Strong Passsage

April 30

This morning I have breakfast with a friend. Before leaving the house I receive a strong message for his son who is attending a very strict fundamentalist Christian school. His dad is worried that his son will become judgmental and legalistic.

As I read the passage I realize that it isn’t just for the son but for all of us.

"Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
(Matthew 7:1-2)

Loving Correction

April 29

The words stung. The truth often does. I couldn't blame anyone else .I was quiet. I was hurt. She sensed this and said she was sorry if she hurt me. Wisely, she didn't apologize for what she said.

As a loving wife she was sorry if her words hurt me. It was my wife’s voice but I felt the correction was from the Lord

"My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 2:11-12)

God Has the Positives

April 27

For all the negative things we have to say, God has a positive for it.

"It's impossible"
" All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)

"I'm too tired."
"I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

"I can't figure things out."
" I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:6)

"I can't do it."
"I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13)


April 28

"I can't go on."
"My grace is sufficient for you."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

"I can't forgive myself"
"I forgive you." (John 1:9)

"I'm so worried"
“Do not be anxious.” (Philippians 4:6)

"I don't know where to begin"
"Seek and you shall find." (Matthew 7:7)

"I feel all alone"
"Lo I am with you always."
(Matthew 28:20)

A Trip to China

April 25

While with a study group in China I notice the Chinese think nothing of coming up to a couple of us tourists who are talking and stand only inches away smiling and staring. I wonder how a Chinese person would react to a high five or a hug. I didn't try either but I appreciate more the cultural hurdles and challenges faced by missionaries bringing the Gospel to others around the globe.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

Don't Point a Finger

April 24

There is the portable phone, off the charger and the closet light left on again.
I use to get excised over such things now I quietly put the phone back and turn out the light. I learned my lesson from the Bible.

One day I saw the phone sitting on a table in my office and the fan was left going. But my wife wasn't the one who had left the room.. I heard that inner voice say, "See you do it too, so there!"

"Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3)

A Wedding Day

April 23

It is pouring. By 11 mom, grandma and I pray, "Lord just let it stop raining and let the sun come out on this wedding day."

By noon it stops. The sun comes out. Upon arrival we learn that the ceremony would be indoor, much of the lawn is still under water. We had prayed for a sunny day but not for an outdoor wedding. Be specific when you pray.

Nevertheless it is a beautiful wedding. I melt dancing with the bride as she whispers, "Thanks dad for a fairy tale wedding."

"How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! (Psalm 36:7)

Ed's Message

April 22

Ed, a successful insurance agent and a leader in our church in Connecticut, calls his wife Faith from his car phone. "Sorry I missed you," he says on the recording, "just called to say I love you."

He dies of a massive heart attack back at his office. Thank God Ed acted on an urge to call his wife and tell her he loves her.
I wonder where that urge came from for this man of faith? At his memorial service a group of men sang an appropriate tribute to their friend.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)