Thought: Don't be afraid of pressure. Remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond.
Bible text: Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3,4 NIV).
An old legend says that God first created birds without wings. Sometime later, God made wings and said to the birds, "Come, take up these burdens and bear them." The birds hesitated at first, but soon obeyed. They tried picking up the wings in their beaks, but found them too heavy. Then they tried picking them up with their claws, but found them too large. Finally one of the birds managed to get the wings hoisted onto its shoulders where it was finally possible to carry them.
To the amazement of the birds, before long the wings began to grow and they soon had attached themselves to the bodies of the birds. One of the birds began to flap his wings and others followed his example. Before long, one of the birds took off and began to soar in the air above!
What had once been a heavy burden now became the very thing that enabled the birds to go where they could never go before... and at the same time, truly fulfill the destiny of their creation.
The duties and responsibilities you count as burdens today may be part of God's destiny for your life, the means by which your soul is lifted up and prepared for God's heavenly kingdom.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Serving others with helpings of love
Thought: The fellow who does things that count doesn't usually stop to count them.
Biblical text: Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Philippians 3:13 NIV).
For more than a quarter of a century, Arnold Billie was a rural mail carrier in southern New Jersey. His daily route took him sixty-three miles through two counties and five municipalities. Mr Billie, as he was affectionately known, did more than deliver the mail. He provided "personal service." Anything a person might need to purchase from the post office, Mr Billie provided - stamps, money orders, pickup service. All a customer needed to do was leave the flag up on their mailbox.
One elderly woman had trouble starting her lawn mower, so whenever she desired to use it, she would simply leave it by her mailbox, raise the flag, and when Mr Billie came by, he would start it for her! Mr Billie gave a new definition to the phrase "public servant."
True Christian servants rarely think of themselves as doing anything other than the ordinary, when what they actually do is quite extraordinary! The apostle Paul called himself a slave to Christ, yet he was more concerned about being a good servant to ever worry about being a real slave. Why? Because true servants are motivated by love. It is love they know they have received from Christ. And it is love they give. eternity.
Biblical text: Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Philippians 3:13 NIV).
For more than a quarter of a century, Arnold Billie was a rural mail carrier in southern New Jersey. His daily route took him sixty-three miles through two counties and five municipalities. Mr Billie, as he was affectionately known, did more than deliver the mail. He provided "personal service." Anything a person might need to purchase from the post office, Mr Billie provided - stamps, money orders, pickup service. All a customer needed to do was leave the flag up on their mailbox.
One elderly woman had trouble starting her lawn mower, so whenever she desired to use it, she would simply leave it by her mailbox, raise the flag, and when Mr Billie came by, he would start it for her! Mr Billie gave a new definition to the phrase "public servant."
True Christian servants rarely think of themselves as doing anything other than the ordinary, when what they actually do is quite extraordinary! The apostle Paul called himself a slave to Christ, yet he was more concerned about being a good servant to ever worry about being a real slave. Why? Because true servants are motivated by love. It is love they know they have received from Christ. And it is love they give. eternity.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Positive thinking overcomes...
Thought: It isn't your position that makes you happy or unhappy, it's your disposition.
Bible text: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:6,7 NIV).
A traditional Supervisor's Prayer states: Lord, when I am wrong, make me willing to change. When I am right, make me easy to live with. So strengthen me that the power of my example will far exceed the authority of my rank.
A positive attitude may not directly change your circumstances, but it will change the way you respond to your circumstances. The responses of positive people are far more likely to be:
- Active
- Solution oriented
- Generous towards others
- Involving of others
- Immediate or timely
- Rooted in dignity and respec
tPositive people are much more likely than are negative people to turn their ideas into positive behaviour. Positive behaviour, in turn, does change circumstances, and nearly always so, for the better.
To grab hold of a slippery problem and rise above it, first grab hold of a positive thought!
Bible text: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:6,7 NIV).
A traditional Supervisor's Prayer states: Lord, when I am wrong, make me willing to change. When I am right, make me easy to live with. So strengthen me that the power of my example will far exceed the authority of my rank.
A positive attitude may not directly change your circumstances, but it will change the way you respond to your circumstances. The responses of positive people are far more likely to be:
- Active
- Solution oriented
- Generous towards others
- Involving of others
- Immediate or timely
- Rooted in dignity and respec
tPositive people are much more likely than are negative people to turn their ideas into positive behaviour. Positive behaviour, in turn, does change circumstances, and nearly always so, for the better.
To grab hold of a slippery problem and rise above it, first grab hold of a positive thought!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The Expected Harvest
Thought: What goes around comes around.
Bible text: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7)
What goes around comes around. Every farmer knows that if you plant corn, you're going to harvest corn. The same principle applies to our personal lives. If we violate laws, we're going to reap the consequences.
Research clearly shows that physical inactivity leads to an increase in mortality rates. People who are sedentary have more heart disease, more strokes and more cancers than people who are physically active. Diet also plays into this. The point is, the choices we make have a direct impact on the longevity and quality of our lives.
People who violate civil laws typically end up reaping a bitter harvest. Either they spend their lives looking over their shoulders while running from the law, or they reap the consequence of forced compliance (either through fines or incarceration). According to the U.S Justice Deaprtment, by mid-year 2002, over 2 million Americans found themselves in jail. I'll venture to guess that most of these people never dreamed their actions, or inactions would result in such a harvest.
The Bible says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
What kind of harvest are you expecting? What seeds are you planting?
Bible text: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7)
What goes around comes around. Every farmer knows that if you plant corn, you're going to harvest corn. The same principle applies to our personal lives. If we violate laws, we're going to reap the consequences.
Research clearly shows that physical inactivity leads to an increase in mortality rates. People who are sedentary have more heart disease, more strokes and more cancers than people who are physically active. Diet also plays into this. The point is, the choices we make have a direct impact on the longevity and quality of our lives.
People who violate civil laws typically end up reaping a bitter harvest. Either they spend their lives looking over their shoulders while running from the law, or they reap the consequence of forced compliance (either through fines or incarceration). According to the U.S Justice Deaprtment, by mid-year 2002, over 2 million Americans found themselves in jail. I'll venture to guess that most of these people never dreamed their actions, or inactions would result in such a harvest.
The Bible says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
What kind of harvest are you expecting? What seeds are you planting?
Monday, October 23, 2006
A ladder of trust
In Romans 5:1-5, Paul climbs a "ladder of trust" in Christ. Follow him as he lays hold of each rung:
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Every round goes higher, until, in verse 5, he exclaims, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." The bud of hope bursts forth into the flowering beauty of a transformed life in Christ.
Why not resolve now to lay hold of the hope that is set before you (Hebrews 6:18). Give your life to Jesus today. This investment will yield rich rewards, both now and in the days come.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Every round goes higher, until, in verse 5, he exclaims, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." The bud of hope bursts forth into the flowering beauty of a transformed life in Christ.
Why not resolve now to lay hold of the hope that is set before you (Hebrews 6:18). Give your life to Jesus today. This investment will yield rich rewards, both now and in the days come.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Laughter: the music of the soul
Thought: Humour is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles.
Biblical text: "A cheerful heart is good medicine; but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) Stand-up comedian and author David Brenner was signing books in a San Francisco bookstore when a young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said softly, "I want to thank you for saving my life." Brenner replied flippantly, "That's okay." The young man stood his ground and said, "No, I really mean it."
Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The man said, "My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn't stop crying for weeks. I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the TV on. You were hosting 'The Tonight Show', doing your monologue. Next thing I knew I was watching you and laughing hysterically. I realised then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So I want to thank you for saving my life." Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, "No, I thank you."
Laughter does more than help us escape our problems. It sometimes gives us the courage to face them. As humorous author Barbara Johnson has said, "Laughter is like changing a baby's nappies. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for awhile."
Biblical text: "A cheerful heart is good medicine; but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) Stand-up comedian and author David Brenner was signing books in a San Francisco bookstore when a young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said softly, "I want to thank you for saving my life." Brenner replied flippantly, "That's okay." The young man stood his ground and said, "No, I really mean it."
Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The man said, "My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn't stop crying for weeks. I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the TV on. You were hosting 'The Tonight Show', doing your monologue. Next thing I knew I was watching you and laughing hysterically. I realised then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So I want to thank you for saving my life." Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, "No, I thank you."
Laughter does more than help us escape our problems. It sometimes gives us the courage to face them. As humorous author Barbara Johnson has said, "Laughter is like changing a baby's nappies. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for awhile."
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Change Is Coming
Thought: Change is inevitable!
Biblical text: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2
My world is changing around me and I have to face it. And like most people I don’t really like change. Something about facing the unknown makes one feel very uncomfortable. Most would rather keep things the way they are because one knows what to expect and how to deal with it.
But…change is inevitable. One thing we know for sure…things are going to change!
This is especially true in our Christian experience. Jesus compared His kingdom to a man planting seeds, allowing them to grow and harvesting the crop (see Mark 4:26-29). He said: “All by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” This tells us growing is a part of life. We will be constantly changing. Later Jesus used another metaphor to illustrate our connection to Himself. He said: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:1-4).
This clearly tells us that we will be growing and constantly changing when we are connected to Jesus. And we will be producing “fruit” that brings glory to God. If we are not changing and bearing fruit, we are not connected to Jesus and our life is dead and useless.
Biblical text: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2
My world is changing around me and I have to face it. And like most people I don’t really like change. Something about facing the unknown makes one feel very uncomfortable. Most would rather keep things the way they are because one knows what to expect and how to deal with it.
But…change is inevitable. One thing we know for sure…things are going to change!
This is especially true in our Christian experience. Jesus compared His kingdom to a man planting seeds, allowing them to grow and harvesting the crop (see Mark 4:26-29). He said: “All by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” This tells us growing is a part of life. We will be constantly changing. Later Jesus used another metaphor to illustrate our connection to Himself. He said: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:1-4).
This clearly tells us that we will be growing and constantly changing when we are connected to Jesus. And we will be producing “fruit” that brings glory to God. If we are not changing and bearing fruit, we are not connected to Jesus and our life is dead and useless.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Jesus makes it happen
So, change is good in Jesus. It is His job to change us from the inside out. He has a plan to continue to grow us as we face the changes the world throws at us. And it does! James tells us to “count it all joy” when we face various trials in life" (James 1:2-5). When we are connected to Jesus, the trials and changes that happen around us actually develop the fruit in us.
Paul also said: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). To be transformed is the same process of metamorphism that caterpillars go through to become butterflies. He is basically telling us not to get stuck in the ways of the world, but to change and become what God wants us to become.
There’s that word again…change.
So we have a choice. We can continue to live in this world and allow the natural change to take us down the predictable road to death, or we can give our lives to God and allow Him to fill us with His Spirit and lead us down a road of change that leads us to His eternal kingdom.
Oh…the best part. We have a God who never changes, or at least when it comes to who He is and His character. Notice: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Knowing this…we can face every change with growing confidence.
Paul also said: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). To be transformed is the same process of metamorphism that caterpillars go through to become butterflies. He is basically telling us not to get stuck in the ways of the world, but to change and become what God wants us to become.
There’s that word again…change.
So we have a choice. We can continue to live in this world and allow the natural change to take us down the predictable road to death, or we can give our lives to God and allow Him to fill us with His Spirit and lead us down a road of change that leads us to His eternal kingdom.
Oh…the best part. We have a God who never changes, or at least when it comes to who He is and His character. Notice: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Knowing this…we can face every change with growing confidence.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Listen To Jesus
Thought: To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also. - Igor Stravinsky
Biblical Text: Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: 'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' Mark 9:7
Most people have the ability to hear audible sounds. Their ears work fine! For these, hearing is a deeply treasured gift! Unfortunately, some lose this capacity by way of heredity, accident or disease. When this occurs, the silence can be overwhelming.
There is another kind of hearing loss beyond the physical that leads to a form of deafness many are ignorant of. This deafness often leads to broken marriages, work-related squabbles and failed dreams. It is the failure to "hear" with one's heart.
It's one thing to hear what someone is saying with your ears, but quite another to "hear" what they mean. To develop the capacity to read a person's unspoken signals and respond appropriately, develops understanding, empathy and trust.
Biblical Text: Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: 'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' Mark 9:7
Most people have the ability to hear audible sounds. Their ears work fine! For these, hearing is a deeply treasured gift! Unfortunately, some lose this capacity by way of heredity, accident or disease. When this occurs, the silence can be overwhelming.
There is another kind of hearing loss beyond the physical that leads to a form of deafness many are ignorant of. This deafness often leads to broken marriages, work-related squabbles and failed dreams. It is the failure to "hear" with one's heart.
It's one thing to hear what someone is saying with your ears, but quite another to "hear" what they mean. To develop the capacity to read a person's unspoken signals and respond appropriately, develops understanding, empathy and trust.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Be quiet and listen
Hearing God requires more than reading Bible texts and listening to sermons. Unless we take proactive measures to turn off the "white noise" in our lives and expect more than someone's else's regurgitated thoughts about faith, we'll miss hearing what God is saying to us.
One day Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join Him for a mountain hike. They ended up on a ridge where Jesus was transfigured (transformed) into a bright dazzling being. Moses and Elijah were there talking with Jesus. The disciples were overwhelmed!
Peter was so excited, he said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Mark 9:5) At that moment Peter's eyes and ears were engaged, his tongue was loose, and his heart was doing flips. He and the others were terrified!
"Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: 'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' " (Mark 9:7) Peter, just be quiet and listen!
How many times do we need do the same?
One day Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join Him for a mountain hike. They ended up on a ridge where Jesus was transfigured (transformed) into a bright dazzling being. Moses and Elijah were there talking with Jesus. The disciples were overwhelmed!
Peter was so excited, he said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Mark 9:5) At that moment Peter's eyes and ears were engaged, his tongue was loose, and his heart was doing flips. He and the others were terrified!
"Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: 'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' " (Mark 9:7) Peter, just be quiet and listen!
How many times do we need do the same?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
How do you pack your suitcases?
Thought: Our days are identical suitcases-all the same size-but some people can pack more into them than others.
Biblical text: "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15,16)
Sparky didn't have much going for him. He failed every subject in the eighth grade, and in high school, he flunked Latin, Algebra, English, and Physics. He made the golf team, but promptly lost the only important match of the season, and then lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially?more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl to go out on a date in high school.
One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though no one else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook, but they were turned down. Even so, Sparky aspired to be an artist. After high school, he sent samples of his artwork to the Walt Disney Studios. Again, he was turned down.
Still, Sparky didn't quit packing his suitcase! He decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. The character he created became famous worldwide-the subject not only of cartoon strips but countless books, television shows, and licensing opportunities. Sparky, you see, was Charles Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. Like his character, Charlie Brown, Schulz may not have been able to do many things. But, he made the most of what he could do!
Biblical text: "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15,16)
Sparky didn't have much going for him. He failed every subject in the eighth grade, and in high school, he flunked Latin, Algebra, English, and Physics. He made the golf team, but promptly lost the only important match of the season, and then lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially?more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl to go out on a date in high school.
One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though no one else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook, but they were turned down. Even so, Sparky aspired to be an artist. After high school, he sent samples of his artwork to the Walt Disney Studios. Again, he was turned down.
Still, Sparky didn't quit packing his suitcase! He decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. The character he created became famous worldwide-the subject not only of cartoon strips but countless books, television shows, and licensing opportunities. Sparky, you see, was Charles Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. Like his character, Charlie Brown, Schulz may not have been able to do many things. But, he made the most of what he could do!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Hold on to your Dreams!
Thought: The poorest of all men is not the man without a cent but the man without a dream.
Biblical text: Where there is no vision, the people perish?(Proverbs 29:18)
An unusual band of thirteen business and professional men in Toronto, Canada, respond in a unique way to multiple-alarm fires in their city. They have formed a volunteer fire-fighting unit, although they don't directly fight fires. Dressed in their own rubber fire fighting uniforms, they are armed with police passes. The truck they man is a red mobile canteen.
The fire fighters appreciate their service-in fact, the fire fighters union bought the canteen truck for them, and also purchases all supplies for the truck. When a fire alarm is received, a "must" call goes to them.
These fire fighters describe themselves as "middle-aged businessmen who never outgrew their childhood dreams."
What is it that you dreamed of doing as a child?
In the most reflective moments of your life, do you still nurture that dream? Do you wonder "what might have been if??"
Dreams are not only a great source of hope and courage, they are often windows to one's destiny. Revisit your childhood dreams. Perhaps it?s time for you to give them expression.
Biblical text: Where there is no vision, the people perish?(Proverbs 29:18)
An unusual band of thirteen business and professional men in Toronto, Canada, respond in a unique way to multiple-alarm fires in their city. They have formed a volunteer fire-fighting unit, although they don't directly fight fires. Dressed in their own rubber fire fighting uniforms, they are armed with police passes. The truck they man is a red mobile canteen.
The fire fighters appreciate their service-in fact, the fire fighters union bought the canteen truck for them, and also purchases all supplies for the truck. When a fire alarm is received, a "must" call goes to them.
These fire fighters describe themselves as "middle-aged businessmen who never outgrew their childhood dreams."
What is it that you dreamed of doing as a child?
In the most reflective moments of your life, do you still nurture that dream? Do you wonder "what might have been if??"
Dreams are not only a great source of hope and courage, they are often windows to one's destiny. Revisit your childhood dreams. Perhaps it?s time for you to give them expression.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Hens at Work
Thought: The secret of success is to start from scratch and keep on scratching.
Bible text: But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15).
Hard work means nothing to a hen. Regardless of what business prognosticators say about the price of eggs... regardless of what others expect of her... regardless of fluctuations in the commodities market... she keeps on digging worms and laying eggs.
If the ground is hard, she scratches harder.
If it's dry, she digs deeper.
If it's wet, she digs where it is dry.
If she strikes a rock, she digs around it.
If she gets a few more hours of daylight in the barnyard, she digs a few more hours.
Have you ever seen a pessimistic hen?
Have you ever seen a hen cackle in disgust at the prospect of her job?
Did you ever hear one cluck because the work was hard, the conditions were poor, and some of her eggs were taken from her before they hatched?
No.
Hens save their breath for digging. They save their cackles for the eggs that are laid.
Bible text: But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15).
Hard work means nothing to a hen. Regardless of what business prognosticators say about the price of eggs... regardless of what others expect of her... regardless of fluctuations in the commodities market... she keeps on digging worms and laying eggs.
If the ground is hard, she scratches harder.
If it's dry, she digs deeper.
If it's wet, she digs where it is dry.
If she strikes a rock, she digs around it.
If she gets a few more hours of daylight in the barnyard, she digs a few more hours.
Have you ever seen a pessimistic hen?
Have you ever seen a hen cackle in disgust at the prospect of her job?
Did you ever hear one cluck because the work was hard, the conditions were poor, and some of her eggs were taken from her before they hatched?
No.
Hens save their breath for digging. They save their cackles for the eggs that are laid.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Hear the voice of your conscience
Thought: Conscience is God's built-in warning system. Be very happy when it hurts you. Be very worried when it doesn't.
Biblical text: "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." (Acts 24:16)
These lines from Dr. Arnot give an interesting description of a person's conscience: "A person may be saved from death by seeing the reflection of danger in a mirror, when the danger itself could not be directly seen. The executioner with his/her weapon is stealthily approaching through a corridor of the castle to the spot where the devoted invalid reclines. In their musings, the captive has turned their vacant eye towards a mirror on the wall; and the faithful witness reveals the impending stroke in time to secure the escape of the victim. It is thus that the mirror in a person's breast has become in a sense the person?s saviour, by revealing the wrath to come before its coming. Happy they who take the warning, happy they who turn and live!"
It has been said that person's conscience was given to him/her after the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Person's desire to know good and evil had been granted. But God, in His mercy, gave people a means of telling good from evil. That mechanism, which He placed in our heart, was the conscience.
Don't ignore the promptings of your conscience or let your conscience become calloused. It's more than a sixth sense. It's beacon whose homing signal is Heaven.
Biblical text: "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." (Acts 24:16)
These lines from Dr. Arnot give an interesting description of a person's conscience: "A person may be saved from death by seeing the reflection of danger in a mirror, when the danger itself could not be directly seen. The executioner with his/her weapon is stealthily approaching through a corridor of the castle to the spot where the devoted invalid reclines. In their musings, the captive has turned their vacant eye towards a mirror on the wall; and the faithful witness reveals the impending stroke in time to secure the escape of the victim. It is thus that the mirror in a person's breast has become in a sense the person?s saviour, by revealing the wrath to come before its coming. Happy they who take the warning, happy they who turn and live!"
It has been said that person's conscience was given to him/her after the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Person's desire to know good and evil had been granted. But God, in His mercy, gave people a means of telling good from evil. That mechanism, which He placed in our heart, was the conscience.
Don't ignore the promptings of your conscience or let your conscience become calloused. It's more than a sixth sense. It's beacon whose homing signal is Heaven.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
God is the Healer of all
God can heal a broken heart, but he has to have all the pieces.
Biblical text: My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways. (Proverbs 23:26 NIV).
A boy once said to God, "I've been thinking, and I know what I want when I become a man." He proceeded to give God his list: to live in a big house with two Saint Bernards and a garden... marry a blue eyed, tall, beautiful woman... have three sons - one who will be a senator, one a scientist, and one a quarterback. He also wanted to be an adventurer who climbed tall mountains... and to drive a red Ferrari.
As it turned out, the boy hurt his knee one day while playing football. He no longer could climb trees, much less mountains. He married a beautiful and kind woman, who was short with brown eyes. Because of his business, he lived in a city apartment, took cabs, and rode subways. He had three loving daughters, and they adopted a fluffy cat. One daughter became an nurse, another an artist, and the third a music teacher.
One morning the man awoke and remembered his boyhood dream. He became extremely depressed, so depressed that he became very ill. Close to death from a broken heart, he called out to God, "Remember when I was a boy and told You all the things I wanted? Why didn't You give me those things?"
"I could have", said God, "but I wanted to make you happy."
Remember, God wants the best for us. Trust Him with your whole heart - He's the original heart surgeon.
Biblical text: My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways. (Proverbs 23:26 NIV).
A boy once said to God, "I've been thinking, and I know what I want when I become a man." He proceeded to give God his list: to live in a big house with two Saint Bernards and a garden... marry a blue eyed, tall, beautiful woman... have three sons - one who will be a senator, one a scientist, and one a quarterback. He also wanted to be an adventurer who climbed tall mountains... and to drive a red Ferrari.
As it turned out, the boy hurt his knee one day while playing football. He no longer could climb trees, much less mountains. He married a beautiful and kind woman, who was short with brown eyes. Because of his business, he lived in a city apartment, took cabs, and rode subways. He had three loving daughters, and they adopted a fluffy cat. One daughter became an nurse, another an artist, and the third a music teacher.
One morning the man awoke and remembered his boyhood dream. He became extremely depressed, so depressed that he became very ill. Close to death from a broken heart, he called out to God, "Remember when I was a boy and told You all the things I wanted? Why didn't You give me those things?"
"I could have", said God, "but I wanted to make you happy."
Remember, God wants the best for us. Trust Him with your whole heart - He's the original heart surgeon.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Give the world your best!
Thought: If a task is once begun, never leave it 'till it's done'. Be the labour great or small, Do it well or not at all.
Biblical text: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4)
The order from the head teacher was abrupt: "The classroom needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it."
Young Booker T. Washington knew that this was his chance. He swept the room three times, and then dusted the furniture four times. When the head teacher came back to evaluate his work, she inspected the floor closely and then used her handkerchief to rub the woodwork around the walls, the table, and the students? benches. When she could not find one speck of dust anywhere in the room, she said quietly, "I guess you will do to enter this institution."
Cleaning a classroom was nothing less than Booker T. Washington?s entrance examination to Hampton Institute in Virginia. In later years, he would recall this as the turning point in his life. He wrote in his autobiography, "Up From Slavery", "I have passed several examinations since then, but I have always felt that this was the best one I ever passed."
Slacking off, goofing off, and dozing off rarely open doors of opportunity. Those doors are opened best by a consistently excellent effort. Give the world an effort of that calibre today!
Biblical text: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4)
The order from the head teacher was abrupt: "The classroom needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it."
Young Booker T. Washington knew that this was his chance. He swept the room three times, and then dusted the furniture four times. When the head teacher came back to evaluate his work, she inspected the floor closely and then used her handkerchief to rub the woodwork around the walls, the table, and the students? benches. When she could not find one speck of dust anywhere in the room, she said quietly, "I guess you will do to enter this institution."
Cleaning a classroom was nothing less than Booker T. Washington?s entrance examination to Hampton Institute in Virginia. In later years, he would recall this as the turning point in his life. He wrote in his autobiography, "Up From Slavery", "I have passed several examinations since then, but I have always felt that this was the best one I ever passed."
Slacking off, goofing off, and dozing off rarely open doors of opportunity. Those doors are opened best by a consistently excellent effort. Give the world an effort of that calibre today!
Monday, October 9, 2006
Giving it your best effort...
He who wants milk should not sit on a stool in the middle of the pasture expecting the cow to back up to him.
Biblical text: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4 NIV).
Miss Jones, an elderly spinster, was the oldest resident of her Midwestern town on the day she died. In writing her obituary, the editor of the local paper became stumped after noting her age. Miss Jones had never spent a night in jail or been seen intoxicated on the streets. She also had never done anything noteworthy. While musing about what he might write, the editor went out for coffee and in the local cafe, he met the owner of the tombstone company, who was equally perplexed as to what to write about Miss Jones.
The editor returned to his office and assigned both the obituary and tombstone epitaph to the first reporter he saw, who happened to be the sports editor. If you pass through that little town, you'll find this on Miss Jones' tombstone:Here lies the bones of Nancy JonesFor her life held no terrors.She lived an old maid. She died an old maid.No hits, no runs, no errors.
If we don't try, we don't do...if we don't do...we can't bless others. We each have a contribution to make to the lives of others. Give your best effort today. It's your best shot at scoring in the game of life.
Biblical text: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4 NIV).
Miss Jones, an elderly spinster, was the oldest resident of her Midwestern town on the day she died. In writing her obituary, the editor of the local paper became stumped after noting her age. Miss Jones had never spent a night in jail or been seen intoxicated on the streets. She also had never done anything noteworthy. While musing about what he might write, the editor went out for coffee and in the local cafe, he met the owner of the tombstone company, who was equally perplexed as to what to write about Miss Jones.
The editor returned to his office and assigned both the obituary and tombstone epitaph to the first reporter he saw, who happened to be the sports editor. If you pass through that little town, you'll find this on Miss Jones' tombstone:Here lies the bones of Nancy JonesFor her life held no terrors.She lived an old maid. She died an old maid.No hits, no runs, no errors.
If we don't try, we don't do...if we don't do...we can't bless others. We each have a contribution to make to the lives of others. Give your best effort today. It's your best shot at scoring in the game of life.
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Are you a leader?
Thought: Put others before yourself, and you can become a leader among people.
Biblical text: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (Matthew 20:26,27)
The following set of contrasting remarks has been offered as a character sketch of a good leader. For a personal challenge, as you read through the list, circle the descriptive words you believe most closely identify you:
Self-reliant but not self-sufficient
Energetic but not self-seeking
Steadfast but not stubborn
Tactful but not timidSerious but not sullen
Loyal but not sectarian
Unmoveable but not stationary
Gentle but not hypersensitive
Tender-hearted but not a perfectionist
Disciplined but not demanding
Generous but not gullible
Meek but not weak
Humorous but not hilarious
Friendly but not familiar
Holy but not holier-than-thou
Discerning but not critical
Progressive but not pretentious
Authoritative but not autocratic
Ask God to help you develop in the descriptive words you didn't circle.
Biblical text: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (Matthew 20:26,27)
The following set of contrasting remarks has been offered as a character sketch of a good leader. For a personal challenge, as you read through the list, circle the descriptive words you believe most closely identify you:
Self-reliant but not self-sufficient
Energetic but not self-seeking
Steadfast but not stubborn
Tactful but not timidSerious but not sullen
Loyal but not sectarian
Unmoveable but not stationary
Gentle but not hypersensitive
Tender-hearted but not a perfectionist
Disciplined but not demanding
Generous but not gullible
Meek but not weak
Humorous but not hilarious
Friendly but not familiar
Holy but not holier-than-thou
Discerning but not critical
Progressive but not pretentious
Authoritative but not autocratic
Ask God to help you develop in the descriptive words you didn't circle.
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Circumstance changes perceptions
ignorance is always swift to speak.
Biblical text: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19 NIV).
One of the favourite stories of Arturo Toscanini, the great symphony conductor, was this:
An orchestra was playing Beethoven's Leonore overture, which has two great musical climaxes. Each of these musical high points is followed by a trumpet passage, which the composer intended to be played offstage.The first climax arrived, but no sound came from a trumpet offstage.
The conductor, annoyed, went on to the second musical high point. But again - no trumpet could be heard.
This time, the conductor rushed into the wings, fuming and with every intent of demanding a full explanation. There he found the trumpet player struggling with the house security man who was insisting as he held for dear life onto the man's trumpet, "I tell you, you can't play that trumpet back here! You'll disturb the rehearsal!"
Until you know why someone is acting the way they do, it's better not to criticize him. Until you know who has told him to act, it's better not to attempt to stop him!
Biblical text: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19 NIV).
One of the favourite stories of Arturo Toscanini, the great symphony conductor, was this:
An orchestra was playing Beethoven's Leonore overture, which has two great musical climaxes. Each of these musical high points is followed by a trumpet passage, which the composer intended to be played offstage.The first climax arrived, but no sound came from a trumpet offstage.
The conductor, annoyed, went on to the second musical high point. But again - no trumpet could be heard.
This time, the conductor rushed into the wings, fuming and with every intent of demanding a full explanation. There he found the trumpet player struggling with the house security man who was insisting as he held for dear life onto the man's trumpet, "I tell you, you can't play that trumpet back here! You'll disturb the rehearsal!"
Until you know why someone is acting the way they do, it's better not to criticize him. Until you know who has told him to act, it's better not to attempt to stop him!
Friday, October 6, 2006
Don't let setbacks stop you from reaching your goal.
Failure in people is caused more by lack of determination than lack in talent.
Bible text: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
In 1982, internal-medicine resident Barry Marshall was frustrated that there was no cure for his patients with ulcers. Then, while studying a stomach biopsy, he saw organisms resembling Campylobacter bacteria, first identified by his hospital's pathologist, Dr. J. Robin Warrne. Warren and Marshall studied 100 ulcer patients for a year, and found the bacteria in 87 percent of the cases. Leading specialists, however, insisted the bacteria developed after the specimens were removed. For decades, clinical researchers had concluded that ulcers were based on weak stomach linings. Marshall's bacterial theory was snubbed.
Warren and Marshall cultured the bacteria for observation and found that a combination of bismuth and antibiotics destroyed it. Again, their report was met with scepticism. Marshall reported study after study. Still, doctors refused to conduct clinical trials. Finally, trials began in 1985, four years after Marshall's initial findings. These studies confirmed both Marshall's bacterial theory and his treatment methods.
Because a young internist "wouldn?t accept no" from the medical community, the vast majority of ulcers, and some stomach cancers, can now be treated successfully!
Bible text: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
In 1982, internal-medicine resident Barry Marshall was frustrated that there was no cure for his patients with ulcers. Then, while studying a stomach biopsy, he saw organisms resembling Campylobacter bacteria, first identified by his hospital's pathologist, Dr. J. Robin Warrne. Warren and Marshall studied 100 ulcer patients for a year, and found the bacteria in 87 percent of the cases. Leading specialists, however, insisted the bacteria developed after the specimens were removed. For decades, clinical researchers had concluded that ulcers were based on weak stomach linings. Marshall's bacterial theory was snubbed.
Warren and Marshall cultured the bacteria for observation and found that a combination of bismuth and antibiotics destroyed it. Again, their report was met with scepticism. Marshall reported study after study. Still, doctors refused to conduct clinical trials. Finally, trials began in 1985, four years after Marshall's initial findings. These studies confirmed both Marshall's bacterial theory and his treatment methods.
Because a young internist "wouldn?t accept no" from the medical community, the vast majority of ulcers, and some stomach cancers, can now be treated successfully!
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Focus on the positives and the negatives will look after themselves...
Two things are hard on the heart - running upstairs and running down people.
Biblical text: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).
A faculty member at a university once became very distraught over the weaknesses of a particular administrator with whom he had a negative relationship. He allowed himself to think about the man constantly. Hateful, negative thoughts so preoccupied him that it affected the quality of his relationships with his family, his church, and his colleagues. He finally concluded that he needed to leave and accept a teaching appointment elsewhere.
A friend asked him, "Wouldn't you really prefer to teach at this university, if the man were not here?" "Of course," the man responded, "but as long as he is here, then my staying is too disruptive to everything in life. I have to go."
The friend then asked, "Why have you made this administrator the centre of your life?" As much as the man tried to deny the truth of this, he finally had to admit that he had allowed one individual and his weaknesses to distort his entire view of life. Still, it was not the administrator's doing. It was his own. From that day forward, he focussed on his students and his teaching... and he found new joy in his "old job."
When you concentrate on running down others usually the only one that gets run down is you.
Biblical text: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).
A faculty member at a university once became very distraught over the weaknesses of a particular administrator with whom he had a negative relationship. He allowed himself to think about the man constantly. Hateful, negative thoughts so preoccupied him that it affected the quality of his relationships with his family, his church, and his colleagues. He finally concluded that he needed to leave and accept a teaching appointment elsewhere.
A friend asked him, "Wouldn't you really prefer to teach at this university, if the man were not here?" "Of course," the man responded, "but as long as he is here, then my staying is too disruptive to everything in life. I have to go."
The friend then asked, "Why have you made this administrator the centre of your life?" As much as the man tried to deny the truth of this, he finally had to admit that he had allowed one individual and his weaknesses to distort his entire view of life. Still, it was not the administrator's doing. It was his own. From that day forward, he focussed on his students and his teaching... and he found new joy in his "old job."
When you concentrate on running down others usually the only one that gets run down is you.
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Forgiveness heals the Desire for revenge
The best way to get even is to forget.
Biblical text: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35 NIV).
In his book, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, A. Leonard Griffith tells the story of a young Korean exchange student, a leader in Christian circles at the University of Pennsylvania, who left his apartment on the evening of April 25, 1958, to mail a letter to his parents. As he turned from the mailbox, he was met by eleven leather-jacketed teenage boys. Without a word, they beat him with a blackjack, a lead pipe, and their shoes and fists - and left him lying dead in the gutter.
All Philadelphia cried out for vengeance. The district attorney planned to seek the death penalty for the arrested youth. And then, this letter arrived, signed by the boy's parents and twenty other relatives in Korea: "Our family has met together and we have decided to petition that the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action... In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition, we have decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational, and social guidance of the boys when they are released ... We have dared to express our hope with a spirit received from the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ who died for our sins."
When you forgive it takes you from the place of the victim to that of a victor.
Biblical text: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35 NIV).
In his book, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, A. Leonard Griffith tells the story of a young Korean exchange student, a leader in Christian circles at the University of Pennsylvania, who left his apartment on the evening of April 25, 1958, to mail a letter to his parents. As he turned from the mailbox, he was met by eleven leather-jacketed teenage boys. Without a word, they beat him with a blackjack, a lead pipe, and their shoes and fists - and left him lying dead in the gutter.
All Philadelphia cried out for vengeance. The district attorney planned to seek the death penalty for the arrested youth. And then, this letter arrived, signed by the boy's parents and twenty other relatives in Korea: "Our family has met together and we have decided to petition that the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action... In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition, we have decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational, and social guidance of the boys when they are released ... We have dared to express our hope with a spirit received from the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ who died for our sins."
When you forgive it takes you from the place of the victim to that of a victor.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Forgiving and Forgetting!
When you point the finger at someone, don't forget that there are always three fingers pointing back at you.
Biblical text: Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NIV).
The story is told of a boy and his mother who went to a shopping mall. The boy acted badly - demanding this and that, running away from his mother, hiding so she couldn't find him, whining that he wanted something to eat or drink, interrupting her while she was attempting to talk to sales people or make a purchase. In total exasperation, she finally gave up and returned to the car.
As they were driving home, the boy could sense her displeasure and he said, "I learned last week in church that when we ask God to forgive us when we are bad, He does. Does He really do that?"
The mother replied, "Yes, He does." The boy continued, "And the teacher said that when He forgives us, He throws our sins in the deepest sea. Does He do that, Mom?" The mother responded, "Yes, that's what the Bible says."
The boy was silent for a moment and then he said, "I've asked God to forgive me for acting bad at the mall, but I bet when we get home, you're going to go fishing for those sins, aren't you?"
Surely one of the best ways to avoid a quarrel with a person is to avoid going fishing for their past sins!
Biblical text: Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NIV).
The story is told of a boy and his mother who went to a shopping mall. The boy acted badly - demanding this and that, running away from his mother, hiding so she couldn't find him, whining that he wanted something to eat or drink, interrupting her while she was attempting to talk to sales people or make a purchase. In total exasperation, she finally gave up and returned to the car.
As they were driving home, the boy could sense her displeasure and he said, "I learned last week in church that when we ask God to forgive us when we are bad, He does. Does He really do that?"
The mother replied, "Yes, He does." The boy continued, "And the teacher said that when He forgives us, He throws our sins in the deepest sea. Does He do that, Mom?" The mother responded, "Yes, that's what the Bible says."
The boy was silent for a moment and then he said, "I've asked God to forgive me for acting bad at the mall, but I bet when we get home, you're going to go fishing for those sins, aren't you?"
Surely one of the best ways to avoid a quarrel with a person is to avoid going fishing for their past sins!
Monday, October 2, 2006
Gain Strength from your Adversities!
True faith and courage are like a kite - an opposing wind raises it higher.
Biblical text: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Norma Zimmer, the well known singer for Lawrence Welk, had a difficult childhood as a result of her parents' drinking. Singing was her escape! As a high school senior, Norma was invited to be a featured soloist at the University Christian church in Seattle. When her parents heard she was going to sing a particular song, they both insisted on attending the service. She tells about that morning, "I stole glances at the congregation, trying to find my parents ... then in horror I saw them - weaving down the aisle in a state of disheveled intoxication. They were late. Few empty seats were left... The congregation stared. I don't know how I ever got through that morning."
After she sang and took her seat, her heart pounding and her cheeks burning from embarrassment, the pastor preached: "God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in time of trouble." She says, "My own trouble seemed to bear down on me with tremendous weight... I realised how desperate life in our family was without God, and that day I recommitted my life to Him ... Jesus came into my life not only as Saviour but for daily strength and direction."
Don't let a difficult time box you in. Let it drive you to Jesus.
Biblical text: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Norma Zimmer, the well known singer for Lawrence Welk, had a difficult childhood as a result of her parents' drinking. Singing was her escape! As a high school senior, Norma was invited to be a featured soloist at the University Christian church in Seattle. When her parents heard she was going to sing a particular song, they both insisted on attending the service. She tells about that morning, "I stole glances at the congregation, trying to find my parents ... then in horror I saw them - weaving down the aisle in a state of disheveled intoxication. They were late. Few empty seats were left... The congregation stared. I don't know how I ever got through that morning."
After she sang and took her seat, her heart pounding and her cheeks burning from embarrassment, the pastor preached: "God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in time of trouble." She says, "My own trouble seemed to bear down on me with tremendous weight... I realised how desperate life in our family was without God, and that day I recommitted my life to Him ... Jesus came into my life not only as Saviour but for daily strength and direction."
Don't let a difficult time box you in. Let it drive you to Jesus.
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