Saturday, July 31, 1999
Someone’s Dissertation On “Mean Mom”
We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.
Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds.
Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16. Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other’s property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things other kids did.
Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays.
Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that is what’s wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms anymore.
-contributed by Marv Nelson
Friday, July 30, 1999
I walked past the lady in the grocery store distributing free samples of pizza. She asked; “Would you like to sample ABC brand of pizza? It’s on sale this week for $XX.” The product is demonstrated, introduced, served and sampled in seconds.
Perhaps Christians could learn from this; demonstrate Christ by your life, introduce Christ to the lost, serve Christ with identifiable passion and sample Christ by the evidence of your actions toward others.
The difference is that in the store this is accomplished in seconds. In arena of evangelism, this process could take years. Of course, the pizza only lasts for moments. Salvation lasts forever!
Thursday, July 29, 1999
When people go to work, they have to deal with “bureaucracy.”
When people go to school, they have to deal with “bureaucracy”
When people go to the government, they have to deal with “bureaucracy.”
When people go to church, they have to deal with “bureaucracy.”
When people go to God, they have to deal with God!
One of the simplest things in life is going directly to God but we still have a tendency to make it complicated! Perhaps the “narrow gate” is just the “simple gate!”
Wednesday, July 28, 1999
THE CHRISTIAN ALPHABET POEM
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of “Camp Complaining”
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o “thank” is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e’ll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Z ion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!
“Too blessed to be stressed!”
-contributed by Nancy Anderson
Tuesday, July 27, 1999
Is Your Hut Burning?
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers.
“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground — it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
-contributed by Ralph & Judy Fischer
Monday, July 26, 1999
As I was walking down life’s highway one day a long time ago. I saw a sign that read, “HEAVEN’S GROCERY STORE”.
As I got a little closer, the door opened wide, And then I found myself standing inside.. I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, “My Child, shop with care”. Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And if you couldn’t carry all, you could come back the next day for more.
First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row. Further down was UNDERSTANDING; you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn’t miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.
I didn’t forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill. For I thought I had everything to do the MASTER’S will. As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER; and I just had to put that in, For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin. PEACE and JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf. SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, “Now, how much do I owe?”
He smiled again and said, “MY CHILD, GOD PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG, TIME AGO.”
-contributed by Ralph and Judy Fischer
Sunday, July 25, 1999
In Mexico we saw an abundance of poverty. In America we see the poverty of abundance!
Saturday, July 24, 1999
Today I read a portion of an article that talked about current church conditions and attitudes in America. The writer, who I was not familiar, said; “…be lead by the one who bled!” It struck me as a powerful statement considering how easily swayed people are to please someone who has no vested interest in their lives.
God has a great deal invested in our lives. He gave us His one and only Son who shed His own blood for the forgiveness of sin. Truly we should be lead by the one who bled!
Friday, July 23, 1999
A grateful heart is measured by your appreciation and satisfaction for what you do have… and do not have!
Thursday, July 22, 1999
I find it strange that in many communities we spend tax dollars to pass and enforce drinking laws, bring consultants into the schools and communities to promote D.A.R.E., display cars of drunk drivers who were responsible for a traffic fatality at the county fair, bust teenage drinking parties, give people D.W.I.’s, incarcerate people for drinking and yet when you drive down the street you see a sign that reads, “Municipal Liquor Store”… which means it is owned by the city.
Wednesday, July 21, 1999
Recently we went out for dinner at a nice supper club to celebrate a family member’s birthday. At a nearby table I noticed a man dressed in a suite and a women in a very nice dress. They appeared to be heading toward middle age but they were acting like a couple of teenagers in love. They looked at each other with stars in their eyes. Because everything seemed so romantic, I assumed that he was a divorced man probably dating a divorced woman with a couple of kids. I don’t know why I thought that but it just seemed to fit.
The more I observed the couple I realized that the man seemed very familiar but I just couldn’t place him. Finally, when they got up to leave, I realized that the couple was the pastor and his wife from a small rural church in a nearby community. I thought, “Wow, isn’t that something. He is treating her like a queen!”
Then I suddenly realized how long it had been since I spent that kind of an evening with my own wife to remind her that she is the queen of my heart.
When was the last time you and your spouse spent that kind of special evening together?
Tuesday, July 20, 1999
The brightest time of your day is when you let the “Son Shine” in!
Monday, July 19, 1999
You only get one shot at life. Take careful aim!
Sunday, July 18, 1999
The presence of the Lord is sweeter than honey.
The presence of the Lord is greater than money.
The presence of the Lord is bright and sunny.
To worship without Him is not very funny.
The presence of the Lord, as in days of old.
So mighty and holy it had to be told.
The presence of the Lord is far greater than gold.
A wonder and beauty so precious to hold.
So if you worship on Sunday without any thrill.
If going to church makes you take a pill.
If singing the songs is like a pickle with dill.
Get your act together. The problems not the church!
Saturday, July 17, 1999
In the computer world we need “backup disks.” In the church world we need “forward disks!”
Friday, July 16, 1999
“Beauty of a Woman”
The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
Or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman
must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman
is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman
Is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman
With passing years-only grows!
-contributed by RoxAnn Ennen
Thursday, July 15, 1999
Once I told a friend that I won $1,000,000 on the lottery. He stood in amazement as I tried hard to be serious. Then I said, “Yes, I get a dollar a year for a million years!”
In this world people seem to be searching for the jackpot. However, if the prize were not totally available in their lifetime how many people would still be so excited about buying lottery tickets. Probably not many. Lottery tickets represent instant gratification for a lifetime of pleasure, or until the money runs out.
Perhaps in this light it is easier to understand why the prize of eternal life that the Apostle Paul wrote about appears to be less appealing than lottery tickets. Ironically, I still hear people say, “I’d give $1,000,000 for some peace in my life!”
Salvation through faith in Christ is instant peace, a lifetime of purpose and an eternity of extravagance as portrayed in this old song my mother used to sing.
I’m satisfied with, just a cottage below.
A little silver and a little gold.
But in that city, where the mansions will shine.
I’ve got a gold one that’s silver lined.
I’ve got a mansion, just lover the hilltop.
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old.
And someday yonder, I’ll never more wander.
But walk on streets that are purest gold.
Wednesday, July 14, 1999
“Heartprints”
Whatever our hands touch…
We leave fingerprints.
On walls, on furniture,
On door knobs, dishes and books.
Smudges, showing we were there!
Oh Lord, please,
Wherever I go today…
Help me leave Heartprints…
Heartprints of compassion,
Understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
I shall go out today…
To leave Heartprints…
And if someone should say…
“I felt your touch!”
May that one feeling be…
Your loving touch, Lord,
Through me!
May my heart touch
my lonely neighbor, with a smile,
a worried mother, with peace,
a runaway child, with safety,
a homeless person, with warmth,
and my dear friends, with love.
–contributed by Keith Jeske
Tuesday, July 13, 1999
We’ve been dog sitting for my wife’s brother’s dog. His name is Barkley. He looks a lot like a small fox. He is the only dog I have ever seen with his own teddy bear. When I sit on the couch Barkley brings me the miniature Teddy Bear only to jerk it away just before I’m able to reach it. On those rare occasions that I am able grab on to his Teddy Bear, Barkely holds on for dear life. He just won’t let go of the Teddy Bear. I even tried to bribe him with food. Nothing will make Barkley give up that Teddy Bear. The only time you can get his Teddy Bear is when he is not holding on to it and takes his eye off from it, which isn’t often. Barkley is committed to his Teddy Bear.
A lot of Christians could learn from Barkley. If you hold on to your joy for dear life no one is going to take it from you. Even when you relax for a moment, if you keep your eyes on Jesus your joy is secure. But when you let your guard down and take your eyes off Jesus, it is easy someone to come along and steal your joy.
So, the lesson of the story is two fold:
Barkley’s joy is his Teddy Bear and a Christian’s joy is the Lord.
Barkley doesn’t let anyone steal his Teddy Bear and you shouldn’t let anyone steal your joy!
Monday, July 12, 1999
As we traveled down the dark, lonely country road I couldn’t help but notice the tall weeds leaning over the edge. They almost looked like wheat although I knew they were weeds. It was as if you headed toward the ditch that you would just bounce right off from the weeds back unto the road. Of course, I knew that wasn’t true.
So it is with many believers. They get so used to the road of life that the “sin scenery” that covers the landscape gives a false sense of security. It’s as if you turn into the sin along the road of life it will just bounce you back on to the “Christian Road.” Nothing could be further than the truth.
Many people have experienced the ‘sin scenery’ and, like the weeds, it hangs on them everywhere they go. Don’t ever get so used to the sin around you that you become comfortable with it. Stay away from the edge of the road with ‘sin scenery!’
Sunday, July 11, 1999
God loves the praises of His people.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
AMEN
Saturday, July 10, 1999
I recently read an article about a professional baseball player and the emotions he felt when visiting cancer patients in the children’s hospital. At times he would just lean up against the wall to try to relieve some of their anguish their condition had transferred unto him. Had he stayed in the limelight of the stadium he could have basked in the glory of the cheers of thousands of fans. But instead he chose to go to where there was pain and suffering that he may bring a touch of joy into the lives of these children.
For many people it is much easier to avoid the worlds of the pain, suffering and misfortune of others and stay in their comfort zone. This week I encourage you to physically go to someone who is suffering and bring some encouragement and joy into their life. When you feel their pain in your heart, then you will know how to minister to them. Perhaps in the shadow of this, the slogan “No Pain No Gain” has more merit than meets the eye.
Friday, July 9, 1999
When Peter was walking on the water, he began to sink. He didn’t run out of water. He ran out of Jesus.
So it is for many people. Wherever it is that God has them walking, they do not run out of the need for miracles they run out of the Jesus of miracles.
To be sustained in any ministry it is imperative that you don’t find yourself running out of Jesus and being filled with the need. Take time to be intimate with the Master!
Thursday, July 8, 1999
Too many people are waiting around for the “undertaker” instead of the “uppertaker.”
Wednesday, July 7, 1999
Who Am I?
I’m rarely seen in church these days. In fact, some congregations have banished me.
Some say I’m too hot. I haven’t even warmed up yet!
Some say I’m too cold. They haven’t even got close enough to take my temperature!
To say that people are gathering around me would make the most optimistic laugh.
People have spent years praying for my appearance only to pour the cold water of pessimism on me when I peek in the door.
I am feared by many church leaders because things can get “out of hand’ in a hurry when I arrive.
Pastors often cringe when I arrive. I’ve had to scorch one from time to time to get my job done.
Some call me beautiful. Others say I’m ugly. But one thing is certain, I am real.
Some have went to the grave without ever seeing my work. Others have hovered around me their entire life.
Who am I? My friends call me RF. That’s short for REVIVAL FIRE and my job is to go into churches and melt hearts of stone. I am polite. I never enter a congregation unless I feel welcomed. And once I’m in I never leave until I feel unwelcome.
Interested? I’m easy to contact. I’m within praying distance!
Tuesday, July 6, 1999
If your understanding of the scripture allows you to have leadership without servanthood, leadership without accountability, leadership without responsibility, to be held in high esteem while others are degraded or to have success at the expense of others… you missed it!
Monday, July 5, 1999
There isn’t a much prettier site than the morning sun glistening off the water in the secluded bay in front of our house. Each morning I start my day in awe of God’s creation. It brings me a sense of peace.
But it doesn’t compare with a moment in the presence of he Lord.
Oh, the glory, of your presence.
We your temple, give you reverence.
So arise from your rest be blessed by our praise
As we glory in your embrace,
As your presence now fills this place.
Sunday, July 4, 1999
The old car salesman (former pastor) in Florida had a big bottle of cold water in his office. He would offer people a cold glass of water when they came into his office. He would always tell the children that it was “smiley” water and when they drank it would make them smile. So, he would say, “If you don’t want to smile, don’t drink the smiley water.” Of course, they all drank the water. And of course, they all smiled.
Thinking that it was some kind of sales tool, and I suppose it was, I asked him why he did it. He said, “You may not believe me but I love to see people smile. It blesses me!”
One of the greatest rewards in life for sharing with others is to see them smile. What was God thinking of when He made smiles? Perhaps He was thinking of what a blessing it is to others.
Be a blessing today. SMILE!
Saturday, July 3, 1999
Freedom is something we celebrate each Fourth of July. This is the physical freedom that we so enjoy as Americans. Many people gave their lives to earn and keep this freedom that we may enjoy it.
Our spiritual freedom is another matter. One person, Jesus, gave His life for our spiritual freedom. Through His sacrifice we enjoy this spiritual freedom. It should be celebrated everyday. How? Perhaps with just a quite moment and a simple, “Thank you.”
Friday, July 2, 1999
A man with a motorcycle club jacket stood up. From a distance he looked like he had lived a rough life. Soon a few more would stand to their feet, each responding to the call of the tall aging man with the microphone. They were not lottery or bingo winners. They had just become “winners of life.” As I sat there and witnessed this event last night, I realized that the scene was rare.
Again the tall man with the microphone beckoned them to come before him. Slowly they began to move, some with tears. They had just responded to a short simple message of salvation by the aging evangelist preaching to about 800 people in a big tent. I can still smell the wood shavings on the floor.
Lowell Lundstrom, today I pay tribute you for your faithfulness of continuing to preach the gospel and give the message of salvation after 42 years. I know the road has been rocky with plenty of criticism, disappointments, failure, and personal pain. But brother, today I praise and thank God for you… that he has gifted you, called you and sustained you in this day when evangelism is not trendy.
You see, I too am an antique. I still believe that leading people to Christ is the lifeblood of the church and each believer.
Thursday, July 1, 1999
Forgive me Lord, for today my thoughts are only “Why?”
Why do people ignore the reality of eternity when they know they will die someday?
Why, in the shadow of this eternal reality, would anyone not accept you as their Lord and Savior?
Why, also in the shadow of this eternal reality, do believers continue to act without urgency, a passion for God or an unsatisfiable appetite for leading the lost to Christ?
Why are so many churches so uncommitted to the next generation?
Why don’t Christian parents encourage their children to be pastors, missionaries or other full-time ministry?
Why does the church fear the enthusiasm of new believers, which have become few and far between?
Why have so many churches chosen the ‘mile wide and an inch deep’ mode of operation?
And finally, Lord, why do you continue to love us so when we are so selfish?
