"Because I have called and you refused...Because you disdained all my counsel...I also will laugh at your calamity....Then they will call on me, but I will not answer....Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD....Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way...."
Proverbs 1:24a, 25a, 26a, 28, 31a
The fruit of disregarding God's way is rotten and bitter indeed. A wise person looks at the fruit – the consequences – of rejecting God's counsel and chooses the fruit of godly living.
Today's Thought: The fruit of sin is bitter.
Have a fruit-checking day. Love you.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Wisdom Around Us
"Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open square....'How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.' "
Proverbs 1:20, 22-23
Wisdom is revealed all around us in what is called Natural Law. Common sense tells us certain things are true. But fools reject common sense and substitute such foolishness as Political Correctness. Common sense becomes the object of scorn and ridicule by the fool as he walks deeper into the darkness of his own imaginations. To the one who listens to Natural Law, the light shines and he receives even more wisdom.
Today's Thought: Common sense is ridiculed by the fool.
Have a common sense day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:20, 22-23
Wisdom is revealed all around us in what is called Natural Law. Common sense tells us certain things are true. But fools reject common sense and substitute such foolishness as Political Correctness. Common sense becomes the object of scorn and ridicule by the fool as he walks deeper into the darkness of his own imaginations. To the one who listens to Natural Law, the light shines and he receives even more wisdom.
Today's Thought: Common sense is ridiculed by the fool.
Have a common sense day. Love you.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Wishes
HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SHOT YET?
A shot of thanksgiving is the antidote to discontent.
In everything give thanks,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18
May your heart be filled with gratitude
for all of God's goodness.
Happy Thanksgiving
Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Power of Greed
"So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owner."
Proverbs 1:19
Greed is powerful and destructive. When a person is controlled by lust for material things, he will do most anything to satisfy those desires – including stealing and murder (vss. 11- 16). But in the end, he becomes the victim of his own devices. He spreads the trap for others and ends up being caught himself (vss. 17-18). Even if he himself isn't murdered, the lust for money, power, and fame so controls him that he loses the essence of life. He can't really enjoy life because of the consuming desire for more. Beware of greed.
Today's Thought: Greed is powerful and destructive, and takes away the joy of living.
Have a contented day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:19
Greed is powerful and destructive. When a person is controlled by lust for material things, he will do most anything to satisfy those desires – including stealing and murder (vss. 11- 16). But in the end, he becomes the victim of his own devices. He spreads the trap for others and ends up being caught himself (vss. 17-18). Even if he himself isn't murdered, the lust for money, power, and fame so controls him that he loses the essence of life. He can't really enjoy life because of the consuming desire for more. Beware of greed.
Today's Thought: Greed is powerful and destructive, and takes away the joy of living.
Have a contented day. Love you.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Hook!
"My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent...My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path."
Proverbs 1:10, 15
To entice the fish, a fisherman does not just throw a bare hook into the water. He covers the hook with bait to lure the fish. The fish does not see the hook, but by the time he swallows the bait, it is too late. When the ungodly say, "Just a little bit won't hurt you," look out for the hidden hook. It is easier to abstain from evil – to walk away from it – than to get the hook out of your mouth. "Blessed in the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly" (Psalm 1:1).
Today's Thought: Sin may look enticing, but it has an unseen hook.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:10, 15
To entice the fish, a fisherman does not just throw a bare hook into the water. He covers the hook with bait to lure the fish. The fish does not see the hook, but by the time he swallows the bait, it is too late. When the ungodly say, "Just a little bit won't hurt you," look out for the hidden hook. It is easier to abstain from evil – to walk away from it – than to get the hook out of your mouth. "Blessed in the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly" (Psalm 1:1).
Today's Thought: Sin may look enticing, but it has an unseen hook.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Bondage or Beauty?
"My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck."
Proverbs 1:8-9
When I was young, the "chains about your neck" seemed like chains of bondage rather than a beautiful necklace. The wisdom of Mom and Dad's counsel – "Do this; Don't do that" – come from experience and are meant to keep a young person from the mistakes of the parents. Godly rules add beauty to a life. Forsaking them only brings the ugliness of pain and heartache.
Today's Thought: Listening to the instruction of older people is graceful jewelry that adorns the life of the wise.
Have a beautiful day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:8-9
When I was young, the "chains about your neck" seemed like chains of bondage rather than a beautiful necklace. The wisdom of Mom and Dad's counsel – "Do this; Don't do that" – come from experience and are meant to keep a young person from the mistakes of the parents. Godly rules add beauty to a life. Forsaking them only brings the ugliness of pain and heartache.
Today's Thought: Listening to the instruction of older people is graceful jewelry that adorns the life of the wise.
Have a beautiful day. Love you.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Fear of the LORD
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:7
"Don't tell me what to do!" is the motto of youth. "I did it my way" is the mantra of older people. People don't want God because that means they will have to live by God's standards. Rejecting the laws of the God of the Universe and Creator of mankind leads to grave consequences (or consequences after the grave). Only fools do not fear God.
Today's Thought: Wisdom is demonstrated by heeding God's instruction in the fear of the Lord.
Have a "fearing" day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:7
"Don't tell me what to do!" is the motto of youth. "I did it my way" is the mantra of older people. People don't want God because that means they will have to live by God's standards. Rejecting the laws of the God of the Universe and Creator of mankind leads to grave consequences (or consequences after the grave). Only fools do not fear God.
Today's Thought: Wisdom is demonstrated by heeding God's instruction in the fear of the Lord.
Have a "fearing" day. Love you.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Listening to Counsel
"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb, the words of the wise and their riddles."
Proverbs 1:5-6
The male gender is notorious for not asking directions, even when lost. We don't want to appear stupid and injure our fragile egos by admitting we don't know. It is a wise man who recognizes that he needs help. I laid awake for an hour from 3:00 to 4:00 remembering how I should have listened more when raising my kids. Life can be an enigma and a riddle, but there is help available if we will listen to people who have been through it before.
Today's Thought: In the maze of life, it is better to ask directions than to wander in circles.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:5-6
The male gender is notorious for not asking directions, even when lost. We don't want to appear stupid and injure our fragile egos by admitting we don't know. It is a wise man who recognizes that he needs help. I laid awake for an hour from 3:00 to 4:00 remembering how I should have listened more when raising my kids. Life can be an enigma and a riddle, but there is help available if we will listen to people who have been through it before.
Today's Thought: In the maze of life, it is better to ask directions than to wander in circles.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Shortcuts
"To give...to the young man discretion."
Proverbs 1:4b
The English meaning of discretion is the ability to make responsible decisions. The Hebrew word carries with it the thought of having a plan or a purpose – knowing where you want to go and the best way to get there. If I want to go to New York City, I look at a map to set out my plan. The shortest route is not always the best. I have taken shortcuts that took me over rough road and ended in a dead-end. I ended up retracing my steps and starting over. In life, I want quick fixes. Wisdom does not look for shortcuts. It knows the best way to get there from here, even if it takes longer.
Today's Thought: Shortcuts are not always the best way to go.
Have a "discretionary" day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:4b
The English meaning of discretion is the ability to make responsible decisions. The Hebrew word carries with it the thought of having a plan or a purpose – knowing where you want to go and the best way to get there. If I want to go to New York City, I look at a map to set out my plan. The shortest route is not always the best. I have taken shortcuts that took me over rough road and ended in a dead-end. I ended up retracing my steps and starting over. In life, I want quick fixes. Wisdom does not look for shortcuts. It knows the best way to get there from here, even if it takes longer.
Today's Thought: Shortcuts are not always the best way to go.
Have a "discretionary" day. Love you.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Prudent Wisdom
"To give prudence to the simple...."
Proverbs 1:4
What does it mean to be prudent? In the Hebrew, it means craftiness or guile (by trickery) or shrewdness in a good sense. Webster's Dictionary says it is being "foresighted; shrewd in the management of practical affairs." It is foresighted in that it looks to the future, and does not just respond to the immediate. Or as my son-in-law, Ted, would put it, it sees the result one wants and makes choices to achieve the desired result. The wise steward looks forward to his Master's return and orders his life accordingly (Luke 12:35-48). Shrewdness is being able to discern the best way to achieve the results. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The prudent person understands how crafty the wolves and snakes of this world are so he can respond wisely. But he does not act like wolves and snakes; the godly person is guileless and harmless as sheep and doves. He is as shrewd as a wolf, but remains as pure as a sheep in his motives and actions.
Today's Thought: The prudent person is foresighted and shrewd in his decisions.
Have a prudent day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:4
What does it mean to be prudent? In the Hebrew, it means craftiness or guile (by trickery) or shrewdness in a good sense. Webster's Dictionary says it is being "foresighted; shrewd in the management of practical affairs." It is foresighted in that it looks to the future, and does not just respond to the immediate. Or as my son-in-law, Ted, would put it, it sees the result one wants and makes choices to achieve the desired result. The wise steward looks forward to his Master's return and orders his life accordingly (Luke 12:35-48). Shrewdness is being able to discern the best way to achieve the results. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The prudent person understands how crafty the wolves and snakes of this world are so he can respond wisely. But he does not act like wolves and snakes; the godly person is guileless and harmless as sheep and doves. He is as shrewd as a wolf, but remains as pure as a sheep in his motives and actions.
Today's Thought: The prudent person is foresighted and shrewd in his decisions.
Have a prudent day. Love you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- Level Wisdom
"To receive the instruction of .... equity..."
Proverbs 1:3
Another foundation stone of wisdom is equity – that is, straightforward, sincere, and level. We use the phrase, "on the level," when referring to someone who speaks the truth without shading it to fit the person, the circumstance, or some agenda. If I am using a level to construct a building, I want the bubble to be true and dependable so my building will be in proper alignment. When I receive counsel, instruction or information, I want it to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Sometimes people bend the truth to make it more palatable, but it is a disservice to the hearer. May my words be on the straight and level.
Today's Thought: Wisdom will always be straight, level, sincere and true.
Have an equitable day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:3
Another foundation stone of wisdom is equity – that is, straightforward, sincere, and level. We use the phrase, "on the level," when referring to someone who speaks the truth without shading it to fit the person, the circumstance, or some agenda. If I am using a level to construct a building, I want the bubble to be true and dependable so my building will be in proper alignment. When I receive counsel, instruction or information, I want it to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Sometimes people bend the truth to make it more palatable, but it is a disservice to the hearer. May my words be on the straight and level.
Today's Thought: Wisdom will always be straight, level, sincere and true.
Have an equitable day. Love you.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Wisdom and Justice
"To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice.........."
Proverbs 1:3
One of the foundation stones of wisdom is justice – the act of deciding what is right, proper, and fitting in the light of the way things ought to be. Too often my decisions are made on the basis of what I want rather than what is best. A decision based on anything other than what is right and proper is quicksand that will swallow me up. Decisions based on justice will stand the test of time.
Today's Thought: Wisdom makes decisions based on what is right rather than personal desire.
Have a Just day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:3
One of the foundation stones of wisdom is justice – the act of deciding what is right, proper, and fitting in the light of the way things ought to be. Too often my decisions are made on the basis of what I want rather than what is best. A decision based on anything other than what is right and proper is quicksand that will swallow me up. Decisions based on justice will stand the test of time.
Today's Thought: Wisdom makes decisions based on what is right rather than personal desire.
Have a Just day. Love you.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Choices and Decisions
"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;
To give prudence to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion."
Proverbs 1:1
Life is filled with choices and decisions. The choices we make today will affect us tomorrow. Fools pay no heed to the future, but live only for the present. The wise look at the end result and act according to what is best for tomorrow. To make wise choices, we need to base them on eternal principles greater than today's feelings. The ingredients of wisdom are Justice, Judgment, Equity, Prudence, and Discretion. May these five foundation stones become a part of our lives.
Today's Thought: Today's choices are tomorrow's life.
Have a wise day. Love you.
To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;
To give prudence to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion."
Proverbs 1:1
Life is filled with choices and decisions. The choices we make today will affect us tomorrow. Fools pay no heed to the future, but live only for the present. The wise look at the end result and act according to what is best for tomorrow. To make wise choices, we need to base them on eternal principles greater than today's feelings. The ingredients of wisdom are Justice, Judgment, Equity, Prudence, and Discretion. May these five foundation stones become a part of our lives.
Today's Thought: Today's choices are tomorrow's life.
Have a wise day. Love you.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Worship, Praise, and Joy
"And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen."
Luke 24:52-53
The earthly life of Jesus began with worship, praise and joy as the wise men and shepherds recognized the hand of God in what they had witnessed, and ended with the disciples worshiping and praising God with joy. We, 2000 years removed, are also people of worship, praise and joy because of the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of the living Christ. Hallelujah!!
Today's Thought: Those who recognize God's work are filled with worship, praise, and
joy.
Have a joyful day of worship and praise. Love you.
Luke 24:52-53
The earthly life of Jesus began with worship, praise and joy as the wise men and shepherds recognized the hand of God in what they had witnessed, and ended with the disciples worshiping and praising God with joy. We, 2000 years removed, are also people of worship, praise and joy because of the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of the living Christ. Hallelujah!!
Today's Thought: Those who recognize God's work are filled with worship, praise, and
joy.
Have a joyful day of worship and praise. Love you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Ascension
"And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up his hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven."
Luke 24:50
Is the Ascension of Jesus into heaven important for our faith? Suppose that Jesus had not ascended and that He was still confined to roam the earth in His glorified body. How would that affect our lives? For one thing, we would not have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said, "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you" (John 16:7). For another thing, we would have no assurance that we would go to heaven when we die. It was vitally important that Jesus return to His rightful position of authority in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Indeed, the Ascension is a vital part of our faith.
Today's Thought: The Ascension of Jesus is an essential element of our faith.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Luke 24:50
Is the Ascension of Jesus into heaven important for our faith? Suppose that Jesus had not ascended and that He was still confined to roam the earth in His glorified body. How would that affect our lives? For one thing, we would not have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said, "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you" (John 16:7). For another thing, we would have no assurance that we would go to heaven when we die. It was vitally important that Jesus return to His rightful position of authority in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Indeed, the Ascension is a vital part of our faith.
Today's Thought: The Ascension of Jesus is an essential element of our faith.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Promise of the Father
" 'Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.' "
Luke 24:49
The disciples were given a job to do, and Jesus promised power to do that job. The Promise of the Father is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8). They were not to just rush into the battle but were told to wait until they received this Baptism of power. This was an eduement that came after salvation. They had already received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them (John 20:22), just as every born-again Believer receives the Holy Spirit when they are saved. This was a different realm of power that Jesus promised. Can you imagine people enlisting in the army and then going into war without any training? Without any guns and ammunition? Without any air-power supporting them? Yet many Believers have joined the army but spurn the power to do battle – help that God has promised. How foolish to go to war without His power.
Today's Thought: The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is for power to do the job God has given us to do.
Have a "power" day. Love you.
Luke 24:49
The disciples were given a job to do, and Jesus promised power to do that job. The Promise of the Father is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8). They were not to just rush into the battle but were told to wait until they received this Baptism of power. This was an eduement that came after salvation. They had already received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them (John 20:22), just as every born-again Believer receives the Holy Spirit when they are saved. This was a different realm of power that Jesus promised. Can you imagine people enlisting in the army and then going into war without any training? Without any guns and ammunition? Without any air-power supporting them? Yet many Believers have joined the army but spurn the power to do battle – help that God has promised. How foolish to go to war without His power.
Today's Thought: The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is for power to do the job God has given us to do.
Have a "power" day. Love you.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Pay It Forward
"Then He said to them, 'Thus It is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, and rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.' "
Luke 24:46-48
A local television station has a program called "Pay It Forward," in which $500 is given to one person, and which he in turn must give to someone else. The disciples – and all believers – are entrusted with the Gospel that Jesus died and rose again for our salvation. This wonderful treasure is given to us, not to be hoarded to ourselves. He wants us to "pay it forward."
Today's Thought: The Gospel is given not just to bless us but to bless the nations,
beginning at our Jerusalem.
Have a "pay it forward" day. Love you.
Luke 24:46-48
A local television station has a program called "Pay It Forward," in which $500 is given to one person, and which he in turn must give to someone else. The disciples – and all believers – are entrusted with the Gospel that Jesus died and rose again for our salvation. This wonderful treasure is given to us, not to be hoarded to ourselves. He wants us to "pay it forward."
Today's Thought: The Gospel is given not just to bless us but to bless the nations,
beginning at our Jerusalem.
Have a "pay it forward" day. Love you.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Repeat Performance
"Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning me.' And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."
Luke 24:44-45
This is a repeat performance. He had told them for the three years they were together that He must fulfill the Scriptures. And just a few hours earlier He had taught the two disciples from the Scriptures concerning Himself (vs. 27). Now He is teaching them again from the Scriptures. A person can listen to a preacher expound the Word of God for years and still not understand the Gospel. One can study and memorize the Scripture for decades and still not comprehend (as many do with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit). There are two ingredients – the Holy Spirit leading into truth (John 16:13) and a willing heart to receive. But if we have an open heart to hear, God will open our understanding. After 60 years, I am still learning God's truth daily.
Today's Thought: God will teach an open heart, even if it takes years.
Have a open-hearted day to hear God's Word. Love you.
Luke 24:44-45
This is a repeat performance. He had told them for the three years they were together that He must fulfill the Scriptures. And just a few hours earlier He had taught the two disciples from the Scriptures concerning Himself (vs. 27). Now He is teaching them again from the Scriptures. A person can listen to a preacher expound the Word of God for years and still not understand the Gospel. One can study and memorize the Scripture for decades and still not comprehend (as many do with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit). There are two ingredients – the Holy Spirit leading into truth (John 16:13) and a willing heart to receive. But if we have an open heart to hear, God will open our understanding. After 60 years, I am still learning God's truth daily.
Today's Thought: God will teach an open heart, even if it takes years.
Have a open-hearted day to hear God's Word. Love you.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Resurrection Body
"When He said this ["Peace"], He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, 'Have you any food here?' So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence."
Luke 24:40-43
Jesus gave us a glimpse of what our resurrected bodies will be like – physical, yet immaterial. John said that we shall be like Him (I John 3:2). Does this mean I will get to eat in heaven? I sure hope so, because I enjoy it so much here. I'm sure whatever food I eat will be low-fat, low calorie (broiled fish and honeycomb? -- yummy!). In heaven, I won't have to worry about getting fat. As the old song goes, "No more dieting (or is it dying) there – We are going to see the King."
Today's Thought: Our resurrected bodies will be like Jesus.
Have a low-calorie, low-fat day. Love you.
Luke 24:40-43
Jesus gave us a glimpse of what our resurrected bodies will be like – physical, yet immaterial. John said that we shall be like Him (I John 3:2). Does this mean I will get to eat in heaven? I sure hope so, because I enjoy it so much here. I'm sure whatever food I eat will be low-fat, low calorie (broiled fish and honeycomb? -- yummy!). In heaven, I won't have to worry about getting fat. As the old song goes, "No more dieting (or is it dying) there – We are going to see the King."
Today's Thought: Our resurrected bodies will be like Jesus.
Have a low-calorie, low-fat day. Love you.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Peace in Terror
"Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Peace to you.' But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?' "
Luke 24:36-38
These are good questions. The answer, I think, is not knowing all the facts. I have experienced just a few times in my life this type of fright that goes beyond fear to terror. One time was when as a child I came home expecting all the family to be there. They were gone and I thought I had missed the Rapture. The mind freezes, the body is paralyzed, there is a huge rock in the pit of the stomach, and one imagines the worst – just like the disciples. Remember, this is the evening of the first day of Jesus' resurrection. Even though they had heard reports that He was alive, they did not really understand what was happening. So when Jesus actually stood in their midst, they were scared spitless. But Jesus speaks "Peace" and reveals Himself in those terrifying times.
Today's Thought: Jesus speaks peace into our frightening and terror-filled days.
Are you troubled today? Have a peaceful day in Jesus' presence. Love you.
Luke 24:36-38
These are good questions. The answer, I think, is not knowing all the facts. I have experienced just a few times in my life this type of fright that goes beyond fear to terror. One time was when as a child I came home expecting all the family to be there. They were gone and I thought I had missed the Rapture. The mind freezes, the body is paralyzed, there is a huge rock in the pit of the stomach, and one imagines the worst – just like the disciples. Remember, this is the evening of the first day of Jesus' resurrection. Even though they had heard reports that He was alive, they did not really understand what was happening. So when Jesus actually stood in their midst, they were scared spitless. But Jesus speaks "Peace" and reveals Himself in those terrifying times.
Today's Thought: Jesus speaks peace into our frightening and terror-filled days.
Are you troubled today? Have a peaceful day in Jesus' presence. Love you.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- It's Testimony Time!
"So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!' And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread."
Luke 24:33-35
It's testimony time!!! I do miss the old-fashioned worship services that included testimonies from the congregation. When God reveals Himself in some special way, we need to tell someone. It not only encourages and strengthens other peoples' faith, it also confirms in our own hearts that Jesus is alive.
Today's Thought: We need to tell someone how God has ministered to us.
Have a testimony day. Love you.
Luke 24:33-35
It's testimony time!!! I do miss the old-fashioned worship services that included testimonies from the congregation. When God reveals Himself in some special way, we need to tell someone. It not only encourages and strengthens other peoples' faith, it also confirms in our own hearts that Jesus is alive.
Today's Thought: We need to tell someone how God has ministered to us.
Have a testimony day. Love you.
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