Free Lunch

 

August 30  

 

The preacher held up a paper bag asking, “There is a gift in here who wants it?” John, who has cerebral palsy, is the first to respond. In the bag is a gift certificate to a restaurant. The preacher makes the point that salvation is like this gift; you have to receive it.

The next day John is eating his free lunch with such joy that a couple tell the waitress they want to pay for his meal.

Later another couple does the same. Who said there is no free lunch? John had three. 

 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

A Change in Green

 

August 29

 

"What do you mean, do I see the change in green. Isn't green, ah--green?" .

Joy explains that as the chlorophyll production slows the greens become muted, a sure sign fall is coming.  I hadn't noticed the "change of greens " before but then I’m the last to notice a  pregnancy, or that the living room carpet has changed. But I do notice the change of green now.

 

Change is all part of God's plan. I should embrace it and live each moment fully. 

 

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Fire!

 

August 28

 

FIRE!. The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department! Let's go!

"Where are Pat and Steve?"  "At the fire!" 

We run up the hill behind the cottage.  "It is steep--and long." "I smell it."  "I see it.”  Finally the top! There are two blackened faces, one boy holds a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze.  Finally firemen, who panted up the same hill with back pumps, douse the flames. 

 

"But I have trusted in your mercy;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

A Tower of Babel

August 27

 

 I"m reading my Bible in a small park when a woman with two girls in the play area says, “Tell me in what book do you find the Tower of Babel? Oh I can look it up later.”

I leave surprised by her question and I look it up. Men decide to build a tower to become famous. In case I don’t get it, the commentary says, "We should glorify God, not build towers (riches) to get our self worth, which become more important than God." (NIV)

 

“Its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:9)

Be Obedient and help others

 

August 25

 

"I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four.

The bottles sit in a bag while she drives down the Mass. Pike to the exit for Sturbridge. "As I approach the toll station, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog.I gave them the four bottles.

 

“Whoever shall give a drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”(Matt 10:42)

Peppy's War

 

August 24

 

My tent mate that summer was "Peppy" our chef. who was a World War II vet. He said, "We were told to prepare positions for the night. I smelled coffee so a buddy and I followed our noses. We came upon three Germans sitting next to a pot of coffee. We stared at each other. One German poured a little coffee in each of our cups. We backed slowly then ran to our unit. We returned in force but they were gone.”

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Dealing with Stress

 

August 22

 

We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I seek are in one of the taped boxes.  “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and the gift certificate or gift him peace about it.”

I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Whose Yelling

August 21

We received a call that a couple we knew was having a violent argument in front of their children. By the time Joy and I arrive the husband had left the house and the wife was still shaking from anger and fear.

The confrontation started when one of the parents yelled uncontrollably at a child who refused to finish her breakfast. The other parent jumped to the defense of the daughter and a shouting match ensued.  How different things can be when we follow the wisdom of the Proverbs.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

God Gives more

August 20

Yesterday I finally broke down and bought a new printer for my computer to print these pages in draft. It cost $183 with tax.

For the next four hours I’m printing draft text or notes for God's Way in one Life. I finish and get online to check the stock market. A stock I purchased the day before is up two points. I sell it. My profit on 100 shares is exactly $183. Is this Divine payback for finally being obedient and buying that printer? I think so! Now I owe God 10%.

We can't out-give God. Try it.

"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later." (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Persistance

August 19

Dickey needed to pass lifesaving to be an Eagle Scout. He was handicapped with slow speech and weak legs. All the carries required strong kicking power.  On his last day I said to Dickey, "I don't care how you do it. Bring Jim (my assistant) back,” He wrapped his legs around Jim and while on his back flapped his powerful arms. Jim's head and shoulders were out of water. It was smooth and quick. He met the test.  God rewards honest persistence. Dickey was the real instructor that summer.

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

Unconditional Love

August 18

My teacher told the class my name meant “bald-headed monkey.” Laughter  “Your teacher is mistaken, you tell her your name means bald-headed eagle,” Mom said.

My teacher apologized and told the class.

A loving mother and a compassionate teacher had restored a boy’s self-esteem.

I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s love for me until she was gone. I bet the Apostles felt the same way about Jesus.

God loves us so unconditionally that, “He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)

100 Golf Holes in one day

August 17


It is a perfect day to play 100 holes of golf to raise funds for Christian charities. The object is to keep moving and finish. Each of us has raised pledges by the hole.

 I’m leaning on my club when the ground gives way and swallows my putter. I finish with a borrowed one. The golf pro suspects my old putter fell down the shaft of an old well.

At the awards breakfast I win a new handcrafted putter. Now whenever I'm asked about my unusual looking putter, I say, "God gave me this putter. You see I was playing 100 holes of golf one day…

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…" (James 1:16)

Would you like to know God?

August 16,2012

Walter, Joy’s dad, and I are returning from lunch to the Soldier’s Home. We enter the chapel together. I read from "Would you like to Know God Personally?"

There is a suggested prayer to receive Christ through faith. I ask if this is his desire? He nods and he repeats the prayer. I call Joy who is still in Florida. I tell her and hear a gasp. “I can't believe this. God is wonderful. The last two days I have been picturing my dad standing before Jesus, head bowed, fidgeting and holding his fishing pole.” Praise God.


“Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:6)

Listen, Pray and Wait

August 15

I love my son. For a time we tested each other. He was a "dead head" and I was a dull head. He had long hair, wore genes and smoked stuff. I had little hair, wore a suit and drank scotch. We were both lost.

“I’m leaving school, I can always get a GED.” I pray for the right words. ”An interviewer is going to see GED on your resume and a red flag will go up. You will have to explain these years.” He quits. A year later he says, “I am going to get a regular diploma, a GED will be a red flag on my resume.” I quietly thank the Lord.

"Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12)

"Go and be a Man"

August 13

We have completed the 26- week study seeking authentic manhood designed by Robert Lewis. We have unpacked our past, looked at the present and submitted a plan for change. Now is the commencement. With wives and girl friends present sixty six of us are called by name and knighted by our pastor who rests a replica gallic sword on each shoulder..

He sends us off on the rest of life journey quoting what David said from his death bed to his son Solomon.

"Now go and be a man, keep the charge of your Lord to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes.”
(1 Kings 2:2)

Plastic Snakes

August 12


Joy came home with a plastic snake.

Patti handed these out at our meeting telling us, "I was murmuring and complaining to the Lord today so I bought these snakes to remind me that I shouldn't be doing that." One-by-one the members present admitted murmuring today.

"And the people murmured against God and Moses: 'why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our souls loathe this worthless bread.' So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people; and they bit the people and many of the people of Israel died." (Numbers 21:5-6)

Guide Dog Training

August 11

West Hartford business center is a small version of a big downtown where Fidelco trainers walk their guide dogs through various situations.

I am behind a trainer and his new dog as they arrive at an intersection. A car arrives at the stop sign.. It is a standoff. I watch. Nobody moves.

Finally the trainer gives in and waves the driver on. The driver's mouth is moving as he passes by. I can only guess what words he uses to express his feelings. I shouldn't judge the driver who obviously is making a misjudgment of his own.

"Judge not that you be judged." (Matthew 7:1)

First Date Disaster

August 10

It was a first date. I knew she was impressed as we unloaded the picnic basket and spread things out. The concert started and I got out the bottle of wine and real wine glasses. I even brought a corkscrew. I was feeling proud of myself.

I knelt and held the bottle with one hand and the corkscrew with the other. As I was cutting through the paper that covers the cork I slipped and the jagged corkscrew sliced up my arm. I bled profusely. I was not seriousley hurt but totally embarrassed.

We never dated again and I still have the scar on my arm reminding me:

“Pride goes before a destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

Reunion of Souls

August 9

Signs pointed the way to my 60th high school reunion. I stood in the doorway, staring at old people. I wonder when we leave this world if there will be a reunion of souls that were in the same earthly class? Will the Heavenly reunion be just peers or will it include parents, mentors, teachers, bosses, children, and of course high school classmates?

Will I be bored? Will I be shocked? Will I be invited? I'll be happy just to be there.

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

Proverbs 32 Husband

August 6


To me Joy is a Proverbs 31 wife .She makes me her priority in all that she does.

She is a woman that fears the Lord and I praise her for all she does.

There should be directions for a Proverbs 32 husband. Come to think of it there are. Paul articulates them in his letter to the Ephesians.

“Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it. So husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies .H e who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25,28)

Barred from Prison

August 3

Our prison services were suppose to start in February. I had April. I asked people to pray for me and they did. We never got into the Prison. The clearances hadn’t come through. We prayed for the men through the barbed wire fence.I was reassigned to December. A call in late November cancelled our group.

God didn't want me in that prison. Why? Wasn't I properly prepared? Wasn't my heart right? A year later I heard God’s reply, "You never asked Me. "It wasn’t His will that I go it was mine.



“For without Me you can do nothing.” (John 51:5)

A Pacific Island

August 2


We anchor our fishing boad off an unchartered tiny island in the pacific.
We paddle a skiff to a small beach and walk up a patch to some huts on stilts. Clothes hang on crude racks near two smoldering fires. A few chickens mill about but not a soul in sight. It is eerie. I feel we are being watched by whoever just left those fires.

Now I have an inkling how missionaries must feel going to a remote area to share the Gospel. Their faith must be bigger than their fears. Is mine?

“Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and know I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”(Matthew 28:19-20)