August 4
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?"
Isn't God like that, making us humble ourselves first, then comes His blessings"
Spc. Johnson was a blessing at OCS.
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Under a Tree
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)
Roth's Example
July 22
Roth, who is in his seventies and has Parkinson’s disease told 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 needed 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 told 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 needed to hear Roth’s message.
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
(John 7:24)
In My Cave
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 (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. 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 (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. It takes my breath away. Wow!
“O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.” (Ps 136-1)
Sharing the Gifts
July 20
“God has gifted us all,” the pastor told three recipients, “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 the woman. My husband has a job and the gift restored my faith.”
Have I been multiplying God’s gifts. 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, “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 the woman. My husband has a job and the gift restored my faith.”
Have I been multiplying God’s gifts. When I do, I know what I will hear:
“Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
What is really Important
July 19
I have a habit of losing hats, umbrellas and pens. 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 a watch, a car or even a house. The material things of life are not that important.
I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to God they and loved ones 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. 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 a watch, a car or even a house. The material things of life are not that important.
I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to God they and loved ones are alive.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)
Perfect Growth
July 18
The 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)
The 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)
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 Sturbridge, Ma. are healthy. 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 Sturbridge, Ma. are healthy. 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)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Shell Fishing
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 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 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)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lady in the Rain
July 15
We are at a stop sign and I clearly see a lady standing in the rain. 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 loaned her an 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. 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 loaned her an 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)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sixes and Sevens
July 14
My grandmother called it, "sixes and sevens," I’m confused, not focused. 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. Thanks you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
My grandmother called it, "sixes and sevens," I’m confused, not focused. 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. Thanks you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Rest Stop Prayer
July 13
We stop in a Maryland rest area along I-95.Once ack in the car I turn the key nothing. 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 we are towing. It is going to be a long night.
Joy prays, “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 the "Car Talk" brothers of 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.Once ack in the car I turn the key nothing. 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 we are towing. It is going to be a long night.
Joy prays, “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 the "Car Talk" brothers of 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)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Greeter Lesson
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. Actually I should be a greeter all the time spreading His 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)
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. Actually I should be a greeter all the time spreading His 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)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
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.
(One of the earliest recorded financial planning tips).
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.
(One of the earliest recorded financial planning tips).
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)
Dead 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)
Friday, July 9, 2010
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)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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 upright. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters. Why go? Is it for the thrill?
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 upright. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters. Why go? Is it for the thrill?
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)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Test Candle
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)
Ike and a Golf Ball
July 5
One summer President Eisenhower made an impromptu visit to the University of Rhode Island where I was a student. 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 where I was a student. 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)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence Day
July 4
Old Glory flies from the deck of our cottage on Cedar Lake, Sturbrdge. Friends arrive for a cookout. At dusk, we paddle canoes to the middle of the lake to watch home-launched aerial fireworks. First we pledge to our flag, "one nation under God." But we are not one nation under God. There are those who take offense at the word God. We are divided.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Old Glory flies from the deck of our cottage on Cedar Lake, Sturbrdge. Friends arrive for a cookout. At dusk, we paddle canoes to the middle of the lake to watch home-launched aerial fireworks. First we pledge to our flag, "one nation under God." But we are not one nation under God. There are those who take offense at the word God. We are divided.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
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 top.
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; failure 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 top.
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; failure 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)
Friday, July 2, 2010
A Sailing Lesson
July 2
It is pre-camp week, I’m the rookie waterfront director trying out sailing with Ray, my division head. We are off in a stiff breeze. I learn the hard way the difference between “coming about and jibing.” We jibe and capsize. A horn sounds signifying a tip over. When our rescuers arrive, I say, "Good thing we ran this test. You took your time getting here." Ray blesses himself under water.
Turning the wrong way can be disastrous.
“ Anyone who wonders from the truth…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
It is pre-camp week, I’m the rookie waterfront director trying out sailing with Ray, my division head. We are off in a stiff breeze. I learn the hard way the difference between “coming about and jibing.” We jibe and capsize. A horn sounds signifying a tip over. When our rescuers arrive, I say, "Good thing we ran this test. You took your time getting here." Ray blesses himself under water.
Turning the wrong way can be disastrous.
“ Anyone who wonders from the truth…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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 in three days for a conference in Phoenix.)I don't go.
“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 in three days for a conference in Phoenix.)I don't go.
“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)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)