July 20
“God has gifted us all,” the pastor told three recipients, “use these gifts and come back next week and tell us what you did.”
At the next service a man came forward with a cookie jar holding $660. He passed the jar at a golf course. A woman donated her money to a Christian relief effort and a
man said he gave the money to a woman whose husband had lost his job. The pastor read a note from the woman. My husband has a job and the gift restored my faith.”
Have I been multiplying God’s gifts. When I do, I know what I will hear:
“Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
What is really Important
July 19
I have a habit of losing hats, umbrellas and pens. I use to go spastic especially when I misplaced my Cross pen. Now I am learning to put these material things in perspective. It’s all small stuff. It doesn't really matter if it is a pen, or hat or a watch, a car or even a house. The material things of life are not that important.
I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to God they and loved ones are alive.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)
I have a habit of losing hats, umbrellas and pens. I use to go spastic especially when I misplaced my Cross pen. Now I am learning to put these material things in perspective. It’s all small stuff. It doesn't really matter if it is a pen, or hat or a watch, a car or even a house. The material things of life are not that important.
I have seen people on the news standing in front of a pile of debris after a tornado giving thanks to God they and loved ones are alive.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)
Perfect Growth
July 18
The Panama Canal Zone has ideal weather for plant growth. Where I was stationed
the Army would cut the wild grass and plants along the railroad tracks about every six weeks. The day it was cut I could see the rails as I drove beside the tracks. Just before the next cutting, the plants were as high as the train. It is true!
When the right ingredients are present growth can be remarkable.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)
The Panama Canal Zone has ideal weather for plant growth. Where I was stationed
the Army would cut the wild grass and plants along the railroad tracks about every six weeks. The day it was cut I could see the rails as I drove beside the tracks. Just before the next cutting, the plants were as high as the train. It is true!
When the right ingredients are present growth can be remarkable.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)
Batchatraphobia
July 17
My wife has a fear of frogs. It is called Batchatraphobia. So what does her loving husband do? He buys a cottage on a cove where there are lots of bullfrogs. I net the amphibians and transfer them across the lake.
Joy read that scientist say that many deformed frogs found around the globe may be an early warning of a deteriorating environment. I can assure the world that the bullfrogs on Cedar Lake in Sturbridge, Ma. are healthy. Joy now tolerates frogs and is dealing with her phobia in a proper way.
"Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:7)
My wife has a fear of frogs. It is called Batchatraphobia. So what does her loving husband do? He buys a cottage on a cove where there are lots of bullfrogs. I net the amphibians and transfer them across the lake.
Joy read that scientist say that many deformed frogs found around the globe may be an early warning of a deteriorating environment. I can assure the world that the bullfrogs on Cedar Lake in Sturbridge, Ma. are healthy. Joy now tolerates frogs and is dealing with her phobia in a proper way.
"Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Shell Fishing
July 16
I am preoccupied with fishing when a crack of thunder startles me. I prepare to leave, but my motor won’t start. The sky is black. Here is a college kid in an open boat, no radio, no flares, not even a horn.
A boat approaches. It is a commercial fisherman. All he says is, "need a tow?"
He throws me a rope tied to his boat.
Soaked and shivering with lightening all about is frightening. There is nothing I can do but leave it in God’s hands.
“After rebuking the wind and waves Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?
How is it you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
I am preoccupied with fishing when a crack of thunder startles me. I prepare to leave, but my motor won’t start. The sky is black. Here is a college kid in an open boat, no radio, no flares, not even a horn.
A boat approaches. It is a commercial fisherman. All he says is, "need a tow?"
He throws me a rope tied to his boat.
Soaked and shivering with lightening all about is frightening. There is nothing I can do but leave it in God’s hands.
“After rebuking the wind and waves Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?
How is it you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lady in the Rain
July 15
We are at a stop sign and I clearly see a lady standing in the rain. Gads! She doesn’t even have an umbrella. I am convicted driving down the highway. I could have invited that lady into our car for a few minutes or at least loaned her an umbrella. I feel shame, ask for forgiveness and tell myself I will be more responsive to the needs of others.
“Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:44-45)
We are at a stop sign and I clearly see a lady standing in the rain. Gads! She doesn’t even have an umbrella. I am convicted driving down the highway. I could have invited that lady into our car for a few minutes or at least loaned her an umbrella. I feel shame, ask for forgiveness and tell myself I will be more responsive to the needs of others.
“Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:44-45)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sixes and Sevens
July 14
My grandmother called it, "sixes and sevens," I’m confused, not focused. In the mail is a flyer, quoting Thomas Merton.
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." What timing. Thanks you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
My grandmother called it, "sixes and sevens," I’m confused, not focused. In the mail is a flyer, quoting Thomas Merton.
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." What timing. Thanks you Lord.
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
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