March 31
It happened again this morning. I was leisurely driving through my neighborhood to the village to pickup a Sunday paper. I was going 25, maybe 27. A car was approaching from the other direction, slowly. Just before we were about to pass each other the car began to edge onto my side of the road. It was then I noticed the driver was looking at something other than the road.
We narrowly missed each other as I swerved and he recovered.
How often do we have near misses and then forget about them? I know I have had more than I can recall. You too? Somebody or something is looking out for us.
"He ordered the angels to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Richard Redfield
March 30
He was 80, a retired trust officer of a major Connecticut bank, knew tons of people and was volunteering to help me at the community foundation.
He was a raconteur. One snowy day, he and one girl showed up at preschool. "That was my afternoon with Katherine Hepburn.” He was fun, friendly and helped me for six years. “God willing” he’d say, then explain the plans for his next trip.
'God Willing.' I'll finish all this (Gods Way), have fun doing it and just maybe become a Richard Redfield to someone else.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
He was 80, a retired trust officer of a major Connecticut bank, knew tons of people and was volunteering to help me at the community foundation.
He was a raconteur. One snowy day, he and one girl showed up at preschool. "That was my afternoon with Katherine Hepburn.” He was fun, friendly and helped me for six years. “God willing” he’d say, then explain the plans for his next trip.
'God Willing.' I'll finish all this (Gods Way), have fun doing it and just maybe become a Richard Redfield to someone else.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
March Madness
March 29
Connecticut is facing the Duke Blue Devils, the heavy favorite, to win the national college men’s basketball championship. Just before the tap off my wife Joy kneels next to the TV and prays. "Lord we pray for a UConn win. We claim it.”
I think, “what will she think when UConn looses.” Oh you of so little faith.
The game is a thriller. In the last six seconds Duke's all-American turns the ball over twice (explain that) and UConn wins, 74-71.
I only know of one person who had the faith to claim victory before the game.
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
Connecticut is facing the Duke Blue Devils, the heavy favorite, to win the national college men’s basketball championship. Just before the tap off my wife Joy kneels next to the TV and prays. "Lord we pray for a UConn win. We claim it.”
I think, “what will she think when UConn looses.” Oh you of so little faith.
The game is a thriller. In the last six seconds Duke's all-American turns the ball over twice (explain that) and UConn wins, 74-71.
I only know of one person who had the faith to claim victory before the game.
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Army Rifle Range
March 28
“Lieutenant " the company clerk said: "it is 0605. and the Captain says get your (bleep) out to the range the best way you can.” I had over slept again. I drove my car out to the rifle range.
I went to the pit area and found the field sergeant had everything under control. Thank God for sergeants. At noon the Captain with arms folded addressed all officers. “The first round was to go off at 0800." Pointing a finger at me ( here it comes I thought) he says, "The only one ready at 0800 was our pit officer." (Someone was looking out for me.)
My life commander tells me to be ready. I don’t want to be sleeping when He comes again. Are you ready?
"Be ready, for the son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
“Lieutenant " the company clerk said: "it is 0605. and the Captain says get your (bleep) out to the range the best way you can.” I had over slept again. I drove my car out to the rifle range.
I went to the pit area and found the field sergeant had everything under control. Thank God for sergeants. At noon the Captain with arms folded addressed all officers. “The first round was to go off at 0800." Pointing a finger at me ( here it comes I thought) he says, "The only one ready at 0800 was our pit officer." (Someone was looking out for me.)
My life commander tells me to be ready. I don’t want to be sleeping when He comes again. Are you ready?
"Be ready, for the son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
Early Morning Class
March 27
I am running late again for my 8 a.m. journalism class when the traffic slows for a dead deer in the road. When I entered the classroom I blurt out, "sorry I'm late, there was a dead deer was in the road."
After class my instructor says, " Don’t state why you are late, just come in and sit down.”
The next class I came in quietly and sat. After class my instructor says, "I owe you an apology. I thought you made up that deer story but that night I saw a picture in the newspaper of that deer in the road." I vowed after that to arrive on time and pretty much did.
"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." (Proverbs 15:2)
I am running late again for my 8 a.m. journalism class when the traffic slows for a dead deer in the road. When I entered the classroom I blurt out, "sorry I'm late, there was a dead deer was in the road."
After class my instructor says, " Don’t state why you are late, just come in and sit down.”
The next class I came in quietly and sat. After class my instructor says, "I owe you an apology. I thought you made up that deer story but that night I saw a picture in the newspaper of that deer in the road." I vowed after that to arrive on time and pretty much did.
"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." (Proverbs 15:2)
A Box of Oranges
March 26
We discuss bringing oranges from Florida to visit family in Tucson. I say I’ll pick some up. At noon I’m visiting the Sarasota Bay Rotary club. The president asks if this is my first visit to the club. I know their tradition is to give away a crate of oranges to a first time visitor who came the furthest distance. I’m making up from Hartford. But I’ve been here before so I shake my head no. It turns out there are no first time visitors. He presents me with me the box of oranges.
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." (Proverbs 12:22)
We discuss bringing oranges from Florida to visit family in Tucson. I say I’ll pick some up. At noon I’m visiting the Sarasota Bay Rotary club. The president asks if this is my first visit to the club. I know their tradition is to give away a crate of oranges to a first time visitor who came the furthest distance. I’m making up from Hartford. But I’ve been here before so I shake my head no. It turns out there are no first time visitors. He presents me with me the box of oranges.
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." (Proverbs 12:22)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Among the Greatest
March 25
When Michael Jordan retired from basketball he came to spring training with the White Sox in Sarasota. Don, an ex-Nike rep and Michael play golf. No press, no people. just the two of them.
At one green a small boy with a pad stands with an old man under a tree. "Looking for an autograph," Michael asks. The boy nods. Michael signs the pad. "Now you can tell your schoolmates that you saw Michael Jordan," The man says, "My grandson is blind."
Michael drops to his knees, takes off his baseball cap and with the boy's hands in his, runs them over his face. "Now you can tell your friends you felt Michael Jordan's face and it is ugly."
“Truly I say to you unless you become like this child you are not going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child will rank with the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
When Michael Jordan retired from basketball he came to spring training with the White Sox in Sarasota. Don, an ex-Nike rep and Michael play golf. No press, no people. just the two of them.
At one green a small boy with a pad stands with an old man under a tree. "Looking for an autograph," Michael asks. The boy nods. Michael signs the pad. "Now you can tell your schoolmates that you saw Michael Jordan," The man says, "My grandson is blind."
Michael drops to his knees, takes off his baseball cap and with the boy's hands in his, runs them over his face. "Now you can tell your friends you felt Michael Jordan's face and it is ugly."
“Truly I say to you unless you become like this child you are not going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child will rank with the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
You Can't Out-Give God
March 24
I receive a 1099 from a client that reveals I earned $2500 the previous year for consulting services. I check my log but there is no entry showing a tithing (10%) gift of $250 to give back the first fruits to God. In the same mail is an appeal from the Jesus Film Project.. The cost to train and equip a team is $250. OK Lord, I get the message. I write a check.
I receive an unexpected call. I’m to get $250 for drafting a national report. Wow Lord that was fast. But I’m not even, now I owe a $25 tithe on the new $250. You can’t out give God.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house.”
(Malachi 3:10)
I receive a 1099 from a client that reveals I earned $2500 the previous year for consulting services. I check my log but there is no entry showing a tithing (10%) gift of $250 to give back the first fruits to God. In the same mail is an appeal from the Jesus Film Project.. The cost to train and equip a team is $250. OK Lord, I get the message. I write a check.
I receive an unexpected call. I’m to get $250 for drafting a national report. Wow Lord that was fast. But I’m not even, now I owe a $25 tithe on the new $250. You can’t out give God.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house.”
(Malachi 3:10)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Greeting
Easter Sunday I am one of the greeters for our church. The greeting is going well until I hear myself say, "Happy New Year." Where did that come from? "And Happy New Year to you,” the people respond. Then it dawns on me. It is a Happy New Year on the church calendar. The church began with His resurrection. Without Easter there is no Christian church. So “Happy New Year.”
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Romans 6:4)
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Romans 6:4)
Friday, March 21, 2008
A Box of Crayons
March 22
“How did you two meet?” He replied, “Oh it wasn’t a big deal.” He then proceeded to give a factual, albeit dry, account. His wife was crushed but kept silent.
She prayed and went shopping and saw her answer. Later she said, “Dear could you add a little color telling how we met? I don’t expect this much,” she said, holding up a large box of crayons, “just this much,” handing him a little box. At another dinner his wife beamed as her husband described their first meeting using the large crayons.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
“How did you two meet?” He replied, “Oh it wasn’t a big deal.” He then proceeded to give a factual, albeit dry, account. His wife was crushed but kept silent.
She prayed and went shopping and saw her answer. Later she said, “Dear could you add a little color telling how we met? I don’t expect this much,” she said, holding up a large box of crayons, “just this much,” handing him a little box. At another dinner his wife beamed as her husband described their first meeting using the large crayons.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Good Friday
March 21
Now that I realize what Jesus did that day, good seems like an understatement. Why isn't it Great Friday or Sacrifice Friday or Super Friday or God Friday?
A friend reminds me this time of the year that “you have to go through Good Friday in order to get to Easter." Jesus knew He had to die for us to live. The Lamb of God went obediently to the Cross.
That first Friday was indeed, God Friday.
Even during those excruciating hours on the cross, Jesus had the compassion to pray, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Now that I realize what Jesus did that day, good seems like an understatement. Why isn't it Great Friday or Sacrifice Friday or Super Friday or God Friday?
A friend reminds me this time of the year that “you have to go through Good Friday in order to get to Easter." Jesus knew He had to die for us to live. The Lamb of God went obediently to the Cross.
That first Friday was indeed, God Friday.
Even during those excruciating hours on the cross, Jesus had the compassion to pray, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Reconciliation
March 20
“God answered my every prayer,” Joy said excitedly on moving her dad to the Soldiers Home, “Dad even made a new friend and guess what, his name is Steward Kindness. Imagine that.”
You would never know that her dad had walked out of her life when she was barely a teenager. Now she was a loving daughter and his primary health advocate. As an adult Christian she had asked God to help her forgive him. God heals a willing heart.
“Ask and you will receive that your Joy may be full.” (Psalm 55:22)
“God answered my every prayer,” Joy said excitedly on moving her dad to the Soldiers Home, “Dad even made a new friend and guess what, his name is Steward Kindness. Imagine that.”
You would never know that her dad had walked out of her life when she was barely a teenager. Now she was a loving daughter and his primary health advocate. As an adult Christian she had asked God to help her forgive him. God heals a willing heart.
“Ask and you will receive that your Joy may be full.” (Psalm 55:22)
March Madness
March 19
As the coach of a basketball team of fourth and fifth graders I noted before the last game that everyone had scored except Melissa. In the closing minute I told Missey to camp near the basket and for the boys to pass the ball to her. They did. With two hands she pushed the ball up. It hit under the rim and bounced back to her. She pushed it up again and this time it went in the basket. Cheers and high fives all around.
A happy Missey came to the sideline. I gave her a congratulatory hug. I had no way of knowing it then, but this happy ten-year-old would be the mother of three of my grandchildren.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." (Jeremiah 1:5)
As the coach of a basketball team of fourth and fifth graders I noted before the last game that everyone had scored except Melissa. In the closing minute I told Missey to camp near the basket and for the boys to pass the ball to her. They did. With two hands she pushed the ball up. It hit under the rim and bounced back to her. She pushed it up again and this time it went in the basket. Cheers and high fives all around.
A happy Missey came to the sideline. I gave her a congratulatory hug. I had no way of knowing it then, but this happy ten-year-old would be the mother of three of my grandchildren.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." (Jeremiah 1:5)
Four Pivotal Decisions
March 18
The church retreat speaker asks; “What four decisions, if you made and implemented them, would most profoundly change your life?” I list:
1. Listen and be obedient to God
2. Enter into prayer covenants
3. Give God an hour everyday to pray, read the Bible and write (God’s Way)
4. Keep physically fit by exercising daily
With the Lord’s help I will implement these decisions. What four decisions would most profoundly change your life?
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
The church retreat speaker asks; “What four decisions, if you made and implemented them, would most profoundly change your life?” I list:
1. Listen and be obedient to God
2. Enter into prayer covenants
3. Give God an hour everyday to pray, read the Bible and write (God’s Way)
4. Keep physically fit by exercising daily
With the Lord’s help I will implement these decisions. What four decisions would most profoundly change your life?
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Perfect Timing
March 17
This morning Joy is up and preparing to go to Tampa to fly to Connecticut. She is going on a three-day winter retreat with twelve other women.
The phone rings. It is the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. They have a bed for her dad, Walter. He has been on the waiting list for a year. " God is great, perfect timing,” Joy marvels. She had planned to stay over Tuesday after the retreat and visit her dad. Now she can move him into the Soldiers Home.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17)
This morning Joy is up and preparing to go to Tampa to fly to Connecticut. She is going on a three-day winter retreat with twelve other women.
The phone rings. It is the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. They have a bed for her dad, Walter. He has been on the waiting list for a year. " God is great, perfect timing,” Joy marvels. She had planned to stay over Tuesday after the retreat and visit her dad. Now she can move him into the Soldiers Home.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17)
A Promise Keeper
March 16
Joy runs into the house shouting the car is on fire. Outside I find steam coming from an over heated engine, no fire-but the car isn't available.
I’m putting air in my bike tires to pedal to my men's bible study when Joy opens the garage door. “Yes, Jesus! We will not be defeated. Praise God," she shouts. As it turns out, the Lord had a better plan. My men's study group came to me. After they left, I went into the garage to deal with the car. I notice Joy had taped a sign to the door, "A Promise Keeper Lives Here."
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
(Proverbs 13:12)
Joy runs into the house shouting the car is on fire. Outside I find steam coming from an over heated engine, no fire-but the car isn't available.
I’m putting air in my bike tires to pedal to my men's bible study when Joy opens the garage door. “Yes, Jesus! We will not be defeated. Praise God," she shouts. As it turns out, the Lord had a better plan. My men's study group came to me. After they left, I went into the garage to deal with the car. I notice Joy had taped a sign to the door, "A Promise Keeper Lives Here."
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
(Proverbs 13:12)
Friday, March 14, 2008
How Would You Play it?
March 15
He is stuck and discouraged. I tell him I prayed about our meeting today and asked the Lord for the words to say. I am lead to the story of the talents.( Matthew 25) I ask him what does that parable mean to you? He says being accountable for what we are given. “Use your God-given talent,” I add. I read him the conclusion of the story.
The Master says, “Take the 1000 talents and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this cautious one who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into the utter darkness."
He is stuck and discouraged. I tell him I prayed about our meeting today and asked the Lord for the words to say. I am lead to the story of the talents.( Matthew 25) I ask him what does that parable mean to you? He says being accountable for what we are given. “Use your God-given talent,” I add. I read him the conclusion of the story.
The Master says, “Take the 1000 talents and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this cautious one who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into the utter darkness."
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Fallen Heroes
March 14
How often man falls from lofty heights. Names that jump quickly to mind are: Jimmy Baker, President Clinton, Tonya Harding, Charles Keating, President Nixon, O.J. Simpson, Martha Stewart, Darryl Strawberry, and Eliot Spitzer. How about Arthur Anderson, Enron and World Com. It is all so sad.
Such falls can and do happen to all of us. The rest of us are just not as visible. We have been warned. When will we learn?
"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." (Proverbs16:16)
How often man falls from lofty heights. Names that jump quickly to mind are: Jimmy Baker, President Clinton, Tonya Harding, Charles Keating, President Nixon, O.J. Simpson, Martha Stewart, Darryl Strawberry, and Eliot Spitzer. How about Arthur Anderson, Enron and World Com. It is all so sad.
Such falls can and do happen to all of us. The rest of us are just not as visible. We have been warned. When will we learn?
"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." (Proverbs16:16)
How to Remove Stress
March 13
.
Today the doctor calls reporting negative readings from her mammograms. Joy says “the elephant sitting on my chest is gone.”
At one point in my life I had such restriction in one arm that I couldn't get into a coat by myself. The same thing began happening to my leg and when I stood up I couldn't move for several seconds. X-rays and an exam detected no physical problems. All these problems, which I experienced first hand, went away when I reduced the stress in my life.
How to do that? Talk about it, laugh about it, pray about it, change something and then forget about it.
"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27)
.
Today the doctor calls reporting negative readings from her mammograms. Joy says “the elephant sitting on my chest is gone.”
At one point in my life I had such restriction in one arm that I couldn't get into a coat by myself. The same thing began happening to my leg and when I stood up I couldn't move for several seconds. X-rays and an exam detected no physical problems. All these problems, which I experienced first hand, went away when I reduced the stress in my life.
How to do that? Talk about it, laugh about it, pray about it, change something and then forget about it.
"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Buying a Used Car
March 12
The prospect of owning a newer car is exciting but I don't look forward to the haggling over the price. It is awkward. It’s embarrassing. It’s stressful. I know that moment is coming. How much do I offer? The sales person is going to try to out-maneuver me then he has to check with somebody in another office. I wait. When a deal is done why do I wonder if I could have bought it for less? Then I drive home and don't I tell the first person that admires the car, how little I paid.
"It is good for nothing cries the buyer. But when he had gone his way he boasts."
(Proverbs 20:14)
The prospect of owning a newer car is exciting but I don't look forward to the haggling over the price. It is awkward. It’s embarrassing. It’s stressful. I know that moment is coming. How much do I offer? The sales person is going to try to out-maneuver me then he has to check with somebody in another office. I wait. When a deal is done why do I wonder if I could have bought it for less? Then I drive home and don't I tell the first person that admires the car, how little I paid.
"It is good for nothing cries the buyer. But when he had gone his way he boasts."
(Proverbs 20:14)
The Rehearsal
March 11
When I was in elementary school we had air raid drills. We would march by twos down the street to the brick library. All went smoothly until the day our principle announced the possibility of a real air raid, not a drill. We were sent home immediately. Kids ran down the sidewalk screaming. Somebody yelled, "I hear a plane," I hit the ground.
As a child I had misplaced fears and so did my teachers that day. As an adult I have fears but this time I’m placing them in the right hands.
“But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil.”
(Proverbs 1:33)
When I was in elementary school we had air raid drills. We would march by twos down the street to the brick library. All went smoothly until the day our principle announced the possibility of a real air raid, not a drill. We were sent home immediately. Kids ran down the sidewalk screaming. Somebody yelled, "I hear a plane," I hit the ground.
As a child I had misplaced fears and so did my teachers that day. As an adult I have fears but this time I’m placing them in the right hands.
“But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil.”
(Proverbs 1:33)
Journal Entries
March 10
"God Loves every one of us as if there is but one to love." (St. Augustine)
"You will never lock eyes with someone for whom Christ didn't die." (Bill Hybels)
"God makes Himself known through the hungry, the homeless and the unloved."
(Mother Theresa)
"If you are going through a time of discouragement there is a big personal enlargement ahead." (Oswald Chambers)
“Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”
(Ecclesiastes 10:13)
"God Loves every one of us as if there is but one to love." (St. Augustine)
"You will never lock eyes with someone for whom Christ didn't die." (Bill Hybels)
"God makes Himself known through the hungry, the homeless and the unloved."
(Mother Theresa)
"If you are going through a time of discouragement there is a big personal enlargement ahead." (Oswald Chambers)
“Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”
(Ecclesiastes 10:13)
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Ballard
March 9
He was in his mid-forties when he became the rector of the Episcopal Church that I attended. He was a teddy bear, large, gentle and comforting. He baptized two of my children, buried one and married one. Ministers tend to do that over time.
He boarded up my house when a truck plowed through it and urged me to do more with my life when I was comfortable. Ministers don't generally to that.
We cried, laughed, and prayed together. He listened, praised and prodded and when it was time for me to move on he helped me leave well. Ballard was one of my God-sent friends.
"A real friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
He was in his mid-forties when he became the rector of the Episcopal Church that I attended. He was a teddy bear, large, gentle and comforting. He baptized two of my children, buried one and married one. Ministers tend to do that over time.
He boarded up my house when a truck plowed through it and urged me to do more with my life when I was comfortable. Ministers don't generally to that.
We cried, laughed, and prayed together. He listened, praised and prodded and when it was time for me to move on he helped me leave well. Ballard was one of my God-sent friends.
"A real friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Some Prayers Take Time
March 8
A small group, meeting in a private home, are discussing starting a church. One person says they envision the new church being like Willow Creek, a large nondenominational church in West Barrington, Illinois. At this point the hostess opens her purse and removes a tattered newspaper clipping about Willow Creek. “Since reading this I have been praying for a church like that to be started here,” she says. The clipping is 12 years old.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)
A small group, meeting in a private home, are discussing starting a church. One person says they envision the new church being like Willow Creek, a large nondenominational church in West Barrington, Illinois. At this point the hostess opens her purse and removes a tattered newspaper clipping about Willow Creek. “Since reading this I have been praying for a church like that to be started here,” she says. The clipping is 12 years old.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)
Fear of Flying
March 7
Joy shares with our small group her fears about flying. She shares that on a flight she was seated next to a woman who teaches religion at a college.
Joy asks, “Why is your seat going back and forth? I don’t think playing with your seat is a good idea in this turbulence.”
The lady smiles, “Maybe if you weren’t gripping my arm rest so tightly and the seat button it wouldn’t be moving.”
By talking about it and getting on that plane as her action step of faith, Joy is mastering her fear rather than letting fear master her. What fears must you confront?
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
Joy shares with our small group her fears about flying. She shares that on a flight she was seated next to a woman who teaches religion at a college.
Joy asks, “Why is your seat going back and forth? I don’t think playing with your seat is a good idea in this turbulence.”
The lady smiles, “Maybe if you weren’t gripping my arm rest so tightly and the seat button it wouldn’t be moving.”
By talking about it and getting on that plane as her action step of faith, Joy is mastering her fear rather than letting fear master her. What fears must you confront?
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
Zacchaeus
March 6
I’m reading the delightful story of the short tax collector who climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus who, on seeing him says, “Zacchaeus come down I must stay at your house today.”
Isn’t Jesus asking to stay in my house? How open am I to the invitation? Am I willing change as Zacchaeus did? I don’t need any more motivation than what Jesus said to Zaccheaus.
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
(Luke 19:9-10 NIV)
I’m reading the delightful story of the short tax collector who climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus who, on seeing him says, “Zacchaeus come down I must stay at your house today.”
Isn’t Jesus asking to stay in my house? How open am I to the invitation? Am I willing change as Zacchaeus did? I don’t need any more motivation than what Jesus said to Zaccheaus.
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
(Luke 19:9-10 NIV)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A Saturday in San Francisco
March 5
It is Saturday afternoon in San Francisco. My consulting project is over and I am heading to a restaurant when I come upon a pornography shop with plenty of luring signage. It would have been easy to walk in, nobody will know. I'm 3,000 miles from home.
But I will know and God will know!
I remember what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tempted him. He ran.
I do likewise. I recall Joseph’s words to that woman.
"How can I do this wickedness, and sin against my God." (Genesis 39:9)
It is Saturday afternoon in San Francisco. My consulting project is over and I am heading to a restaurant when I come upon a pornography shop with plenty of luring signage. It would have been easy to walk in, nobody will know. I'm 3,000 miles from home.
But I will know and God will know!
I remember what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tempted him. He ran.
I do likewise. I recall Joseph’s words to that woman.
"How can I do this wickedness, and sin against my God." (Genesis 39:9)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Golden Anniversary
March 4
"Many people have kindly asked, how do you look so young after fifty years of marriage,” the retired scout executive said. “Early on we had an awful spat. She went up to the bedroom and I went outside. We agreed if we ever had another tiff she would retire to the bedroom and I to the yard. You'd be surprised what fifty years of outdoor life can do for you."
Here is some more marital advice.
“Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5: 25)
"Many people have kindly asked, how do you look so young after fifty years of marriage,” the retired scout executive said. “Early on we had an awful spat. She went up to the bedroom and I went outside. We agreed if we ever had another tiff she would retire to the bedroom and I to the yard. You'd be surprised what fifty years of outdoor life can do for you."
Here is some more marital advice.
“Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5: 25)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
I Needed To Hear That Too
March 3
She wanted to update me on her job search. She is still struggling with some old issues that she knows she should give to the Lord. I ask the Lord to give me the words to say. I hear myself saying, “ Unfounded fear, self- doubt, and discouragement are not from the Lord."
“Neither is anxiousness,” she ads. “What is from the Lord?”
“The fruit of the spirit comes to mind.”
" Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control, are the fruit of the spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
She wanted to update me on her job search. She is still struggling with some old issues that she knows she should give to the Lord. I ask the Lord to give me the words to say. I hear myself saying, “ Unfounded fear, self- doubt, and discouragement are not from the Lord."
“Neither is anxiousness,” she ads. “What is from the Lord?”
“The fruit of the spirit comes to mind.”
" Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control, are the fruit of the spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is Good
March 2
The sun is nearing the horizon. Its orange-red glow cast a tongue of fire across a sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Small waves roll gentle onto the beach while tiny birds scurry along the water’s edge. A dolphin breaks water in the distance while some pelicans fly overhead.
My wife and I hug taking in the sheer majesty of this moment. Joy begins praying aloud, praising the Lord for all this beauty, for the privilege of being here to enjoy it and for all God’s blessings.
"Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." Genesis (1:31)
The sun is nearing the horizon. Its orange-red glow cast a tongue of fire across a sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Small waves roll gentle onto the beach while tiny birds scurry along the water’s edge. A dolphin breaks water in the distance while some pelicans fly overhead.
My wife and I hug taking in the sheer majesty of this moment. Joy begins praying aloud, praising the Lord for all this beauty, for the privilege of being here to enjoy it and for all God’s blessings.
"Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." Genesis (1:31)
Prayer Answered
March 1
Joy asks me to pray with her. She is going to a surgeon's office for her painful breasts. She hadn't been gone long when the phone rang. It was Steve, a friend. He said, "I was just coming out of the doctor's office and who do I run into but Joy. We hugged in the entryway. She seemed glad to see me. I called so we can pray for her over the phone.” We do.
When Joy returns she starts to tell me about running into Steve. "I know, we prayed for you over the phone." She shivers at the thought of it.
"Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7)
Joy asks me to pray with her. She is going to a surgeon's office for her painful breasts. She hadn't been gone long when the phone rang. It was Steve, a friend. He said, "I was just coming out of the doctor's office and who do I run into but Joy. We hugged in the entryway. She seemed glad to see me. I called so we can pray for her over the phone.” We do.
When Joy returns she starts to tell me about running into Steve. "I know, we prayed for you over the phone." She shivers at the thought of it.
"Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7)
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