Read the whole chapter of Genesis 20.
What we can learn from this is that deception can come just as easily by what you don't say. We can see here a great example of someone trying to stick to the letter of the law while missing the principle behind it entirely.
Someone once said that even "facts" come with interpretations and preconceived ideas. In what less-than-honest ways do you sometimes interpret the "facts"? Might you need to make something right in a case in which you, like Abraham, twisted the facts more by what you neglected to say than by what you actually said?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Learning Patience
Text: Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:8,9 NIV).
Thought: Patience is a quality you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.
A man's car once stalled in heavy Friday evening traffic just as the light turned green. All his efforts to start the engine failed. A chorus of honking rose from the cars behind him.
Feeling just as frustrated as those other drivers eager to get home or to their weekend destinations, he finally got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you."
The person who is chronically impatient rarely makes another person go faster or arrive earlier. Rather, the effects are nearly always negative - to others as well as to the impatient person. Accidents occur more frequently in haste. Ulcers, headaches, and other health problems develop more quickly. And relationships can become more readily strained.
As an antidote for impatience, try giving yourself "ten more minutes." Get up ten minutes earlier every morning, leave ten minutes earlier, arrive ten minutes ahead of schedule, and so forth. You'll likely arrive at the end of the day feeling much more relaxed.
Prayer: Father, I ask You to deliver me from self centredness and transform me into the image of Jesus Christ-Amen.
Thought: Patience is a quality you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.
A man's car once stalled in heavy Friday evening traffic just as the light turned green. All his efforts to start the engine failed. A chorus of honking rose from the cars behind him.
Feeling just as frustrated as those other drivers eager to get home or to their weekend destinations, he finally got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you."
The person who is chronically impatient rarely makes another person go faster or arrive earlier. Rather, the effects are nearly always negative - to others as well as to the impatient person. Accidents occur more frequently in haste. Ulcers, headaches, and other health problems develop more quickly. And relationships can become more readily strained.
As an antidote for impatience, try giving yourself "ten more minutes." Get up ten minutes earlier every morning, leave ten minutes earlier, arrive ten minutes ahead of schedule, and so forth. You'll likely arrive at the end of the day feeling much more relaxed.
Prayer: Father, I ask You to deliver me from self centredness and transform me into the image of Jesus Christ-Amen.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Serving God
Text: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6 NIV).
Thought: Most people wish to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity.
An old poem tells of a woman who was walking through a meadow one day. As she strolled along, meditating on nature, she came upon a field of golden pumpkins. In the corner of the field stood a majestic, huge oak tree.
The woman sat under the oak tree and began musing about the strange twists in nature. Why tiny acorns on huge branches and huge pumpkins on tiny vines. She thought, God blundered with Creation! He should have put the small acorns on the tiny vines and the large pumpkins on the huge branches.
Before long, the woman dozed off in the warmth of the late autumn sunshine. She was awakened when a tiny acorn bounced off her nose. Chuckling to herself, she amended her previous thinking, Maybe God was right after all!
In every situation, God knows far more about the people and circumstances involved than we can ever know. He alone sees the beginning from the ending. He alone knows how to create a Master Plan that provides for the good of all those who serve Him.
Prayer: Father, I place my trust and confidence in You. I surrender my will to You and receive Your joy and peace-Amen.
Thought: Most people wish to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity.
An old poem tells of a woman who was walking through a meadow one day. As she strolled along, meditating on nature, she came upon a field of golden pumpkins. In the corner of the field stood a majestic, huge oak tree.
The woman sat under the oak tree and began musing about the strange twists in nature. Why tiny acorns on huge branches and huge pumpkins on tiny vines. She thought, God blundered with Creation! He should have put the small acorns on the tiny vines and the large pumpkins on the huge branches.
Before long, the woman dozed off in the warmth of the late autumn sunshine. She was awakened when a tiny acorn bounced off her nose. Chuckling to herself, she amended her previous thinking, Maybe God was right after all!
In every situation, God knows far more about the people and circumstances involved than we can ever know. He alone sees the beginning from the ending. He alone knows how to create a Master Plan that provides for the good of all those who serve Him.
Prayer: Father, I place my trust and confidence in You. I surrender my will to You and receive Your joy and peace-Amen.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Work doesn't make a person, relationships do!
No one ever said on his or her deathbed: I wish I had spent more time at work!
Biblical texts: I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. (Ecclesiastes 2:18)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23) Dutch author and priest Henri Nouwen admits in his book "In the Name of Jesus" that he felt as if he was in a "rut" in his life for more than twenty years. Nouwen seemed to have it made, with an outstanding academic resume and a noble field of study. Yet, he said, "As I entered into my fifties, I came face-to face with a simple question, "Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus. After twenty-five years of priesthood, I found myself praying poorly, living somewhat isolated from other people, and very much preoccupied with burning issues, I woke up one day with the realisation that I was living in a very dark place."
Nouwen asked God to show him where He wanted him to go and the Lord made it clear to him that he should leave his prestigious role as a distinguished professor and join the L'Arche communities for mentally handicapped people. In Nouwen's words, "God said, Go and live among the poor in spirit, and they will heal you." So he did. He faced numerous lessons, some painful, a few humiliating, but in all, he learned how to be a humble servant and a compassionate, caring friend. Nouwen came to realise: it's not work that makes a person, but rather, relationships.
Biblical texts: I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. (Ecclesiastes 2:18)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23) Dutch author and priest Henri Nouwen admits in his book "In the Name of Jesus" that he felt as if he was in a "rut" in his life for more than twenty years. Nouwen seemed to have it made, with an outstanding academic resume and a noble field of study. Yet, he said, "As I entered into my fifties, I came face-to face with a simple question, "Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus. After twenty-five years of priesthood, I found myself praying poorly, living somewhat isolated from other people, and very much preoccupied with burning issues, I woke up one day with the realisation that I was living in a very dark place."
Nouwen asked God to show him where He wanted him to go and the Lord made it clear to him that he should leave his prestigious role as a distinguished professor and join the L'Arche communities for mentally handicapped people. In Nouwen's words, "God said, Go and live among the poor in spirit, and they will heal you." So he did. He faced numerous lessons, some painful, a few humiliating, but in all, he learned how to be a humble servant and a compassionate, caring friend. Nouwen came to realise: it's not work that makes a person, but rather, relationships.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
With God, all things are possible!
You can accomplish more in one hour with God than one lifetime without Him.
Biblical Text: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". (Matthew 19:26)
Rachel and Jim owned a commercial building, half of which Jim used for his dental practice. For fifteen years, they had experienced no difficulty in renting out the other half. They counted on the extra income to pay their bills, and then they lost their renter. A real estate agent told them, "Forget about advertising for a while. Absolutely nobody is renting."
To ease her financial worries, Rachel started swimming laps at her local YMCA pool. One day when she was feeling especially anxious, she decided to pray as she swam, using the alphabet to keep track of the number of laps. She focused on adjectives to describe God, starting with the letter A. "You are the almighty God," she prayed on lap one. "A benevolent God, a beautiful God," she prayed on the next lap, and then, "You are a caring, creative, can-do God." By the time she had completed 26 laps, an hour had passed and her fears were gone. She knew God would provide.
A short time later, a physical therapist called to say she had seen the "For Rent" sign in the window and asked to see the office. It was what she wanted. So, she and her partner rented the space. Rachel still prays while swimming laps. "After all," she says, "I've discovered God's goodness stretches from A to Z!"
Biblical Text: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". (Matthew 19:26)
Rachel and Jim owned a commercial building, half of which Jim used for his dental practice. For fifteen years, they had experienced no difficulty in renting out the other half. They counted on the extra income to pay their bills, and then they lost their renter. A real estate agent told them, "Forget about advertising for a while. Absolutely nobody is renting."
To ease her financial worries, Rachel started swimming laps at her local YMCA pool. One day when she was feeling especially anxious, she decided to pray as she swam, using the alphabet to keep track of the number of laps. She focused on adjectives to describe God, starting with the letter A. "You are the almighty God," she prayed on lap one. "A benevolent God, a beautiful God," she prayed on the next lap, and then, "You are a caring, creative, can-do God." By the time she had completed 26 laps, an hour had passed and her fears were gone. She knew God would provide.
A short time later, a physical therapist called to say she had seen the "For Rent" sign in the window and asked to see the office. It was what she wanted. So, she and her partner rented the space. Rachel still prays while swimming laps. "After all," she says, "I've discovered God's goodness stretches from A to Z!"
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Where are you, and where do you want to be?
Laziness and poverty are cousins.
Biblical text: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:33,34)
One day, a grandfather told his grandchildren about his coming to America. He told of the trains and ship that he took from his home in Eastern Europe. He told of being processed at Ellis Island and how he had gone to a cafeteria in lower Manhattan to get something to eat. There, he sat down at an empty table and waited quite some time for someone to take his order. Nobody came. Finally, a woman with a tray full of food sat down opposite him and explained to him how a cafeteria works.
She said, "You start at that end" ? pointing toward a stack of trays ? "and then go along the food line and pick out what you want. At the other end, they'll tell you how much you have to pay."
The grandfather reflected a moment and then said, "I soon learned that's how everything works in America. Life's a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want ? even very great success ? if you are willing to pay the price. But you'll never get what you want if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it yourself."
The difference between where you are and where you want to be can often be summed up in one word: work.
Biblical text: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:33,34)
One day, a grandfather told his grandchildren about his coming to America. He told of the trains and ship that he took from his home in Eastern Europe. He told of being processed at Ellis Island and how he had gone to a cafeteria in lower Manhattan to get something to eat. There, he sat down at an empty table and waited quite some time for someone to take his order. Nobody came. Finally, a woman with a tray full of food sat down opposite him and explained to him how a cafeteria works.
She said, "You start at that end" ? pointing toward a stack of trays ? "and then go along the food line and pick out what you want. At the other end, they'll tell you how much you have to pay."
The grandfather reflected a moment and then said, "I soon learned that's how everything works in America. Life's a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want ? even very great success ? if you are willing to pay the price. But you'll never get what you want if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it yourself."
The difference between where you are and where you want to be can often be summed up in one word: work.
Sunday, November 19, 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:
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:
When Reward Outweighs Recognition?
Thought: Authority makes some people grow and others just swell.
Biblical text: The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11, 12)
Everybody knows of Isaac Newton's famed encounter with a falling apple, and how Newton introduced the laws of gravity and revolutionized astronomical studies. But few know that if it weren't for Edmund Halley, the world may never have heard of Newton. Halley was the one who challenged Newton to think through his original theories. He corrected Newton's mathematical errors and prepared geometrical figures to support his discoveries. It was Halley who coaxed the hesitant Newton to write his great work, "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy." And it was Halley who edited and supervised its publication, financing its printing even though Newton was wealthier and could better afford the cost.
Historians have called Halley's relationship with Newton one of the most selfless examples in science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence; Halley received little credit. He did use the principles Newton developed to predict the orbit and return of a comet that would later bear his name, but since Halley's Comet only returns every 76 years, few hear his name. Still, Halley didn't care who received credit as long as the cause of science was advanced. He was content to live without fame.
Sometimes just the reward of what we are doing far outweighs the recognition we often think we need to have.
Biblical text: The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11, 12)
Everybody knows of Isaac Newton's famed encounter with a falling apple, and how Newton introduced the laws of gravity and revolutionized astronomical studies. But few know that if it weren't for Edmund Halley, the world may never have heard of Newton. Halley was the one who challenged Newton to think through his original theories. He corrected Newton's mathematical errors and prepared geometrical figures to support his discoveries. It was Halley who coaxed the hesitant Newton to write his great work, "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy." And it was Halley who edited and supervised its publication, financing its printing even though Newton was wealthier and could better afford the cost.
Historians have called Halley's relationship with Newton one of the most selfless examples in science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence; Halley received little credit. He did use the principles Newton developed to predict the orbit and return of a comet that would later bear his name, but since Halley's Comet only returns every 76 years, few hear his name. Still, Halley didn't care who received credit as long as the cause of science was advanced. He was content to live without fame.
Sometimes just the reward of what we are doing far outweighs the recognition we often think we need to have.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Unbreakable Bond of Marriage
May our Father be with you always,
Never try to walk alone.
Keep Him in your hearts
And always in your home.
Each night before you rest
As in your bed you lay.
Join close hand in hand
Then begin to pray.
Call upon our Father
To strengthen this bond so tight.
Forgetting all trials and fears
As you hold close every night.
For two that join as one
And never cease each day,
Lifting their prayer to heaven
In this very special way,
Will only see their love increase
Added in every measure,
For two who pray to Our Father
Will always stay together.
Copyright© 2001 Jeffrey Campbell
Never try to walk alone.
Keep Him in your hearts
And always in your home.
Each night before you rest
As in your bed you lay.
Join close hand in hand
Then begin to pray.
Call upon our Father
To strengthen this bond so tight.
Forgetting all trials and fears
As you hold close every night.
For two that join as one
And never cease each day,
Lifting their prayer to heaven
In this very special way,
Will only see their love increase
Added in every measure,
For two who pray to Our Father
Will always stay together.
Copyright© 2001 Jeffrey Campbell
On keeping confidences...
Thought: A shut mouth gathers no foot.
Biblical text: He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NIV).
Constance Cameron tells a lesson her mother taught her. One day, when she was about eight, she was playing beside an open window. Inside, Mrs Brown was confiding a personal problem to Constance's mother. After Mrs Brown had gone, the mother realised that Constance had heard everything that had been said. She called her in and said, "If Mrs Brown had left her purse here today, would we give it to anyone else?"
"Of course not," the girl said. Her mother went on, "Mrs Brown left something more precious than her pocketbook today. She left a story that could make many people unhappy. That story is not ours to give to anyone. It is still hers, even though she left it here. So we shall not give it to anyone. Do you understand?"
She did. And from that day on, whenever a friend would share a confidence or even engage in careless gossip, she considered what they said to be the personal property of the other person - and not hers to give to anyone else.
The old saying bears great truth: "If you don't have something positive to say about someone or something, don't say anything."
Biblical text: He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NIV).
Constance Cameron tells a lesson her mother taught her. One day, when she was about eight, she was playing beside an open window. Inside, Mrs Brown was confiding a personal problem to Constance's mother. After Mrs Brown had gone, the mother realised that Constance had heard everything that had been said. She called her in and said, "If Mrs Brown had left her purse here today, would we give it to anyone else?"
"Of course not," the girl said. Her mother went on, "Mrs Brown left something more precious than her pocketbook today. She left a story that could make many people unhappy. That story is not ours to give to anyone. It is still hers, even though she left it here. So we shall not give it to anyone. Do you understand?"
She did. And from that day on, whenever a friend would share a confidence or even engage in careless gossip, she considered what they said to be the personal property of the other person - and not hers to give to anyone else.
The old saying bears great truth: "If you don't have something positive to say about someone or something, don't say anything."
Death Will End
Thought: Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal.
Bible text: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
I can still remember the night that my sister received the news that changed her life. A neighbor came running to the door and breathlessly told us that a long distance call was waiting for her at grandma's house. We didn't have a telephone yet, so the entire family quickly piled into the car and we rode the half-mile distance with her to grandma's house.
The soft tick-tock of the living room regulator clock was punctuated by my sister's ragged sobs. My mother's soft voice quietly shushed my five-year old inquiries about the terrible event that had occurred. A longtime boyfriend was dead, and my sister could not contain her sorrow. The following weeks were filled with emotion as she struggled to understand why the brave young soldier that she adored was gone. He was a medic in the Vietnam conflict and was mortally wounded while attempting to reach a fallen buddy.
It was then, at the tender age of five, that I realized that death is an indiscriminate dream stealer. My sister's life was profoundly affected, and my own young life was filled with questions that I couldn't seem to answer. One of those questions was, "why did he have to die?" It didn't seem fair. He was young, handsome, and sure seemed to like me whenever I came around him. As small as I was, I still thought he would have made a great brother-in-law, and his loss troubled me.
Why do we lose those we love? Somehow a pat answer like, "because we live in a sinful world" just hasn't brought the closure and peace that I long for. To lose someone that I care about is painful, life altering, and I'm tired of it. I've had my fill of watching people I love pass away, and the only thing that keeps me coping is the thought that someday we'll never have to say goodbye again.
The Bible says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
I may not understand it all now, but I'm strangely comforted to think that someday I will. And when that day comes, death, and all the pain that accompanies it will be a thing of the past.
Bible text: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
I can still remember the night that my sister received the news that changed her life. A neighbor came running to the door and breathlessly told us that a long distance call was waiting for her at grandma's house. We didn't have a telephone yet, so the entire family quickly piled into the car and we rode the half-mile distance with her to grandma's house.
The soft tick-tock of the living room regulator clock was punctuated by my sister's ragged sobs. My mother's soft voice quietly shushed my five-year old inquiries about the terrible event that had occurred. A longtime boyfriend was dead, and my sister could not contain her sorrow. The following weeks were filled with emotion as she struggled to understand why the brave young soldier that she adored was gone. He was a medic in the Vietnam conflict and was mortally wounded while attempting to reach a fallen buddy.
It was then, at the tender age of five, that I realized that death is an indiscriminate dream stealer. My sister's life was profoundly affected, and my own young life was filled with questions that I couldn't seem to answer. One of those questions was, "why did he have to die?" It didn't seem fair. He was young, handsome, and sure seemed to like me whenever I came around him. As small as I was, I still thought he would have made a great brother-in-law, and his loss troubled me.
Why do we lose those we love? Somehow a pat answer like, "because we live in a sinful world" just hasn't brought the closure and peace that I long for. To lose someone that I care about is painful, life altering, and I'm tired of it. I've had my fill of watching people I love pass away, and the only thing that keeps me coping is the thought that someday we'll never have to say goodbye again.
The Bible says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
I may not understand it all now, but I'm strangely comforted to think that someday I will. And when that day comes, death, and all the pain that accompanies it will be a thing of the past.
Saved by Hope
Thought: "In all things it is better to hope than to despair." -Johann Wolfgang van Goethe
Bible text: "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" (Romans 8:24)
We cannot exist without hope. We need something to look forward to. Today's disappointments make us long for better tomorrows.
Success doesn't do away with our need for hope. Even a lifetime of accomplishments and happiness fails to bring complete satisfaction. There must be something more to live for.
This is what prompted the Apostle Paul to say, "we are saved by hope" (Romans 8:24).
The Bible says there is more to life than meets the eye, ". . . the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Life's true success is attained when we learn to place proper value on our houses, vehicles, investments and personal properties. When we do this, we'll realize that all the material things we have are only ours to use temporarily. Sooner or later, we leave them all behind. I once had a neighbor who frequently remarked, "I have yet to see a Brinks truck following a hearse!"
It isn't hard to see why things never bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. We need to make our heaviest investments in those securities that last. Why not consider the following portfolio, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). These lasting enjoyments may be experienced through
(1) trust in God and in His Word, the Bible;
(2) through quality time spent with family and loved ones;
(3) and through a joyful expectation of endless life in the world to come.
These are the only things that endure.
Bible text: "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" (Romans 8:24)
We cannot exist without hope. We need something to look forward to. Today's disappointments make us long for better tomorrows.
Success doesn't do away with our need for hope. Even a lifetime of accomplishments and happiness fails to bring complete satisfaction. There must be something more to live for.
This is what prompted the Apostle Paul to say, "we are saved by hope" (Romans 8:24).
The Bible says there is more to life than meets the eye, ". . . the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Life's true success is attained when we learn to place proper value on our houses, vehicles, investments and personal properties. When we do this, we'll realize that all the material things we have are only ours to use temporarily. Sooner or later, we leave them all behind. I once had a neighbor who frequently remarked, "I have yet to see a Brinks truck following a hearse!"
It isn't hard to see why things never bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. We need to make our heaviest investments in those securities that last. Why not consider the following portfolio, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). These lasting enjoyments may be experienced through
(1) trust in God and in His Word, the Bible;
(2) through quality time spent with family and loved ones;
(3) and through a joyful expectation of endless life in the world to come.
These are the only things that endure.
Integrity and Patience build character
Thought: Reputation is made in a moment: character is built in a lifetime.
Biblical text: I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. (Job 27:6 NIV).
A man once had a friend who was a skilled potter. He often went to watch him at work as he molded the clay into various vessels. One day he asked his friend how he determined what he was going to make. The potter said he had discovered that when he was rested, he tended to make beautiful things, but when he was tired, he made more ordinary vessels for menial uses. As the potter reflected on this, he concluded that when he was relaxed, he had both the ability to focus and the patience to make something beautiful. Often times the process of making a perfect object involved crushing an almost completed vase or bowl back into a lump so that he might start over. Beautiful objects also require that he be much more careful at each stage. When he was tired, by contrast, he was less able to focus, less patient, and thus more apt to make mistakes and more likely to resort to making items that did not demand such precision.
So it is with our lives. Building character takes focus and patience, with attention to detail and an ability to be consistent over time. While God is ultimately our Potter, we also play the role of potter in forming our own character. The more stressed we are, the less likely we are to create a character of beauty.
Biblical text: I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. (Job 27:6 NIV).
A man once had a friend who was a skilled potter. He often went to watch him at work as he molded the clay into various vessels. One day he asked his friend how he determined what he was going to make. The potter said he had discovered that when he was rested, he tended to make beautiful things, but when he was tired, he made more ordinary vessels for menial uses. As the potter reflected on this, he concluded that when he was relaxed, he had both the ability to focus and the patience to make something beautiful. Often times the process of making a perfect object involved crushing an almost completed vase or bowl back into a lump so that he might start over. Beautiful objects also require that he be much more careful at each stage. When he was tired, by contrast, he was less able to focus, less patient, and thus more apt to make mistakes and more likely to resort to making items that did not demand such precision.
So it is with our lives. Building character takes focus and patience, with attention to detail and an ability to be consistent over time. While God is ultimately our Potter, we also play the role of potter in forming our own character. The more stressed we are, the less likely we are to create a character of beauty.
How to deal with 'know-it-all' people
Thought: The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues with him.
Biblical text: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse." (Proverbs 9:7)
When Charles Spurgeon was still a boy preacher, he was warned about a certain woman with a reputation for being extremely quarrelsome. He was told that she intended to give him a tongue-lashing the moment she saw him next.
Spurgeon said, "All right, but that's a game two can play."
Shortly thereafter she met him and began to assault him with a flood of verbal abuse. He simply smiled back at her and said, "Oh, yes, thank you. I am quite well. Thank you for asking. I hope you are the same."
His remarks were followed by another tirade of know-it-all comments - this time voiced at a slightly higher volume. He responded again, smiling quietly, "Yes, it does look rather as if it might rain. I think I had better be getting on."
"Bless the man!" the woman exclaimed and then concluded, "He?s as deaf as a post. What?s the use of storming at him!"
Never again did she assault Spurgeon with her arguments. And never did he tell her what he had done! There's no point in arguing with know-it-all people. Better to let them have their say and walk on.
Biblical text: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse." (Proverbs 9:7)
When Charles Spurgeon was still a boy preacher, he was warned about a certain woman with a reputation for being extremely quarrelsome. He was told that she intended to give him a tongue-lashing the moment she saw him next.
Spurgeon said, "All right, but that's a game two can play."
Shortly thereafter she met him and began to assault him with a flood of verbal abuse. He simply smiled back at her and said, "Oh, yes, thank you. I am quite well. Thank you for asking. I hope you are the same."
His remarks were followed by another tirade of know-it-all comments - this time voiced at a slightly higher volume. He responded again, smiling quietly, "Yes, it does look rather as if it might rain. I think I had better be getting on."
"Bless the man!" the woman exclaimed and then concluded, "He?s as deaf as a post. What?s the use of storming at him!"
Never again did she assault Spurgeon with her arguments. And never did he tell her what he had done! There's no point in arguing with know-it-all people. Better to let them have their say and walk on.
oh my sweet teeth!
i can never forget this couple of days after i've had underwent my first surgical extraction of my right upper and lower molars better known as "wisdom teeth".
to tell u honestly, i couldn't do it the first time i saw my oral surgeon.why on earth will he begin with statements concerning complications? it made me doubt of his skills and capabilities...but after talking to my mahal and to the assistant who never leaves me, i was convinced that he was just telling me what conditions i have to expect after the operation.
It lasted for like 30-40 minutes for both of them and haven't exactly figured out it was done already...i was quite surprised it ended sooner as i expected. my right cheeks seemed bloated and i realized later, my teeth socket is bleeding so much...ssscarrrry!!!! grrrrrrr!
I really prayed a lot it would stop soon but it lasts for about 12 hours i think..the first few hours is really bothering me, very uncomfortable as the lower socket continued to bleed longer than i could bare. I could have gone to the doctor but i didn't. what i could remember is i whispered so many prayers and i believe it soothes me like a calm sea.
Now, its exactly 42 hours, 2 days, right? after that disturbing moments... im not petrified anymore...i am reassured by the tender-loving care given to me by my mahal...thank you so much mahal :) u made my day so wonderful even in my eerie moments... thank u also to ate amore, leah, macel, cathy and all of u who called me and keep in touch with me this moments of my life. It made me treasure ur friendship so much more than u could think of!
Please Lord comfort me as i go thru this healing process!
November 17, 2006 at 03:47 AM Permalink Comments (0)
to tell u honestly, i couldn't do it the first time i saw my oral surgeon.why on earth will he begin with statements concerning complications? it made me doubt of his skills and capabilities...but after talking to my mahal and to the assistant who never leaves me, i was convinced that he was just telling me what conditions i have to expect after the operation.
It lasted for like 30-40 minutes for both of them and haven't exactly figured out it was done already...i was quite surprised it ended sooner as i expected. my right cheeks seemed bloated and i realized later, my teeth socket is bleeding so much...ssscarrrry!!!! grrrrrrr!
I really prayed a lot it would stop soon but it lasts for about 12 hours i think..the first few hours is really bothering me, very uncomfortable as the lower socket continued to bleed longer than i could bare. I could have gone to the doctor but i didn't. what i could remember is i whispered so many prayers and i believe it soothes me like a calm sea.
Now, its exactly 42 hours, 2 days, right? after that disturbing moments... im not petrified anymore...i am reassured by the tender-loving care given to me by my mahal...thank you so much mahal :) u made my day so wonderful even in my eerie moments... thank u also to ate amore, leah, macel, cathy and all of u who called me and keep in touch with me this moments of my life. It made me treasure ur friendship so much more than u could think of!
Please Lord comfort me as i go thru this healing process!
November 17, 2006 at 03:47 AM Permalink Comments (0)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
When communication isn't the answer...
Thought: He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard deserves to be kicked by the foot.
Biblical text: A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. (Proverbs 18:6 NIV).
What must surely be one of the most frustrating conversations in history was reported in Theatre Arts magazine. A subscriber, desiring to report on a particular upcoming event in his community, dialled "Information" to get the magazine's telephone number.
The operator drawled, "Sorry, but there is nobody listed by the name of 'Theodore Arts.'"
The subscriber insisted: "It's not a person; it's a publication. I want Theatre Arts."
The operator responded, this time a little louder. "I told you, we have no listing for Theodore Arts in this city. Perhaps he lives in another city."
By now the subscriber was thoroughly peeved. "Confound it, the word is Theatre: T-H-E-A-T-R-E!"
The operator came back with certainty in her voice, "That's not the way to spell Theodore."
Sometimes there's just no communicating with someone who refuses to hear you, who seems unwilling to understand your point of view, or who simply "doesn't get" what you are trying to say. Rather than give that person a real kick, however, better to hang up and try dialling someone who can hear you and does understand!
Biblical text: A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. (Proverbs 18:6 NIV).
What must surely be one of the most frustrating conversations in history was reported in Theatre Arts magazine. A subscriber, desiring to report on a particular upcoming event in his community, dialled "Information" to get the magazine's telephone number.
The operator drawled, "Sorry, but there is nobody listed by the name of 'Theodore Arts.'"
The subscriber insisted: "It's not a person; it's a publication. I want Theatre Arts."
The operator responded, this time a little louder. "I told you, we have no listing for Theodore Arts in this city. Perhaps he lives in another city."
By now the subscriber was thoroughly peeved. "Confound it, the word is Theatre: T-H-E-A-T-R-E!"
The operator came back with certainty in her voice, "That's not the way to spell Theodore."
Sometimes there's just no communicating with someone who refuses to hear you, who seems unwilling to understand your point of view, or who simply "doesn't get" what you are trying to say. Rather than give that person a real kick, however, better to hang up and try dialling someone who can hear you and does understand!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Walking the walk, or talking the talk?
Thought: In order to receive the direction from God you must be able to receive the correction from God.
Biblical text: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son."
As a professional stock-car racer, Darrell Waltrip was once proud of his image as "the guy folks loved to hate." When crowds booed, he'd just kick the dirt and smile. Then things began to change. He miraculously survived a Daytona 500 crash. He began going to church with his wife, Stevie. He and Stevie began to try to have a family. Stevie, however, suffered four miscarriages.
One day their pastor came to visit. He asked, "Your car is sponsored by a beer company. Is that the image you want?" Darrell had never thought about it. He had always loved watching kids admire his car, but the more he thought about it, he discovered that he did care about his image. He thought, if Stevie's and my prayers were answered for a child what kind of dad would I be? He remembered his pastor's admonition to "walk the walk, not just talk the talk."
He didn't know what to do to convince the car owner to change sponsors, but amazingly, an opportunity opened for him to sign with a new racing team sponsored by a laundry detergent company! After much thought and more prayer, he switched teams. Two years later, daughter Jessica was born, and a few years later, daughter Sarah. In 1989, he won Daytona.
Biblical text: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son."
As a professional stock-car racer, Darrell Waltrip was once proud of his image as "the guy folks loved to hate." When crowds booed, he'd just kick the dirt and smile. Then things began to change. He miraculously survived a Daytona 500 crash. He began going to church with his wife, Stevie. He and Stevie began to try to have a family. Stevie, however, suffered four miscarriages.
One day their pastor came to visit. He asked, "Your car is sponsored by a beer company. Is that the image you want?" Darrell had never thought about it. He had always loved watching kids admire his car, but the more he thought about it, he discovered that he did care about his image. He thought, if Stevie's and my prayers were answered for a child what kind of dad would I be? He remembered his pastor's admonition to "walk the walk, not just talk the talk."
He didn't know what to do to convince the car owner to change sponsors, but amazingly, an opportunity opened for him to sign with a new racing team sponsored by a laundry detergent company! After much thought and more prayer, he switched teams. Two years later, daughter Jessica was born, and a few years later, daughter Sarah. In 1989, he won Daytona.
Monday, November 13, 2006
To be active does not mean to be productive
Thought: Don't mistake activity for achievement. Busyness does not equal productiveness.
Biblical text: "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had been made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:40-42)
In April 1973, the Park Centre YMCA in Midland, Texas, USA, asked for volunteers to help repair seventeen run-down homes in the city. The effort was so successful that Midlanders made it an annual event. After volunteers had completed repairs on one home, the owner opened her front door and exclaimed, "It's just like Christmas in April." The name stuck."
Christmas in April" has not only made hundreds of homes more liveable in this West Texas oil town, but it helped bring the city together. Men and women, young and old, black, Hispanic, and white volunteers build community spirit as they scrape, caulk, plaster, paint, hammer, and roof together. Said one volunteer, "It's a blessing to us as well as to those we help. There's no better way to get to know someone than to sit up on a roof with him or her all day."
One year 398 gallons of paint, 600 pounds of nails, 224 squares of roofing materials, 60 doors, and $10,000 of lumber were used to repair 84 homes.
Midlanders have learned how to be both busy and productive by pulling together to help others. In most instances of our lives, work need not be left undone or goals sacrificed. Priorities simply need to be realigned.
Biblical text: "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had been made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:40-42)
In April 1973, the Park Centre YMCA in Midland, Texas, USA, asked for volunteers to help repair seventeen run-down homes in the city. The effort was so successful that Midlanders made it an annual event. After volunteers had completed repairs on one home, the owner opened her front door and exclaimed, "It's just like Christmas in April." The name stuck."
Christmas in April" has not only made hundreds of homes more liveable in this West Texas oil town, but it helped bring the city together. Men and women, young and old, black, Hispanic, and white volunteers build community spirit as they scrape, caulk, plaster, paint, hammer, and roof together. Said one volunteer, "It's a blessing to us as well as to those we help. There's no better way to get to know someone than to sit up on a roof with him or her all day."
One year 398 gallons of paint, 600 pounds of nails, 224 squares of roofing materials, 60 doors, and $10,000 of lumber were used to repair 84 homes.
Midlanders have learned how to be both busy and productive by pulling together to help others. In most instances of our lives, work need not be left undone or goals sacrificed. Priorities simply need to be realigned.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
There is a difference between "good" and "great" !
Thought: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Biblical text: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Charles F. Kettering, a noted scientist and inventor, believed that the easiest way to overcome defeat was simply to ignore completely the possibility of failure and to keep forging ahead.
He once gave an address to Denison University on this theme. He told how he had once given a tough project assignment to a young researcher worker in a laboratory at General Motors. He wanted to see how the man would react to a difficult problem so he kept from him notes about the project that had been filed in the lab's library. These notes, written by expert researchers, included various sets of statistics and formulas that proved the assignment the young man had been given was impossible to do.
The young researcher worker set his mind to the project, and worked virtually night and day for weeks. He refused to give up or think the project impossible. One day he came confidently to Kettering to show his work. He had succeeded in doing the impossible!
A little extra time?a little extra effort?a little extra care?a little extra attention sometimes makes all the difference between success and failure, and not only that, but the difference between good and great.
Biblical text: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Charles F. Kettering, a noted scientist and inventor, believed that the easiest way to overcome defeat was simply to ignore completely the possibility of failure and to keep forging ahead.
He once gave an address to Denison University on this theme. He told how he had once given a tough project assignment to a young researcher worker in a laboratory at General Motors. He wanted to see how the man would react to a difficult problem so he kept from him notes about the project that had been filed in the lab's library. These notes, written by expert researchers, included various sets of statistics and formulas that proved the assignment the young man had been given was impossible to do.
The young researcher worker set his mind to the project, and worked virtually night and day for weeks. He refused to give up or think the project impossible. One day he came confidently to Kettering to show his work. He had succeeded in doing the impossible!
A little extra time?a little extra effort?a little extra care?a little extra attention sometimes makes all the difference between success and failure, and not only that, but the difference between good and great.
There is much value in the present!
Thought: Time is more valuable than money because time is irreplaceable.
Biblical text: "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16)
How many times have we said, or heard others say, "Not to worry. I'll do it tomorrow." Sometimes people put off doing today what they know or want to do because they don't think they know enough or can perform well enough. The fact is, there is no "magic age" at which excellence emerges or quality surfaces.
Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was 26 when he wrote "Poor Richard's Almanac". Charles Dickens was 24 when he began his "Pickwick Papers" and 25 when he wrote "Oliver Twist". Isaac Newton was 24 when he formulated the law of gravitation.
A second danger is to think that creativity and invention belong to the young. This is equally untrue! Emmanuel Kant wrote his finest philosophical works at age 74. Verdi at 80 produced "Falstaff" and at 85, "Ave Maria". Goethe was 80 when he completed "Faust". Tennyson was 80 when he wrote "Crossing the Bar" and Michelangelo completed his greatest work at 87. At 90, Justice Holmes was still writing brilliant "Supreme Court Opinions".
Seize the day! Redeem the "now" moments of your life.
The moment you wait for may never arrive. The moment once past will never return.
Biblical text: "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16)
How many times have we said, or heard others say, "Not to worry. I'll do it tomorrow." Sometimes people put off doing today what they know or want to do because they don't think they know enough or can perform well enough. The fact is, there is no "magic age" at which excellence emerges or quality surfaces.
Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was 26 when he wrote "Poor Richard's Almanac". Charles Dickens was 24 when he began his "Pickwick Papers" and 25 when he wrote "Oliver Twist". Isaac Newton was 24 when he formulated the law of gravitation.
A second danger is to think that creativity and invention belong to the young. This is equally untrue! Emmanuel Kant wrote his finest philosophical works at age 74. Verdi at 80 produced "Falstaff" and at 85, "Ave Maria". Goethe was 80 when he completed "Faust". Tennyson was 80 when he wrote "Crossing the Bar" and Michelangelo completed his greatest work at 87. At 90, Justice Holmes was still writing brilliant "Supreme Court Opinions".
Seize the day! Redeem the "now" moments of your life.
The moment you wait for may never arrive. The moment once past will never return.
Where Are the Nine?
Thought: Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Bible text: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
One day Jesus healed ten men of the dreaded, wasting disease of leprosy. As soon as they were healed, they took off running. Running to get back home to family and friends, and good home cooking. You see, they had been quarantined as social outcasts for a long time. As they ran, one of the men suddenly realized he had forgotten to thank his Healer. He turned around, ran back to Jesus, fell down at Jesus' feet and gave thanks.
Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17) Jesus shared human nature. He felt the ingratitude. Only one out of the ten came back to thank Him.
The Unthankful Majority
Most people are unthankful. They don’t mean to be. It just seems to come naturally. We all appreciate the blessings and favors God and others give us. We just don’t say "Thank you" often enough.
Chances are, you won’t be thanked for most of the things you do in this life. Just as Jesus wasn’t thanked by most of those men who were healed. But Jesus healed them anyway. And Jesus is our example in all things.
Being thankful tells a lot about a person’s character. It tells us if that person is courteous, kind and thoughtful. It shows even more. It shows if that person can be trusted with more blessings and favors.
Bible text: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
One day Jesus healed ten men of the dreaded, wasting disease of leprosy. As soon as they were healed, they took off running. Running to get back home to family and friends, and good home cooking. You see, they had been quarantined as social outcasts for a long time. As they ran, one of the men suddenly realized he had forgotten to thank his Healer. He turned around, ran back to Jesus, fell down at Jesus' feet and gave thanks.
Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17) Jesus shared human nature. He felt the ingratitude. Only one out of the ten came back to thank Him.
The Unthankful Majority
Most people are unthankful. They don’t mean to be. It just seems to come naturally. We all appreciate the blessings and favors God and others give us. We just don’t say "Thank you" often enough.
Chances are, you won’t be thanked for most of the things you do in this life. Just as Jesus wasn’t thanked by most of those men who were healed. But Jesus healed them anyway. And Jesus is our example in all things.
Being thankful tells a lot about a person’s character. It tells us if that person is courteous, kind and thoughtful. It shows even more. It shows if that person can be trusted with more blessings and favors.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Winning Life's Race
Thought: "...human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." Lee Iaccoa
Bible text: "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4,5.
Nike wants us to believe that having the right shoes will make us winners. We can overcome any obstacle with the right equipment and the right attitude.
Attitude comes from what we believe. Belief is a powerful force. The mind is a powerful force. If I believe in something or someone strong enough, it can have an effect.
What are you thinking?
Some say the mind can either help us heal or help us die. It all depends on what we think and what we believe. Studies show that those with positive attitudes heal much quicker than those with poor attitudes. The same is true for those who approach business, marriage, finances, etc with a positive attitude. Winners believe they are winners before it actually comes true.
Nike is right about one thing. “Nike” is what overcomes the world. Not the shoe, but the “Nike” name. It’s a Greek word that means “victory.” It is used only once in the New Testament and it’s found in a powerful verse about overcoming the world. The verse tells us who overcomes the world and what overcomes the world.
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory (nike) that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4,5).
Bible text: "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4,5.
Nike wants us to believe that having the right shoes will make us winners. We can overcome any obstacle with the right equipment and the right attitude.
Attitude comes from what we believe. Belief is a powerful force. The mind is a powerful force. If I believe in something or someone strong enough, it can have an effect.
What are you thinking?
Some say the mind can either help us heal or help us die. It all depends on what we think and what we believe. Studies show that those with positive attitudes heal much quicker than those with poor attitudes. The same is true for those who approach business, marriage, finances, etc with a positive attitude. Winners believe they are winners before it actually comes true.
Nike is right about one thing. “Nike” is what overcomes the world. Not the shoe, but the “Nike” name. It’s a Greek word that means “victory.” It is used only once in the New Testament and it’s found in a powerful verse about overcoming the world. The verse tells us who overcomes the world and what overcomes the world.
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory (nike) that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4,5).
Our Response
Are you like the man in the Bible who came back and thanked Jesus? Or like the majority who kept on running? We all need to be programmed by default to be more thankful. And to remember to tell others, especially those closest to us how much they are loved and appreciated. Let’s ask God to give us a gratitude attitude, not just during holiday seasons or on special occasions, but every day.
God gave Jesus to make possible our healing from a terminal disease–the disease of sin. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
God gave Jesus to make possible our healing from a terminal disease–the disease of sin. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Friday, November 10, 2006
Drain and Fill
Thought: "Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty." Frank Herbert
Bible text: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces the fruit of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" Hebrews 12:11
Growing up my father owned a gas station and my two brothers and myself spent a lot of time down there filling cars up with gas and doing other odd jobs. Although both of my brothers were quite talented around cars, everything that I touched seemed to turn into utter catastrophe.
Case in point. One time my dad was his usual frustrated self toward me and in almost utter despair told me to go outside and fill "it" up with water. When I arrived at the car I was confronted with a totally dumbfounding choice. On the one hand there was an empty car radiator that my father had just drained and needed to be filled. Right in front of the car there was also a half-filled can of gasoline.
Well of course I dared not ask my father which one to fill up so I decided to put water in the gas can. A couple of minutes later my dad came out and looked at the still empty radiator and asked why I didn't fill it up. His frustration knew no bounds when I meekly explained that I had put the water in the gas can. Needless to say, he didn't entrust me with any heavy responsibilities for the rest of the day.
Bible text: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces the fruit of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" Hebrews 12:11
Growing up my father owned a gas station and my two brothers and myself spent a lot of time down there filling cars up with gas and doing other odd jobs. Although both of my brothers were quite talented around cars, everything that I touched seemed to turn into utter catastrophe.
Case in point. One time my dad was his usual frustrated self toward me and in almost utter despair told me to go outside and fill "it" up with water. When I arrived at the car I was confronted with a totally dumbfounding choice. On the one hand there was an empty car radiator that my father had just drained and needed to be filled. Right in front of the car there was also a half-filled can of gasoline.
Well of course I dared not ask my father which one to fill up so I decided to put water in the gas can. A couple of minutes later my dad came out and looked at the still empty radiator and asked why I didn't fill it up. His frustration knew no bounds when I meekly explained that I had put the water in the gas can. Needless to say, he didn't entrust me with any heavy responsibilities for the rest of the day.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Draining of the heart
Luke 11:13 tells us that the Father in heaven really wants to fill us with His Holy Spirit. But just as water ruins gas, so our sinful hearts will ruin the work of the Spirit in our lives. Therefore, before God fills us with His Spirit, the vessel of the human heart must be drained of sin and self. This draining of the heart is often a painful, but ultimately, fruitful process: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces the fruit of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).
Just as it would make no sense to change your car's oil without draining the old oil out first, God is waiting with wrench in hand to remove the drain plug and replenish our hearts with the fresh oil of His Spirit. Drain and fill. May we all be willing to empty our hearts so God's Spirit can fill us with wisdom and power from above.
Just as it would make no sense to change your car's oil without draining the old oil out first, God is waiting with wrench in hand to remove the drain plug and replenish our hearts with the fresh oil of His Spirit. Drain and fill. May we all be willing to empty our hearts so God's Spirit can fill us with wisdom and power from above.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
When to Believe
Thought: "The things you can see are fleeting; The things you cannot see are real."
Bible text: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Modern-day miracles and supernatural events surround us. Mobbed with tabloid stories of alien abductions, UFO sightings and and many popular T.V. shows that chillingly thrill viewers with storylines built around communicating with the dead, we are deadened to amazing and unexplained happenings by over-exposure to tales of the fantastic.
When reports of a Y2K catastrophe began to circulate in 1999, millions of people stocked their pantries with bottled water and canned food. Fears of a worldwide bird flu epidemic have people hoarding expensive and unproven antibiotics. The world has been haunted by terrorist attacks giving reign to paranoia and uncertainty.
We are quick to accept as true modern myths and terrifying news reports while at the same time we shake our heads at some of the more fantastic Bible stories. What makes it easier to fear mosquitoes than believe a Man could feed a crowd with one small boy's lunch?
Skepticism is a worldwide epidemic. Faith and acceptance wane while confusion and disbelief grow. Christians are ridiculed for trusting in God's power while the media hails modern scientific accomplishments as miracles. It's as though belief in the unproven is child's play.
Bible text: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Modern-day miracles and supernatural events surround us. Mobbed with tabloid stories of alien abductions, UFO sightings and and many popular T.V. shows that chillingly thrill viewers with storylines built around communicating with the dead, we are deadened to amazing and unexplained happenings by over-exposure to tales of the fantastic.
When reports of a Y2K catastrophe began to circulate in 1999, millions of people stocked their pantries with bottled water and canned food. Fears of a worldwide bird flu epidemic have people hoarding expensive and unproven antibiotics. The world has been haunted by terrorist attacks giving reign to paranoia and uncertainty.
We are quick to accept as true modern myths and terrifying news reports while at the same time we shake our heads at some of the more fantastic Bible stories. What makes it easier to fear mosquitoes than believe a Man could feed a crowd with one small boy's lunch?
Skepticism is a worldwide epidemic. Faith and acceptance wane while confusion and disbelief grow. Christians are ridiculed for trusting in God's power while the media hails modern scientific accomplishments as miracles. It's as though belief in the unproven is child's play.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
What can I believe?
Miracles should be the great faith builders of Christianity, but the world has turned doubt of the supernatural into a reason to question the existence of a loving God.
Faith was an issue even in Christ's day. In the midst of a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks His terrified disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Even after spending years at His side, their reply was, "Who is This? Even the wind and the waves obey Him" (Mark 4:40 NIV).
Hebrews 11 is known as the chapter of faith. According to the first verse of Hebrews, "To have faith means to be confident of the things we hope for and to be sure of the things we can't see," (Clear Word Bible). More than this, Hebrews 11:6 explains that the faithful not only believe God exists but that God rewards those who seek and believe.
Not everything can be scientifically proven; therefore, faith is a necessary part of a Christian's walk. While solid proof is reassuring, there are rewards to believing the unseen and coming to understand and accept the unknowable. Having a faith in a God who is bigger than our fears and stronger than our cynical side eases our daily walk and gives us strength to live through uncertain times.
Faith was an issue even in Christ's day. In the midst of a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks His terrified disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Even after spending years at His side, their reply was, "Who is This? Even the wind and the waves obey Him" (Mark 4:40 NIV).
Hebrews 11 is known as the chapter of faith. According to the first verse of Hebrews, "To have faith means to be confident of the things we hope for and to be sure of the things we can't see," (Clear Word Bible). More than this, Hebrews 11:6 explains that the faithful not only believe God exists but that God rewards those who seek and believe.
Not everything can be scientifically proven; therefore, faith is a necessary part of a Christian's walk. While solid proof is reassuring, there are rewards to believing the unseen and coming to understand and accept the unknowable. Having a faith in a God who is bigger than our fears and stronger than our cynical side eases our daily walk and gives us strength to live through uncertain times.
Monday, November 6, 2006
Come On In
Thought: "The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the other person finds an excuse."
Bible text: "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is". Psalm 34:8
Jesus said that coming to God is like coming to dinner. To show what He meant, He told this story:
“There was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servants to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’ Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses” Luke 14:15-18.
An excuse is what a person makes when he or she doesn’t want to do something, but doesn’t have a reason. After all, why would people not want to come to a big dinner, especially when the meal is free? Simple. They’re not hungry; at least not for the kind of food being served, or they don’t care for the type of people at the dinner. Dinner is more than just food. It’s fellowship and togetherness between family and friends. In this case, it’s the people who make up the followers of God.
The host figured, “If I make the dinner, they will come.” But they didn’t. So he told his servant, “Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here. The servant reported back, ‘Master I did what you commanded–and there’s still room.’ The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full” Luke 14:21-23!
Bible text: "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is". Psalm 34:8
Jesus said that coming to God is like coming to dinner. To show what He meant, He told this story:
“There was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servants to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’ Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses” Luke 14:15-18.
An excuse is what a person makes when he or she doesn’t want to do something, but doesn’t have a reason. After all, why would people not want to come to a big dinner, especially when the meal is free? Simple. They’re not hungry; at least not for the kind of food being served, or they don’t care for the type of people at the dinner. Dinner is more than just food. It’s fellowship and togetherness between family and friends. In this case, it’s the people who make up the followers of God.
The host figured, “If I make the dinner, they will come.” But they didn’t. So he told his servant, “Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here. The servant reported back, ‘Master I did what you commanded–and there’s still room.’ The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full” Luke 14:21-23!
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Looking for hungry people
You see, the host wanted those at his dinner who really wanted to be there. People who were really hungry. The Bible says, “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat” Matthew 5:6.
God’s dinner would not appeal to someone whose appetite has already been satisfied with lollipops and other things. Things like making a lot of money, owning a new house or car, or watching the latest movies.
Then, there are others who are so satisfied with God, that they would rather give up anything rather than miss out on God. God has to be real. All those who love God and like being with him, can’t just be imagining their hunger is satisfied.
God says, “There’s still room. I want my house full!” Why not accept God’s invitation: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is” Psalm 34:8!
God’s dinner would not appeal to someone whose appetite has already been satisfied with lollipops and other things. Things like making a lot of money, owning a new house or car, or watching the latest movies.
Then, there are others who are so satisfied with God, that they would rather give up anything rather than miss out on God. God has to be real. All those who love God and like being with him, can’t just be imagining their hunger is satisfied.
God says, “There’s still room. I want my house full!” Why not accept God’s invitation: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is” Psalm 34:8!
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Share in the listening...
Thought: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Bible text: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 NIV).
Although the North American Indians had no written alphabet before they met the white man, their language was anything but primitive. The vocabulary of many Indian languages was as large as that of their French and English conquerors. Often, their expressions were far more eloquent. In an Indian tongue, for example, the concept for the word friend is beautifully stated as "one-who-carries-my-sorrows-on-his-back."
A friend or family member who comes to you for solace ... or even claiming to be seeking advice ... very often wants nothing more than your presence, your listening ear, and your quiet caring of sorrows. A young man discovered this shortly after his marriage. His wife frequently came home from her job telling of the woes of her day. His response was to offer suggestions and give solutions. His wife finally said to him, "I've already solved the problems of the day." The husband asked, perplexed, "Then why are you telling me about them?" She replied, "I don't need Mr Fixit. I need a loving ear."
The friend who provides both physical and emotional shelter is a true haven, one who helps another weather a storm in safety
Bible text: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 NIV).
Although the North American Indians had no written alphabet before they met the white man, their language was anything but primitive. The vocabulary of many Indian languages was as large as that of their French and English conquerors. Often, their expressions were far more eloquent. In an Indian tongue, for example, the concept for the word friend is beautifully stated as "one-who-carries-my-sorrows-on-his-back."
A friend or family member who comes to you for solace ... or even claiming to be seeking advice ... very often wants nothing more than your presence, your listening ear, and your quiet caring of sorrows. A young man discovered this shortly after his marriage. His wife frequently came home from her job telling of the woes of her day. His response was to offer suggestions and give solutions. His wife finally said to him, "I've already solved the problems of the day." The husband asked, perplexed, "Then why are you telling me about them?" She replied, "I don't need Mr Fixit. I need a loving ear."
The friend who provides both physical and emotional shelter is a true haven, one who helps another weather a storm in safety
Friday, November 3, 2006
Stand up, be strong!
thought: If you don?t stand for something you?ll fall for anything!
Biblical text: If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9
As legend has it, a just and good man went to Sodom one day, hoping to save the city from God's judgment. He tried talking to first one individual and then the next, but nobody would engage in conversation with him.
Next, he tried carrying a picket sign that had "Repent" written on it in large letters. Nobody paid any attention to his sign after an initial glance.
Finally he began going from street to street and from marketplace to marketplace, shouting loudly, "Men and women, repent! What you are doing is wrong. It will kill you! It will destroy you!"
The people laughed at him, but still he went about shouting. One day, a person stopped him and said, "Stranger, can?t you see that your shouting is useless?" The man replied, "Yes, I see that." The person then asked, "So why do you continue?"
The man said, "When I arrived in this city, I was convinced that I could change them. Now I continue shouting because I don?t want them to change me."S
peak out for those things you believe to be true and good. If you remain silent, others may take your silence as agreement with their position-which may not be at all what you believe.
Biblical text: If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9
As legend has it, a just and good man went to Sodom one day, hoping to save the city from God's judgment. He tried talking to first one individual and then the next, but nobody would engage in conversation with him.
Next, he tried carrying a picket sign that had "Repent" written on it in large letters. Nobody paid any attention to his sign after an initial glance.
Finally he began going from street to street and from marketplace to marketplace, shouting loudly, "Men and women, repent! What you are doing is wrong. It will kill you! It will destroy you!"
The people laughed at him, but still he went about shouting. One day, a person stopped him and said, "Stranger, can?t you see that your shouting is useless?" The man replied, "Yes, I see that." The person then asked, "So why do you continue?"
The man said, "When I arrived in this city, I was convinced that I could change them. Now I continue shouting because I don?t want them to change me."S
peak out for those things you believe to be true and good. If you remain silent, others may take your silence as agreement with their position-which may not be at all what you believe.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Sibling Rivalry
Thought: A man is never in worse company than when he flies into a rage and is beside himself.
Bible text: A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated. (Proverbs 14:17 NIV).
A little girl was once in a very bad mood. She took her frustration out on her younger brother, at first just teasing him, but eventually, punching him, pulling his hair, and kicking him in the shins. The boy could take it all - and even dish back a few blows - until the kicking began. That hurt! And he went crying to his mother, complaining about what his sister had done.
The mother came to the little girl and said, "Mary, why have you let Satan put it into your heart to pull your brother's hair and kick his shins?"
The little girl thought it over for a moment and then answered, "Well, Mother, maybe Satan did put it into my heart to pull Tommy's hair... but kicking his shins was my own idea."
All the evil in the world doesn't come from direct satanic involvement. Much of it comes from the heart of man. What we do with our anger, feelings of hatred, and frustrations is subject to our will. We can choose how we will respond to stress, or to the behaviour of others. Our challenge is to govern our emotions; otherwise, they will rule in tyranny over us.
Bible text: A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated. (Proverbs 14:17 NIV).
A little girl was once in a very bad mood. She took her frustration out on her younger brother, at first just teasing him, but eventually, punching him, pulling his hair, and kicking him in the shins. The boy could take it all - and even dish back a few blows - until the kicking began. That hurt! And he went crying to his mother, complaining about what his sister had done.
The mother came to the little girl and said, "Mary, why have you let Satan put it into your heart to pull your brother's hair and kick his shins?"
The little girl thought it over for a moment and then answered, "Well, Mother, maybe Satan did put it into my heart to pull Tommy's hair... but kicking his shins was my own idea."
All the evil in the world doesn't come from direct satanic involvement. Much of it comes from the heart of man. What we do with our anger, feelings of hatred, and frustrations is subject to our will. We can choose how we will respond to stress, or to the behaviour of others. Our challenge is to govern our emotions; otherwise, they will rule in tyranny over us.
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