July 29
I‘m 17 and the waterfront director at a Boy Scout camp. The counselors had left the water for lunch. My assistant reports there is still a nametag on the board.I send him to the mess hall to look for the counselor while I search the swimming area.
On my fourth dive I see the body several feet below me. I gasp, lose my air and re- surface. My heart is pounding. I take a deep breadth and dive straight down, arms extended. As I near the bottom the body is a towel draped over some rocks. When I surface my assistant is on the dock and tells me our missing person is having lunch. My reaction is how heaven feels about a new believer.
"Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost." (Luke 15:6)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Seek Counsel
July 28
A small plane plunges into the dark ocean off Martha's Vineyard claiming the lives of the pilot, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife, Carolyn and her sister, Lauren Bessette.
JFK Jr. left for the island that night despite predictions of poor visibility. A reporter who is also a pilot concludes JFK Jr. fell victim the young pilot's disease, which he called, "gotta-get-there-itis."
I ask God, what am I supposed to learn from all this? "The reply comes quickly.
"Without counsel plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established."(Proverbs 22:1)
A small plane plunges into the dark ocean off Martha's Vineyard claiming the lives of the pilot, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife, Carolyn and her sister, Lauren Bessette.
JFK Jr. left for the island that night despite predictions of poor visibility. A reporter who is also a pilot concludes JFK Jr. fell victim the young pilot's disease, which he called, "gotta-get-there-itis."
I ask God, what am I supposed to learn from all this? "The reply comes quickly.
"Without counsel plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established."(Proverbs 22:1)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tommy on the Beach
July 27
“Grampy, want to go for a walk on the beach?” What I didn't realize is to a four-year-old a walk on the beach means racing along the water, looking back, smiling and taking off again. This goes on for several minutes.
Finally he stops and starts running back towards me, arms extended. I throw my arms up and run towards him. As he draws near I crouch and he leaps into my waiting arms, squealing with delight. What joy.
“ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15: 11)
“Grampy, want to go for a walk on the beach?” What I didn't realize is to a four-year-old a walk on the beach means racing along the water, looking back, smiling and taking off again. This goes on for several minutes.
Finally he stops and starts running back towards me, arms extended. I throw my arms up and run towards him. As he draws near I crouch and he leaps into my waiting arms, squealing with delight. What joy.
“ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15: 11)
Angels in my Life
July 26
My thanks to these special angels:
An orthopedic nurse who encouraged me for ten years so I wouldn’t be crippled;
The priest who stopped and taped a leaky fuel line in my car on a hot summer day;
The unknown angel who awakened me just as I was drifting off the road;
Thank you Lord for sending these and others in my time of need.
“He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."
(Psalm 91:11)
My thanks to these special angels:
An orthopedic nurse who encouraged me for ten years so I wouldn’t be crippled;
The priest who stopped and taped a leaky fuel line in my car on a hot summer day;
The unknown angel who awakened me just as I was drifting off the road;
Thank you Lord for sending these and others in my time of need.
“He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."
(Psalm 91:11)
All in a Day
July 25
How was your day? Ok. Let’s look again.
The car accident that almost happened but didn’t, the call from a friend inviting me to something good, a hug and smile from my wife and a surprise call from a daughter.
There is food to eat, no aches or pains, and nothing dangerous to face. There is a meeting with a friend, a Bible to read, wild ducks to feed, a computer to use, music to hear, a comfortable bed and prayers to say. It’s not just Ok. It was a day from GOD.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
(John 10:10)
How was your day? Ok. Let’s look again.
The car accident that almost happened but didn’t, the call from a friend inviting me to something good, a hug and smile from my wife and a surprise call from a daughter.
There is food to eat, no aches or pains, and nothing dangerous to face. There is a meeting with a friend, a Bible to read, wild ducks to feed, a computer to use, music to hear, a comfortable bed and prayers to say. It’s not just Ok. It was a day from GOD.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
(John 10:10)
SPC Johnson
July 24
Specialist Johnson worked in personnel when I was at the Officers Candidate School at Ft. Benning. I was from his hometown so he befriended me. On graduation day I wanted my first salute to come from Specialist Johnson so I could give him the traditional dollar. He saw me and waved. I said sternly, "Specialist is that the way you greet an officer?" He stiffened and saluted. I saluted back and gave him the $1.
Isn't God like that, making us humble ourselves first, then comes His blessings"
Spc. Johnson was a blessing to me at OCS.
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
Specialist Johnson worked in personnel when I was at the Officers Candidate School at Ft. Benning. I was from his hometown so he befriended me. On graduation day I wanted my first salute to come from Specialist Johnson so I could give him the traditional dollar. He saw me and waved. I said sternly, "Specialist is that the way you greet an officer?" He stiffened and saluted. I saluted back and gave him the $1.
Isn't God like that, making us humble ourselves first, then comes His blessings"
Spc. Johnson was a blessing to me at OCS.
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
Freeing Moment
July 23
Joy shares that, “When I am with God, I see myself in a pasture sitting under a tree with my pillow and baby blanket. When I am separated from God, I am somewhere on a hillside and I can’t get to the pasture.”
When she is agitated she focuses on herself and “Satan does a number of me.”
But when she lifts her troubles or concerns up in prayer “that is the moment that frees me. I’m off the hill and back under the shade tree again.”
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32)
Joy shares that, “When I am with God, I see myself in a pasture sitting under a tree with my pillow and baby blanket. When I am separated from God, I am somewhere on a hillside and I can’t get to the pasture.”
When she is agitated she focuses on herself and “Satan does a number of me.”
But when she lifts her troubles or concerns up in prayer “that is the moment that frees me. I’m off the hill and back under the shade tree again.”
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Roth's Example
July 22
Roth, who is in his seventies and has Parkinson’s disease tells this story to our group. He is at the pool and a young girl swims to the ladder where he is standing.
"I thought because I am older and in my condition she should let me come down first. But she grabs the ladder, lifts herself out of the water and swings by me into a wheel chair. It is then I see she has no legs. And I am thinking I’m handicapped.”
We all need to hear Roth’s message.
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
(John 7:24)
Roth, who is in his seventies and has Parkinson’s disease tells this story to our group. He is at the pool and a young girl swims to the ladder where he is standing.
"I thought because I am older and in my condition she should let me come down first. But she grabs the ladder, lifts herself out of the water and swings by me into a wheel chair. It is then I see she has no legs. And I am thinking I’m handicapped.”
We all need to hear Roth’s message.
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
(John 7:24)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Cave Deweller
July 21
What do you do when your wife tells you she feels disconnected from you. I go into my cave to process and sulk and pray.
On this day I return home to a sweet embrace. Entering my office I see a love note from Joy on my swivel chair. It is a pencil drawing of a cave with two eyes peering out (me) and outside is a dancing piglet (a nickname for her) trying to coax me out. I can honestly tell her that I am now out. How God has softened my heart and removed my hurt this day. It takes my breath away. Wow!
“O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.” (Ps 136-1)
What do you do when your wife tells you she feels disconnected from you. I go into my cave to process and sulk and pray.
On this day I return home to a sweet embrace. Entering my office I see a love note from Joy on my swivel chair. It is a pencil drawing of a cave with two eyes peering out (me) and outside is a dancing piglet (a nickname for her) trying to coax me out. I can honestly tell her that I am now out. How God has softened my heart and removed my hurt this day. It takes my breath away. Wow!
“O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.” (Ps 136-1)
Multiplying Our Gifts
July 20
“God has gifted us all,” the pastor told three recipients of money he passed out, “use these gifts and come back next week and tell us what you did.”
At the next service a man came forward with a cookie jar holding $660. He passed the jar at a golf course. A woman donated her money to a Christian relief effort and a
man said he gave the money to a woman whose husband had lost his job. The pastor read a note from that woman. My husband secured a job and your gift restored my faith.”
Have I been multiplying God’s gives. When I do I know what I will hear:
“Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
“God has gifted us all,” the pastor told three recipients of money he passed out, “use these gifts and come back next week and tell us what you did.”
At the next service a man came forward with a cookie jar holding $660. He passed the jar at a golf course. A woman donated her money to a Christian relief effort and a
man said he gave the money to a woman whose husband had lost his job. The pastor read a note from that woman. My husband secured a job and your gift restored my faith.”
Have I been multiplying God’s gives. When I do I know what I will hear:
“Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
What is Really Important
July 19
I have a habit of losing hats, umbrellas and pens. Usually I leave them somewhere and walk off. I use to go spastic especially when I misplaced my Cross pen. Now I am learning to put these material things in perspective. It’s all small stuff. It doesn't really matter if it is a pen, or hat or umbrella. It doesn’t matter if it’s a watch, a car or a house. The material things of life are not really that important. I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to the Lord they are alive.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)
I have a habit of losing hats, umbrellas and pens. Usually I leave them somewhere and walk off. I use to go spastic especially when I misplaced my Cross pen. Now I am learning to put these material things in perspective. It’s all small stuff. It doesn't really matter if it is a pen, or hat or umbrella. It doesn’t matter if it’s a watch, a car or a house. The material things of life are not really that important. I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to the Lord they are alive.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ideal Growth
July 18
Panama Canal Zone has ideal weather for plant growth. Where I was stationed
the Army would cut the wild grass and plants along the railroad tracks about every six weeks. The day it was cut I could see the rails as I drove beside the tracks. Just before the next cutting, the plants were as high as the train. It is true!
When the right ingredients are present growth can be remarkable.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)
Panama Canal Zone has ideal weather for plant growth. Where I was stationed
the Army would cut the wild grass and plants along the railroad tracks about every six weeks. The day it was cut I could see the rails as I drove beside the tracks. Just before the next cutting, the plants were as high as the train. It is true!
When the right ingredients are present growth can be remarkable.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Batchatraphobia
July 17
My wife has a fear of frogs. It is called Batchatraphobia. So what does her loving husband do? He buys a cottage on a cove where there are lots of bullfrogs. I net the amphibians and transfer them across the lake.
Joy read that scientist say that many deformed frogs found around the globe may be an early warning of a deteriorating environment. I can assure the world that the bullfrogs on Cedar Lake in Massachusetts are doing fine.
Joy now tolerates frogs and is dealing with her phobia in a proper way.
"Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:7)
My wife has a fear of frogs. It is called Batchatraphobia. So what does her loving husband do? He buys a cottage on a cove where there are lots of bullfrogs. I net the amphibians and transfer them across the lake.
Joy read that scientist say that many deformed frogs found around the globe may be an early warning of a deteriorating environment. I can assure the world that the bullfrogs on Cedar Lake in Massachusetts are doing fine.
Joy now tolerates frogs and is dealing with her phobia in a proper way.
"Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Sudden Storm
July 16
I am preoccupied with fishing when a crack of thunder startles me. I prepare to leave, but my motor won’t start. The sky is black. Here is a college kid in an open boat, no radio, no flares, not even a horn.
A boat approaches. It is a commercial fisherman. All he says is, "need a tow?"
He throws me a rope tied to his boat.
Soaked and shivering in an open skiff with lightening all about is frightening. There is nothing I can do but leave it in God’s hands.
“After rebuking the wind and waves Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?
How is it you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
I am preoccupied with fishing when a crack of thunder startles me. I prepare to leave, but my motor won’t start. The sky is black. Here is a college kid in an open boat, no radio, no flares, not even a horn.
A boat approaches. It is a commercial fisherman. All he says is, "need a tow?"
He throws me a rope tied to his boat.
Soaked and shivering in an open skiff with lightening all about is frightening. There is nothing I can do but leave it in God’s hands.
“After rebuking the wind and waves Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?
How is it you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Lady in the Rain
July 15
We are at a stop sign and I clearly see a lady standing in the rain at a bus stop. Gads! She doesn’t even have an umbrella. I am convicted driving down the highway. I could have invited that lady into our car for a few minutes or at least given her our umbrella. I feel shame, ask for forgiveness and tell myself I will be more responsive to the needs of others.
“Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:44-45)
We are at a stop sign and I clearly see a lady standing in the rain at a bus stop. Gads! She doesn’t even have an umbrella. I am convicted driving down the highway. I could have invited that lady into our car for a few minutes or at least given her our umbrella. I feel shame, ask for forgiveness and tell myself I will be more responsive to the needs of others.
“Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:44-45)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sixes and Sevens
July 14
My grandmother called it being at "sixes and sevens." It meant being confused, not focused, out of sorts. That's how I'm feeling this day.
In the mail is a flyer, quoting Thomas Merton.
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
What timing. Thank you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
My grandmother called it being at "sixes and sevens." It meant being confused, not focused, out of sorts. That's how I'm feeling this day.
In the mail is a flyer, quoting Thomas Merton.
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
What timing. Thank you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rest Stop Prayer
July 13
We stop in a Maryland rest area along I-95. When I return to the car I turn the key. The car is dead. I call our motoring plan. The agent says he will have to send two tow trucks, one for our car and one for the trailer. It is going to be a long night.
Something says to try Joy’s spare key. “Lord we need help here.” I turn the key. Ignition. I thank God, cancel the tow and drive off. How did this happen? I should call those brothers of Car Talk on public radio about this.
“We give thanks to You, 0 God we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” (Psalm 75:1)
We stop in a Maryland rest area along I-95. When I return to the car I turn the key. The car is dead. I call our motoring plan. The agent says he will have to send two tow trucks, one for our car and one for the trailer. It is going to be a long night.
Something says to try Joy’s spare key. “Lord we need help here.” I turn the key. Ignition. I thank God, cancel the tow and drive off. How did this happen? I should call those brothers of Car Talk on public radio about this.
“We give thanks to You, 0 God we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” (Psalm 75:1)
The Importance of being a Greeter
July 12
It is my Sunday to be a greeter at church.
I read that Mahatma Gandhi once read about Jesus and was so intrigued that he headed for the nearest Christian Church. An usher confronted him at the door and reportedly said, “You don’t belong here, go back to your own kind” The spiritual leader of India was turned away.I remember Gandhi when I'm a greeter for our church.
I met my wife when she was a greeter at a church singles group. Actually I should be a greeter all the time spreading God's love.
"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (Acts 10:34-35)
"Greet one another with a kiss of love." (1Peter 14)
It is my Sunday to be a greeter at church.
I read that Mahatma Gandhi once read about Jesus and was so intrigued that he headed for the nearest Christian Church. An usher confronted him at the door and reportedly said, “You don’t belong here, go back to your own kind” The spiritual leader of India was turned away.I remember Gandhi when I'm a greeter for our church.
I met my wife when she was a greeter at a church singles group. Actually I should be a greeter all the time spreading God's love.
"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (Acts 10:34-35)
"Greet one another with a kiss of love." (1Peter 14)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
No Rain
July 11
It hasn’t rained for seven weeks. I can't imagine how bad it gets after seven years of drought, which the Bible records during Joseph's time in Egypt. God gave Joseph a plan to deal with it; store up during the years of plenty to survive the lean years.
Where is my treasure? I opened my account by accepting Jesus as My Lord and Savior. How much have I added?
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.” (Matthew 6:19)
It hasn’t rained for seven weeks. I can't imagine how bad it gets after seven years of drought, which the Bible records during Joseph's time in Egypt. God gave Joseph a plan to deal with it; store up during the years of plenty to survive the lean years.
Where is my treasure? I opened my account by accepting Jesus as My Lord and Savior. How much have I added?
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.” (Matthew 6:19)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Dead Tree Branch
July 10
Joy has left for the day and now is my chance to remove the dead branch hanging over the water. Joy wanted me to hire someone but I know I can do it myself. I reach up and twist the branch. SNAP. At that second I realize I am standing directly underneath this branch. How dumb.
I brace for the impact. Splash. The main branch crashes harmlessly into the lake and I am left holding some twigs and feeling absolutely stupid. The Lord has taken pity on a fool.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
(Psalm 136:1)
Joy has left for the day and now is my chance to remove the dead branch hanging over the water. Joy wanted me to hire someone but I know I can do it myself. I reach up and twist the branch. SNAP. At that second I realize I am standing directly underneath this branch. How dumb.
I brace for the impact. Splash. The main branch crashes harmlessly into the lake and I am left holding some twigs and feeling absolutely stupid. The Lord has taken pity on a fool.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
(Psalm 136:1)
Three Boys and a Snake
July 9
At camp two boys and I confronted a dull brown and red snake with a vibrating tail. One boy pinned the snake with a stick. The other boy grabbed it and put it inside a flimsy cupcake box. In a flash the snake sprung out of the box, slithered over a bare knee to the ground and escaped. A bugle sounded and three tenderfoot scouts ran off to a parade field. .
Angels were looking after three boys that Sunday when that Timber Rattlesnake chose to get away rather than get even.
“He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways."
(Psalm 91:11)
At camp two boys and I confronted a dull brown and red snake with a vibrating tail. One boy pinned the snake with a stick. The other boy grabbed it and put it inside a flimsy cupcake box. In a flash the snake sprung out of the box, slithered over a bare knee to the ground and escaped. A bugle sounded and three tenderfoot scouts ran off to a parade field. .
Angels were looking after three boys that Sunday when that Timber Rattlesnake chose to get away rather than get even.
“He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways."
(Psalm 91:11)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Polio
July 8
Polio! The word terrorized parents and children alike when I was growing up.
A lot of prayers were answered when Dr. Jonas Salk discovered an effective vaccine. In this 21st century scientists project 21 million will die from Aids in Africa alone. That’s more than all killed during WWII. And now there is a swine flu pandemic. One out of three Americans will develop breast or prostate cancer.
How can we survive these new battles? There is only one way.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Polio! The word terrorized parents and children alike when I was growing up.
A lot of prayers were answered when Dr. Jonas Salk discovered an effective vaccine. In this 21st century scientists project 21 million will die from Aids in Africa alone. That’s more than all killed during WWII. And now there is a swine flu pandemic. One out of three Americans will develop breast or prostate cancer.
How can we survive these new battles? There is only one way.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cigarette Boat
July 7
It’s a perfect day on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. We are with a group on an island owned by a successful businessman. Joy and I climb aboard a cigarette boat with six others. We all hang on to stay in the boat. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters. Why go? Is it for the rush?
Today I get that rush of excitement when I feel God is near or is calling.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)
It’s a perfect day on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. We are with a group on an island owned by a successful businessman. Joy and I climb aboard a cigarette boat with six others. We all hang on to stay in the boat. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters. Why go? Is it for the rush?
Today I get that rush of excitement when I feel God is near or is calling.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
A Candle in a Cave
July 6
It is a restaurant in a cave. The room is well lit yet a lone candle burns on a ledge. Our waiter says, "that's our test candle as long as it flickers we’re fine.” Nervous laughter. Half way through dinner a woman yells, "The Candle is out!" Heads turn. "It is OK," her husband says relighting the candle, "the waiter was only joking." My life is like that test candle. I can light up with His truth or be nothing and that is no joke.
"You are the light of the world." Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
It is a restaurant in a cave. The room is well lit yet a lone candle burns on a ledge. Our waiter says, "that's our test candle as long as it flickers we’re fine.” Nervous laughter. Half way through dinner a woman yells, "The Candle is out!" Heads turn. "It is OK," her husband says relighting the candle, "the waiter was only joking." My life is like that test candle. I can light up with His truth or be nothing and that is no joke.
"You are the light of the world." Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
Protecting the President
July 5
One summer President Eisenhower made an impromptu visit to the University of Rhode Island. There was Ike standing tall in an open car. Someone yelled, "Hey Ike!" and tossed a golf ball toward the President, prompting a secret service agent to leap and grab that ball in midair. It could have been a bomb and that agent was ready to sacrifice himself for our President. Am I ready to give up this life for Christ? Are you?
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
One summer President Eisenhower made an impromptu visit to the University of Rhode Island. There was Ike standing tall in an open car. Someone yelled, "Hey Ike!" and tossed a golf ball toward the President, prompting a secret service agent to leap and grab that ball in midair. It could have been a bomb and that agent was ready to sacrifice himself for our President. Am I ready to give up this life for Christ? Are you?
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
Climbing Mountains
July 3
We stand on the narrow summit of Mt. Albert in Colorado, which is something like seven feet higher than Pike's Peak. The view is breathtaking. I reach the top with 16 others who are completing a week at the Exec. Course at Outward Bound. There is a true sense of accomplishment at the summit.
God has put in each of us the ability to reach higher and further in our lives. We learn that failure is not falling short; it is not starting in the first place. What mountains does God want you to climb? Have you started?
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
We stand on the narrow summit of Mt. Albert in Colorado, which is something like seven feet higher than Pike's Peak. The view is breathtaking. I reach the top with 16 others who are completing a week at the Exec. Course at Outward Bound. There is a true sense of accomplishment at the summit.
God has put in each of us the ability to reach higher and further in our lives. We learn that failure is not falling short; it is not starting in the first place. What mountains does God want you to climb? Have you started?
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Notes from God's Day
July 1
This is God’s day. I’m at the seashore.
Some notes:“ Write the book,” (These entries?) Discipleship is a decision.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
“You were born anew-listen to your Father.” Don't go to Phoenix.” (this is disturbing. I'm flying to Tucson Thursday to drive to Phoenix for a conference. I cancel the trip.)
“Take off your hat.” (I do.)
“You and I can be one
I am in you and you are in Christ.
Know me better through My Word.”
"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:l)
This is God’s day. I’m at the seashore.
Some notes:“ Write the book,” (These entries?) Discipleship is a decision.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
“You were born anew-listen to your Father.” Don't go to Phoenix.” (this is disturbing. I'm flying to Tucson Thursday to drive to Phoenix for a conference. I cancel the trip.)
“Take off your hat.” (I do.)
“You and I can be one
I am in you and you are in Christ.
Know me better through My Word.”
"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:l)
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