Bonus Day

February 29

This is an extra day this year, won’t happen again for four years. It should be a world-wide holiday so everyone can do something special. What to do with this added day? Love on a stranger, plant a tree, hug someone elses child, volunteer somewhere, fast and meditate, go for a walk and look around, giggle. Here is another suggestion:

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Be Encouraged

February 28

The shop 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, " I yell.

"Figures! He is often out on calls," the driver responds.

Believers have a way of connecting and soon we are talking about doing God's work. We agree that our meeting this day is God's way of strengthening each of us. Later I read:

"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)

What would you have done?

He is alone, staying in a small mobile home and is unemployable. He is trying to make it on $700 a month Social Security. He tells his small group that he was going into a Wall Mart and passed a homeless couple sitting near the door and over hears the man say, "but we need to eat." A few feet inside the door he stops. "I had $7 in my pocket so I went outside and gave that man $5. I just knew that is what the Lord wanted me to do."

"All these others made offerings they will never miss; this poor widow gave extravgantly what she couldn't afford. The truth is she has given by far the largest offering." (Luke 21:3)

How Is Your 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.

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

A 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 have a boss Who wants me to make a bigger catch..

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

Little Things

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 to blocking the exits. The next day things were piled to the side of the door.
I would leave grooming gear out on the bathroom counter and Joy will 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." It really has helped maintain a loving relationship. After all, love is not a feeling it is choice.

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

Scripture Verses to Live By

February 22

Here are some scripture verses I seek to live by:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

“Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2Cor 10 (perhaps the 10 most helpful words in the Bible for daily living)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on you own understanding."
In all your ways acknowledge Him and
He shall direct your paths." (Pr. 3:5,6) (my memory verse)

“Seek and you will find.” (Matt. 7-7)

How a House Is Built

February 21

Driving back Joy looks at me with loving eyes and says, "Thank you for wanting to buy me a bigger and better home. We really can't afford that house right now and besides the master bedroom, bathroom and hallway need a lot of work."

When we arrive at our home it doesn’t seem so small and it feels comfortable. I literally open my Bible and read:

"Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
(Proverbs 24:3-4)

High Five

February 20

"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.

Do you sometimes feel that you still have the training wheels on your bike of faith? I know when you finally ride off in complete faith He 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)

Soap Box Derby

February 19

Four Cub Scouts release their model cars down a ramp. Their cars roll 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 for some time. 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)

Fire Ants

February 18

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.

It is quite a responsibility we have.

“Let man have domain...over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (Genesis 1:26)

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 at the bar 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." 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)

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)

Famous Coach Corrected

February 15

Bobby Bowden, the successful football coach at Florida State University, is 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 when he realizes it is his mother's birthday. He orders flowers and writes, “ I hope you live to be 100."
His mother writes back 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)

A Special Valentine

February 14

The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday in Sarasota, Fl. is hosting a Valentine’s Day wedding. 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 and residents , believers, non believers, alcoholics and non drinkers, and of course the bride and groom.

"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 many years ago. 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 atone for that Dolphin and I am happy to be making the payments. I am blessed to be in this country. I can 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. Is my love unconditional?
How about your love?

"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

A picture show him at 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)

Self Talk

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. So does every sin, or crime. We can control what we think or how long we think it. One of the most important verses in the Bible deals with controlling self-talk.

Try this for thirty days and see how it changes your life.

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

The Prayer of Jabez

February 9

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

“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 what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

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 the military 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)

Baby Blanket

February 7

My wife is a baby blanket person. These are people who grew up dragging baby blankets around for peace and comfort.
When a dear friend died unexpectedly a family took Joy in for the night. Their seven-year-old son had a tattered blanket called “Bob.” Joy lovingly discusses his baby blanket with him. During the night, the boy returns, silently lays “Bob” in her arms and shuffles 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 through the obedience of a child."

"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,while still recovering from sore ribs,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)

Directions 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. That Sunday after the service we meet Bob and Anne Gamble and become friends.

The following summer, back in Connecticut, our pastor friend asks if we looked up the couple she suggested. We shake our head, "no." She writes the name again, “Bob and Anne Gamble.” God gave us a name,then a map to find His church for us.

"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 hog sees his shadow today there will be six more weeks of winter. I grew up hearing 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 , "there is a fly in the ointment." (Ecclesiastes 10:1) “Pride goes before a fall,” grandmother chided. (Proverbs 16:18)

I grew up with 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 my 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 calls a flight attendant to check. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded,” she says without sympathy. My friend is furious and embarrassed.

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)