May 31
I sit on a seawall down by the harbor, a scenic spot to read the Bible and be still.
Men are hammering against iron beams on a high rise going up behind me. People will live in that building for the view. From inside they will not hear the Pelican crash into the water, taste the salt air, feel the breeze on their faces or see the foam bubble on the sand while tiny crabs scurry away.
A television or phone will distract them. They will only glance at the artwork but miss the artist. I know because I almost did. Do you know the artist?
"Be still and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
A Note to Don
May 30
Our morning men's group met again today. We are now four with Don, who visited us last week. He told Steve, " I thank you for showing me acceptance the first time I shared something last week."
He thanked me for the note I had sent him during the week. I am not sure what I wrote but I know Who guided my hand.
"I had a challenging week, " Don said, "and your note came at the right time. I needed those encouraging words."
“Say only what helps, each word a gift.”
(Ephesians 4) (The Message)
Our morning men's group met again today. We are now four with Don, who visited us last week. He told Steve, " I thank you for showing me acceptance the first time I shared something last week."
He thanked me for the note I had sent him during the week. I am not sure what I wrote but I know Who guided my hand.
"I had a challenging week, " Don said, "and your note came at the right time. I needed those encouraging words."
“Say only what helps, each word a gift.”
(Ephesians 4) (The Message)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Accountability Partner
May 29
"I guess I'm looking to see where God wants me," I say to my accountability partner over breakfast. He places all the silverware in the middle of the table pointing in different directions. "It doesn't matter what direction you go," he says, "God will be there."
My friend is right; I will find God wherever I am. I need to be open to His leading and then and only then I must act.
"As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
(Proverbs 27:17)
"I guess I'm looking to see where God wants me," I say to my accountability partner over breakfast. He places all the silverware in the middle of the table pointing in different directions. "It doesn't matter what direction you go," he says, "God will be there."
My friend is right; I will find God wherever I am. I need to be open to His leading and then and only then I must act.
"As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
(Proverbs 27:17)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Plans to Move
May 28
Joy and I have been looking at homes in a retirement community. It all seems so appealing. Are we ready to join “God's waiting room?” One concern is moving from the church that we love and to which we feel the Lord has called us.
We pray about it. We both feel the Lord wants us to stay put. We obey. This decision is validated. Within three months, we find a beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood a few miles from our church.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Joy and I have been looking at homes in a retirement community. It all seems so appealing. Are we ready to join “God's waiting room?” One concern is moving from the church that we love and to which we feel the Lord has called us.
We pray about it. We both feel the Lord wants us to stay put. We obey. This decision is validated. Within three months, we find a beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood a few miles from our church.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Super Tuesday
Super Tuesday
May 27
It is Super Tuesday (6 cents off) and I’m waiting to get gas. The driver in front of me is done but is talking. Finally I go over. "Excuse me but will you be leaving soon?" He apologizes and drives off. He returns moments later.
"You are a Christian, aren't you?" I nod.
"It shows, I want to thank you for being so good about the delay I caused you."
He shakes my hand and adds, "It's a nice feeling when it shows." It is.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
May 27
It is Super Tuesday (6 cents off) and I’m waiting to get gas. The driver in front of me is done but is talking. Finally I go over. "Excuse me but will you be leaving soon?" He apologizes and drives off. He returns moments later.
"You are a Christian, aren't you?" I nod.
"It shows, I want to thank you for being so good about the delay I caused you."
He shakes my hand and adds, "It's a nice feeling when it shows." It is.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
May 26
We are frustrated. There is no WW II marker and flag on Joy’s dad’s grave.
The cemetery man says call the VFW who tells us the Boy Scouts replace the flags, and the scouts tell us to write the VA for the marker.No marker, no flag.
We buy a small flag and stick it in the ground. What else can we do Lord?
I walk to my van and lying on the dirt road next to my wheel is a 1941-1945 flag holder. Walter, God wants you to have an appropriately marked grave.
“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
(John 15:13)
We are frustrated. There is no WW II marker and flag on Joy’s dad’s grave.
The cemetery man says call the VFW who tells us the Boy Scouts replace the flags, and the scouts tell us to write the VA for the marker.No marker, no flag.
We buy a small flag and stick it in the ground. What else can we do Lord?
I walk to my van and lying on the dirt road next to my wheel is a 1941-1945 flag holder. Walter, God wants you to have an appropriately marked grave.
“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
(John 15:13)
Think Twice
May 25
Where has she been for four hours? Why is she so vague? This is not like Joy. I think twice and say nothing.
Sunday after church we go for brunch. Surprise! Several friends, two of my children and my grandchildren begin singing happy birthday. My birthday isn’t for two weeks but this was the only day everyone could get together.
Now I knew what my loving wife had been doing yesterday. Am I glad I thought twice and bit my tongue. I should have know.
"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Where has she been for four hours? Why is she so vague? This is not like Joy. I think twice and say nothing.
Sunday after church we go for brunch. Surprise! Several friends, two of my children and my grandchildren begin singing happy birthday. My birthday isn’t for two weeks but this was the only day everyone could get together.
Now I knew what my loving wife had been doing yesterday. Am I glad I thought twice and bit my tongue. I should have know.
"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Road Rage
May 24
My lane suddenly became a right turn only. I put on my left turn signal and try to ease over. I have room. But the guy in that lane speeds up and honks his horn.
I’m fuming. "Thanks a lot turkey," I yell at my closed window. Yelling is the beginning of road rage, which can lead to violence. I forgive the guy for he knows not what he does and I ask the Lord to forgive me. He does. How cool is that.
"Bear with one another, and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13)
My lane suddenly became a right turn only. I put on my left turn signal and try to ease over. I have room. But the guy in that lane speeds up and honks his horn.
I’m fuming. "Thanks a lot turkey," I yell at my closed window. Yelling is the beginning of road rage, which can lead to violence. I forgive the guy for he knows not what he does and I ask the Lord to forgive me. He does. How cool is that.
"Bear with one another, and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Flying Standby
May 23
Four of us are waiting standby at O'Hare airport. If we miss this flight we spend the night in Chicago. I silently pray we’ll all make it to Hartford. An agent says there are three seats left in coach. The other three men sprint through the door and down the jet way while I stand there.
The agent holding our tickets says, "What's your name?" I tell her. She beckons with a finger and I follow her down the ramp into the crowded aircraft.
"You get to sit in first class,” she says.
"And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)
Four of us are waiting standby at O'Hare airport. If we miss this flight we spend the night in Chicago. I silently pray we’ll all make it to Hartford. An agent says there are three seats left in coach. The other three men sprint through the door and down the jet way while I stand there.
The agent holding our tickets says, "What's your name?" I tell her. She beckons with a finger and I follow her down the ramp into the crowded aircraft.
"You get to sit in first class,” she says.
"And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
God is Faithful
May 22
Joy is up early to meet some women who are driving to Lakeland Florida, about ninety minutes away to attend a seminar on church leadership by John Maxwell. Last night she wasn’t well. I prayed that she would feel better and go on the trip.
When she returned she said, "It was a wonderful day, and it went by so quickly. Maxwell teaches with humor. When I got up I prayed that I would feel better and the Lord is faithful. I felt great all day."
"My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)
Joy is up early to meet some women who are driving to Lakeland Florida, about ninety minutes away to attend a seminar on church leadership by John Maxwell. Last night she wasn’t well. I prayed that she would feel better and go on the trip.
When she returned she said, "It was a wonderful day, and it went by so quickly. Maxwell teaches with humor. When I got up I prayed that I would feel better and the Lord is faithful. I felt great all day."
"My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Anchor Your Life
May 21
A friend started a ministry on the World Wide Web @ Anchor Your Life. Com.
During one month she had 13,654 visitors ('hits') to the site. Her daily devotional is sent via e-mail to 2300 recipients and there are 350 taking the online bible class. She has received E-mail comments from around the U.S. and from four continents.
Not bad for one believer sitting at home with a computer.
"He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature."(Mark 16:15)
A friend started a ministry on the World Wide Web @ Anchor Your Life. Com.
During one month she had 13,654 visitors ('hits') to the site. Her daily devotional is sent via e-mail to 2300 recipients and there are 350 taking the online bible class. She has received E-mail comments from around the U.S. and from four continents.
Not bad for one believer sitting at home with a computer.
"He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature."(Mark 16:15)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hoodoos and Outcrops
May 20
It is a perfect day in Utah for visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
At Bryce Point we see rust-colored hoodoos,tall silent sentinels of the past. Approaching Zion from the east we exit a tunnel and gasp at a huge rock wall with two large indentations on it.
Joy says, “I see God’s thumb prints on that rock.”
It is an awesome sight and a special moment with God’s creation.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
It is a perfect day in Utah for visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
At Bryce Point we see rust-colored hoodoos,tall silent sentinels of the past. Approaching Zion from the east we exit a tunnel and gasp at a huge rock wall with two large indentations on it.
Joy says, “I see God’s thumb prints on that rock.”
It is an awesome sight and a special moment with God’s creation.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bullhorn in San Francisco
May 19
It is a beautiful Saturday in downtown San Francisco and the streets are crowded with shoppers. A man appears with a bullhorn. "Repent the end is near," Nobody stops.
God has been sending us this message over and over again. Why haven't we been paying attention? Where will I be when the end comes? What will I be thinking?
What will I be doing? Wrong questions! I should ask, am I ready now?
“Therefore be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
(Matthew 24:44)
It is a beautiful Saturday in downtown San Francisco and the streets are crowded with shoppers. A man appears with a bullhorn. "Repent the end is near," Nobody stops.
God has been sending us this message over and over again. Why haven't we been paying attention? Where will I be when the end comes? What will I be thinking?
What will I be doing? Wrong questions! I should ask, am I ready now?
“Therefore be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
(Matthew 24:44)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Hard to Believe but True
May 18
The Pfeiffers of Hebron Ct., seeking to buy a retreat center, made a wish list. Dad wanted a chapel, mom a large kitchen, the children an indoor pool with a robot cleaner and the teens a tennis court and a jute box. They prayed and fasted from TV while they waited. A year went by and no TV.
Then a bank foreclosed on a large estate. Then went to see. It had an indoor pool with a robot self-cleaner, a tennis court, a large kitchen, a carriage house, big enough for a chapel. Not requested was a party room with a bar, but in the corner stood a jute box.
"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
(Matthew 21:22)
The Pfeiffers of Hebron Ct., seeking to buy a retreat center, made a wish list. Dad wanted a chapel, mom a large kitchen, the children an indoor pool with a robot cleaner and the teens a tennis court and a jute box. They prayed and fasted from TV while they waited. A year went by and no TV.
Then a bank foreclosed on a large estate. Then went to see. It had an indoor pool with a robot self-cleaner, a tennis court, a large kitchen, a carriage house, big enough for a chapel. Not requested was a party room with a bar, but in the corner stood a jute box.
"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
(Matthew 21:22)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Why Worry
May 17
A speaker asks, "what were you worrying about on this day last year? How did it turn out?" He waits, letting his questions penetrate.
Jesus asks, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)
Why do I worry about anything? By worrying I am not trusting it with God.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."
(1 Peter: 5:6-7)
A speaker asks, "what were you worrying about on this day last year? How did it turn out?" He waits, letting his questions penetrate.
Jesus asks, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)
Why do I worry about anything? By worrying I am not trusting it with God.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."
(1 Peter: 5:6-7)
Praise Cards
May 16
Joy lets me read unsigned cards of praise she received from other women at a church retreat. My heart swells as I read.
"I appreciate the depth of your heart for God and for others."
"You make me smile, a woman of God.” "You are sensitive and caring."
When we disappoint God by what we do and say He will correct us. When we please Him, He will let us know. This time God uses 3x5 cards written by others to tell Joy.
" Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I love you."
(Isaiah 43:4)
Joy lets me read unsigned cards of praise she received from other women at a church retreat. My heart swells as I read.
"I appreciate the depth of your heart for God and for others."
"You make me smile, a woman of God.” "You are sensitive and caring."
When we disappoint God by what we do and say He will correct us. When we please Him, He will let us know. This time God uses 3x5 cards written by others to tell Joy.
" Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I love you."
(Isaiah 43:4)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
How Will Your Children Remmber You?
May 15
Our youngest daughter tells her Mom,“one of the fondest childhood memories I have are the tents you made for me out on the deck of our condo.
One year my granddaughters then eight and nine created a birthday card together and printed their names in large letters with, “I love you, PS Thank you for taking us to Sunday school." If that is how they remember their "Grampy" in the years to come, I consider myself blessed.
"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged, parents are the pride of their children." (Proverbs 17:6)
Our youngest daughter tells her Mom,“one of the fondest childhood memories I have are the tents you made for me out on the deck of our condo.
One year my granddaughters then eight and nine created a birthday card together and printed their names in large letters with, “I love you, PS Thank you for taking us to Sunday school." If that is how they remember their "Grampy" in the years to come, I consider myself blessed.
"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged, parents are the pride of their children." (Proverbs 17:6)
Confrontation in the Park
May 14
Helen helps feeds the homeless in the park on Sunday afternoons. She is feeling ashamed. "Last Sunday" she confessed, " Bob called us a bunch of hypocrites and called God names. I lost it and I got in his face. Bob quivered and cried.” Then Wayne talked with him and he was ok.”
We praised Helen for speaking up for God. Helen was having trouble thinking God would use her in such a way.
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
Helen helps feeds the homeless in the park on Sunday afternoons. She is feeling ashamed. "Last Sunday" she confessed, " Bob called us a bunch of hypocrites and called God names. I lost it and I got in his face. Bob quivered and cried.” Then Wayne talked with him and he was ok.”
We praised Helen for speaking up for God. Helen was having trouble thinking God would use her in such a way.
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Forest Fire
May 13
In college I volunteer to help fight a forest fire. We are stationed at a farm near the chicken coops. We wait. There is a loud crack, like a crowd reacting at a football game. A wall of fire rushes toward us. The intense heat drives us back. Our small back pumps and shovels are useless against this inferno. The fire pauses at a dirt road. Now is our chance to stop it if the wind dies down. We pray for no wind. The air becomes still and we are able to contain the fire. Thank you Lord. You did it again.
“He rebuked the wind…there was a calm.”
(Luke 8:24)
In college I volunteer to help fight a forest fire. We are stationed at a farm near the chicken coops. We wait. There is a loud crack, like a crowd reacting at a football game. A wall of fire rushes toward us. The intense heat drives us back. Our small back pumps and shovels are useless against this inferno. The fire pauses at a dirt road. Now is our chance to stop it if the wind dies down. We pray for no wind. The air becomes still and we are able to contain the fire. Thank you Lord. You did it again.
“He rebuked the wind…there was a calm.”
(Luke 8:24)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Pondering
May 12
Sitting under a pine tree with my feet in the Gulf of Mexico is a wonderful place to meditate.My pondering is interrupted by a voice in my head. “Go help somebody.”
I rise taking some bottles left under this tree by people before me. I climb the bank to a walkway to search for a trash can. A woman and a little girl are approaching. The woman says: "Nice of you to pick up someone else's trash.” How did she know it wasn't my trash? She couldn't see me down the bank.
“The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
(Proverbs 5:21)
Sitting under a pine tree with my feet in the Gulf of Mexico is a wonderful place to meditate.My pondering is interrupted by a voice in my head. “Go help somebody.”
I rise taking some bottles left under this tree by people before me. I climb the bank to a walkway to search for a trash can. A woman and a little girl are approaching. The woman says: "Nice of you to pick up someone else's trash.” How did she know it wasn't my trash? She couldn't see me down the bank.
“The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
(Proverbs 5:21)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Mother's Day
May 11
Our first date was meeting in the balcony at First Church of Wethersfield on Mother's Day. Eighteen months later we were married in that same church. Years later she would say, "I knew you were the one on our first date."
"How could you tell on our first date?"
"Because when you drew close sharing the hymnal I could smell you and you smelled just like my baby blanket."
"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Our first date was meeting in the balcony at First Church of Wethersfield on Mother's Day. Eighteen months later we were married in that same church. Years later she would say, "I knew you were the one on our first date."
"How could you tell on our first date?"
"Because when you drew close sharing the hymnal I could smell you and you smelled just like my baby blanket."
"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Good Morning Lord
May 10
This morning I woke up with a song in my heart and it brought a smile to my face. "Good Morning Lord. What would You like to do with this day?"
"We" went for a walk around the neighborhood and played a little game.
“We” exchanged "I love you" every time I see a bird first the Lord, then me.I knew He would win. We were playing on His turf with His birds and in His sunlight. I know I cannot out-love my Lord but it is sure fun trying.
“God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him.”
(1John 4:16)
This morning I woke up with a song in my heart and it brought a smile to my face. "Good Morning Lord. What would You like to do with this day?"
"We" went for a walk around the neighborhood and played a little game.
“We” exchanged "I love you" every time I see a bird first the Lord, then me.I knew He would win. We were playing on His turf with His birds and in His sunlight. I know I cannot out-love my Lord but it is sure fun trying.
“God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him.”
(1John 4:16)
A Day Later
May 9
Joy asks the Lord to calm our hearts toward our neighbor and the cut Jasmine on our fence.
Today our neighbor appears, full of apologies. “I was devastated when I saw what our yard man had done.” He offers to make amends and we part friends.
Joy and I are glad we didn’t confront our neighbor last night with our emotions and that Joy had prayed instead.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”(Mark 11:25)
Joy asks the Lord to calm our hearts toward our neighbor and the cut Jasmine on our fence.
Today our neighbor appears, full of apologies. “I was devastated when I saw what our yard man had done.” He offers to make amends and we part friends.
Joy and I are glad we didn’t confront our neighbor last night with our emotions and that Joy had prayed instead.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”(Mark 11:25)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Vine and Branches
May 8
Our neighbor asks if he can trim the vines that grow on his side of our wooden fence. Days later the leaves on my side of the fence turn yellow. I look behind the fence. I’m shocked. Much of what is left hanging on my side of the fence are branches severed completely from their vine roots.
"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:3-5)
Our neighbor asks if he can trim the vines that grow on his side of our wooden fence. Days later the leaves on my side of the fence turn yellow. I look behind the fence. I’m shocked. Much of what is left hanging on my side of the fence are branches severed completely from their vine roots.
"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:3-5)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Visiting a Girl in the Hospital
May 7
Joy enters the hospital room and introduces herself to Jennifer and her visiting classmate. The teenager seems perturbed that a stranger is there from a church she doesn’t attend. She announces loudly that her favorite TV show is coming on in five minutes. Joy takes the cue and suggests we pray now. We hold hands around the bed while Joy praises the Lord and prays for Jennifer, her family and her school friend and claims healing. I see tears running down Jennifer's cheeks.
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
(Psalm 145:18)
Joy enters the hospital room and introduces herself to Jennifer and her visiting classmate. The teenager seems perturbed that a stranger is there from a church she doesn’t attend. She announces loudly that her favorite TV show is coming on in five minutes. Joy takes the cue and suggests we pray now. We hold hands around the bed while Joy praises the Lord and prays for Jennifer, her family and her school friend and claims healing. I see tears running down Jennifer's cheeks.
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
(Psalm 145:18)
Its Not About Planners
May 6
In our discussions I share I discipline myself to read the Bible everyday before I go to bed. Ron, our facilitator, contradicts this by telling Steve, "its not about discipline, or systems or planners, it is about loving the Lord with all our heart."
It was painful to hear but I quietly prayed.
I learned a lot from Ron that year until he moved away. I grew to love him as a brother in Christ. And he was right; it is all about loving God with all my heart.
"Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it." (Proverbs 8:33)
In our discussions I share I discipline myself to read the Bible everyday before I go to bed. Ron, our facilitator, contradicts this by telling Steve, "its not about discipline, or systems or planners, it is about loving the Lord with all our heart."
It was painful to hear but I quietly prayed.
I learned a lot from Ron that year until he moved away. I grew to love him as a brother in Christ. And he was right; it is all about loving God with all my heart.
"Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it." (Proverbs 8:33)
Zippity-do-dah
May 5
One evening after a very bad day, the Pastor said he was giving his toddler a bath. The boy was squirming and singing 'Do Dah Do Dah Day' His father yelled; “Will you stop!" The boy faced him and asked very deliberately, "why?”
"My heart was pierced right there," the pastor said, "I knew I had just heard God."
We need more Zippedy-Do-Dah days.
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Luke 18:3)
One evening after a very bad day, the Pastor said he was giving his toddler a bath. The boy was squirming and singing 'Do Dah Do Dah Day' His father yelled; “Will you stop!" The boy faced him and asked very deliberately, "why?”
"My heart was pierced right there," the pastor said, "I knew I had just heard God."
We need more Zippedy-Do-Dah days.
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Luke 18:3)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Another Great Day
May 4
It’s another great day. The sun is out, the birds are singing and the Lord is near.
I was born in a blessed country where people are free to express themselves, to worship their God and to make choices.
The accounts herein are some of God's wonderful love and blessings.I see His awesome gifts everyday. For me, to be able to write about His presence in my life is pure joy. A psalmist felt the same way centruies ago.
“I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm 23:28)
It’s another great day. The sun is out, the birds are singing and the Lord is near.
I was born in a blessed country where people are free to express themselves, to worship their God and to make choices.
The accounts herein are some of God's wonderful love and blessings.I see His awesome gifts everyday. For me, to be able to write about His presence in my life is pure joy. A psalmist felt the same way centruies ago.
“I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm 23:28)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Who Don't You Trust?
May 3
A pastor shared he has trouble delegating. A woman said, 'That is a matter of trust, isn't it?' He stared at her, "Yes, I guess you are right .”Then she asked, "Who don't you trust, the church leaders or God?”
You could have heard a pin drop. When the retreat was over the speaker and his wife both made a point of thanking the lady again for her input.
The lady said, “What I said just came out, it wasn't from me. God used my voice."
"The rod and reproof give wisdom.” (Proverb 29:15)
A pastor shared he has trouble delegating. A woman said, 'That is a matter of trust, isn't it?' He stared at her, "Yes, I guess you are right .”Then she asked, "Who don't you trust, the church leaders or God?”
You could have heard a pin drop. When the retreat was over the speaker and his wife both made a point of thanking the lady again for her input.
The lady said, “What I said just came out, it wasn't from me. God used my voice."
"The rod and reproof give wisdom.” (Proverb 29:15)
Highly Favored
May 2
How are you? Good. Fine. Ok. Aren’t these the standard replies.
One lady I admire, who has been through drugs, jail, tragedy, humiliation and rejection always answers, “I’m blessed and highly favored.”
She knows, she is a living example of God’s unconditional love. We all are.
“Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits
The God of our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19)
How are you? Good. Fine. Ok. Aren’t these the standard replies.
One lady I admire, who has been through drugs, jail, tragedy, humiliation and rejection always answers, “I’m blessed and highly favored.”
She knows, she is a living example of God’s unconditional love. We all are.
“Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits
The God of our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19)
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