February 18
Google Go Figure America
Friday, February 17, 2012
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)
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)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sports Bar 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 but I don't know the order, what’s the last one called?”
"Its called Revelation,"
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)
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 but I don't know the order, what’s the last one called?”
"Its called Revelation,"
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)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Vision Day
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 a recovery and strength.
God is faithful. The next morning I feel better. People applaud as I walk into the room. The happiest to see me is the director and his wife who also had prayed.
“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)
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 a recovery and strength.
God is faithful. The next morning I feel better. People applaud as I walk into the room. The happiest to see me is the director and his wife who also had prayed.
“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)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Don't be short changed
February 15
Bobby Bowden, the former football coach at Florida State University, was the speaker on the fifth anniversary of South Shore Community Church.
"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 writes and she adds 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)
Bobby Bowden, the former football coach at Florida State University, was the speaker on the fifth anniversary of South Shore Community Church.
"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 writes and she adds 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)
Happy Valentine's Day
February 14
A ministry which feeds the homeless 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 and believers, alcoholics and non drinkers.
"Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing." (Philippians 2:4)
A ministry which feeds the homeless 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 and believers, alcoholics and non drinkers.
"Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing." (Philippians 2:4)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wooden Porpoise
February 13
A handsome hand-carved wooden Porpoise 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 am so blessed. 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)
A handsome hand-carved wooden Porpoise 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 am so blessed. 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)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Mouser
February 12
Mouser,a cat, 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. Is my love unconditional? Do any of us love each other unconditionally?
"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)
Mouser,a cat, 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. Is my love unconditional? Do any of us love each other unconditionally?
"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)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Doing the Work
ebruary 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 it 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)
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 it 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)
Friday, February 10, 2012
Nine Words for a Better Life
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.
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)
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.
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)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Praying the Prayer of Jabez
February 9
Bruce Wilkinson wrote, The Prayer of Jabez. The book is based on two lesser-known verses in Chronicles in the Bible. Those versus, a prayer, are no longer obscure.
I prayed the prayer for thirty days 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)
Bruce Wilkinson wrote, The Prayer of Jabez. The book is based on two lesser-known verses in Chronicles in the Bible. Those versus, a prayer, are no longer obscure.
I prayed the prayer for thirty days 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)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Baby Blanket
February 7
Joy 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.
"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)
Joy 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.
"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)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
God know Our Needs
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)
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)
Diections 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 we tell our Connecticut pastor we lost her note. She writes the couples name again, “Bob and Anne Gamble.” God gave us a name,we misplaced the note so He gave us a map to find His church.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)
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 we tell our Connecticut pastor we lost her note. She writes the couples name again, “Bob and Anne Gamble.” God gave us a name,we misplaced the note so He gave us a map to find His church.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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)
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)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wrong Gate
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. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded.” The flight attendant says sternly
We can get going so fast 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)
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. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded.” The flight attendant says sternly
We can get going so fast 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)
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