June 30
This is God's Day. I read, I pray, I meditate, I fast, and at 4:47 I have a
CONVERSATION WITH GOD.
"God, are we saved by Your grace once?”
"How are you saved?"
"By your son dying on the cross.”
"Do you believe that?
"Yes"
You are saved."
"What about people who don't know?"
"It is your job to tell them. Do you love your neighbor as yourself?"
"I hardly know my neighbor."
"I know!"
“A backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.” (Proverbs 14:14)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Take a day for God
June 29
On Monday our men’s group facilitator said, "Take a day this week and let it be God's day. Say, ‘God this is your day, it all belongs to You.’ have no agenda. Let God control the day. Experience His grace.”
Of all the days God has been with me, finally I'm proclaiming a day for God. Tomorrow is God’s day.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
On Monday our men’s group facilitator said, "Take a day this week and let it be God's day. Say, ‘God this is your day, it all belongs to You.’ have no agenda. Let God control the day. Experience His grace.”
Of all the days God has been with me, finally I'm proclaiming a day for God. Tomorrow is God’s day.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday in a Park
June 25
It is a Sunday service in the park. Paul, a homeless man says, "Man does not live by bread alone." The preacher thanks him. Later Paul is up again quoting scripture and confronts the preacher. The two grab each other and the preacher yells, "Get out of my face man." Mike gently leads Paul off.
After dinner, Paul sees me and says, "I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I am a second Jesus. People need to start paying attention to me.” Later I read:
"I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
It is a Sunday service in the park. Paul, a homeless man says, "Man does not live by bread alone." The preacher thanks him. Later Paul is up again quoting scripture and confronts the preacher. The two grab each other and the preacher yells, "Get out of my face man." Mike gently leads Paul off.
After dinner, Paul sees me and says, "I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I am a second Jesus. People need to start paying attention to me.” Later I read:
"I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Special Giving
June 25
One of my duties while stationed in the Canal Zone was to pay the Panamanian drivers employed by the U.S. Army. I was shocked at how little money each received every two weeks. At the pay table there was a jar for contributions for some cause. Few put anything in it. One day the jar filled. I turned it to read "For Red Cross flood relief for New England families." Someone had written below that; "This is where the Lieutenant is from."
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
One of my duties while stationed in the Canal Zone was to pay the Panamanian drivers employed by the U.S. Army. I was shocked at how little money each received every two weeks. At the pay table there was a jar for contributions for some cause. Few put anything in it. One day the jar filled. I turned it to read "For Red Cross flood relief for New England families." Someone had written below that; "This is where the Lieutenant is from."
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Home Hunting
June 24
When we arrive in New England I ask Joy how she feels about that house we saw in Florida. She suggests offering what we can afford and leave it at that. Steve, our realtor, presents our offer and the other realtor laughs. That is that, we'll look again in the fall. A month later Steve calls, "The owner wants to know if your offer still stands?” I’m stunned but Joy isn’t at all surprised.
"I have been praying about that house since we saw it."
In three weeks we have our new home.
“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
When we arrive in New England I ask Joy how she feels about that house we saw in Florida. She suggests offering what we can afford and leave it at that. Steve, our realtor, presents our offer and the other realtor laughs. That is that, we'll look again in the fall. A month later Steve calls, "The owner wants to know if your offer still stands?” I’m stunned but Joy isn’t at all surprised.
"I have been praying about that house since we saw it."
In three weeks we have our new home.
“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Positive Strokes
June 23
I call God's positive strokes, “attaboys” or “attagirls.” We all need encouragement.
We are attending a new church. The pastor is inexperienced. One day we agree not to second-guess this young enthusiastic pastor but to become part of his support team. At the next service we sit in the second row smiling. We beam during the young pastor’s sermon. He pauses, and says, "At times I see the radiance of God in other people...like right now I see God in the faces of Mal and Joy." It is an Attaboy! Attagirl!
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
I call God's positive strokes, “attaboys” or “attagirls.” We all need encouragement.
We are attending a new church. The pastor is inexperienced. One day we agree not to second-guess this young enthusiastic pastor but to become part of his support team. At the next service we sit in the second row smiling. We beam during the young pastor’s sermon. He pauses, and says, "At times I see the radiance of God in other people...like right now I see God in the faces of Mal and Joy." It is an Attaboy! Attagirl!
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
A Special Driver
June 22
We are hungry and tired when we reach our Sturbridge Ma. at 2:30 p.m. We stop at the Country Kitchen. I’m eating when a man in a UPS uniform picks up my bill, says, “dinner is on me," and leaves. The waitress explains on payday he pops in, finds some tourists and buys their meal.
Back at the table Joy has tears streaming down her cheeks. "That was Jesus showing us there are still good people in our country."
“He has told you what he wants, and this is all it is; to be fair and just and merciful and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
We are hungry and tired when we reach our Sturbridge Ma. at 2:30 p.m. We stop at the Country Kitchen. I’m eating when a man in a UPS uniform picks up my bill, says, “dinner is on me," and leaves. The waitress explains on payday he pops in, finds some tourists and buys their meal.
Back at the table Joy has tears streaming down her cheeks. "That was Jesus showing us there are still good people in our country."
“He has told you what he wants, and this is all it is; to be fair and just and merciful and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Monday, June 20, 2011
That Day is Coming
June 21
Today is the longest day of the year. The days will start getting shorter again. It is the order of our universe, happens every year. The Bible tells us that this order will all come to an abrupt end someday.
This dire prediction takes on a distinct probability since astronomers discovered a huge asteroid falling through space, which could collide with our planet later in this millennium. We have been warned.
“And the stars from heaven fell… and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.” (Revelation 7:13-14)
Today is the longest day of the year. The days will start getting shorter again. It is the order of our universe, happens every year. The Bible tells us that this order will all come to an abrupt end someday.
This dire prediction takes on a distinct probability since astronomers discovered a huge asteroid falling through space, which could collide with our planet later in this millennium. We have been warned.
“And the stars from heaven fell… and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.” (Revelation 7:13-14)
Yard Sale
June 20
This isn’t your typical yard sale. All he owns is in the front yard. He is desperate.
When I arrive the first thing he asks is, “will you pray with me? I’m upset.” I ask the Lord to help my friend through this. Two hours later the phone rings. He returns saying, “That was a lady who wants me to paint her house. I gave her a bid four months ago and she calls today.” My friend tears up and so do I. The yard sale is over.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:30)
This isn’t your typical yard sale. All he owns is in the front yard. He is desperate.
When I arrive the first thing he asks is, “will you pray with me? I’m upset.” I ask the Lord to help my friend through this. Two hours later the phone rings. He returns saying, “That was a lady who wants me to paint her house. I gave her a bid four months ago and she calls today.” My friend tears up and so do I. The yard sale is over.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:30)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Maine Vacaton
June 18
When I was nine my family rented a cottage on a lake in Maine. I fished every day from a dock with the boy next door.
That vacation inspired me as an adult to buy a cottage on a lake in Massachusetts.
Every summer spent on that lake while my children were growing up was a special blessing. It was a dream come true for me. I thank you Lord. I really didn't then.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
(John 10:10)
When I was nine my family rented a cottage on a lake in Maine. I fished every day from a dock with the boy next door.
That vacation inspired me as an adult to buy a cottage on a lake in Massachusetts.
Every summer spent on that lake while my children were growing up was a special blessing. It was a dream come true for me. I thank you Lord. I really didn't then.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
(John 10:10)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Critcal Choice
June 17
I had other things that I loved more than God, like money, sex, sports, recognition,
alcohol and tobacco. I spent more time pursuing these than I did the Lord.
God sent me a gentle soul who shared with me that by asking the Lord Jesus into my life I would "be born again of the Spirit." So I did and I was.
Jesus said. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you that you must be born again." (John 3: 5-7)
I had other things that I loved more than God, like money, sex, sports, recognition,
alcohol and tobacco. I spent more time pursuing these than I did the Lord.
God sent me a gentle soul who shared with me that by asking the Lord Jesus into my life I would "be born again of the Spirit." So I did and I was.
Jesus said. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you that you must be born again." (John 3: 5-7)
Reflections
June 16
Dilly, the drake, died.. Daffy his mate was devastated and would spend hours in front of our cellar window quacking at her reflection. We ended her loneliness by taking her out to a farm which had other ducks.
Years later a robin was throwing itself at our front window. The duck saw a friend, the robin an enemy. What do I see when I look in the glass? What to I do then?
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." (1 James 1:23-24)
Dilly, the drake, died.. Daffy his mate was devastated and would spend hours in front of our cellar window quacking at her reflection. We ended her loneliness by taking her out to a farm which had other ducks.
Years later a robin was throwing itself at our front window. The duck saw a friend, the robin an enemy. What do I see when I look in the glass? What to I do then?
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." (1 James 1:23-24)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pentecost
June 15
Pentecost means the fiftieth (day). For Christians, Pentecost is celebrated the seventh Sunday after Easter (50 days). It was on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit first came among the apostles. (Acts 2)
We can’t be passive about the Holy Spirit.
How we treat the Holy Spirit is major. How important? Jesus tells us straight out.
“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)
Pentecost means the fiftieth (day). For Christians, Pentecost is celebrated the seventh Sunday after Easter (50 days). It was on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit first came among the apostles. (Acts 2)
We can’t be passive about the Holy Spirit.
How we treat the Holy Spirit is major. How important? Jesus tells us straight out.
“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)
Priorties
June 13
I have a friend who is a financial planner. I have to call months in advance to make a lunch date. Yet he literally will drop everything to go on a fly fishing trip.
Peter dropped his nets when he heard “follow me.” He was leaving for life.
Am I ready to do the same? Will I have the same passion for my Lord as my friend does for fly-fishing? Am I ready to make the commitment Peter made and drop whatever I'm doing and follow Him?
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34)
I have a friend who is a financial planner. I have to call months in advance to make a lunch date. Yet he literally will drop everything to go on a fly fishing trip.
Peter dropped his nets when he heard “follow me.” He was leaving for life.
Am I ready to do the same? Will I have the same passion for my Lord as my friend does for fly-fishing? Am I ready to make the commitment Peter made and drop whatever I'm doing and follow Him?
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
That is the Answer
June 12
She is unemployed seeking the right job. “I'm trusting in the Lord. I'm not going to struggle with this thing any longer. Why did it take me so long to give it to Him?"
She lingers for my reply. Then, as if someone else said it, I state, "because you weren't ready to trust Him before."
"That's the answer," she says over her shoulder as she walks away.
“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)
She is unemployed seeking the right job. “I'm trusting in the Lord. I'm not going to struggle with this thing any longer. Why did it take me so long to give it to Him?"
She lingers for my reply. Then, as if someone else said it, I state, "because you weren't ready to trust Him before."
"That's the answer," she says over her shoulder as she walks away.
“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Old Course
June 11
St. Andrews is where golf was invented. I am in Scotland on a business trip and play a round on Jubelie, a links course nearby. After birdying a par three it is my honor to tee off first. Before me is a tundra of sand, bushes and tall grass.
I gasp, “ This is the worst looking hole I've ever seen." A voice says calmly, "You are facing the wrong way sir!"
For years I had been facing the wrong way in my life. Then I changed directions.Do you need a new direction for your life?
"I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
St. Andrews is where golf was invented. I am in Scotland on a business trip and play a round on Jubelie, a links course nearby. After birdying a par three it is my honor to tee off first. Before me is a tundra of sand, bushes and tall grass.
I gasp, “ This is the worst looking hole I've ever seen." A voice says calmly, "You are facing the wrong way sir!"
For years I had been facing the wrong way in my life. Then I changed directions.Do you need a new direction for your life?
"I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Who Do You Trust?
June 10
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man. And makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5) That is my problem. I have been trusting in man. I am judging my life by the world’s standards and by what other people think. No wonder I feel like “a shrub in the desert.” (Jeremiah 17:5) I need to trust in the Lord.
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by the river.”
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man. And makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5) That is my problem. I have been trusting in man. I am judging my life by the world’s standards and by what other people think. No wonder I feel like “a shrub in the desert.” (Jeremiah 17:5) I need to trust in the Lord.
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by the river.”
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Drawing on the Ground
June 9
Before uttering those famous words, ’let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone’ we read: “Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger,” (John 8:6)
He does it a second time. What is all this writing in the dirt? Why mention it?
On a subsequent reading of this passage the reason became clear. The Gospel of John is an eyewitness account. The writer was simply describing what he saw. That is the way it happened. Hallelujah!
“This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.”
(John 21:24)
Before uttering those famous words, ’let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone’ we read: “Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger,” (John 8:6)
He does it a second time. What is all this writing in the dirt? Why mention it?
On a subsequent reading of this passage the reason became clear. The Gospel of John is an eyewitness account. The writer was simply describing what he saw. That is the way it happened. Hallelujah!
“This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.”
(John 21:24)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Ethnic Joke
June 5
Don is a good minister. One Sunday he tells a joke about a minister who wired all the pews in his church. He asked "all who pledge $100 a week stand up," He pushes a button and several people are jolted to their feet. Applause. He does it again for $50 etc. After the service the preacher notices a Scotsman slumped over in his pew. As I leave I tell Don he needs to take the Scotsman out of the joke. He does and none to soon, for at the next service there is a visiting family from Scotland.
"Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.”
(Proverbs 19-25)
Don is a good minister. One Sunday he tells a joke about a minister who wired all the pews in his church. He asked "all who pledge $100 a week stand up," He pushes a button and several people are jolted to their feet. Applause. He does it again for $50 etc. After the service the preacher notices a Scotsman slumped over in his pew. As I leave I tell Don he needs to take the Scotsman out of the joke. He does and none to soon, for at the next service there is a visiting family from Scotland.
"Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.”
(Proverbs 19-25)
Last Words
June 4
A pastor friend shares that when his car was about to collide with another, he yelled "Oh Sh--." He felt ashamed, horrified “These could have been my last words,” he laments.
Are last words important? They certainly were for one thief at Calvary.(Luke 23:42)
God, just in case I don't get the chance to say something appropriate, let me echo Your Son's words now.
"Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23: 46)
A pastor friend shares that when his car was about to collide with another, he yelled "Oh Sh--." He felt ashamed, horrified “These could have been my last words,” he laments.
Are last words important? They certainly were for one thief at Calvary.(Luke 23:42)
God, just in case I don't get the chance to say something appropriate, let me echo Your Son's words now.
"Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23: 46)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A Fish Sign
June 3
For my birthday Joy gives me, among other things, a key chain with a medal fish sign, the symbol adopted by the early followers of Jesus. A few days later I notice the fish sign is missing from the key chain. I take this as a bad omen.
Our car is showing its age 11 years and 175,000 miles. That summer we drive some 3,500 miles on faith and prayers. The engine is noisy and it is leaking oil. I take it to a repair shop. The mechanic returns to me and holds out his hand. “I found this on top of the block,” he says.
It is the fish sign.
“You called in trouble, and I delivered you.” (Psalms 81:7)
For my birthday Joy gives me, among other things, a key chain with a medal fish sign, the symbol adopted by the early followers of Jesus. A few days later I notice the fish sign is missing from the key chain. I take this as a bad omen.
Our car is showing its age 11 years and 175,000 miles. That summer we drive some 3,500 miles on faith and prayers. The engine is noisy and it is leaking oil. I take it to a repair shop. The mechanic returns to me and holds out his hand. “I found this on top of the block,” he says.
It is the fish sign.
“You called in trouble, and I delivered you.” (Psalms 81:7)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
More God Things
June 2
Tonight I share, “A God Thing,” with the other members of the Gifts from God board. The Chairman related he helped a man who was out of gas. That encounter lead to a grant from the man’s family foundation. “That was a year ago,” the chairman said, “I ran into him last month on the same road again out of gas? He said, ‘guess it is time for another grant.” And it was.
Who else can arrange a timely rescue, twice leading to needed funding?
“The Lord hath done some great things for us; whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)
Tonight I share, “A God Thing,” with the other members of the Gifts from God board. The Chairman related he helped a man who was out of gas. That encounter lead to a grant from the man’s family foundation. “That was a year ago,” the chairman said, “I ran into him last month on the same road again out of gas? He said, ‘guess it is time for another grant.” And it was.
Who else can arrange a timely rescue, twice leading to needed funding?
“The Lord hath done some great things for us; whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)
A God Thing
June 1
I’m on a library computer, type in the web site for airline tickets, hit enter and up comes the Foundation Center Directory online. I’m reminded I am meeting in the morning with a Christian organization to talk about foundations. I had forgotten how close the meeting is. But God hadn’t.
The log indicates no entry for the Foundation Directory this day. So how did I get this password- protected site I wasn’t looking for but which I needed?
“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”(Matthew 6:8)
I’m on a library computer, type in the web site for airline tickets, hit enter and up comes the Foundation Center Directory online. I’m reminded I am meeting in the morning with a Christian organization to talk about foundations. I had forgotten how close the meeting is. But God hadn’t.
The log indicates no entry for the Foundation Directory this day. So how did I get this password- protected site I wasn’t looking for but which I needed?
“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”(Matthew 6:8)
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