December 1
Another day to hear the birds sing,
A chance to see a colorful rainbow,
An opportunity to learn something new,
More time to forgive and to forget,
Another day to appreciate all that grows,
Lord thank you for another day to serve,
Another chance to make a difference,
More time to laugh, linger and love,
Time to embrace the moment
Everyday is a precious gift.
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Yellow Dot
November 30
While visiting a small Lutheran church in Massachusetts I found a sheaf of yellow dots with sticky backs in the guest register in the pew. A note said to put one of these dots on the face of your watch to remind you to take time to pray. Good idea I thought. I’m always looking at my watch.
Every time I look at my watch now I see that yellow dot and pray. I need more yellow dots in my life. How about you? How about putting one on your cell phone or I-Pod.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
While visiting a small Lutheran church in Massachusetts I found a sheaf of yellow dots with sticky backs in the guest register in the pew. A note said to put one of these dots on the face of your watch to remind you to take time to pray. Good idea I thought. I’m always looking at my watch.
Every time I look at my watch now I see that yellow dot and pray. I need more yellow dots in my life. How about you? How about putting one on your cell phone or I-Pod.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Bill's Example
November 29
Bill was a family man, a partner in a large law firm and head of the community foundation board. I was on the staff. For years Bill had been quietly fighting cancer. He was back in the hospital this time he had his nose removed.“ I’ll have a dressing over the hole,” he said, “but I’m still going to the conference.” On the plane he was as upbeat as ever. Suddenly he sneezed. I blurted, “I didn’t know you could sneeze without a nose.” He smiled
“Sure, and I have a built in handkerchief.”
“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)
Bill was a family man, a partner in a large law firm and head of the community foundation board. I was on the staff. For years Bill had been quietly fighting cancer. He was back in the hospital this time he had his nose removed.“ I’ll have a dressing over the hole,” he said, “but I’m still going to the conference.” On the plane he was as upbeat as ever. Suddenly he sneezed. I blurted, “I didn’t know you could sneeze without a nose.” He smiled
“Sure, and I have a built in handkerchief.”
“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)
Rhode Island Accent
November 28
Native Rhode Islanders have an accent and their own language. I know for I am one.
A cabinet is not made of wood but it is a milk shake with ice cream in it. Some Rhode Islanders have a tendency to pronounce an r that is not there and to leave one off when it is present. To wit; beer becomes bea and Cuba is Cuber.
There really is only one voice we need to hear and heed.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)
Native Rhode Islanders have an accent and their own language. I know for I am one.
A cabinet is not made of wood but it is a milk shake with ice cream in it. Some Rhode Islanders have a tendency to pronounce an r that is not there and to leave one off when it is present. To wit; beer becomes bea and Cuba is Cuber.
There really is only one voice we need to hear and heed.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Hand
November 26
There it is! The shadow of a hand is on my bedroom floor. I scream as only an eight-yar-old can. My mother flicks on the light. I insist the hand was there. My mother turns out the light and sits on my bed. Soon the moonlight reappears on the floor. “Look,” I yell, “There is THE HAND.”I hear her gasp. My mother saw it too. In the light I can see a frown then a smile. She removes a cutout of Pinocchio waving from the wall. When she turned out the light again and the moon glowed on the floor the hand was gone.
I am thankful for a mother who showed her boy compassion.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
There it is! The shadow of a hand is on my bedroom floor. I scream as only an eight-yar-old can. My mother flicks on the light. I insist the hand was there. My mother turns out the light and sits on my bed. Soon the moonlight reappears on the floor. “Look,” I yell, “There is THE HAND.”I hear her gasp. My mother saw it too. In the light I can see a frown then a smile. She removes a cutout of Pinocchio waving from the wall. When she turned out the light again and the moon glowed on the floor the hand was gone.
I am thankful for a mother who showed her boy compassion.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Thanksgiving
November 25
We pack up the kids, the hot dishes and slide off to the church parish house.
There are about fifty adults and children at this neighborhood thanksgiving. We stand hand in hand giving thanks for all God’s bounty. We break bread and share the Lord’s Supper before eating our own.
We arrived as strangers but we leave filled with fellowship with others who are grateful for God’s blessings. This is a Thanksgiving I shall long remember.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:2)
We pack up the kids, the hot dishes and slide off to the church parish house.
There are about fifty adults and children at this neighborhood thanksgiving. We stand hand in hand giving thanks for all God’s bounty. We break bread and share the Lord’s Supper before eating our own.
We arrived as strangers but we leave filled with fellowship with others who are grateful for God’s blessings. This is a Thanksgiving I shall long remember.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:2)
Angels
November 24
An angel is “a messenger of God.” This is the first definition listed in the dictionary.
I stop in a coffee shop in a small city. The young woman behind the counter looks sad. I ask if she is OK. She tells me she has just come from the hospital where her mother is facing a sensitive operation in the morning. I say I will pray for her and her mom.
A week later as I enter that shop I hear her say to another customer, “Here comes my guardian angel.” I’m not but God did use me to bring her hope.
“I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
An angel is “a messenger of God.” This is the first definition listed in the dictionary.
I stop in a coffee shop in a small city. The young woman behind the counter looks sad. I ask if she is OK. She tells me she has just come from the hospital where her mother is facing a sensitive operation in the morning. I say I will pray for her and her mom.
A week later as I enter that shop I hear her say to another customer, “Here comes my guardian angel.” I’m not but God did use me to bring her hope.
“I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Be a Cheerful Giver
November 23
“She is desperate,” the secretary said, “I thought you might be willing to help. She can rent a car and get to the hospital and back for fifty dollars.” Joy drops the money off at the church office. The next day while rummaging through a desk. Joy found $65 she had put away for something she has forgotten about. (Hmmm). She learns the lady received a ride to the hospital but spent $23 on gas and tolls. She returned the $27 to the church office.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
“She is desperate,” the secretary said, “I thought you might be willing to help. She can rent a car and get to the hospital and back for fifty dollars.” Joy drops the money off at the church office. The next day while rummaging through a desk. Joy found $65 she had put away for something she has forgotten about. (Hmmm). She learns the lady received a ride to the hospital but spent $23 on gas and tolls. She returned the $27 to the church office.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Learning from the Geese
November 22
Canadian geese fly in a V formation, which actually helps the individual bird fly higher and longer than if it flew alone. Several geese honk encouragement to the leader up front and when the point bird tires, another takes its place. If one bird is wounded or sick and leaves the formation, two will go with it for protection. The two will stay with the injured bird until it recovers or dies. The remaining two will return to another flock.
We can learn a lot from those traits of the Canadian geese.
“In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge.” (Psalms 57:1)
Canadian geese fly in a V formation, which actually helps the individual bird fly higher and longer than if it flew alone. Several geese honk encouragement to the leader up front and when the point bird tires, another takes its place. If one bird is wounded or sick and leaves the formation, two will go with it for protection. The two will stay with the injured bird until it recovers or dies. The remaining two will return to another flock.
We can learn a lot from those traits of the Canadian geese.
“In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge.” (Psalms 57:1)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Turning Point
November 21
Turning Points! These are the defining moments in our lives. My wife Joy’s turning point came at a Billy Graham crusade in Hartford Ct. “I responded to the call that night,” she says, “but I didn’t come to the Lord until I decided to follow Him wherever He wants me to go.” The real turning point is when a life is turned from the world to God, from me to Thee.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
(Galatians 2:20)
Turning Points! These are the defining moments in our lives. My wife Joy’s turning point came at a Billy Graham crusade in Hartford Ct. “I responded to the call that night,” she says, “but I didn’t come to the Lord until I decided to follow Him wherever He wants me to go.” The real turning point is when a life is turned from the world to God, from me to Thee.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
(Galatians 2:20)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Where does the Sun Go?
November 20
A small voice from the back seat asks, “Where does the sun go? I reply, “I’ll show you when we get home,” I bring a flashlight (sun) and grab an orange (earth) and there in the dining room I explain the cosmos to a four-year-old.
A week later driving home as the sun sets I hear “There goes the sun behind the orange.” I should have told her where the sun comes from not where it goes.
“Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3-4)
A small voice from the back seat asks, “Where does the sun go? I reply, “I’ll show you when we get home,” I bring a flashlight (sun) and grab an orange (earth) and there in the dining room I explain the cosmos to a four-year-old.
A week later driving home as the sun sets I hear “There goes the sun behind the orange.” I should have told her where the sun comes from not where it goes.
“Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3-4)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Modern Day David and Goliath
November 19
This time the battlefield is downtown Montpelier, Vt. Goliath is a major ice cream maker and David is an Italian Ice vendor whose slingshot is a one page flyer protesting being barred from a festival sponsored by the giant. The flyer works. The Italian Ice vendor is invited to the festival. The giant is not slain, just cut down to size. God is smiling. I’ll bet an ice cream or a dish of Italian ice on that.
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s.(l Samuel 17:47 NIV)
This time the battlefield is downtown Montpelier, Vt. Goliath is a major ice cream maker and David is an Italian Ice vendor whose slingshot is a one page flyer protesting being barred from a festival sponsored by the giant. The flyer works. The Italian Ice vendor is invited to the festival. The giant is not slain, just cut down to size. God is smiling. I’ll bet an ice cream or a dish of Italian ice on that.
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s.(l Samuel 17:47 NIV)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Pray without Ceasing
November 18
A friend in our church is going in for an operation for breast cancer. I pray briefly right then for the Lord’s mercy and hand in that surgery.
Later that day I learn that her operation went well and the surgeon thought it was a success. I quietly say,” Thank you Lord for a prayer answered.” I’m blown away when I hear that her whole office stopped what they were doing and prayed when she went into surgery and didn’t stop praying until she came out, hours later.
“Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28)
A friend in our church is going in for an operation for breast cancer. I pray briefly right then for the Lord’s mercy and hand in that surgery.
Later that day I learn that her operation went well and the surgeon thought it was a success. I quietly say,” Thank you Lord for a prayer answered.” I’m blown away when I hear that her whole office stopped what they were doing and prayed when she went into surgery and didn’t stop praying until she came out, hours later.
“Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Praise God for Life and Death
November 17
When I read that line in a newsletter I thought, “right on.” I hadn’t thought about praising God for death before but I should. Art, who authored the newsletter, wrote “I walked into ‘Granma’s’ room to see if she wanted anything when I realized that she is not there. She is alive in Heaven with Jesus."
My daughter called me six months after her grandfather died and said, “I just realized Pop Pops is not here, I can’t call him anymore.” That realization can be a lonely moment or it can be a freeing one. For believers, death is not final.
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
When I read that line in a newsletter I thought, “right on.” I hadn’t thought about praising God for death before but I should. Art, who authored the newsletter, wrote “I walked into ‘Granma’s’ room to see if she wanted anything when I realized that she is not there. She is alive in Heaven with Jesus."
My daughter called me six months after her grandfather died and said, “I just realized Pop Pops is not here, I can’t call him anymore.” That realization can be a lonely moment or it can be a freeing one. For believers, death is not final.
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Fear of Bridges
November 16
Time to face my fear of big bridges and trust God. The Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay looms in the distance.
I start up the main span “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” I’m shaking. “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” My hands steady on the wheel, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I reach the highest point, “You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil.” The sky brightens. “My cup runs over.” God is faithful.Now I drive over big bridges like everybody else.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (From Psalm 23)
Time to face my fear of big bridges and trust God. The Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay looms in the distance.
I start up the main span “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” I’m shaking. “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” My hands steady on the wheel, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I reach the highest point, “You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil.” The sky brightens. “My cup runs over.” God is faithful.Now I drive over big bridges like everybody else.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (From Psalm 23)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Anniversary
Novermber 15
Its our Anniversary and we share cards at breakfast. The phone rings and Mr. A says he and his wifhave had an argument and she left the house. Before I hang up there is a knowck at the door. It is Mrs. A for Joy. That night we have the couple over for dinner. Hearing the complaints of that couple and the pain they are going through reminds us how blessed we are to have God at the center of our marriage.
That realization is a priceless anniversary present.
"Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.(John 1:16)
Its our Anniversary and we share cards at breakfast. The phone rings and Mr. A says he and his wifhave had an argument and she left the house. Before I hang up there is a knowck at the door. It is Mrs. A for Joy. That night we have the couple over for dinner. Hearing the complaints of that couple and the pain they are going through reminds us how blessed we are to have God at the center of our marriage.
That realization is a priceless anniversary present.
"Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.(John 1:16)
Do Not Be Afraid
Week of November 14
Several years ago I was going through a tough time and feeling a great deal of anxiety. Something happened that has been a source of comfort and courage ever since.
I need to say, right up front, that I have never practiced, nor do I agree with, what has sometimes been called “Bible roulette.” This is the technique
of seeking guidance from God by letting the Bible fall open at random, putting your finger on the page, and trying to interpret as a directive from
God the verse thus identified. On the other hand, in my personal devotions I will often select a passage to read as I feel led, or because I feel a need.
I must also say that the Bible I usually use for my devotional reading was, at the time I am referring to, still fairly new. It was not dog-eared from
use, nor did it naturally fall open to any particular passages.
The event is recorded in my journal. But it need not be, for it stands out in my mind with crystal clarity.
I was alone and feeling agitated. There seemed no end to my anxiety. I cried out, “O God, I am so tired of being afraid!” It wasn’t a formal prayer. It was a cry from the heart.
At that moment I felt an urge, an invitation, a desire to turn to Scripture. As I reached for my Bible, I felt a definite inclination to turn to the Old Testament. But nothing more specific had yet come to mind. I opened the Bible somewhere around the middle. The very first words my eyes fell upon were these: “...do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God...”
I was awestruck. I tried to reproduce the event, but it was soon obvious that my Bible was not automatically opening to Isaiah 41:10.
The skeptic may call it coincidence. But I am convinced that God was in that event, speaking precisely to my anguish through those words of Scripture. Thanks be to God.
Persh Parker
Billings, Montana
Copyright Thanks Be, First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Repreinted with permission.
Several years ago I was going through a tough time and feeling a great deal of anxiety. Something happened that has been a source of comfort and courage ever since.
I need to say, right up front, that I have never practiced, nor do I agree with, what has sometimes been called “Bible roulette.” This is the technique
of seeking guidance from God by letting the Bible fall open at random, putting your finger on the page, and trying to interpret as a directive from
God the verse thus identified. On the other hand, in my personal devotions I will often select a passage to read as I feel led, or because I feel a need.
I must also say that the Bible I usually use for my devotional reading was, at the time I am referring to, still fairly new. It was not dog-eared from
use, nor did it naturally fall open to any particular passages.
The event is recorded in my journal. But it need not be, for it stands out in my mind with crystal clarity.
I was alone and feeling agitated. There seemed no end to my anxiety. I cried out, “O God, I am so tired of being afraid!” It wasn’t a formal prayer. It was a cry from the heart.
At that moment I felt an urge, an invitation, a desire to turn to Scripture. As I reached for my Bible, I felt a definite inclination to turn to the Old Testament. But nothing more specific had yet come to mind. I opened the Bible somewhere around the middle. The very first words my eyes fell upon were these: “...do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God...”
I was awestruck. I tried to reproduce the event, but it was soon obvious that my Bible was not automatically opening to Isaiah 41:10.
The skeptic may call it coincidence. But I am convinced that God was in that event, speaking precisely to my anguish through those words of Scripture. Thanks be to God.
Persh Parker
Billings, Montana
Copyright Thanks Be, First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Repreinted with permission.
Love Light
November 14
She said she felt sick and could I come right home. I just had a thought to call.
I found her in bed with a temperature.
Seeing her eyes, I was struck by how real love can be. I remembered a preacher saying, “Our love is like a light, which instantly dispels the darkness. Sometimes the light is shut out when a door is closed but that isn’t the light’s fault. The moment the door is reopened the light is there.”
God’s love is like that, I thought. On this night our bedroom was filled with His love light. We left the door wide open.
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
She said she felt sick and could I come right home. I just had a thought to call.
I found her in bed with a temperature.
Seeing her eyes, I was struck by how real love can be. I remembered a preacher saying, “Our love is like a light, which instantly dispels the darkness. Sometimes the light is shut out when a door is closed but that isn’t the light’s fault. The moment the door is reopened the light is there.”
God’s love is like that, I thought. On this night our bedroom was filled with His love light. We left the door wide open.
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Cantaloupe
November 13
Cantaloupe is my favorite. I marvel at the master gardener who conceived this delicious and wholesome food. We plant the seed, maybe weed a little and then harvest the crop. Our partner provides the earth, the seed, the sun, the water and all that is needed for growth. He asks for the first ten per cent of the yield and we get to keep ninety per cent. What a great deal.
Have I kept my part of the bargain? Have I thanked my Partner for my 90%?
“We made ordinances to bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord.” (Nehemiah10: 35)
Cantaloupe is my favorite. I marvel at the master gardener who conceived this delicious and wholesome food. We plant the seed, maybe weed a little and then harvest the crop. Our partner provides the earth, the seed, the sun, the water and all that is needed for growth. He asks for the first ten per cent of the yield and we get to keep ninety per cent. What a great deal.
Have I kept my part of the bargain? Have I thanked my Partner for my 90%?
“We made ordinances to bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord.” (Nehemiah10: 35)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Asking God for a Sign
November 12
We first met her at a divorce recovery small group Joy and I facilitated. She said at her lowest point a friend invited her to a birthday party for a six-year-old boy. While there she felt so lonely she retreated from the party and wandered into the living room and stood before a stone fireplace with her head bowed and prayed.
“I asked for a sign of help from God. I lifted my head and through my tears I saw a framed copy of “Footprints” hanging over the fireplace.
“Call on Me in your day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will give me the glory.” (Psalm 50:15)
We first met her at a divorce recovery small group Joy and I facilitated. She said at her lowest point a friend invited her to a birthday party for a six-year-old boy. While there she felt so lonely she retreated from the party and wandered into the living room and stood before a stone fireplace with her head bowed and prayed.
“I asked for a sign of help from God. I lifted my head and through my tears I saw a framed copy of “Footprints” hanging over the fireplace.
“Call on Me in your day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will give me the glory.” (Psalm 50:15)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Veterans Day
November 11
On this veterans day I am remembering Malcolm "Peppy" Daniels. In 1948 we were counsellors at a boy scout camp, he a disable vet from World War II was the chef and I,age 15, an apprentice on the waterfront.
He had been shot in the leg six times by a German Machine gunner."I thank God that guy was a trained gunner," he said, "or I wouldn't be here today." I didn't fully understand what he meant until several years later when I was in the army and received heavy weapons training. You are taught to fire in bursts of six rounds to maintain accuracy.
Thanks to all the veterans who put their lives on the line during war so we could enjoy our freedom today.
"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for his friends."
(John 15:13)
On this veterans day I am remembering Malcolm "Peppy" Daniels. In 1948 we were counsellors at a boy scout camp, he a disable vet from World War II was the chef and I,age 15, an apprentice on the waterfront.
He had been shot in the leg six times by a German Machine gunner."I thank God that guy was a trained gunner," he said, "or I wouldn't be here today." I didn't fully understand what he meant until several years later when I was in the army and received heavy weapons training. You are taught to fire in bursts of six rounds to maintain accuracy.
Thanks to all the veterans who put their lives on the line during war so we could enjoy our freedom today.
"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for his friends."
(John 15:13)
Coming up Short
November 10
“I need a little change for food,"he asks?
“I don’t have any change but I have a dollar,” which I hand him.
“Thanks,” he says, “a hotdog costs $1.49. Do you have fifty cents?”
I bristle. “That’s it, I told you I didn’t have any change,” I say, knowing I have another dollar in my pocket.
He hurries off. I have given to the poor but reluctantly. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I return to my Bible lying on the park bench and read:
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
“I need a little change for food,"he asks?
“I don’t have any change but I have a dollar,” which I hand him.
“Thanks,” he says, “a hotdog costs $1.49. Do you have fifty cents?”
I bristle. “That’s it, I told you I didn’t have any change,” I say, knowing I have another dollar in my pocket.
He hurries off. I have given to the poor but reluctantly. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I return to my Bible lying on the park bench and read:
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Pathways to God
November 9
The preacher list different pathways people take to feel close to God:
1. Relational…with other people
2. Contemplative- solitude ( My wife's path)
3. Serving- feel closest when serving
4. Creation- feel God through nature
5. Intellectual-reading/study (mine)
6. Activist-the action people, leaders,
7. Worship- feel closest when worshiping
What is yours? When do you feel close to God.
An appropriate scripture for my pathway is:
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)
The preacher list different pathways people take to feel close to God:
1. Relational…with other people
2. Contemplative- solitude ( My wife's path)
3. Serving- feel closest when serving
4. Creation- feel God through nature
5. Intellectual-reading/study (mine)
6. Activist-the action people, leaders,
7. Worship- feel closest when worshiping
What is yours? When do you feel close to God.
An appropriate scripture for my pathway is:
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fruit Trees
November 8
When I was growing up Rhode Island there was a small pear tree and a large apple tree in our yard. All we had to do was pick and enjoy the fruit at the end of the summer and rake the leaves at the end of the fall. God did all the rest.
Our family, friends and neighbors enjoyed plenty of tasty fruit throughout our eighteen years there. It wasn’t until long after we moved that I thanked God for the bounty from those trees.
“Others fell on good ground and yielded a crop of a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears let him hear.” (Matthew 13:8-9)
When I was growing up Rhode Island there was a small pear tree and a large apple tree in our yard. All we had to do was pick and enjoy the fruit at the end of the summer and rake the leaves at the end of the fall. God did all the rest.
Our family, friends and neighbors enjoyed plenty of tasty fruit throughout our eighteen years there. It wasn’t until long after we moved that I thanked God for the bounty from those trees.
“Others fell on good ground and yielded a crop of a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears let him hear.” (Matthew 13:8-9)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
What is the Meaning of Life?
November 6
What is the meaning of life? Isn’t this the question of man down through the ages?
A local camera crew went to the man in the street to find out. Some quotes: “The meaning of life is to have fun and love others.” “Avoid Death!” “Sex” “Darn if I know.” "The meaning of life is to take care of Mother Earth.”
Jesus answered the question this way:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew (22:37-40)
What is the meaning of life? Isn’t this the question of man down through the ages?
A local camera crew went to the man in the street to find out. Some quotes: “The meaning of life is to have fun and love others.” “Avoid Death!” “Sex” “Darn if I know.” "The meaning of life is to take care of Mother Earth.”
Jesus answered the question this way:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew (22:37-40)
Names and Addresses
November 5
Joy and I join others at the front of the church. The visiting preacher and the regular senior minister hand out 3x5 cards and pencils and ask each of us to print our name and address. We all pray together. The ministers vow to pray for each of us by name everyday for a month. They ask us to pray for them daily. We say we will. The cards are placed on a table at the foot of a small wooden cross.
God doesn’t need our names and addresses God knows where to find us. The cross is there so we can find God.
"Come take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)
Joy and I join others at the front of the church. The visiting preacher and the regular senior minister hand out 3x5 cards and pencils and ask each of us to print our name and address. We all pray together. The ministers vow to pray for each of us by name everyday for a month. They ask us to pray for them daily. We say we will. The cards are placed on a table at the foot of a small wooden cross.
God doesn’t need our names and addresses God knows where to find us. The cross is there so we can find God.
"Come take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)
Feeling Helpless
November 4
Joy feels upset with her dad until she talks with her daughter who works in the mental health field. “He’s not angry with you or the nurse. He is angry with the helplessness of his situation.”
We pray for peace and comfort for him.
A few days later her dad says, “You know I can’t go back to my apartment. I can’t live alone anymore.”
We find an affordable rest home and Joy’s dad receives a warm welcome. Now he has a comfortable place to live
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 9:28)
Joy feels upset with her dad until she talks with her daughter who works in the mental health field. “He’s not angry with you or the nurse. He is angry with the helplessness of his situation.”
We pray for peace and comfort for him.
A few days later her dad says, “You know I can’t go back to my apartment. I can’t live alone anymore.”
We find an affordable rest home and Joy’s dad receives a warm welcome. Now he has a comfortable place to live
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 9:28)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Give It Away
November 3
He has been stuck since his last operation. He is on disability, is ending rehab and is totally depressed. I pray for guidance.
Over lunch he says, “I’m challenged physically but I’m ok mentally and spiritually.”
“You are not OK!” I retort. “You are caught up in your pain and fears and it is consuming you.”
He stares at me. I've crossed a line in our relationship. After some silence he says, “What you are saying is that I have the grace but I’m keeping it to myself. I need to give it away.” I nod. We stand and hug.
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1:8)
He has been stuck since his last operation. He is on disability, is ending rehab and is totally depressed. I pray for guidance.
Over lunch he says, “I’m challenged physically but I’m ok mentally and spiritually.”
“You are not OK!” I retort. “You are caught up in your pain and fears and it is consuming you.”
He stares at me. I've crossed a line in our relationship. After some silence he says, “What you are saying is that I have the grace but I’m keeping it to myself. I need to give it away.” I nod. We stand and hug.
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1:8)
Perfect Gentleman
November 2
He is a perfect gentleman,” Joy says. “He is gentle, patient and kind. When I make a mistake he doesn’t throw it in my face. He lets me be me. That is a real gentleman.”
“How can anyone who demands things be done his way be a perfect gentleman,”I ask?
“You don’t understand me but he does.”
I’m feeling totally inadequate now. “I try to be a gentleman,” I suggest.
“You are.” she says, “But you are not a perfect gentleman-- “ only God is the perfect gentleman.”
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)
He is a perfect gentleman,” Joy says. “He is gentle, patient and kind. When I make a mistake he doesn’t throw it in my face. He lets me be me. That is a real gentleman.”
“How can anyone who demands things be done his way be a perfect gentleman,”I ask?
“You don’t understand me but he does.”
I’m feeling totally inadequate now. “I try to be a gentleman,” I suggest.
“You are.” she says, “But you are not a perfect gentleman-- “ only God is the perfect gentleman.”
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Choices
November 1
A lady calls seeking a title for the church bulletin. I blurt out “Choices.” So that is the topic for my talk on Layman’s Sunday.Later I realize that the message I delivered that day was intended for me. I needed to make the right choices in my life. I was a pretend Christian, going to church and saying the right things but not walking the walk. I needed to choose God as the priority in my life. I began by heeding the scripture read at that layman’s service nearly 20 years ago.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
A lady calls seeking a title for the church bulletin. I blurt out “Choices.” So that is the topic for my talk on Layman’s Sunday.Later I realize that the message I delivered that day was intended for me. I needed to make the right choices in my life. I was a pretend Christian, going to church and saying the right things but not walking the walk. I needed to choose God as the priority in my life. I began by heeding the scripture read at that layman’s service nearly 20 years ago.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
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