’s what I have discovered –
They asked Peter if he was Jesus” friend. Peter responded that he didn’t know him.
Mt 26:71 “When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do no know the man.”
Ouch! 3 times!!! With an oath! That must have hurt Jesus. It must have cut deeply.
Yet Jesus understood. Jesus understood his weakness. Jesus understands our weaknesses.
He understands. He forgives us. And, he still calls us friends. (John 15:15)
I need to understand also. I may not have done exactly what this friend did to me but I know that I am very capable of messing up and coming short of the loyalty* that friendship hopes for.
John 8:7 “ … If any one of you is without sin,
Let him be the first to throw a stone …”
So, who am I to get all upset at the very thing that I am so capable of doing. I must
take the Jesus high road! He is gracious to me. A lot of people are gracious to me. So how can I do less? I’ll understand. I’ll forgive! And, I will still call them friend.
Honestly – Does it still hurt? Yep!! But what else can you do? Think about it!
*I took a poll!
Question: “What is the most important thing that you look for in a friend?
Answer: The #1 answer, overwhelming, was … loyalty.
SUNRISE, SUNSET
045 – MAY 2007
SUNRISE-SUNSET
As I was remembering a particular event, I realized that it had occurred one year ago. One year! 365 days! That’s a lot of days. Not 10 or 20! Not 100! Moreover – 365 of them! It seems like only yesterday since that event happened. Yet I have slept, awakened and experienced a “day” … 365 times! Three hundred sixty five times!
Job 7:6 “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle.Job 9:25 “My days pass more swiftly than a runner.
Where do these days go? They become, in fact, history. They are now “past” … to be remembered but not relived.
We, therefore need some inspiration to live our life with more watchfulness. Country singer George Strait sings, “There’s a Difference ‘Tween Living and Living Well.” And Roget’s Thesaurus gives us a few synonyms for this distinct essence of the word “live”.
“To live” : enjoy life / relish / savor / delight in / experience / love /
make every moment count / take pleasure in
That series of words should be an encouragement to live your life more richly. Those words should be a challenge to love more. Smile more. Hug more. Kiss more. And bring hope to so many who need it. Savor your moments because they so quickly turn to days. And your days, “one day at a time”, so quickly turn to years.
One year passes. I have journeyed another 365 days, yet it seems as though … just yesterday … I was 12 years old!
This is deep thinking for me. It blows my mind and provokes the “Twilight Zone” song in my head. It launches me into “life questions”. It causes me to examine my earthly visit and I must conclude that the only thing that makes any sense is that life is not temporal but eternal.
I believe that we have eternal souls and that there is more than just hanging out in this funny little body suit on this funny little planet for a few years. This is just a visit and it is like a scratch in time on the Grand Canyon wall of eternity.
2 Cor 5:1 “Now we know that if the earthly body we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
Ps 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
SUNRISE-SUNSET
As I was remembering a particular event, I realized that it had occurred one year ago. One year! 365 days! That’s a lot of days. Not 10 or 20! Not 100! Moreover – 365 of them! It seems like only yesterday since that event happened. Yet I have slept, awakened and experienced a “day” … 365 times! Three hundred sixty five times!
Job 7:6 “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle.Job 9:25 “My days pass more swiftly than a runner.
Where do these days go? They become, in fact, history. They are now “past” … to be remembered but not relived.
We, therefore need some inspiration to live our life with more watchfulness. Country singer George Strait sings, “There’s a Difference ‘Tween Living and Living Well.” And Roget’s Thesaurus gives us a few synonyms for this distinct essence of the word “live”.
“To live” : enjoy life / relish / savor / delight in / experience / love /
make every moment count / take pleasure in
That series of words should be an encouragement to live your life more richly. Those words should be a challenge to love more. Smile more. Hug more. Kiss more. And bring hope to so many who need it. Savor your moments because they so quickly turn to days. And your days, “one day at a time”, so quickly turn to years.
One year passes. I have journeyed another 365 days, yet it seems as though … just yesterday … I was 12 years old!
This is deep thinking for me. It blows my mind and provokes the “Twilight Zone” song in my head. It launches me into “life questions”. It causes me to examine my earthly visit and I must conclude that the only thing that makes any sense is that life is not temporal but eternal.
I believe that we have eternal souls and that there is more than just hanging out in this funny little body suit on this funny little planet for a few years. This is just a visit and it is like a scratch in time on the Grand Canyon wall of eternity.
2 Cor 5:1 “Now we know that if the earthly body we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
Ps 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
WILL WE EVER GROW UP?
044 – APRIL 2007
BIG BRATS - WILL WE EVER GROW UP?
I am wondering if we “grown ups” are still children, but in adult bodies.
We seem to have a great difficulty putting away childish things. All of the sudden, we are men and women. All of the sudden, we have the freedom that comes with adulthood. All of the sudden, we have the responsibilities that come with marriage and parenthood. We have the same issues that we had as children … but with a lack of authority and accountability in our lives.*
We complain, we cry, we sulk, and we stomp our feet. We show selfishness, we display jealousies, we act moody, we are unthankful, and we throw tantrums.
We go unchecked, unpunished, and undisciplined - for things that children would never get away with. Poor kids! Think about it! We drink, smoke , spit, cuss, and chew. And it’s just fine … because we are “adults”. We may even lie, cheat, and steal … and think that it is all in secret. But it’s not!
* Proverbs 5:21 “For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all his paths.”
It appears that as we pass through adolescence and into adulthood, we take a heavy backpack of “stuff”. The pack seems almost magical as it instantly delivers the nonsense necessary for proper tantrums and demanding of our own way. The pack is heavy! We really don’t like it! It wears us down and we can sometimes feel very defeated.
The good news is that it is easier than you might think to discard this awful weight.
Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
The Bible says that we can ‘lay it aside’ (this backpack weight). Could it be that easy? Sure! With God, all things are possible. Make a good decision and flood it with patience, with faith, and with love.
As I conclude this “big brat” thought, I decide to accept a life challenge to drop the weight of this needless backpack and experience the real freedom that comes from truth.
John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs …
11) When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
BIG BRATS - WILL WE EVER GROW UP?
I am wondering if we “grown ups” are still children, but in adult bodies.
We seem to have a great difficulty putting away childish things. All of the sudden, we are men and women. All of the sudden, we have the freedom that comes with adulthood. All of the sudden, we have the responsibilities that come with marriage and parenthood. We have the same issues that we had as children … but with a lack of authority and accountability in our lives.*
We complain, we cry, we sulk, and we stomp our feet. We show selfishness, we display jealousies, we act moody, we are unthankful, and we throw tantrums.
We go unchecked, unpunished, and undisciplined - for things that children would never get away with. Poor kids! Think about it! We drink, smoke , spit, cuss, and chew. And it’s just fine … because we are “adults”. We may even lie, cheat, and steal … and think that it is all in secret. But it’s not!
* Proverbs 5:21 “For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all his paths.”
It appears that as we pass through adolescence and into adulthood, we take a heavy backpack of “stuff”. The pack seems almost magical as it instantly delivers the nonsense necessary for proper tantrums and demanding of our own way. The pack is heavy! We really don’t like it! It wears us down and we can sometimes feel very defeated.
The good news is that it is easier than you might think to discard this awful weight.
Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
The Bible says that we can ‘lay it aside’ (this backpack weight). Could it be that easy? Sure! With God, all things are possible. Make a good decision and flood it with patience, with faith, and with love.
As I conclude this “big brat” thought, I decide to accept a life challenge to drop the weight of this needless backpack and experience the real freedom that comes from truth.
John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs …
11) When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
THE EYES HAVE IT
043 – MARCH 2007
THE EYES HAVE IT
Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”
You have these two fleshy spheres in your skull that begin the process that enables you to see the outside physical world? The outside enters inside your soul by going through a little hole, traveling through a little nerve, entering your fleshy brain, displaying a moving picture of what is out there, and causing you to say “Wow!” Do you understand? Sure! Mmmm, not really!
It raises a lot of questions.
Your body is equipped with the round things and your soul is packaged in your body. So is it your body or your soul that actually sees the stuff?
Why doesn’t the process require you to be hooked to some LTD or plasma screen? No, your soul is the screen! It’s just there! You see it! You walk around and take it all in.
Think about it! How many ways can I say it before you begin to get dizzy about it?
Take a walk and look around. Be amazed that you are this single breathing soul with some miraculous ability to see the physical world. Take a minute to lift your eyes from this paper and marvel with a dropped jaw.
Sight! I wonder how those little evolutionary one celled things thought that this would be a great gadget to have. How did they even know that there was a physical world out there? Did they hear something? Did they get ears first? The brain must have come first? It had to!
Maybe all these one celled living globs gathered in the corner of a room and one of them (probably an owl cell) said “I sense that there is more. We need to see!”
They strained for millions of years and some were able to develop these 2 skull balls (How did they know that they would need 2 eyes for depth?) Those that were successful eventually became lions, ants, fish, dogs, birds, orangutans, and human beings, etc. The other living cells simply did not try hard enough and never got the eyes. Trees, grass, or plants?
Anyhow, there are many things to ponder but, for this moment, take the time to be
overwhelmed with the gift of “sight” and how it relates to purpose. Although, it’s nice to understand the diagram and answer the “How?”, it’s eternally important to go beyond and allow yourself to ask the “Why?” Why are we here? What is it all about? There must be more than just “birth to death for 90 years”. And I thank God, through Jesus Christ, that there is!
2 Cor 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
THE EYES HAVE IT
Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”
You have these two fleshy spheres in your skull that begin the process that enables you to see the outside physical world? The outside enters inside your soul by going through a little hole, traveling through a little nerve, entering your fleshy brain, displaying a moving picture of what is out there, and causing you to say “Wow!” Do you understand? Sure! Mmmm, not really!
It raises a lot of questions.
Your body is equipped with the round things and your soul is packaged in your body. So is it your body or your soul that actually sees the stuff?
Why doesn’t the process require you to be hooked to some LTD or plasma screen? No, your soul is the screen! It’s just there! You see it! You walk around and take it all in.
Think about it! How many ways can I say it before you begin to get dizzy about it?
Take a walk and look around. Be amazed that you are this single breathing soul with some miraculous ability to see the physical world. Take a minute to lift your eyes from this paper and marvel with a dropped jaw.
Sight! I wonder how those little evolutionary one celled things thought that this would be a great gadget to have. How did they even know that there was a physical world out there? Did they hear something? Did they get ears first? The brain must have come first? It had to!
Maybe all these one celled living globs gathered in the corner of a room and one of them (probably an owl cell) said “I sense that there is more. We need to see!”
They strained for millions of years and some were able to develop these 2 skull balls (How did they know that they would need 2 eyes for depth?) Those that were successful eventually became lions, ants, fish, dogs, birds, orangutans, and human beings, etc. The other living cells simply did not try hard enough and never got the eyes. Trees, grass, or plants?
Anyhow, there are many things to ponder but, for this moment, take the time to be
overwhelmed with the gift of “sight” and how it relates to purpose. Although, it’s nice to understand the diagram and answer the “How?”, it’s eternally important to go beyond and allow yourself to ask the “Why?” Why are we here? What is it all about? There must be more than just “birth to death for 90 years”. And I thank God, through Jesus Christ, that there is!
2 Cor 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
A GOOD QUESTION
042 – FEBRUARY 2007
A GOOD QUESTION
When concentrating on your faith, one particular way that your entire awake time may be divided is into the time you spend with God, church folk fellowship, or people outside the faith.
On a scale of 1 to 10, (“1” being “not Important” and “10” being “Very Important”) place a number for the following:
1. Importance of time spent intimately in prayer or meditation with God …………. ______
2. Importance of time spent in fellowship or study with the people of church …. ______
3. Importance of time spent with unchurched such as fellow workers, street folks, golf
buddies, and other acquaintances, etc. …. ______
Pause …………………… C’mon! Be a sport! Place the numbers before you read on.
Many people have contracted a religious affliction and will quickly plop a “10” on #1 and #2, while pondering over #3 with an eventual “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, or “8”.
These results are the product of a highly contagious religious disease that that I have named “churchy-itis” … and it’s not a pretty sight!
Think about it! All of our time should be a “10”. Moreover, Jesus put much emphasis on spending time with those who need a bit of faith, hope and love.
* He, himself, spent much time with sinners and tax collectors. Luke 15:2
* He taught that we are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. Matthew 5:14
* He explained that we have the same “call” and purpose for our life that He had. Luke 4:18 & John 20:21
* His last words to us, after His resurrection and just before He ascended to the Father, could have been “Attend Church!”, “Pray!”, or “Be Holy!”. These instructions are all important and worthy of the Last Words category, but He chose to say “Go!” Matthew 28:19 & 20
A prayer closet for times with God is crucial to a victorious walk. And, surely, fellowship with the saints is important. However, those who have caught a glimpse of God have a responsibility to share with others. If we have hung around God and taken possession of His heart, we should begin to see with new eyes. We should understand that we are ambassadors to the world from the kingdom of God. And, we should realize the urgent need to “Go!”
I think that C. Austin Miles understood the Heart of God when he wrote the last verse to the great hymn, In the Garden:
“I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me is falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.”
God places great importance to the opportune times we have to care for others. Embrace the times when you have the chance to share love, faith, hope, grace, praise and encouraging words.
Reconsider Question #3. If, originally, you placed anything less than a “10” on question #3, take this TAI as medicine for any religious disease that you might have contracted.
A GOOD QUESTION
When concentrating on your faith, one particular way that your entire awake time may be divided is into the time you spend with God, church folk fellowship, or people outside the faith.
On a scale of 1 to 10, (“1” being “not Important” and “10” being “Very Important”) place a number for the following:
1. Importance of time spent intimately in prayer or meditation with God …………. ______
2. Importance of time spent in fellowship or study with the people of church …. ______
3. Importance of time spent with unchurched such as fellow workers, street folks, golf
buddies, and other acquaintances, etc. …. ______
Pause …………………… C’mon! Be a sport! Place the numbers before you read on.
Many people have contracted a religious affliction and will quickly plop a “10” on #1 and #2, while pondering over #3 with an eventual “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, or “8”.
These results are the product of a highly contagious religious disease that that I have named “churchy-itis” … and it’s not a pretty sight!
Think about it! All of our time should be a “10”. Moreover, Jesus put much emphasis on spending time with those who need a bit of faith, hope and love.
* He, himself, spent much time with sinners and tax collectors. Luke 15:2
* He taught that we are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. Matthew 5:14
* He explained that we have the same “call” and purpose for our life that He had. Luke 4:18 & John 20:21
* His last words to us, after His resurrection and just before He ascended to the Father, could have been “Attend Church!”, “Pray!”, or “Be Holy!”. These instructions are all important and worthy of the Last Words category, but He chose to say “Go!” Matthew 28:19 & 20
A prayer closet for times with God is crucial to a victorious walk. And, surely, fellowship with the saints is important. However, those who have caught a glimpse of God have a responsibility to share with others. If we have hung around God and taken possession of His heart, we should begin to see with new eyes. We should understand that we are ambassadors to the world from the kingdom of God. And, we should realize the urgent need to “Go!”
I think that C. Austin Miles understood the Heart of God when he wrote the last verse to the great hymn, In the Garden:
“I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me is falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.”
God places great importance to the opportune times we have to care for others. Embrace the times when you have the chance to share love, faith, hope, grace, praise and encouraging words.
Reconsider Question #3. If, originally, you placed anything less than a “10” on question #3, take this TAI as medicine for any religious disease that you might have contracted.
BUSY-NESS
041 – JANUARY 2007
Busy-ness!
Luke 10: 38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha,Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
A typical day for modern man involves the following commitments to “time.”
Awake, Shower, Shave, Shampoo, Brush, Add scents, Select Attire, Get Dressed, Eat Breakfast, Find Misplaced Keys, Start Car, and Back To the House for Something that You Forgot.
Drive to work, Stop for Coffee, Gas Up, Have a Chat, Arrive at work, and Back to the Car for Something that You Forgot.
Work, Lunch, Work.
Drive home, Stop for Last Minute Grocery Items, and maybe Visit Mom.
Arrive Home, Listen to the Telephone Messages, Return a Few Calls, Get Your E-Mail, Reply, Prepare the Meal, Eat, Do the Dishes, Watch the News, Snack, Clean Things Up a Bit, Receive 2 Personal Telephone calls, Receive 6 Telemarketing Calls, Wash, Dry and Fold Laundry, Watch 2 hours of TV, Snack Again, and Get Some Sleep.
I totaled that up … to 25.1 hours !!! All in one day !!! Think about it!
Praise God for the weekends!. And for vacations!
And that total did not include miscellaneous time for - Visit to the Motor Vehicle Department, Visit to the Bank, Shopping, Paying the Bills, Auto Repair, Flat Tires, Appointment with the Dentist, Idle Time, or Running to the Store for One Item.
And that total did not include “kid” time !!! Oy !!
And that total did not include Spiritual time for Bible Reading, Prayer, and Meditation. Remember those things? Food for our spirit and our soul? Did we forget? Are we too busy?
Most of these duties, routines and inconveniences are necessary. It is undeniable that the dishes will need to be washed but, as in the story of Martha and Mary, busy-ness with temporal concerns can be a trap that robs you of time spent on eternal matters.
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
When Jesus is on the scene and wanting to talk, we need to drop what we are doing and make an eternal choice. When you sense a drawing of the Spirit, you need to be wise and select what is truly needful. When there is opportunity to spend time with God, you need to do it.
Busy-ness? We make it so difficult to “find time for God” when, in fact, we would find it eternally rewarding to design our schedule around and about Him.
So, become a good steward of your time. It’s important.
Busy-ness!
Luke 10: 38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha,Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
A typical day for modern man involves the following commitments to “time.”
Awake, Shower, Shave, Shampoo, Brush, Add scents, Select Attire, Get Dressed, Eat Breakfast, Find Misplaced Keys, Start Car, and Back To the House for Something that You Forgot.
Drive to work, Stop for Coffee, Gas Up, Have a Chat, Arrive at work, and Back to the Car for Something that You Forgot.
Work, Lunch, Work.
Drive home, Stop for Last Minute Grocery Items, and maybe Visit Mom.
Arrive Home, Listen to the Telephone Messages, Return a Few Calls, Get Your E-Mail, Reply, Prepare the Meal, Eat, Do the Dishes, Watch the News, Snack, Clean Things Up a Bit, Receive 2 Personal Telephone calls, Receive 6 Telemarketing Calls, Wash, Dry and Fold Laundry, Watch 2 hours of TV, Snack Again, and Get Some Sleep.
I totaled that up … to 25.1 hours !!! All in one day !!! Think about it!
Praise God for the weekends!. And for vacations!
And that total did not include miscellaneous time for - Visit to the Motor Vehicle Department, Visit to the Bank, Shopping, Paying the Bills, Auto Repair, Flat Tires, Appointment with the Dentist, Idle Time, or Running to the Store for One Item.
And that total did not include “kid” time !!! Oy !!
And that total did not include Spiritual time for Bible Reading, Prayer, and Meditation. Remember those things? Food for our spirit and our soul? Did we forget? Are we too busy?
Most of these duties, routines and inconveniences are necessary. It is undeniable that the dishes will need to be washed but, as in the story of Martha and Mary, busy-ness with temporal concerns can be a trap that robs you of time spent on eternal matters.
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
When Jesus is on the scene and wanting to talk, we need to drop what we are doing and make an eternal choice. When you sense a drawing of the Spirit, you need to be wise and select what is truly needful. When there is opportunity to spend time with God, you need to do it.
Busy-ness? We make it so difficult to “find time for God” when, in fact, we would find it eternally rewarding to design our schedule around and about Him.
So, become a good steward of your time. It’s important.
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