Keep Praying

March 1

This morning Joy asks me to pray with her. She is going to a surgeon's office for her painful breasts. She hadn't been gone long when the phone rang. It was Steve, a friend. He said, "I was just coming out of the doctor's office and who do I run into but Joy. We hugged in the entryway. She seemed glad to see me. I called so we can pray for her over the phone.” We do.
When Joy returns she starts to tell me about running into Steve. "I know, we prayed for you over the phone." She began to shake at the thought of it.

"Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Encoyrage each other

February 28

The lights are on, but obviously the owner is out. As I descend the wooden steps, a car rolls in next to mine. "He is not here, "

"Figures! He is often out on calls."

Believers have a way of connecting and soon we are talking about doing God's work. We agree that our meeting that day is God's way of strengthening each of us,
That evening I read in my Bible.

"I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other." (Romans 1:12)

Model Chinese Village

February 27

We visit a classroom in a model Chinese village. The children rise and sing with coordinated hand movements. We applaud. An awkward silence follows.

“The children are waiting to see what you have prepared for them,” our guide says.
A dozen stunned Americans huddle. Our leader prays for help. Someone suggests “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Bingo! Prayer answered. The children catch on quickly and each one takes a turn with lots of laughter. The moment is precious.

“Who ever receives a little child in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

Rich and Free

February 26

How many rich people do you know? How many are happy and free of worry? How many are seeking more? Here's a different definition of rich.

Once you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can’t be any richer than that.

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:3)

How Has God Blessed Me This Day

February 25

How has God blessed me this day?
I slept in a warm comfortable bed.
Next to me is a loving mate, His gift.
My home has plumbing and a roof.
There is peace and quiet.
Drinkable water and food abounds..
I am free of pain.
I have family and friends
There is laughter. joy and found memories
Forgiveness and grace have been given.
I live in the land of the free.
My Lord loves me.
There is so much for which to be thankful.

“This is a day the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalm 118:4)

A True Fish Story

February 24

One year I put together tidbits about hunting and fishing for The Record of Bergen County N.J. That summer I talked my editor into letting me cover the R.I. Tuna Tournament providing I wouldn't charge for my travel. At the time my folks lived in Rhode Island so I could visit and stay with them. God arranged for a fisherman from Bergen County to catch the largest tuna and my story and a picture made page one.
Now I serve one Who wants me to help Him make a bigger catch.

"Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

Little Things in a Marriage

February 23

Joy and I try to not let the little things get to us. She had a habit of piling things in front of the door she didn’t want to forget. I objected lovingly. The next day things were piled to the side of the door.
I would leave grooming gear out on the bathroom counter and Joy would quietly put it away. I take the hint, now I do it.
There is a saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff.” We try to live by this and one of us will remind the other by saying, “small stuff."

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
(I Corinthians 14:4)

Training Wheels

February 20
A mother/daughter conversation overheard in my neighborhood
"I rode my bike today without the training wheels, all by myself,” she said happily
"You did?"
"Yep and I rode all the way," (deep breath) "all the way from down the street.
"That's wonderful Kyle. Way to go girl."
They exchange high five's.

Sometimes I feel I still have the training wheels on my bike of faith. I know when I finally ride off in complete faith God will be there to say, "Way to go."

“I say to you that there will be more joy in heaven for one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

Fire Ants

February 19

I was washing the car and Joy was planting flowers nearby when she screamed. Fire ants were crawling up both her legs and up the side of the house. I turned the hose on her. Miraculously, Joy escaped without being bitten. I calmed down and so did the Fire Ants. Thank God we were given dominance over these and other creatures. Without our brains we wouldn't stand a chance"

“Let man have domain...over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
(Genesis 1:28)

Soap Box Derby

February 18

Four Cubs release their model cars down a ramp. Their car rolls down the slope past the finish line- except one, my son’s car. The wheels had bound up-no lubricant.
I was mortified. The other boys empathized with my son. He was fine.
I felt I had let Robbie down. I really laid a guilt trip on myself. Now I realize it was my ego getting in the way. My son doesn’t need a dad who is perfect at everything, just one who loves him.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
(John 15:12)

Trivial Pursuit Bible Quiz

February 17

I’m at a sports bar watching a basketball game on a channel I don’t get at home. The sound is off, a Pursuit Challenge game is in progress. The announcer asks, "What is the name of the last book in the Bible?”

A man asks me, "I know some of the books of the Bible but I don't know the order, what’s the last one called?”
"Its called Revelation," I say.

He writes it down and circles six, the most points he can bet.
I should have said, read the Bible it is worth a lot more than six trivia points. Opportunity missed. Sorry Lord!

“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Under Attack

February 16

Shivering in bed with a fever it hits me. I’m under attack. Of course! The enemy doesn’t want this meeting tomorrow to happen. I’m to facilitate Vision Day for a Christian organization serving the poor.
Joy and I pray for recovery and strength. God is faithful. The next morning I feel better. People applaud as I walk into the meeting room. The happiest to see me is the director and his wife who also had prayed.The day goes fine.PTL.

“I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”(Matthew 18:19)

A Mother's Correction

February 15

Bobby Bowden, the successful football coach at Florida State University,now retired, is the speaker on the fifth anniversary of South Shore Community Church in Sarasota.
"I believe in the Word," he says, holding up a Bible. He tells about one game day he realizes it is his mother's birthday. He orders flowers and writes “ I hope you live to be 100."
His mother responds adding a PS. "You short changed me, I have been saved since age 13, so I'm planning on living forever."

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."
(John 6:47)

A Special Valentines Day

February 14

The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday announces this Valentine’s afternoon two homeless will be getting married in the park. A pink cardboard sign shaped like a heart proclaims Lee & Lynda. You don't use last names with the homeless. They repent individually before taking their vows. The reception is the normal food line plus a donated wedding cake. All are fed, homeless, volunteers, seekers, believers, alcoholics and non drinkers.Today we are one.

"Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing." (Philippians 2:4)

Wooden Dolphin

February 13

A handsome hand-carved wooden dolphin sits on my desk at home. I purchased this beauty on a beach on Antigua. The young man selling it asked $15.We haggled. I bought it for $6. I won! I thought. Now I know differently. What was a game to me
was his livelihood. That Dolphin reminds me of my arrogance that day.

I continue to seek ways to pay for that Dolphin and I am happy to be making the payments. I need to give more.
.
“He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27)

Mouser the Cat

February 12

Mouser, is fifteen and has been around longer than my oldest granddaughter.
My grandchildren pickup that cat and he will just hang limply in their arms. They dress him with a mask or a bonnet and he takes it all in stride. He loves those kids.
I need to exhibit the qualities of unconditional love that Mouser does.We all do.

"Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy; love does not parade itself,
is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil." (1 Corinthians 13: 4-5)

Doing the Work

February 11

He was 24, handsome, healthy and defending his country as a Seabee on Guadacanal in 1943.Now,79, he sits staring at the floor. He is fighting a different war now and he is fighting alone.
“He didn't do the work," as Joy puts it, "giving up control to God. If we stay in denial we end up alone." He could still "do the work," but a Bible near his bed remains unread.

"All flesh is as grass. And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flowers fall away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.
(1Peter 1:24)

Critical Words to Live by

February 10

The media constantly fills our ears and eyes with messages. Yet, despite all this most of the thoughts we have come from one source. Ourselves. Self-talk can be good or bad. Every idea, or act of love, begins as a thought. Every sin, or crime begins as a thought. We can control what we think or how long we think it. Try it!

One of the most important instructions in the Bible deals with controlling self-talk.

“bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Under Authority

February 8

My induction into the U.S. Army was February 8, 1954. My life was no longer my own. Being totally controlled by an authority helps me better understand this exchange between Jesus and the centurion. "Lord, say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one 'Go,' and he goes; and to another 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'do this,' and he does it."

"When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him… 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." (Luke 7:7-9)

Prayer of Jabez

February 9

Bruce Wilkinson wrote,The Prayer of Jabez, a book based on two lesser-known verses in the Bible, which, thanks to Wilkinson are no longer obscure.
I prayed the prayer for thirty days as the book recommends and found myself leading a small group and assisting an interim pastor when our senior pastor went on emergency medical leave.

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me. and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.
So God granted him (Jabez) what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Baby Blanket

February 7

My wife Joyous is a baby blanket person. These are people who grow up dragging baby blankets around for peace and comfort.
When a dear friend died unexpectedly a family took her in for the night. Their seven-year-old son had a tattered blanket called “Bob.” During the night the boy silently lays “Bob” in her arms and goes back to his room.

Joy says,"My heart melts. He gave up his baby blanket to comfort me. It was God's way of loving me that night."

"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Slippery when Wet

February 6

I stepped briskly out the front door—onto glare ice. I slid off the front stoop and came down hard on the cement steps.
This is dumb. Why am I in Connecticut in February in freezing rain? As a consultant I can work anywhere. Why not Florida?

Shortly after my fall I receive a call that leads to a six-month contract in the Sunshine State just what I was looking for and the answer to my wife’s prayers.

"Your father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you." (Luke 12:30-31)

A Map from God

February 5

A pastor in Connecticut gives us a couple’s name to look up when we arrive
in Sarasota, Fl. We lose the note. Weeks later a Sarasota attorney tells me he and his wife are helping people start a church. He hands me a calling card for South Shore Community Church with a map on the back. On Sunday after the service we meet Bob and Anne Gamble and become friends. That summer in Connecticut our pastor friend writes the name again, “Bob and Anne Gamble.” God gave us a name,
then a map to find His church.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)

Special Breakfast

February 4

I am having breakfast with a friend from church. He asks, " would you like to join me and a few other guys for prayer, bible reading and accountability."

He had no way of knowing but on New Year's Day I had written out my annual goals including finding an accountability partner. Joy prayed for this diligently. God often gives us more than what we ask for. In this case He threw in a group for study and fellowship.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

OPen House

February 3

A trash truck stalls going up the hill opposite our ranch house. The driver can’t hold the truck with the manual breaks and it rolls backward down the hill across our lawn and crashes through our picture window. Fortunately we had left earlier that day for vacation. No one is hurt.

Some say we were lucky and others call it fate. I look at the tire tracks going over where the playpen had been on our lawn hours before. I know we are blessed.

“God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe.” (Psalm 91-2 The Message)

Ground Hog Day

February 2

Its Ground Hog Day! Tradition says that if the critter sees his shadow today there will be six more weeks of winter. I grew up hearing these old sayings. Many are found in the Bible. My Mom said "red at night, sailor’s delight...red at dawn sailor be warned." (Matt 16) My dad quoted "there is a fly in the ointment." Ecclesiastes 10:1. “Pride goes before a fall,” my grandmother chided. (Proverbs 16:18)

I grew up hearing these paraphrases of Solomon's wisdom.. Pity I didn't grow up hearing, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)

Wrong Plane

February 1

Just before takeoff I notice a friend, Edna, takes a seat up front. Once in the air she comes back to visit. She asks me why I am going to New York? Surprised I said, "I'm not. This plane is going to Baltimore."
Edna is furious and calls a flight attendant. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded.” the attendant says sternly.
We can get going so fast in life that we don't hear the directions for our lives. For a long time I was headed for the wrong gate.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. (Matthew 7:13)