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 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)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Special Valentine's Day
Special Valentine’s Day
February 14
The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday 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)
February 14
The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday 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)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Wooden Dolphin
February 13
A handsome hand-carved wooden dolphin sits on my desk at home. I purchased this beauty on a beach in 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 by giving to the less fortunate. 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 dolphin sits on my desk at home. I purchased this beauty on a beach in 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 by giving to the less fortunate. 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)
Unconditional Love
February 12
My grandchildren pickup Mouser, their 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?
"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)
My grandchildren pickup Mouser, their 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?
"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)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Doing the Work
February 11
In the photo he was 24, handsome, healthy and serving 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 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)
In the photo he was 24, handsome, healthy and serving 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 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. Ourself. 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. Ourself. 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)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Praying Jabez's Prayer
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.
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 the Bible, which 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)
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