May 1
My guardian angel I call Sam.
I’m leaving the plane when I hear a voice in my head ask, "Where is your planner?" It is under the seat. Way to go Sam.
I drift over the line on a curve and there is a car coming. We just miss. Thanks Sam.
We are late arriving at the hospital to pray over a friend and there is a parking spot up front. Nice touch Sam.
“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place…He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:9,11)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Strong Passage
April 30
This morning I have breakfast with a friend. Before leaving the house I receive a strong message for his son who is attending a very strict fundamentalist Christian school. His dad is worried that his son will become judgmental and legalistic.
As I read the passage I realize that it isn’t just for the son but for all of us.
"Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
(Matthew 7:1-2)
This morning I have breakfast with a friend. Before leaving the house I receive a strong message for his son who is attending a very strict fundamentalist Christian school. His dad is worried that his son will become judgmental and legalistic.
As I read the passage I realize that it isn’t just for the son but for all of us.
"Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
(Matthew 7:1-2)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Lovinng Correction
April 29
The words stung. The truth often does. I couldn't blame anyone else.I was quiet. I was hurt. She sensed this and said she was sorry if she hurt me. Wisely, she didn't apologize for what she said.
As a loving wife she was sorry if her words hurt me. It was my wife’s voice but I felt the correction was from the Lord
"My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 2:11-12)
The words stung. The truth often does. I couldn't blame anyone else.I was quiet. I was hurt. She sensed this and said she was sorry if she hurt me. Wisely, she didn't apologize for what she said.
As a loving wife she was sorry if her words hurt me. It was my wife’s voice but I felt the correction was from the Lord
"My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 2:11-12)
More Positives from God
April 28
"I can't go on."
"My grace is sufficient for you."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
"I can't forgive myself"
"I forgive you." (John 1:9)
"I'm so worried"
“Do not be anxious.” (Philippians 4:6)
"I don't know where to begin"
"Seek and you shall find." (Matthew 7:7)
"I feel all alone"
"Lo I am with you always."
(Matthew 28:20)
"I can't go on."
"My grace is sufficient for you."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
"I can't forgive myself"
"I forgive you." (John 1:9)
"I'm so worried"
“Do not be anxious.” (Philippians 4:6)
"I don't know where to begin"
"Seek and you shall find." (Matthew 7:7)
"I feel all alone"
"Lo I am with you always."
(Matthew 28:20)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
God has the Positives
April 27
For all the negative things we have to say, God has a positive for it.
"It's impossible"
" All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
"I'm too tired."
"I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I can't figure things out."
" I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:6)
"I can't do it."
"I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13)
For all the negative things we have to say, God has a positive for it.
"It's impossible"
" All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
"I'm too tired."
"I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I can't figure things out."
" I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:6)
"I can't do it."
"I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13)
Monday, April 25, 2011
"Misguided Faith"
April 26
Our small group video this evening is about the destructive Crusades of the 11th century and is entitled "Misguided Faith."
A lively discussion follows the film. No one condones the violence of the Crusades. Finally someone asks, "What would Jesus have done?"
I think of the restraint Jesus showed His disciples in the garden.
“One of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit even this,’ and He touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:50-51)
Our small group video this evening is about the destructive Crusades of the 11th century and is entitled "Misguided Faith."
A lively discussion follows the film. No one condones the violence of the Crusades. Finally someone asks, "What would Jesus have done?"
I think of the restraint Jesus showed His disciples in the garden.
“One of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit even this,’ and He touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:50-51)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wet Wedding Day
April 23
It is pouring. By 11 mom, grandma and I pray, "Lord just let it stop raining and let the sun come out on this wedding day."
By noon it stops. The sun comes out. Upon arrival we learned that the ceremony would be indoor, much of the lawn is still under water. We had prayed for a sunny day but not for an outdoor wedding. Nevertheless it is a beautiful wedding. I melt dancing when the bride whispers, "Thanks dad for a fairy tale wedding."
"How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! (Psalm 36:7)
It is pouring. By 11 mom, grandma and I pray, "Lord just let it stop raining and let the sun come out on this wedding day."
By noon it stops. The sun comes out. Upon arrival we learned that the ceremony would be indoor, much of the lawn is still under water. We had prayed for a sunny day but not for an outdoor wedding. Nevertheless it is a beautiful wedding. I melt dancing when the bride whispers, "Thanks dad for a fairy tale wedding."
"How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! (Psalm 36:7)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Good Friday
April 22
Now that I realize what Jesus did that day, good seems like an understatement. Why isn't it Great Friday or Sacrifice Friday or Super Friday or God Friday?
A friend reminds me this time of the year that “you have to go through Good Friday in order to get to Easter." Jesus knew He had to die for us to live. The Lamb of God went obediently to the Cross.
That first Friday was indeed, God Friday.
Even during those excruciating hours on the cross, Jesus had the compassion to pray, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Now that I realize what Jesus did that day, good seems like an understatement. Why isn't it Great Friday or Sacrifice Friday or Super Friday or God Friday?
A friend reminds me this time of the year that “you have to go through Good Friday in order to get to Easter." Jesus knew He had to die for us to live. The Lamb of God went obediently to the Cross.
That first Friday was indeed, God Friday.
Even during those excruciating hours on the cross, Jesus had the compassion to pray, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Tenebrae
April 21
I attended a Tenebrae supper at church eating soup and bread. I sat opposite Tom, I asked about his wife. He said she didn't go out much since they lost their son. The lights dimmed for the service. I noticed Tom was crying and I felt terrible, I didn't know he had lost a son. On Easter, there was a smiling Tom greeting people. I apologized but He laughed.
"Oh it wasn’t anything you said. “ I always cry at Tenebrae when I think of what my Lord went through."
“They will mock Him, and scourge Him and spit on Him and kill Him.Three days later He will rise again.” (Mark 10:34)
I attended a Tenebrae supper at church eating soup and bread. I sat opposite Tom, I asked about his wife. He said she didn't go out much since they lost their son. The lights dimmed for the service. I noticed Tom was crying and I felt terrible, I didn't know he had lost a son. On Easter, there was a smiling Tom greeting people. I apologized but He laughed.
"Oh it wasn’t anything you said. “ I always cry at Tenebrae when I think of what my Lord went through."
“They will mock Him, and scourge Him and spit on Him and kill Him.Three days later He will rise again.” (Mark 10:34)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Important Question and Answer
April 21
We had an interesting and powerful discussion in our small group tonight.
One lady citing the passage." If the branch can be withered and burned,’ does that mean we aren't saved forever?"
There was also a consensus we will backslide and sin but we are still saved if we hold Jesus as Lord. "You are saved by grace, not of yourselves. It is a gift of God not of works less anyone should boast." Philippians 1:21
"Your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
We had an interesting and powerful discussion in our small group tonight.
One lady citing the passage." If the branch can be withered and burned,’ does that mean we aren't saved forever?"
There was also a consensus we will backslide and sin but we are still saved if we hold Jesus as Lord. "You are saved by grace, not of yourselves. It is a gift of God not of works less anyone should boast." Philippians 1:21
"Your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Angel Stickers
April 19
Our youngest daughter called her mom saying she was feeling depressed.
Joy said, "You know those angel stickers I sent you, stick one on your forehead and look in the mirror."
She did, chuckled and forgot about it and wore it to work. She had a great day. How can you have a bad day when people see you as a little angel?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians (4:4-5)
Our youngest daughter called her mom saying she was feeling depressed.
Joy said, "You know those angel stickers I sent you, stick one on your forehead and look in the mirror."
She did, chuckled and forgot about it and wore it to work. She had a great day. How can you have a bad day when people see you as a little angel?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians (4:4-5)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Persecution
April 18
Today at church we saw a short video on persecution of Christians around the globe. It made me realize how safe I have it as a Christian in America.
I haven't been persecuted, “insulted” or "suffered dishonor" for His name in this country. The closest I have come is my adult children looking embarrassed when I say grace at a meal in a public restaurant. Once a person seeing my dove pin said sarcastically, "Oh you are born again."
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1 Peter 4:14)
Today at church we saw a short video on persecution of Christians around the globe. It made me realize how safe I have it as a Christian in America.
I haven't been persecuted, “insulted” or "suffered dishonor" for His name in this country. The closest I have come is my adult children looking embarrassed when I say grace at a meal in a public restaurant. Once a person seeing my dove pin said sarcastically, "Oh you are born again."
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1 Peter 4:14)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Palm Sunday
April 17
Palm Sunday always seems special to me. It starts a count down to Easter. Its joyful.
When I receive a little palm cross I place it on the sun visor of my car. It is a daily reminder for me of the love of my King of Kings and this happy day in the ministry of our Lord of Lords.
"And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:8-9)
Palm Sunday always seems special to me. It starts a count down to Easter. Its joyful.
When I receive a little palm cross I place it on the sun visor of my car. It is a daily reminder for me of the love of my King of Kings and this happy day in the ministry of our Lord of Lords.
"And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:8-9)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ed's Message
April 16
Ed, a successful insurance agent and a leader in our church in Connecticut, calls his wife Faith from his car phone. "Sorry I missed you," he says on the recording, "just called to say I love you."
He dies of a massive heart attack back at his office. Thank God Ed acted on an urge to call his wife and tell her he loves her.
I wonder where that urge came from for this man of faith? At his memorial service a group of men sang an appropriate tribute to their friend.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Ed, a successful insurance agent and a leader in our church in Connecticut, calls his wife Faith from his car phone. "Sorry I missed you," he says on the recording, "just called to say I love you."
He dies of a massive heart attack back at his office. Thank God Ed acted on an urge to call his wife and tell her he loves her.
I wonder where that urge came from for this man of faith? At his memorial service a group of men sang an appropriate tribute to their friend.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
IRS Audit
April 15
It’s 4 a.m. I face an IRS audit today. I have nothing to hide but I can’t find all the documentation to justify all my home business deductions. By eight my CPA and I are at the IRS office with my two large boxes of records. Each time the agent asks for evidence I would find a receipt. My accountant said,” I've never seen an audit like this. You are so lucky."
I said, “It isn't luck. I am blessed! Joy wrapped this whole thing in prayer."
"Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will give me glory."
(Psalm 50:15)
It’s 4 a.m. I face an IRS audit today. I have nothing to hide but I can’t find all the documentation to justify all my home business deductions. By eight my CPA and I are at the IRS office with my two large boxes of records. Each time the agent asks for evidence I would find a receipt. My accountant said,” I've never seen an audit like this. You are so lucky."
I said, “It isn't luck. I am blessed! Joy wrapped this whole thing in prayer."
"Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will give me glory."
(Psalm 50:15)
Important Question
April 14
We had an interesting and powerful discussion in our small group tonight.
One lady citing the passage." If the branch can be withered and burned,’ does that mean we aren't saved forever?"
There was also a consensus we will backslide and sin but we are still saved if we hold Jesus as Lord. "You are saved by grace, not of yourselves. It is a gift of God not of works less anyone should boast." Philippians 1:21
"Your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
We had an interesting and powerful discussion in our small group tonight.
One lady citing the passage." If the branch can be withered and burned,’ does that mean we aren't saved forever?"
There was also a consensus we will backslide and sin but we are still saved if we hold Jesus as Lord. "You are saved by grace, not of yourselves. It is a gift of God not of works less anyone should boast." Philippians 1:21
"Your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Frozen Coal Car
April 14
Kenny and I unloaded a frozen coal car for his dad. It was a dirty, backbreaking job. That day impacted our lives.
Years later I asked a man from a housing project the key to his success. He said, "The day I decided to do something with my life was the day my dad made me help my uncle unload a frozen coal car.”
What if dads were as diligent helping their sons discover God as they are about encouraging their work ethic and careers?
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Kenny and I unloaded a frozen coal car for his dad. It was a dirty, backbreaking job. That day impacted our lives.
Years later I asked a man from a housing project the key to his success. He said, "The day I decided to do something with my life was the day my dad made me help my uncle unload a frozen coal car.”
What if dads were as diligent helping their sons discover God as they are about encouraging their work ethic and careers?
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Don't Go To Phoenix
April 10
I am spending a day "with the Lord." I am trying to emulate Psalm 46 “be still and know that I am God.” I hear a voice in my head make a clear demand.
"Take off your hat," I do!
"Get to know me through My Word."
"Don't go to Phoenix."
I heed the voice and I cancel my trip to a business conference in Arizona. God knows why, I don’t, I just obey.
"...when you turn to the Lord your God and obey his voice, He will not forsake nor destroy you." (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)
I am spending a day "with the Lord." I am trying to emulate Psalm 46 “be still and know that I am God.” I hear a voice in my head make a clear demand.
"Take off your hat," I do!
"Get to know me through My Word."
"Don't go to Phoenix."
I heed the voice and I cancel my trip to a business conference in Arizona. God knows why, I don’t, I just obey.
"...when you turn to the Lord your God and obey his voice, He will not forsake nor destroy you." (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Cross
April 9
St. Anne's Shrine is located on a hillside not far from our lake house in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Joy climbs the steep stairs to the large cross.
"Then I saw dozens of hair pretties lying about, left by women who were moved to leave part of themselves there.” Joy says that the Cross is a double invitation." We can take everything we need from it like; hope, love and our salvation, and we are invited to leave at the foot of the cross what we don't need like; worries, fears and our sins." Not hair pretties.
"Come take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)
St. Anne's Shrine is located on a hillside not far from our lake house in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Joy climbs the steep stairs to the large cross.
"Then I saw dozens of hair pretties lying about, left by women who were moved to leave part of themselves there.” Joy says that the Cross is a double invitation." We can take everything we need from it like; hope, love and our salvation, and we are invited to leave at the foot of the cross what we don't need like; worries, fears and our sins." Not hair pretties.
"Come take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
23rd Psalm
April 8
This Psalm I heard most often at funerals. But the words are for us, the living.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” That is for us-here and now.
“Green pastures and still waters” are for living sheep. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." I recited this psalm driving over a suspension bridge to cure a fear. I sense God's presence every day, indeed “my cup overflows" with His love.
"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23 ends with a great promise. Read it again
This Psalm I heard most often at funerals. But the words are for us, the living.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” That is for us-here and now.
“Green pastures and still waters” are for living sheep. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." I recited this psalm driving over a suspension bridge to cure a fear. I sense God's presence every day, indeed “my cup overflows" with His love.
"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23 ends with a great promise. Read it again
God Responds
April 7
Saturday afternoon the phone rings. It is the elderly lady Joy had left Friday. Seems the care agency called and said the woman who was to start Monday has quit would Joy come back until they can find a replacement..
Joy thought she was suppose to leave this assignment. She asks the Lord what she is to do and opens her Bible and reads:
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your
light shall dawn in the darkness and your darkness shall be as the noonday.
(Isaiah 58:10)
Saturday afternoon the phone rings. It is the elderly lady Joy had left Friday. Seems the care agency called and said the woman who was to start Monday has quit would Joy come back until they can find a replacement..
Joy thought she was suppose to leave this assignment. She asks the Lord what she is to do and opens her Bible and reads:
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your
light shall dawn in the darkness and your darkness shall be as the noonday.
(Isaiah 58:10)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jessica"s Shot
April 6
My granddaughter is seven and has come to stay overnight with Grampy and Joy. She has type I Juvenile Diabetes and has to have an insulin injection twice a day.
Her mother had shown me how and I had practiced on an orange. I’m nervous and pray silently. The Lord answers me through the child. Jessica squeezes some flesh together on her leg and says, "Come on Grampy, we can do this together." We do. Praise The Lord.
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will give Me the glory." (Psalm 50:15)
My granddaughter is seven and has come to stay overnight with Grampy and Joy. She has type I Juvenile Diabetes and has to have an insulin injection twice a day.
Her mother had shown me how and I had practiced on an orange. I’m nervous and pray silently. The Lord answers me through the child. Jessica squeezes some flesh together on her leg and says, "Come on Grampy, we can do this together." We do. Praise The Lord.
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will give Me the glory." (Psalm 50:15)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Petrified Wood
April 5
He was sedated and didn’t remember me visiting him yesterday in the hospital. “You told me details of an article you read in the barber shop on petrified wood.”
"Well, I did get my haircut but I don't remember the article," he said. Scientist say our brains store everything but we are limited by our ability to recall details. We may have forgotten but God hasn't.
"For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
He was sedated and didn’t remember me visiting him yesterday in the hospital. “You told me details of an article you read in the barber shop on petrified wood.”
"Well, I did get my haircut but I don't remember the article," he said. Scientist say our brains store everything but we are limited by our ability to recall details. We may have forgotten but God hasn't.
"For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Jury Duty
April 3
I report for jury duty. I am impressed by the seriousness and thoroughness of the court to insure a fair trial. My faith in the US judicial system is reaffirmed. I contrast this with another judicial system.. At my final trial there will be no jury. Just a judge who will find me guilty as charged. My defense counsel will approach the bench and will point out He has already paid the price and I will be set free.
“ By grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God and not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
I report for jury duty. I am impressed by the seriousness and thoroughness of the court to insure a fair trial. My faith in the US judicial system is reaffirmed. I contrast this with another judicial system.. At my final trial there will be no jury. Just a judge who will find me guilty as charged. My defense counsel will approach the bench and will point out He has already paid the price and I will be set free.
“ By grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God and not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Key to Daily Living
April 2
There are ten words in the Bible that are key to living each day free with peace.
Every sin begins with a thought and if we nip it in the bud and not dwell on it we eliminate worry, doubt, hate, bitterness, selfishness, stress and much more.
We are daily in a battle with our thoughts, every minute of every day. So how do we
change our thoughts? Paul gave the answer to the Corinthians. Try this it works.
“bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
There are ten words in the Bible that are key to living each day free with peace.
Every sin begins with a thought and if we nip it in the bud and not dwell on it we eliminate worry, doubt, hate, bitterness, selfishness, stress and much more.
We are daily in a battle with our thoughts, every minute of every day. So how do we
change our thoughts? Paul gave the answer to the Corinthians. Try this it works.
“bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
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