Sunday, September 30, 2001
I was driving down a very familiar stretch of Interstate the other day and I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. There was this large steel pole coming out from the ground in a field near the ditch that had some lights and other things coming out of it. It looked like something you would find at a railroad crossing. I wondered how it was that I could have driven down this road so many times and have not noticed it before. Then it suddenly dawned on me that perhaps it was just put there. Regardless, I hadn’t seen it before and I still don’t know what it is for.
As I was pondered the existence of this thing I thought of how often we may read a familiar portion of scripture and suddenly something jumps out at us that we never noticed or never thought of before. In the case of God’s Word, there is nothing new to add but so often I learn something new and exciting. That’s why I never get tired of the reading the scriptures and especially some of those well known verses. God just keeps on using His Word to teach me and help me become the person He would have me be.
If you want an exciting learning experience this week, take the story of Nicodemus, John Chapter 3, and read it every day. Read it slow and think about what you are reading! You’ll be surprised what happens.
-John 3:1-4:1 NIV
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven-the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” 22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24(This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan-the one you testified about-well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less. 31 “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
Saturday, September 29, 2001
Virus Alert!
BHFG Fever is being passed on to people receiving the ChurchMouse Chronicles “Thought For The Day.” It is passed on through your email, you are especially susceptible to it, and it is highly contagious. It has been known to cause tremendous changes in peoples lives. In other words, BHFG Fever is forever!
But “Burning Heart For God” Fever is a good thing. You should gladly share it with your family and friends! At the ChurchMouse Chronicles, our whole purpose and reason for existence is to spread this experience and “super charge” Christians.
Have you caught “BHFG” Fever from the ChurchMouse? It is my sincere prayer you that you get a full-blown case of it!
-1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Friday, September 28, 2001
As I looked across the bay this morning the sunrise was beautiful. It glistened off from the water with a majestic radiance. But hovering over the water was a layer of misty fog disrupting the solace of the moment. As I looked at the beauty I thought of how sometimes we have a misty fog that seems to hover over us and keeps us from seeing the beauty that is present just above the circumstances of our lives. So even when the circumstances of your life seem to prevent you from seeing the beauty of God or the direction of your life hold on to the assurance of God’s Word. We call it faith!
-2 Cor 5:7 NIV
We live by faith, not by sight.
Thursday, September 27, 2001
This week I attended the funeral of the mother of a friend of mine who was killed in an auto accident. She was 77 years young. As I sat in the large sanctuary I was amazed at how many people were in attendance. Funerals in the daytime are often not well attended these days.
There were kind words shared by many friends and relatives but I was especially touched with the sharing that was done by those who attended the church. They shared how she had touched their lives, how she was always there for them and of her vibrant love of Jesus Christ. Her ministry was widespread but she had a special heart for the lost. This was a person who was going to be truly missed not only by her family and friends but also by her church. She left her mark on their hearts and it was the imprint of the love of God.
Because of the her love of evangelism the pastor felt it was appropriate to give an invitation to those in attendance to received Christ as their personal Savior at the end of the service. In the tradition of a Billy Graham crusade the congregation sang “Just As I Am” as the pastor continued his invitation for people to come forward to receive Christ. After about the third verse it became apparent that no one was coming forward. I thought for a moment and said to myself, “Who are we kidding. She lead them all to Christ before she died!”
How are you doing with your “heart count” for Jesus? If the pastor gave an altar call at your funeral service, would there be those in attendance who did not know Jesus as their Savior? Would you have ever asked them?
-John 3:16-17 NIV
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
We hear a lot of talk these days about “home based businesses” but little about “home based ministries.” What kind of ministry do you run out of your home? What kind of ministry could you do out of your home?
Ministry is like a chain that must be carried on by each of us in our own way using our own gifts. Perhaps you have never thought of your home as a ministry center but it is an essential part of the chain of ministry that is passed on from person to person, generation to generation.
It’s time to begin “generational” ministries out of our homes that change families for generations.
-2 Cor 3:1-3 NIV
1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Tuesday, September 25, 2001
It’s pretty common for people to struggle with their “identity.” It is part of the maturing process. The question is not only who they are but also who they want to be. The problem for most people is that they can never discover who they are until they discover who God is. And the question is not really who they want to be but rather what God wants them to be. Maturity is not so much growing old but growing in God, and that can come at all ages.
-Heb 5:14 NIV
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Monday, September 24, 2001
Be encouraged. No matter what your week has for you, be encouraged. If you are in or if you are facing the biggest crisis of your life, be encouraged. If you are carrying the biggest burden of your life, be encouraged. If you are in the midst of a tragedy, be encouraged. Why? Because God has not changed and He is there for you!
-James 4:8 NIV
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Sunday. September 23,2001
One thing that has happened to the pastors of churches in America in recent days is their concentration of ministry to the people in their congregations. Many pastors today spend a lot of time and effort directing their ministries to those who are not in the church. We call it “church growth.” Often this is nothing more than people moving from one church to another.
Church growth programs are often done to the point that congregations are neglected. When neglected, congregations respond negatively and there is turmoil in the church. Out of this has risen a whole new focus by denominations on ‘church health.” Perhaps the problem is not “church health” but “pastoral neglect.” Neglected congregations are unhealthy congregations.
It’s time for pastor’s to return to being shepherds instead of “sheep traders.”
-Isa 40:11 NIV
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Saturday, September 22, 2001
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don’t know them, they make up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, “Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don’t want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy.”
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.
I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!!
“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
Just a reminder about the important things in life.
I wish you Mud Puddles and Dandelions!
-contributed by Jocylne Thompson
Friday, September 21, 2001
What a difference a Day makes….
On Monday we emailed jokes
On Tuesday we did not
On Monday we thought that we were secure
On Tuesday we learned better
On Monday we were talking about heroes as being athletes
On Tuesday we relearned who our heroes are
On Monday we were irritated that our rebate checks had not arrived
On Tuesday we gave money away to people we had never met
On Monday there were people fighting against praying in schools
On Tuesday you would have been hard pressed to find a school where someone was not praying
On Monday people argued with their kids about picking up their room
On Tuesday the same people could not get home fast enough to hug their kids
On Monday people were upset that they had to wait 6 minutes in a fast food drive through line
On Tuesday people didn’t care about waiting up to 6 hours to give blood for the dying
On Monday we waved our flags signifying our cultural diversity
On Tuesday we waved only the American flag
On Monday there were people trying to separate each other by race, sex, color and creed
On Tuesday they were all holding hands
On Monday we were men or women, black or white, old or young, rich or poor, gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian.
On Tuesday we were Americans
On Monday politicians argued about budget surpluses
On Tuesday grief stricken they sang ‘God Bless America’
On Monday the President was going to Florida to read to children
On Tuesday he returned to Washington to protect our children
On Monday we had families
On Tuesday we had orphans
On Monday people went to work as usual
On Tuesday they died
On Monday people were fighting the 10 commandments on government property
On Tuesday the same people all said ‘God help us all’ while thinking Thou shall not kill’
It is sadly ironic how it takes horrific events to place things into perspective, but it has. The lessons learned this week, the things we have taken for granted, the things that have been forgotten or overlooked, hopefully will never be forgotten again.
-contributed By Garrett Novak
Thursday, September 20, 2001
Moving forward is never an easy thing to do, especially moving forward from past sin. Sin has an appeal to it that has a clinging nature and clings to peoples hearts for a long time, sometimes a lifetime. The more we look back and the longer we gaze at past sin the less we remember the pain of our ways. The lesson here is to move forward physically and spiritually, and never look back. Clinging to past sins is one of the great deceptions of Satan and makes us susceptible to repeat our mistakes. Looking back also paralyzes us and deems us ineffective in our ministries.
-Gen 19:26 NIV
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
The learning curve of life is always bent toward change. Changes by us, not by God!
-Heb 13:8 NIV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Tuesday, September 18, 2001
We continue to see the devastation on the television from the terrorism attack on New York and Washington D.C. last week. It is still hard to comprehend that something like this could actually take place. Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones. And we continue to ask, “How could God allow this to happen?”
God made each person with a free will to choose and that choice often comes between good and evil. From the time children are told to stay out of the cookie jar they are continuously confronted with choices, yes and no, good or evil. If God took away the ability to choose evil He would also have to take away the choice to do good. Not only would a child not be able to choose to disobey he would also never be able to choose to eat a cookie either!
So evil continues to abound in this world which helps us understand how important evangelism and world missions is. The message of the cross for the lost is as important today as it was the day after the crucifixion.
In conclusion, if God took away the free will of evil men He would have to take away the free will of everybody.
-Deut 7:9 NIV
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Monday, September 17, 2001
I held my grandson for the first time on Saturday. He is very precious. This grandpa thing is pretty new to me. However, Lonna and I had found it uncomfortable to be called “Grandpa and Grandma Sahr.” For several months we have discussed this considering alternatives. When I held him I realized that I don’t mind being called grandpa. The struggle was something different. After much thought I have come to the conclusion that it represents the Lifestyle and attitude of my grandparents, my father’s parents.
Many of you probably are not aware that I lived with my grandparents, my mother’s parents, until I was seven years old. I was born in an unwed mothers home and spent much of my early development years at my grandmother’s side. My father, who I rarely saw, died a mysterious death when I was about four years old. My grandmother taught and showed me the love of God while my father’s parents, who I rarely saw, not only did not acknowledged their belief in God but demonstrated a coarse hardness of spirit and lifestyle that Lonna and I both found difficult to accept. Therefore, we have struggled with being grandparents of their namesake.
But in holding my grandson for the first time I realize that the name they call us is not the issue. What name my grandchildren remember me by is not important. What is important is that they see and remember my heart.
Grandparents, what will your grandchildren remember about your heart?
-Ps 101:2 NIV
“…I will walk in my house with blameless heart.”
Sunday, September 16, 2001
America has helped the world repeatedly whenever there has been time of need. That’s why it is so difficult to understand how we can be so hated by some peoples of the world. Our character as a helping hand to the world is unprecedented throughout history. America is a Good Samaritan to countries that are constantly battered, beaten and often left for dead by terrorist and murderers. That’s one of the reasons they call us a Christian nation.
Perhaps today, through our prayers in this time of national tragedy, we understand better the words, “In God We Trust.”
-2 Chron 7:13-15 NIV
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Saturday, September 15, 2001
It has been said of the recent terrorist act in New York and Washington, “Someone will pay hell for this!” Like a lot of expressions used often by people, little regard is given to it’s meaning. But yes, who ever did this horrible act will “pay hell for this” and some are already paying.
And hell always collects its debts. They become “due upon death” and it has absolutely no outstanding accounts. I might add, terrorism and murder are not the only debt of sin that hell collects on!
-2 Peter 2:4-10 NIV
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)- 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.
-Rom 6:23 NIV
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-John 3:16-17 NIV
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Friday, September 14, 2001
The spiritual warfare that surrounds us has suddenly become very real and visible. We should make no mistake about it; this is a war that has spiritual roots. But God will have the last word and it will be good.
Today, as we gather as a nation to pray, it is imperative that we ask God to fill our hearts with His love and wisdom.
-Isa 7:9 NIV
“…If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'”
Thursday, September 13, 2001
The tragedy that has happened in our nation is the first of it’s kind. An attack on our home soil compares only to the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. The devastation is hard to comprehend and has left the nation stunned. There are many question we are all asking but three that seem to ring very loud are how did this happen, who did this and why would anyone do this?
Our nation is in shock at the deaths of multitudes of people from this act of terrorism, perhaps as many as 10,000. We cannot begin to rationalize such a senseless, unprovoked act against another human being or another country. Be assured there will be changes and things will never quite be the same. The nation weeps.
It is of great significance that President Bush has called the nation to prayer. America will never become so big and powerful that it will outgrow its need for God. Neither will you or I. God and prayer became quite fashionable in New York Tuesday morning. My prayer is that we as a nation will pray in earnest and continue to do so.
-Ps 5:1-8 NIV
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. 4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. 6 You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. 7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies– make straight your way before me.
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
Our first grandchild was due to be born October 27th but surprised us yesterday with an early arrival. Our daughter’s water broke around 11 PM and went to the hospital. They then transported her by ambulance to a nearby city hospital better equipped to handle premature births. We arrived at 3 AM yesterday. Although they wanted to try to postpone the delivery to give the baby more time to develop he wouldn’t hear of it. At 2:49 PM, much to everyone’s surprise, she gave birth to a baby boy.
The baby is fine but he will spend up to three weeks in neonatal intensive care. When Lonna and I walked into the intensive care unit to see him for the first time she walked over to touch his leg as if to say, “Grandma’s here!” It appeared to be something she had to do. I immediately took a couple of pictures on my digital camera to email to family and friends.
As I looked at this precious gift from God I was reminded of my grandmother and what she meant to me. And how she prayed for me everyday for over 51 years. That’s what I call the perfect example of a great grandparent. Was she unusual? Yes. Should she have been? No, it’s the way it “oughta” be!
-Ps 127:3 NIV
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
A kind act can make a difference for a day, perhaps longer. A good deed could last a lifetime. But a Godly word may change a person forever!
-Eph 5:18-20 NIV
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 10, 2001
The highest peaks we can ever climb is the mountain of pride that stands between who we are and what God wants us to be.
-Prov 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Sunday, September 9, 2001
Today we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. It seems like only yesterday that a couple of young kids, who thought they knew more than they did, said their marriage vows. Four daughters, three son-in-laws, our first grandchild due in a few weeks and more wonderful memories than I deserved, here we are 35 years later.
We went for a dinner-train ride yesterday and shared our table with a young couple that was celebrating their 1st anniversary. The train moved slowly and took us back to the 40’s with a group harmonizing songs from the 40’s while they moved through the cars. We even had a singing waitress who sang a love song at our table. She asked me if I had any advice for the young couple at our table. It caught me off guard and I searched for words of wisdom. The only thing that I could say was, “Don’t ever quit!”
Maybe that’s the advice you need today.
-Mark 10:5-9 NIV
6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
Saturday, September 8, 2001
In the “me me” world in which we live today where people put themselves first, personal satisfaction is everything. However, that will never replace or fill the need for Godly satisfaction, putting God first!
-Ps 42:1-4 NIV
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
Friday, September 7, 2001
A lady had recently been baptized. One of her coworkers asked her what it was like to be a Christian. She was caught off guard and didn’t know how to answer; but when she looked up, saw a jack-o’-lantern on the desk and answered: “It’s like being a pumpkin.” The coworker asked her to explain that one.
“Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that you got from being around all the other pumpkins. Then he cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside. He removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then
he carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all to see.
“It is our choice to either stay outside and rot on the vine or come inside and be something new and bright.”
I’LL NEVER LOOK AT A PUMPKIN THE =AME WAY AGAIN!!
-contributed by Fran Christiansen
-Matt 5:14-16 NIV
14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Thursday, September 6, 2001
Many people today are jugglers and don’t even know it. Some are really good at it. They juggle everything in their lives with great finesse. However, most people just can’t juggle everything all the time and there is usually one thing that gets left go, ones own spiritual nourishment. So many times we are forced to trade off the best things for us for the good things for us and eventually we have no spiritual nourishment at all.
Some may respond, “I go to church each Sunday.” If all you get for spiritual food is your Sunday morning sermon from the pastor you could get pretty hungry by the following Sunday. Depending on the sermon and how good you listen, SSHS (Sudden Spiritual Hunger Syndrome) could set in by Sunday afternoon!
Your spiritual life cannot afford to be left out in the great juggling act of life. Don’t drop the spiritual ball!
-1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV
4 As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 5, 2001
I have a friend that climbs the Rocky Mountains high up in the tundra area to dig for the Aqua Marine. They are hard to find and you have to climb to the height where there is very little oxygen as nature has hid them very well. It’s almost like God has placed them in the secret places that only those who really look diligently will find them. Many people want them but few are willing to take the long, painstaking journey to the top of the mountain to dig them out of the hard mountain soil. What a thrill it is for him to discover them.
So it is for us as we discover the heart of God. God’s beauty can be seen on the surface all around us but His heart, like the Aqua Marine, is often found in the secret places that require a little more patience and effort.
-1 Cor 2:9-10 NIV
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”- 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
Tuesday, September 4, 2001
If God issued grades, what do you suppose your GPA would be in Christianity 101? I would venture that most of us would not do too well. However, the difference between man’s educational school and God’s spiritual school is that the grade you get in the God’s spiritual school is not as important as man’s educational school. What is important is that you finish the course! Everyone needs and receives the same grade, “G” (GRACE).
-Rom 3:21-25 NIV
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Monday, September 3, 2001
Some people have their concept of God backwards. They actually believe that somehow God exists to serve them. Boy, are they in for “God Shock!”
-Rev 1:5-6 NIV
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Sunday, September 2, 2001
Recently I heard someone say, “Death is the place where you make your connecting flight (to eternity)” There is no question that you will make your flight. The only question is where you made your reservation to!
-Eccl 3:11 NIV
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Saturday, September 1, 2001
As I traveled home last night I noticed numerous cars stalled along the road. Some of them may have run out of fuel, others perhaps not maintained, stalled and in need of repair. Proper preparation, maintenance and repair are essential for everything in life, not just trips by automobile.
Christians and the church also require fuel, proper maintenance and an occasional repair. Prayer is the preparation, the Holy Spirit is the power and Jesus shed blood is the repair that gives the church the ability to move forward and run smoothly. Where would the church be without it? Look around!
-Eph 3:20-21 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
