November 1
A lady calls seeking a title for the church bulletin. I blurt out “Choices.” So that is the topic for my talk on Layman’s Sunday.
Later, I realize that the message I delivered that day was intended for me. I need to make the right choices in my life. I am a pretend Christian, going to church and saying the right things but not walking the walk. I needed to choose God as the priority in my life. I began by heeding the scripture read at that layman’s service.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Halloween
October 31
“Trick or treat?” Years ago we didn’t ask we just did tricks. Now children don masks and costumes and demand treats from grownups, like an entitlement.
The fact that All Saints Day follows Halloween is an appropriate reminder to put away the craziness for another year. Otherwise life could become a series of Halloweens with people wearing masks all the time. I know God wants me to take off my mask and get real with Him. No tricks or treats Lord, just living everyday humbly obeying You.
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
“Trick or treat?” Years ago we didn’t ask we just did tricks. Now children don masks and costumes and demand treats from grownups, like an entitlement.
The fact that All Saints Day follows Halloween is an appropriate reminder to put away the craziness for another year. Otherwise life could become a series of Halloweens with people wearing masks all the time. I know God wants me to take off my mask and get real with Him. No tricks or treats Lord, just living everyday humbly obeying You.
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bob Harron
October 30
Bob Harrron was the first sports publicist at Columbia University. At Bob’s urging a Columbia baseball game became the first telecast of a team sport (April 17, 1939). A reporter for a New York City daily wrote, “baseball will never go on television.” When Bob retired he came to Trinity College (Hartford) where I was the News Bureau director. He became my mentor.
Bob was a great edifier and encourager. When he died a close friend ended his eulogy by saying; "The best thing we can do to honor him is to be half of what he thought we were."
God knows Bob I am still trying.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)
Bob Harrron was the first sports publicist at Columbia University. At Bob’s urging a Columbia baseball game became the first telecast of a team sport (April 17, 1939). A reporter for a New York City daily wrote, “baseball will never go on television.” When Bob retired he came to Trinity College (Hartford) where I was the News Bureau director. He became my mentor.
Bob was a great edifier and encourager. When he died a close friend ended his eulogy by saying; "The best thing we can do to honor him is to be half of what he thought we were."
God knows Bob I am still trying.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)
Priceless Memory
October 29
Today is my niece's birthday and I forgot. I am reminded what a priceless gift memory is. Without memory there would be no knowledge. I wouldn't recall your name. I wouldn't know my own. With no meomory the world is a blank.
Memory is a wonderful gift and we shouldn't take it lightly. Thank God for it.
Moses warned us of this long ago.
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. If you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other Gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)
Today is my niece's birthday and I forgot. I am reminded what a priceless gift memory is. Without memory there would be no knowledge. I wouldn't recall your name. I wouldn't know my own. With no meomory the world is a blank.
Memory is a wonderful gift and we shouldn't take it lightly. Thank God for it.
Moses warned us of this long ago.
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. If you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other Gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
A Day of Rest
October 28
I don’t have trouble with the day of rest part but I struggle with keeping the day holy. How much of what I do is holy? Jesus was criticized for working on the Sabbath when he performed miracles. His response was, “can’t you do good on the Sabbath?” Doing good! That helps, I guess if it is good in God’s eye then it might be considered holy. If I can live as God commanded, loving Him and loving my neighbors as myself that would be good. In fact, loving my neighbors as myself would be a miracle and miracles are holy.
God tells us to, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
I don’t have trouble with the day of rest part but I struggle with keeping the day holy. How much of what I do is holy? Jesus was criticized for working on the Sabbath when he performed miracles. His response was, “can’t you do good on the Sabbath?” Doing good! That helps, I guess if it is good in God’s eye then it might be considered holy. If I can live as God commanded, loving Him and loving my neighbors as myself that would be good. In fact, loving my neighbors as myself would be a miracle and miracles are holy.
God tells us to, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
Red Sox Redemption
October 27
This is redemption day for the Red Sox. On this day in 2004 the Sox won their first World Series since 1918. Destiny? They were down three games to none and were trailing in game four and came back to beat the Yankees, then swept St. Louis in the World Series.
Was it because Curt Schilling, wore a cross around his neck pitching or that David Ortiz pointed skyward crossing home plate after each homer? Was it those signs in the stands, “Reverse the Curse,” “We Believe” and “Have Faith.” Hmmm?
Does God play favorites in sports contents? Who knows? I do know God honors faith.
“ I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
This is redemption day for the Red Sox. On this day in 2004 the Sox won their first World Series since 1918. Destiny? They were down three games to none and were trailing in game four and came back to beat the Yankees, then swept St. Louis in the World Series.
Was it because Curt Schilling, wore a cross around his neck pitching or that David Ortiz pointed skyward crossing home plate after each homer? Was it those signs in the stands, “Reverse the Curse,” “We Believe” and “Have Faith.” Hmmm?
Does God play favorites in sports contents? Who knows? I do know God honors faith.
“ I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Birthday Present
October 26
This is Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us through the Connecticut countryside to a surprise gift. The car slows, then we see. Gads! It is a glider. The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. The tow plane takes off, no turning back.
“We are in God’s hands now,” I say. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the trees. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)
This is Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us through the Connecticut countryside to a surprise gift. The car slows, then we see. Gads! It is a glider. The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. The tow plane takes off, no turning back.
“We are in God’s hands now,” I say. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the trees. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)
Mario and My Boys
October 25
Mario learned to play soccer as a boy in Italy. He coached my sons in beginning soccer, stressing the fundamentals and teamwork. During a game there was a break away. My Robbie (10) was centerback, his brother Steve (9) was goalie. They met the threat, legs went every which way and Rob kicked the ball right past Steve into his own goal.The booming voice of Mario rang across the field, "It's OK Robbie, even Pele' scored against himself.” He was God's aroma to my young boys.
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)
Mario learned to play soccer as a boy in Italy. He coached my sons in beginning soccer, stressing the fundamentals and teamwork. During a game there was a break away. My Robbie (10) was centerback, his brother Steve (9) was goalie. They met the threat, legs went every which way and Rob kicked the ball right past Steve into his own goal.The booming voice of Mario rang across the field, "It's OK Robbie, even Pele' scored against himself.” He was God's aroma to my young boys.
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Look Both Ways
October 24
It is a beautiful fall day and I am exiting a Petro Mart gas station in Southbridge Ma. I'm waiting for a break in the traffic coming up the hill on busy Route 31. Aha! A driver has her turn signal on indicating she intends to turn into the gas station. This is my chance to go.
The car signalling to turn stops. Nice lady, she is letting me out. But my foot freezes and doesn't leave the brake pedal. What's up with that? Then a little girl, her head barely higher than the hood of my van, rolls by on a skatebaord. I never saw her until that moment. I shudder at what might have been. That is why the other car had stopped. All I could say was, "Thanks Sam" ( my guardian angel).
"For He will give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11)
It is a beautiful fall day and I am exiting a Petro Mart gas station in Southbridge Ma. I'm waiting for a break in the traffic coming up the hill on busy Route 31. Aha! A driver has her turn signal on indicating she intends to turn into the gas station. This is my chance to go.
The car signalling to turn stops. Nice lady, she is letting me out. But my foot freezes and doesn't leave the brake pedal. What's up with that? Then a little girl, her head barely higher than the hood of my van, rolls by on a skatebaord. I never saw her until that moment. I shudder at what might have been. That is why the other car had stopped. All I could say was, "Thanks Sam" ( my guardian angel).
"For He will give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11)
Deceiving Myself
October 23
Our mens small group facilitator, Ron, says "deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” He asks us to list how we have
deceived ourselves. I write: Judging my success by the world’s standard-praise from men; thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good. All deceptions from the truth.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Our mens small group facilitator, Ron, says "deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” He asks us to list how we have
deceived ourselves. I write: Judging my success by the world’s standard-praise from men; thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good. All deceptions from the truth.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Help From Strangers.
October 22
Everything seems fine until we smell gasoline. I pull over our car over and lift up the hood. Gasoline is dripping from the fuel line. It is a miracle that the engine hasn’t caught fire. Now what do I do?
A car pulls in behind me. The driver sees the leak and proceeds to tape the split hose. What a Godsend he is. Come to think of it, I have had a lifetime of Good Samaritans who have come by and bailed me out of trouble. on the roadways and byways of life. Many of them were strangers but as the parable says, the ones who show mercy are my real neighbors.
Then Jesus said; "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10: 36-37)
Everything seems fine until we smell gasoline. I pull over our car over and lift up the hood. Gasoline is dripping from the fuel line. It is a miracle that the engine hasn’t caught fire. Now what do I do?
A car pulls in behind me. The driver sees the leak and proceeds to tape the split hose. What a Godsend he is. Come to think of it, I have had a lifetime of Good Samaritans who have come by and bailed me out of trouble. on the roadways and byways of life. Many of them were strangers but as the parable says, the ones who show mercy are my real neighbors.
Then Jesus said; "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10: 36-37)
Rock Climbing
October 21
The rock face is straight up. I'm at the Outward Bound course in Colorado. My arms ache as I extend for the next finger hold.. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and down. I am in free fall.But only for a couple of feet. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.
God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)
The rock face is straight up. I'm at the Outward Bound course in Colorado. My arms ache as I extend for the next finger hold.. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and down. I am in free fall.But only for a couple of feet. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.
God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)
How Does God Keep Track?
October 20
How can God keep track of everything?
I read, "God is within you.” That's it. That makes sence. I imagine. I’m like a personal computer tied into a master computer. If I'm not plugged in I'm powerless. My screen is dark. Getting plugged in is an act of faith. Once logged on I can get an infinite amount of wisdom from the Master but that doesn't make me a mainframe. I’m still only a personal computer.
Jesus put it this way: "The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say ‘here it is' or ‘there it is' because the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
How can God keep track of everything?
I read, "God is within you.” That's it. That makes sence. I imagine. I’m like a personal computer tied into a master computer. If I'm not plugged in I'm powerless. My screen is dark. Getting plugged in is an act of faith. Once logged on I can get an infinite amount of wisdom from the Master but that doesn't make me a mainframe. I’m still only a personal computer.
Jesus put it this way: "The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say ‘here it is' or ‘there it is' because the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
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