October 31
“Trick or treat?” Years ago we didn’t ask we just did tricks. Now children don masks and costumes and demand treats from grownups, like an entitlement.
The fact that All Saints Day follows Halloween is an appropriate reminder to put away the craziness for another year. Otherwise life could become a series of Halloweens with people wearing masks all the time. I know God wants me to take off my mask and get real with Him. No tricks or treats Lord, just living everyday humbly obeying You. How are you doing?
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
A First for Baseball
October 29
He had a knack of seeing the best in people and encouraging them. Bob Harrron. was the first sports publicist at Columbia University. At Bob’s urging a Columbia baseball game became the first telecast of a team sport. (April 17, 1939) A reviewer wrote “baseball will never go on television.” When Bob retired he came to Trinity College and became my mentor.
God knows Bob I am still trying to be everything you thought I was.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)
He had a knack of seeing the best in people and encouraging them. Bob Harrron. was the first sports publicist at Columbia University. At Bob’s urging a Columbia baseball game became the first telecast of a team sport. (April 17, 1939) A reviewer wrote “baseball will never go on television.” When Bob retired he came to Trinity College and became my mentor.
God knows Bob I am still trying to be everything you thought I was.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)
Memory
October 28
I am struck by what a priceless gift memory is. Without memory there would be no knowledge. There would be no Bible. I wouldn't know my own name.
Memory is a wonderful gift and I shouldn't take it lightly. Thank God for it.
Moses warned us of this long ago.Remember this.
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. If you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other Gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)
I am struck by what a priceless gift memory is. Without memory there would be no knowledge. There would be no Bible. I wouldn't know my own name.
Memory is a wonderful gift and I shouldn't take it lightly. Thank God for it.
Moses warned us of this long ago.Remember this.
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. If you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other Gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Redemption
October 27
This is redemption day (2004) for the Red Sox who win their first World Series since 1918. Destiny? They were down three games and came back to beat the Yankees then swept St. Louis in the World Series.
Was it because Curt Schilling wore a cross around his neck pitching or that David Ortiz pointed skyward crossing home plate after each homer. Was it those signs in the stands, “Reverse the Curse,” “We Believe” and “Have Faith.” Hmmm.
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
This is redemption day (2004) for the Red Sox who win their first World Series since 1918. Destiny? They were down three games and came back to beat the Yankees then swept St. Louis in the World Series.
Was it because Curt Schilling wore a cross around his neck pitching or that David Ortiz pointed skyward crossing home plate after each homer. Was it those signs in the stands, “Reverse the Curse,” “We Believe” and “Have Faith.” Hmmm.
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Birthday Present
October 26
This is Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us to a surprise gift. The car slows, then we see. Gads! It is a glider. The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. “We are in God’s hands now,” I whisper. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the countryside. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)
This is Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us to a surprise gift. The car slows, then we see. Gads! It is a glider. The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. “We are in God’s hands now,” I whisper. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the countryside. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.
“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Soccer Lesson
October 25
Mario learned to play soccer as a boy in Italy. He coached my sons in beginning soccer, stressing the fundamentals and teamwork. During a game there was a break away. My Robbie (10) was back, his brother Steve (9) was goalie. They met the threat, legs went every which way and Rob kicked the ball right past Steve into his own goal.The booming voice of Mario rang across the field, "It's OK Robbie, even Pele' scored against himself.” He was God's aroma to my young boys.
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)
Mario learned to play soccer as a boy in Italy. He coached my sons in beginning soccer, stressing the fundamentals and teamwork. During a game there was a break away. My Robbie (10) was back, his brother Steve (9) was goalie. They met the threat, legs went every which way and Rob kicked the ball right past Steve into his own goal.The booming voice of Mario rang across the field, "It's OK Robbie, even Pele' scored against himself.” He was God's aroma to my young boys.
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Dave from the Project
October 24
His mom raised him, and five siblings in a housing project. At 13 Big Brothers matched him with Bob,19. who encouraged Dave to finish school and go to college. After college Bob offered Dave a job at the TV station where he worked.
Today, on his own, Dave is literally helping people around the world become successful in business. One of those people is Bob. Accepting an award Dave thanked God, his Mom, and Bob. "To succeed," he says,"work hard and pray.”
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
(Proverbs 10:22)
His mom raised him, and five siblings in a housing project. At 13 Big Brothers matched him with Bob,19. who encouraged Dave to finish school and go to college. After college Bob offered Dave a job at the TV station where he worked.
Today, on his own, Dave is literally helping people around the world become successful in business. One of those people is Bob. Accepting an award Dave thanked God, his Mom, and Bob. "To succeed," he says,"work hard and pray.”
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
(Proverbs 10:22)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Deceiving Myself
October 23
Our facilitator, Ron says, deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” We list how we have
deceived ourselves. I write:
Judging my success by the world’s standard-praise from men. Thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Our facilitator, Ron says, deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” We list how we have
deceived ourselves. I write:
Judging my success by the world’s standard-praise from men. Thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Rock Climbing
October 21
The rock face is straight up. My arms ache as I stretch for the next finger crack. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and I fall. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.
God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)
The rock face is straight up. My arms ache as I stretch for the next finger crack. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and I fall. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.
God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)
How Does God Keep Track?
October 20
How can God keep track of everything?
I read,"God is within you.” That's it. I imagine.I’m like a personal computer tied into a master computer. If I'm not plugged in I'm powerless. My screen is dark. Getting plugged in is an act of faith. Once logged on I can get an infinite amount of wisdom from the Master but that doesn't make me a mainframe. I’m still only a personal computer.
Jesus put it this way: "The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say ‘here it is' or ‘there it is' because the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
How can God keep track of everything?
I read,"God is within you.” That's it. I imagine.I’m like a personal computer tied into a master computer. If I'm not plugged in I'm powerless. My screen is dark. Getting plugged in is an act of faith. Once logged on I can get an infinite amount of wisdom from the Master but that doesn't make me a mainframe. I’m still only a personal computer.
Jesus put it this way: "The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say ‘here it is' or ‘there it is' because the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Waiting for Direction
October 19
I have a friend who has been out of work for more than a year. He lives at least a mile from me on another street but there in my mailbox is a letter for him. God works in strange and wonderful ways. When I hand him the letter I ask how he is doing. He replies, " I am waiting on God to give me direction.”
"Did you ever think maybe God is waiting on you to get ready for His direction?” “I’m ready,” he says.
“How's your heart? Don't answer me, that's between you and God. I was just prompted to ask."
"As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man." (Proverbs 27:19)
I have a friend who has been out of work for more than a year. He lives at least a mile from me on another street but there in my mailbox is a letter for him. God works in strange and wonderful ways. When I hand him the letter I ask how he is doing. He replies, " I am waiting on God to give me direction.”
"Did you ever think maybe God is waiting on you to get ready for His direction?” “I’m ready,” he says.
“How's your heart? Don't answer me, that's between you and God. I was just prompted to ask."
"As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man." (Proverbs 27:19)
Woodstock Open
October 18
We call it the Woodstock Open, named for the cartoon character. If your golf ball strikes a tree you get a plastic woody. You can pass it on when another golfer hits a tree. There is a snake for a three putt, a camel for a sand trap, a fish for water etc.
I play the Woodstock Open once a year. The cashier asks if I'm a resident. I lie. I’m an ex-resident. I save $7. I play awful, costing me $10 in animals and I lose my self respect. Ok God, no more cheating.
"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel." Proverbs (20:17)
We call it the Woodstock Open, named for the cartoon character. If your golf ball strikes a tree you get a plastic woody. You can pass it on when another golfer hits a tree. There is a snake for a three putt, a camel for a sand trap, a fish for water etc.
I play the Woodstock Open once a year. The cashier asks if I'm a resident. I lie. I’m an ex-resident. I save $7. I play awful, costing me $10 in animals and I lose my self respect. Ok God, no more cheating.
"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel." Proverbs (20:17)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Stand in the Gap
October 4
A million men gather on the Mall in Washington D.C. on this day (1997) to humble themselves before their God.
We find a place to sit 500 yards from the main stage. It is 6:30 a.m.. The event starts at 1 p.m. It is a moving to see so many men from all over this nation arriving to Stand in the Gap. One speaker says, "Most assemblies on this mall demand rights. We are here to confess our wrongs."
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)
A million men gather on the Mall in Washington D.C. on this day (1997) to humble themselves before their God.
We find a place to sit 500 yards from the main stage. It is 6:30 a.m.. The event starts at 1 p.m. It is a moving to see so many men from all over this nation arriving to Stand in the Gap. One speaker says, "Most assemblies on this mall demand rights. We are here to confess our wrongs."
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Joy's Golf Shot
October 2
The first hole at the Blue Rock Executive Golf Course on Cape Cod is 90 yards. You can see the green from the waiting area. It is crowded and Joy prays, "Lord just let me hit the ball." It is quiet. Whack!
The ball bounces in front of the green and rolls up to within a few feet of the cup. There is applause. Joy turns and curtsies.
Joy taps in for a birdie- more applause. She bows. At the next tee she says, "That's it, It’ll never get better than this; I retire." And she did.
"I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24)
The first hole at the Blue Rock Executive Golf Course on Cape Cod is 90 yards. You can see the green from the waiting area. It is crowded and Joy prays, "Lord just let me hit the ball." It is quiet. Whack!
The ball bounces in front of the green and rolls up to within a few feet of the cup. There is applause. Joy turns and curtsies.
Joy taps in for a birdie- more applause. She bows. At the next tee she says, "That's it, It’ll never get better than this; I retire." And she did.
"I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24)
Old Car
October 1
The car won’t start. Ugh! We are going to Florida even if we have to jump-start this car all the way from Massachusetts. We stay with family in New Jersey. We ride to church in their van. During adult Sunday school I hear, "we need to pray for my brother-in-law's old car, that it will start and make it to Sarasota. The car starts the next three days and we arrive safely in Florida. The next day the car barely starts. I drive it directly to a repair shop.
"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”(1John 5:14)
The car won’t start. Ugh! We are going to Florida even if we have to jump-start this car all the way from Massachusetts. We stay with family in New Jersey. We ride to church in their van. During adult Sunday school I hear, "we need to pray for my brother-in-law's old car, that it will start and make it to Sarasota. The car starts the next three days and we arrive safely in Florida. The next day the car barely starts. I drive it directly to a repair shop.
"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”(1John 5:14)
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