I've been thinking about my father today. Today would have been his 102nd birthday, except it wouldn't be his birthday because he was born on February 29. On non-leap-year birthdays, we usually celebrated on the 28th. He has been in heaven for 26 years now, and I doubt that they celebrate earthly birthdays in heaven. But I am so thankful for the memory of my father because he taught me to love Jesus. How blessed I am.
I love you today.
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- A Cheesecake Day
"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken....He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:13, 15b
I've had both of them – the merry heart and the broken spirit – and the merry heart is definitely better. It's the difference between feasting on strawberry cheesecake or cod liver oil. But how to get from sorrow to joy is the question. I think it is by remembering what Jesus has done for me. Habbakuk knew there would be times when everything goes to pot and life stinks. But then he said, "Yet [in spite of it all] I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18) The joy of the Lord is my strength, and the fruit of the spirit is joy. Even in the cod liver oil times, I am so glad that Jesus saved me. I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Today's Thought: The joy of salvation heals the broken spirit.
Have a cheesecake day. Love you.
Proverbs 15:13, 15b
I've had both of them – the merry heart and the broken spirit – and the merry heart is definitely better. It's the difference between feasting on strawberry cheesecake or cod liver oil. But how to get from sorrow to joy is the question. I think it is by remembering what Jesus has done for me. Habbakuk knew there would be times when everything goes to pot and life stinks. But then he said, "Yet [in spite of it all] I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18) The joy of the Lord is my strength, and the fruit of the spirit is joy. Even in the cod liver oil times, I am so glad that Jesus saved me. I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Today's Thought: The joy of salvation heals the broken spirit.
Have a cheesecake day. Love you.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- God's Delight
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination tot he LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight."
Proverbs 15:8
What makes God happy? He is not impressed by all the things people do to gain His favor. The simple prayer of the obedient person is His delight.
Today's Thought: The Father loves it when His children commune with Him.
Have a delightful day. Love you.
Proverbs 15:8
What makes God happy? He is not impressed by all the things people do to gain His favor. The simple prayer of the obedient person is His delight.
Today's Thought: The Father loves it when His children commune with Him.
Have a delightful day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Emptiness of World Wisdom
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
Proverbs 14:12
We are bombarded with worldly wisdom that is swallowed by a lot of people as truth. Such ideas as "responsible drinking," "sexual prevention," "the end justifies the means," and situational ethics (no absolute moral standards) appeal to the fleshly mind, but are devoid of life when compared to God's truth. "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge" (I Timothy 6:20).
Today's Thought: Worldly wisdom sounds good but leads to death.
Have a guarding day. Love you.
Proverbs 14:12
We are bombarded with worldly wisdom that is swallowed by a lot of people as truth. Such ideas as "responsible drinking," "sexual prevention," "the end justifies the means," and situational ethics (no absolute moral standards) appeal to the fleshly mind, but are devoid of life when compared to God's truth. "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge" (I Timothy 6:20).
Today's Thought: Worldly wisdom sounds good but leads to death.
Have a guarding day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Personal Emotions
"The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy."
Proverbs 14:10
I should not expect other people to share my feelings – either sorrow or joy – in the same way I do. Even those who are closest to me cannot know how much I hurt or how happy I am. We are called to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). But other people cannot know the depths of my emotions. These are personal things that only I can understand for myself. "Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself; and not another. For each one shall bear his own load" (Galatians 6:4-5).
Today's Thought: Sorrow and joy are personal emotions that can only be measured by the person who experiences them.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
Proverbs 14:10
I should not expect other people to share my feelings – either sorrow or joy – in the same way I do. Even those who are closest to me cannot know how much I hurt or how happy I am. We are called to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). But other people cannot know the depths of my emotions. These are personal things that only I can understand for myself. "Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself; and not another. For each one shall bear his own load" (Galatians 6:4-5).
Today's Thought: Sorrow and joy are personal emotions that can only be measured by the person who experiences them.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Satisfied!
"The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want."
Proverbs 13:25
Does this mean that godly people will never go hungry? I don't think so. Jesus told of the rich man, an ungodly man, who "fared sumptiously every day," while the beggar (who went to Paradise) starved (Luke 16:19-20). The Apostle Paul knew how to be hungry, but he had learned contentment (Phil. 4:11-12). I think this is the point: Sin never satisfies. One bite demands another. Sin is addictive and is always hungry for more, which leads to more sin. But the righteous are satisfied with what God provides, and are not always striving for more.
Today's Thought: The wise man is content with God's provision.
Have a satisfied day. Love you.
Proverbs 13:25
Does this mean that godly people will never go hungry? I don't think so. Jesus told of the rich man, an ungodly man, who "fared sumptiously every day," while the beggar (who went to Paradise) starved (Luke 16:19-20). The Apostle Paul knew how to be hungry, but he had learned contentment (Phil. 4:11-12). I think this is the point: Sin never satisfies. One bite demands another. Sin is addictive and is always hungry for more, which leads to more sin. But the righteous are satisfied with what God provides, and are not always striving for more.
Today's Thought: The wise man is content with God's provision.
Have a satisfied day. Love you.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Blessing The Future
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous."
Proverbs 13:22
The person who cares only about himself is shortsighted. The good man looks ahead to his posterity. I want to leave an inheritance of faith that will bless my great-grandchildren. That is why we have established a fund to help pay for the Christian education of our offspring to the third and fourth generations, should Jesus tarry. At this time, it only has about $45,000 value, but the Lord willing, it will grow so that the increase can be used to encourage future generations to love and serve the Lord Jesus.
Today's Thought: The wise person considers how he can bless future generations.
Have a forward-looking day. Love you.
Proverbs 13:22
The person who cares only about himself is shortsighted. The good man looks ahead to his posterity. I want to leave an inheritance of faith that will bless my great-grandchildren. That is why we have established a fund to help pay for the Christian education of our offspring to the third and fourth generations, should Jesus tarry. At this time, it only has about $45,000 value, but the Lord willing, it will grow so that the increase can be used to encourage future generations to love and serve the Lord Jesus.
Today's Thought: The wise person considers how he can bless future generations.
Have a forward-looking day. Love you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Heartsick
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire comes, it is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12
When my prayers are not answered in my timeframe, I am disappointed. But I must remember that God's timing is always right. Perhaps the fruit on the tree of life needs more time to ripen. When I try to pick it too soon, it brings a bitter taste to my mouth. But in God's time, it will be sweet. "In His time, He makes all things beautiful – In His time."
Today's Thought: I may be heartsick while waiting, but the wait is worth it.
Have a patient day. Love you.
Proverbs 13:12
When my prayers are not answered in my timeframe, I am disappointed. But I must remember that God's timing is always right. Perhaps the fruit on the tree of life needs more time to ripen. When I try to pick it too soon, it brings a bitter taste to my mouth. But in God's time, it will be sweet. "In His time, He makes all things beautiful – In His time."
Today's Thought: I may be heartsick while waiting, but the wait is worth it.
Have a patient day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Good Friends
"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray."
Proverbs 12:26
I can't always choose my relatives or acquaintances. But I can choose my friends. Friends are those with whom I share the core of my being. That's why I have lots of acquaintances, but few friends. The question to ask is this: Do they support my faith – or lead me astray? "Be not deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits' " (I Cor. 15:33).
Today's Thought: Friends are those who encourage my walk with God.
Have a friendly day. Love you
Proverbs 12:26
I can't always choose my relatives or acquaintances. But I can choose my friends. Friends are those with whom I share the core of my being. That's why I have lots of acquaintances, but few friends. The question to ask is this: Do they support my faith – or lead me astray? "Be not deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits' " (I Cor. 15:33).
Today's Thought: Friends are those who encourage my walk with God.
Have a friendly day. Love you
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Glad Heart
"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."
Proverbs 12:25
When I look at the evil in the world around me, it would be easy to be anxious and depressed. But then I hear the good word: "God is King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7). God lives and He reigns! Give Him thanks and glory, and be glad!
Today's Thought: The antidote to depression is a good word.
Have a anxiety-free day. Love you.
Proverbs 12:25
When I look at the evil in the world around me, it would be easy to be anxious and depressed. But then I hear the good word: "God is King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7). God lives and He reigns! Give Him thanks and glory, and be glad!
Today's Thought: The antidote to depression is a good word.
Have a anxiety-free day. Love you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Sword or Scalpel
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health."
Proverbs 12:18
Swords are usually attack weapons. They stab, slash and whack, leaving the victim maimed with ugly scars and pain with no intent of healing. Nor does a razor sharp tongue usually bring healing. But the surgeon's scalpel is a tool in the hands of the physician to restore health. The goal of speaking the truth in love is health. The tongue can be used to destroy or heal. The wise person seeks healing. Lord, help me to speak healing.
Today's Thought: The words of the wise bring healing.
Have a healing day. Love you.
Proverbs 12:18
Swords are usually attack weapons. They stab, slash and whack, leaving the victim maimed with ugly scars and pain with no intent of healing. Nor does a razor sharp tongue usually bring healing. But the surgeon's scalpel is a tool in the hands of the physician to restore health. The goal of speaking the truth in love is health. The tongue can be used to destroy or heal. The wise person seeks healing. Lord, help me to speak healing.
Today's Thought: The words of the wise bring healing.
Have a healing day. Love you.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Dissenting Opinions
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."
Proverbs 12:15
The wise person does not think he knows it all. Here's the deal: I tend to listen to the opinions of those with whom I agree, and dismiss those who challenge my opinion. But listening to dissenting opinions is valuable because it make me evaluate the validity of what I believe, and think through why I believe what I believe is true. For example, if I listen only to conservative opinion, my belief system will be shallow. Depth of faith comes by struggling to support my own beliefs. If I can't justify my opinion in light of God's truth, then perhaps I need to carefully and prayerfully change what I believe.
Today's Thought: Listening to opinions I don't agree with is a way to grow.
Have a thinking day. Love you.
Proverbs 12:15
The wise person does not think he knows it all. Here's the deal: I tend to listen to the opinions of those with whom I agree, and dismiss those who challenge my opinion. But listening to dissenting opinions is valuable because it make me evaluate the validity of what I believe, and think through why I believe what I believe is true. For example, if I listen only to conservative opinion, my belief system will be shallow. Depth of faith comes by struggling to support my own beliefs. If I can't justify my opinion in light of God's truth, then perhaps I need to carefully and prayerfully change what I believe.
Today's Thought: Listening to opinions I don't agree with is a way to grow.
Have a thinking day. Love you.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Generosity
"There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."
Proverbs 11:24-25
The wise man is generous. It was during my Sophomore English class over 50 years ago that I read "Silas Marner" by George Eliott. It is the story of a widower miser who hoarded his gold, but lost it all in the end, including his only child who drowned in a lake. Jesus said it: "Give and it shall be given unto you..." Luke 6:38. There is a difference between being conservative and being a miser. It is a matter of the spirit. Being wealthy in spirit is better than having a fat wallet.
Today's Thought: The generous soul is rich.
Have a generous day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:24-25
The wise man is generous. It was during my Sophomore English class over 50 years ago that I read "Silas Marner" by George Eliott. It is the story of a widower miser who hoarded his gold, but lost it all in the end, including his only child who drowned in a lake. Jesus said it: "Give and it shall be given unto you..." Luke 6:38. There is a difference between being conservative and being a miser. It is a matter of the spirit. Being wealthy in spirit is better than having a fat wallet.
Today's Thought: The generous soul is rich.
Have a generous day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Mercy Me
"The merciful man does good for his own soul; but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh."
Proverbs 11:17
A wise person is merciful. Vengeance only destroys the person who carries it. It eats away at he psyche and emotions of man. It is like the fruit flies in my oranges. They eat away at the inside, removing all the sweetness and leaving just an empty shell. When Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful" (Matt. 5:7), He knew what he was talking about. They are blessed with a sweet spirit.
Today's Thought: A merciful person does not allow revenge to eat at him.
Have a merciful day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:17
A wise person is merciful. Vengeance only destroys the person who carries it. It eats away at he psyche and emotions of man. It is like the fruit flies in my oranges. They eat away at the inside, removing all the sweetness and leaving just an empty shell. When Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful" (Matt. 5:7), He knew what he was talking about. They are blessed with a sweet spirit.
Today's Thought: A merciful person does not allow revenge to eat at him.
Have a merciful day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Wise Counsel
"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14
A wise person listens to godly counsel. Listening to differing points of view can help clarify my own thinking. But there is a caveat. I also understands that the majority is not always right. There is no shortage of people who will give advice, but not all advice is equally good. What I need is someone who will help me see things from God's point of view. The fool says in his heart, "My mind is made up; don't confuse me with facts." Lord, help me to listen to godly counsel, even when it goes against what I think.
Today's Thought: A wise person listens to different points of view and compares them to God's Word.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:14
A wise person listens to godly counsel. Listening to differing points of view can help clarify my own thinking. But there is a caveat. I also understands that the majority is not always right. There is no shortage of people who will give advice, but not all advice is equally good. What I need is someone who will help me see things from God's point of view. The fool says in his heart, "My mind is made up; don't confuse me with facts." Lord, help me to listen to godly counsel, even when it goes against what I think.
Today's Thought: A wise person listens to different points of view and compares them to God's Word.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Tasty Morsels
"A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals matters."
Proverbs 11:13
A wise person disciplines himself to keep things shared in confidence to himself. A tidbit of gossip is sweet like a "tasty triffle" (Prov. 18:8). The Hebrew word is "to gulp or swallow greedily." When we tell or listen to secret information, it tastes good, but it violates trust. So to have a faithful, trustworthy spirit God says to not be a gossip (Lev. 19:16) and to avoid those who are (Prov. 20:19). Keep things shared in secret confidential, and learn to walk away when someone says, "Have you heard about......?".
Today's Thought: Gossip is sweet, but it reveals
untrustworthy character.
Have a faithful spirit today. Love you.
Proverbs 11:13
A wise person disciplines himself to keep things shared in confidence to himself. A tidbit of gossip is sweet like a "tasty triffle" (Prov. 18:8). The Hebrew word is "to gulp or swallow greedily." When we tell or listen to secret information, it tastes good, but it violates trust. So to have a faithful, trustworthy spirit God says to not be a gossip (Lev. 19:16) and to avoid those who are (Prov. 20:19). Keep things shared in secret confidential, and learn to walk away when someone says, "Have you heard about......?".
Today's Thought: Gossip is sweet, but it reveals
untrustworthy character.
Have a faithful spirit today. Love you.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Living Expectation
"When the wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes.
Proverbs 11:7
I suppose that everyone has some kind of expectations for his or her life – happiness, success, love and acceptance. These expectations will all die when the casket is closed for the last time. There is hope that extends beyond the grave. For the person who believes in Christ, there is hope of heaven and eternal life. What a miserable life it would be to come to the end and find that my hope in this life is all there is. As Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable" (I Cor. 15:19). Faith in Jesus gives hope beyond the grave. P.T.L.
Today's Thought: Lasting hope lies in faith in Christ.
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:7
I suppose that everyone has some kind of expectations for his or her life – happiness, success, love and acceptance. These expectations will all die when the casket is closed for the last time. There is hope that extends beyond the grave. For the person who believes in Christ, there is hope of heaven and eternal life. What a miserable life it would be to come to the end and find that my hope in this life is all there is. As Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable" (I Cor. 15:19). Faith in Jesus gives hope beyond the grave. P.T.L.
Today's Thought: Lasting hope lies in faith in Christ.
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Fraud
"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1
Fraud is taking something from someone by deceit. Scammers make me angry. But Christians, because they are conservative by nature and want the best deal possible, sometimes fall into the trap of defrauding others. The Bible admonishes us to not defraud anyone (Lev. 19:13; Mark 10:19; I Thess. 4:6). For example, violating copyright laws and plagiarism is stealing what rightfully belongs to another. Or in I Corinthians 7:5, we are told to not defraud our spouse in the bedroom (the "I've got a headache" syndrome). Or purchasing an item that the seller thinks is junk, but I know is very valuable. Or accepting too much change from the clerk in the store. Christians are honest in all areas, and God is delighted when we are.
Today's Thought: Fraud has no place in the Christian's life.
Honestly, have an good day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:1
Fraud is taking something from someone by deceit. Scammers make me angry. But Christians, because they are conservative by nature and want the best deal possible, sometimes fall into the trap of defrauding others. The Bible admonishes us to not defraud anyone (Lev. 19:13; Mark 10:19; I Thess. 4:6). For example, violating copyright laws and plagiarism is stealing what rightfully belongs to another. Or in I Corinthians 7:5, we are told to not defraud our spouse in the bedroom (the "I've got a headache" syndrome). Or purchasing an item that the seller thinks is junk, but I know is very valuable. Or accepting too much change from the clerk in the store. Christians are honest in all areas, and God is delighted when we are.
Today's Thought: Fraud has no place in the Christian's life.
Honestly, have an good day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Christians Bless Society
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices...By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted."
Proverbs 11:10a, 11a
People who live by God's values are a blessing to society. Just think of what it would be like to live in a place where there are no Christians, or the Gospel is repressed and Christians are persecuted. Picture the Soviet Union, or China, or Cuba, or Iran. Christians truly are the salt and light of any city, state, or nation, even if they are despised by the culture.
Today's Thought: Society is blessed by godly people.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Proverbs 11:10a, 11a
People who live by God's values are a blessing to society. Just think of what it would be like to live in a place where there are no Christians, or the Gospel is repressed and Christians are persecuted. Picture the Soviet Union, or China, or Cuba, or Iran. Christians truly are the salt and light of any city, state, or nation, even if they are despised by the culture.
Today's Thought: Society is blessed by godly people.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Acceptable Words
"The mouth of the righteous is a well of life...Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding...The mouth of the foolish is near destruction...Whoever hides hatred has lying lips...In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise...The tongue of the righteous is choice silver...The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable....."
Proverbs 10:11a, 13a, 14b, 18a, 19, 20a, 21a, 32a
The wise man controls his tongue. He knows words can either bring life or death, beauty or ugliness, blessing or cursing, singing or moaning, peace or strife, praise or criticism, thanksgiving or discontent, joy or sorrow, love or hate. So, what is acceptable?
Today's Thought: Acceptable words build rather than destroy.
Have an acceptable day. Love you.
Proverbs 10:11a, 13a, 14b, 18a, 19, 20a, 21a, 32a
The wise man controls his tongue. He knows words can either bring life or death, beauty or ugliness, blessing or cursing, singing or moaning, peace or strife, praise or criticism, thanksgiving or discontent, joy or sorrow, love or hate. So, what is acceptable?
Today's Thought: Acceptable words build rather than destroy.
Have an acceptable day. Love you.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Living With Integrity
"He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known."
Proverbs 10:9
Integrity is living by what I know is true and right. Contradicting my integrity is perversion and is sin. "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). For example, if I know stealing is wrong and yet I steal, I am not living with integrity. But if I live with integrity, I don't have to worry about my perversion being exposed. That brings freedom.
Today's Thought: I do not have to worry about being discovered if I live in integrity.
Have a secure day. Love you.
Proverbs 10:9
Integrity is living by what I know is true and right. Contradicting my integrity is perversion and is sin. "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). For example, if I know stealing is wrong and yet I steal, I am not living with integrity. But if I live with integrity, I don't have to worry about my perversion being exposed. That brings freedom.
Today's Thought: I do not have to worry about being discovered if I live in integrity.
Have a secure day. Love you.
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