Friday, June 30, 2000
“The Words Are So Hard to Find”
Each time I write a love song to Jesus,
To tell Him how much I care.
The melodies come by the dozens its seems,
But I can’t find the words anywhere.
The words are so hard to find.
The words are so hard to find.
To tell Him I love Him and I’m glad that He’s mine.
The words are so hard to find.
Some poets express so much better than I.
The same feelings I’m feeling too.
But I know that He knows there’s never been one.
Who loves Him any more than I do.
The words are so hard to find.
The words are so hard to find.
To tell Him I love Him and I’m glad that He’s mine.
The words are so hard to find.
-Lyrics and melody by Don Foosche © 1983
Thursday, June 29, 2000
I’ve heard people say that they were sinners but I can’t recall someone saying, “I am a thief” or “I am a liar” or “I am an adulterer” or “I am a murderer” although the abortionist is surely killing babies. But today we are facing a forced classification of people who identify themselves by their sin, homosexuality. The next thing you know people will want special rights because they are gossipers, car thieves will lobby for special tax breaks or prostitutes will want to be pastors.
Wednesday, June 28, 2000
I plan. God laughs!
Tuesday, June 27, 2000
It’s easy to become too busy for the work of the church or any ministry in general. In fact, many people today are so career oriented and “workaholics in progress” that they have little time for anything. Remember, God created a “human being” not a “human doing.”
Monday, June 26, 2000
Conflict is an opportunity to put your faith in action.
Sunday, June 25, 2000
To be a cheerful giver, of yourself and your finances, is to be a fulfilled Christian.
Saturday, June 24, 2000
Extra ordinary people are developed because they do extra ordinary things. We spend far too much energy trying to conform to everyone else and not enough energy in our effort to conform to the image of God. Cast your bread upon the waters…. Ecclesiastes 11 & 12
Friday, June 23, 2000
Spaghetti is a favorite dish for a lot of people. But spaghetti by itself, without the sauce, would likely not be a favorite to many. It’s the sauce that makes the spaghetti wonderful.
So it is with the Christian life. The knowledge of God by itself is lacking. But when you add the love of God it is wonderful.
Thursday, June 22, 2000
When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn’t change. The devil changes you!
Wednesday, June 21, 2000
The power of God is not magnified in success or failure but rather the hearts and loving actions of His people.
Tuesday, June 20, 2000
Gossip… the word, nothing more nothing less. It is also very harmful and is usually distorted by only one side of a story or by limited information. Often people gossip about the misfortune, negative circumstances or the mistakes of others. But people have always found it easier to gossip about someone than help them. Don’t gossip about people pray for them. The next time someone comes and begins to gossip to you might say, “Why don’t we pray for that person right now. Do you want to pray first or should I?”
Monday. June 19, 2000
Over the years I have noticed the deterioration of the family farm. Yesterday someone said that one of the things that is becoming extinct in America today is the “red barn!” One of the most noticeable things on the deteriorated farm is that no one is mending the fences. The wire lay in the grass and the post are rotted and broken off. These old fences couldn’t hold anything in and or keep anything out. Time has taken its toll
So it is with people. At a young age many begin to build a fence between them and God. Then over the years the fence begins to change. It gets stronger! The spiritual fence that is built between God and man becomes so strong in time that almost nothing gets in or out. It is an eternal fence, often built in ones youth and fortified over a lifetime. Time takes its toll.
If you have a fence between you and God, even the smallest fence, tear it down. The older you get the harder it is to remove it. Try building bridges. God’s already laid the foundation!
Sunday, June 18, 2000
There are different kinds of fathers.
There is the ‘biological father.’ This father may or may not be performing his God given responsibility but may be nothing more than a ‘conceptional father.’
Then there is the ‘’basic father’ or ‘provisional father.’ This person provides the basics to a child: food, shelter and clothing.
Then there is the ‘loving father.’ This father may or may or may not be the ‘biological father’ but he loves the child, teaches the child and is an example.
Then there is the ‘spiritual father.’ He is also a loving father but takes the time to teach the child of the things of the Lord and is a spiritual example by how he treats his wife. I believe that children learn who God is by how a husband treats their wife and particularly the child’s mother.
And finally, there is our ‘heavenly Father.’ He will never leave us or forsake us and His love is constant. He doesn’t have mood swings and He is always there on time.
Today the challenge to fathers is, “What kind of father have you chosen to be?” Are you a representation of your heavenly father to your children and your wife?
Saturday, June 17, 2000
The weatherman on the nightly news has quite a job to do. Millions of people wait to hear what the weather is going to be the next day or next few days and then they plan their life accordingly. I am always amazed at the changes in weather. It seems like we are always having a stretch of rain, heat, snow or the lack of it. About the time I think it is dramatically different than normal I read the statistics for the year only to discover that we have almost the same statistics as usual. I just forgot about the sunny days!
So it is with our lives. It’s easy to forget about the bright days when there are a few cloudy days in a row. We can’t plan our lives around the evening ‘good day-bad day report.’ We must focus on God and His purpose. We must trust in Him for a lifetime.
So, if you’re feeling a little overcome by the storms that may be surrounding you, count your blessings over the years. Get the big picture of God’s faithfulness to you.
“Count your blessings name them one by one.
Count your blessings see what God has done.”
Friday, June 16, 2000
John the Baptist, what a guy! He was the preacher of preachers. He led thousands of people to repentance and a saving knowledge of Christ. He even baptized Jesus. Yet while he was imprisoned, prior to his beheading, he sent a message to Jesus asking if He was the one or should they be expecting someone else. I am sure it was difficult for John to understand why he was in prison. Hmmm, things just weren’t working out the way he planned and doubt had crept into his mind. I am sure as they prepared him for his beheading he also wondered where God was. And, unlike the movies, this great Bible hero was not rescued and his head was served up on a platter. Frankly, I don’t like this ending.
But that wasn’t the ending. One must look beyond death for the ‘rest of the story.’
There are many things in life we don’t understand, experiences without reason and trials for a season. During these times we may need rescuing but God remains silent. If God would only do this or if God would only do that, why God or why me God are common phrases in moments of anguish, embarrassment or humiliation. But the reality is that we can’t look for earthly answers to eternal questions. Look to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who brings us a glorious eternal hope that dims even the most pressing of earthly problems.
Thursday, June 15, 2000
The sole purpose of ministry is souls! In reality, there is much more in regard to total ministry to one another. Eternity in Christ is the driving force of ministry, the winning of lost souls and the care of the found. But often ministry quickly only skims the surface of a life in a feeble attempt to meet a need… theirs and yours! There are times when… every soul needs to receive and give ministry. Don’t cheat others or yourself. Make the giving and receiving of ministry an important part of your life.
Wednesday, June 14, 2000
The Psalmist writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” However, in reading the Psalms of David it appears that he did have wants. People, believers and unbelievers alike, have wants. But I think many people’s wants today are different than David’s. People today want things and David wanted more of God. Big difference.
Tuesday, June 13, 2000
Tragedy is something that often happens fast but is always slow to recover from. When a personal tragedy occurs, even those with the strongest of faith can find themselves with doubt or a one sided heated conversation with God.
Typically we hear things like, “They have just got to pick up the pieces and move on.” Because time refuses to stand still, moving on happens regardless. Picking up the pieces, now that’s another matter. You see, these events are called tragedies because they are devastating to people. Often they are so devastating that people cannot pick up the pieces of their lives themselves. They need help.
Usually people need to let God put the pieces back together for them by spending intimate time with Him. Sometimes God sends people to that person to help them put the pieces back together. These people are called the church and the process is called ministry. Unfortunately today, people are so stressed out and busy there seems to be more tragedies in the church than people available to minister.
Monday, June 12, 2000
How important is your giving to the local church? Paramount! Regardless of your financial resources, giving accordingly is what provides the needs for the ministry of the local church. It would appear that God chooses to bless churches financially through the tithes and offerings of the entire congregation, not just a few individuals.
How much should one give? Until peace enters your heart when you drop your tithes and offerings into offering plate on Sunday mornings!
Sunday, June 11, 2000
We live in such a style conscious world. People go shopping for the seasons whether it be clothes, decorations or whatever. I can remember one Christmas when I was growing up when my mother, and many other mothers in town, were getting T.V. trays for Christmas. It was new and in style. It was the thing.
It costs a lot of money to be ‘in style.’ When you take the time to think about it, we are walking billboard advertisements for companies. It’s all about style. As a Christian, I have discovered the least expensive and most rewarding way to stay in style. Worship, it is new every morning, it’s free and never runs out of style.
Saturday, June 10, 2000
Almost a generation ago, when life seemed a little slower paced and a lot simpler, Bill Gaither wrote a classic song with the words, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. If he were writing that song today I believe he would have changed the words to, ”Because He lives, I can face today!”
Life for many is at such a hectic pace and laced with overwhelming circumstances of pain and disappointment that making it through the day is a major hurdle. It’s good for us to remember that God is there for us today… and tomorrow. Has there ever been a time when people needed a strong consistent devotional life than today?
Friday, June 9, 2000
In the corporate world there is a mighty quest for positions and titles. As Christians our highest quest should be for a testimony rather than a title.
Thursday, June 8, 2000
In recent weeks, many people are celebrating high school and college graduations. The graduates are honored for their accomplishments. Few graduate high school with honors and even less graduate college with honors.
Yesterday a dear, Godly 85-year-old lady graduated. The Lord called her home. She was married to the same man, whom she dearly loved, for somewhere around 60 years. She was precious not only in the sight of her friends and family but she was also precious in the sight of the Lord. SHE GRADUATED LIFE WITH HONORS.
Wednesday, June 7, 2000
Jesus died on a cross that man may be redeemed from sin. It was a cruel death. The pain from the nails driven in His hands and feet had to be excruciating. There is a song that says, “He could have called 10,000 angels but He died alone for you and me.” There is one thing that we must understand about the Jesus death. Nails didn’t hold Christ to the cross, love did!
Tuesday, June 6, 2000
It is said that failure is the price of success. This is so true in the walk of faith. Failure (sin if you will) is commonplace in the pilgrimage of the person who develops a heart melted, then molded after God’s heart.
Failures are faith builders. Through my weaknesses I become strong.
Monday, June 5, 2000
In the early 1970’s in Seattle, Washington, it took four years to build the Kingdome (a large domed stadium in which sporting events and crusades and similar events were held). This spring in 2000, it took 17 seconds to bring the building down in a cloud of dust.
Remember this when you want to walk away from a lifetime of personal or spiritual disciplines. It only takes a moment to take away a lifetime of building.
-contributed by Tim Bowman
Sunday, June 4, 2000
It’s interesting what age does for one. When I was younger, having conservative evangelical roots, I envisioned most mainline denominations liberal, self-serving and lead by “blind guides.” As I have aged I have come to appreciate their traditions. I also recognize much of our own evangelical heritage in their practices of worship as well as their traditions. Although there are theological differences there is a very similar seeking of the Almighty that is readily recognizable on the faces of worshippers. People who attend mainline churches seek God and have need for His grace just as evangelicals do.
Yesterday I attended a funeral mass in a Roman Catholic Church. Numerous songs were song by two song leaders, a man and a woman with beautiful voices, with congregational participation. On a given line of the song the congregation would sing with the song leader, kind of a response. It was beautiful and heartfelt.
There were two well-known congregational hymns sung. I thought both of them had Baptist roots.
I felt the presence of the Lord in the service as I saw our catholic brothers and sisters earnestly seek God in a tradition that was unfamiliar to me. Theologically we disagree. Methodologically we are different. Spirit Logically we seek the same God with the same needs.
Saturday, June 3, 2000
Many people spend a lot of time trying to perfect their life and little time trying to perfect their hearts.
Friday, June 2, 2000
I asked God to take away my pain
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole
God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said… Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
-contributed by Beverly Sederlund
Thursday, June 1, 2000
After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church’s pastor once again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his childhood friend.
With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak, “A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast,” he began, “when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an
experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept into the ocean.”
The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.
He continued, “Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life… to which boy he would throw the other end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son’s friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves.
As the father yelled out, ‘I love you, son!’ he threw the line to his son’s friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered.”
By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man’s mouth.
“The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us.”
With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man’s side. “That was a nice story,” politely started one of the boys, “but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son’s life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”
“Well, you’ve got a point there,” the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn’t very realistic, is it? But I’m standing here today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see…. I was the son’s friend.”
Courtesy of Bill Kelly
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
