Search This Blog

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Preparing For The Future

"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished."
 
                                     Proverbs 22:3
 
The wise man considers the future; the fool lives only for today. Whether it concerns future consequences for my actions, preparing for economic downturns, or recognizing there is judgment after I die, it pays to plan for the future instead of living like there is no tomorrow. As a Christian, I understand there is a future – both in this life and in the life to come, but I don't have to worry because my life is "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).
 
Today's Thought: The wise man prepares for the future.
 
Have a preparation day. Love you.
 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- God's Creation

"The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is the maker of them all."
 
                                     Proverbs 22:2
 
There are actually two threads that connect all humanity regardless of race or ethnicity or nationality, economic status, or color. The first is that we are all God's creation. There is no place for prejudice or superiority. The poor, the mentally challenged, the uncivilized aborigine are all worthy of respect as humans. The second is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. "God so loved the world" and wants them to go to heaven as much as a WASP. So should I.
 
Today's Thought: There is no status before God based on class.
 
Have a prejudice-free day. Love you.
 

Monday, March 29, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- The Joy of Righteous Living

"It is a joy for the just to do justice...."
 
                          Proverbs 21:15
 
When the clerk at the store gives too much change and I return it, it feels good. Part of the reward of righteous living is the feeling of satisfaction I get when I do what is right. Even if I am not thanked or praised, or may even be criticized, knowing that I have lived in integrity is reward enough.
 
Today's Thought: There are internal rewards for doing what is right.
 
Have a joyful day. Love you.
 

Friday, March 26, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Religiosity

"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
 
                            Proverbs 21:3
 
Many people observe Lent by doing spiritual exercises -- fasting and going to church. But what good are all the religious exercises I do if I miss God's heart? Jesus saw how the Pharisees were concerned about their religious rituals and scrupulous about tithing even their herbs. Then He told them they ought to do these things without neglecting the more important things – justice and love for God (Luke 11:42). Sacrifices do not take the place of living for Him and loving Him, nor can I hide my unrighteousness behind the facade of religiosity.
 
Today's Thought: God is more pleased with my love and obedience than my religious observances.
 
Have a loving-God day. Love you.
 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- God Is In Control

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."
 
                              Proverbs 21:1
 
What a solace to know that even though our governmental leaders seem to be out of control, God is still in control. He can change the direction of their hearts if He so desires.
 
Today's Thought: God is in control.
 
Have a resting-in-God day. Love you.
 

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Strength and Experience

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head."
 
                              Proverbs 20:29
 
Through the years I have admired gray hair, wishing I could have a white head. Instead, I have a mottled gray. :) Gray hair in itself does not guarantee wisdom, but it is a symbol of someone who has some understanding that comes from experience. John wrote of young men who had fought and overcome "the wicked one" and old men who "have known Him who is from the beginning" (I John 2:12-14). We need both the strength of young people who fight the battles with the enemy, and the stability of old people who have experienced and know the power and faithfulness of God over the long haul.
 
Today's Thought: Strength of youth and experience of age are important to the vitality and stability of the family and church.
 
Have a strong day. Love you.
 

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Illuminated

"The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD searching all the inner depths of his heart."
 
                              Proverbs 20:27
 
There are differing views of the relationship of body, soul, and spirit. But the spirit seems to be the place in our innermost being where God illuminates the rest of our lives. That is why it is so important to keep the spirit clean, so there is nothing to keep the light from shining. A dirty spirit makes the entire life dark. God way of living is to "Walk according to the spirit...." (Romans 8:1,4; Gal. 5:16, 17).
 
Today's Thought: God illuminates the deep part of our lives.
 
Have an illuminated day. Love you.
 

Monday, March 22, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Clean!

"Who can say, 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'?"
 
                                Proverbs 20:9
 
I remember Sister Howard in Jasper. She was a precious lady but she stank because she did not take many baths (her bathtub was full of junk) and did not wash her clothes. Instead, she put on perfume to cover her BO. There is a difference between being covered and being cleansed. No matter how hard I try to cover the smell of sin with my good works, I am still dirty and still stink in God's sight. Only God can truly cleanse me. If I confess my sins, He is faithful to cleanse me from the dirt of sin (I John 1:9). So I cry out with King David, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:2).
 
Today's Thought: Only God can truly cleanse a person from the dirt and smell of sin.
 
Have a cleansed day. Love you.
 

Friday, March 19, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Questions

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
 
                             Proverbs 20:1
 
Whatever happened to the Women's Temperance Union? Alcohol has become such an accepted part of our society that even Christians are afraid to speak out against it for fear of being branded intolerant or "under the law." But I ask: How many people die every year in alcohol-related car accidents? How many young people lose their chastity after a few drinks? How many families are destroyed because of alcoholism? How many fights, stabbings, and shootings happen at bars? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the devastating effects of alcohol. So why would anyone want to justify its use?
 
Today's Thought: The wise person is not led astray by alcohol.
 
Have a sober day. Love you.
 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- God's Ways are Best

"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel – that will stand."
 
                             Proverbs 19:21
 
I make my plans in life, but God directs my steps (Psalm 37:23). I may not understand, but I do not rebel because I know His plans are best. It is always proper to pray, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (James 4:15). We had a car accident yesterday on a vacation trip in Bastrop, Texas. That was not a part of my plans. Life comes at you fast, but God is not surprised by anything. If it is His will to change my plans, I accept that. God's way is good.
 
Today's Thought: God's plans are not always my plans, but they are best.
 
Have a "God-planned" day. Love you.
 

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Knowledge

"Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet."
 
                              Proverbs 19:2
 
Knowledge is good. I've made many mistakes and gotten into a lot of trouble because I made spur of the moment decisions – jumping into an argument without knowing all the fact. Taking time to investigate a problem and possible solutions helps avoid more problems.
 
Today's Thought: Walking in darkness causes me to bump into walls (or worse).
 
Have a knowledgeable day. Love you.
 
# end


Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Friendship

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
 
                          Proverbs 18:24
 
It bugs me when people, after visiting a church, say, "They weren't very friendly," for two reasons. First, we go to church to meet God, not people. Second, if I want people to be friendly to me, I must myself be friendly. Friendship is a two-way street. To find a close friend who sticks through thick and thin, I must reach out and commit myself to be that kind of friend. (See Dad's Ramblings for Proverbs 12:26.)
 
Today's Thought: Friendship is a result of my efforts to reach out to people.
 
Have a friendly day. Love you.
 

Monday, March 15, 2010

Dad Ramblings -- A Free Spirit

"A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle."
 
                                        Proverbs 18:18
 
Bars on the window not only keep people out – they also keep people in. Carrying hard feelings or a quarrel against someone is like a prison. It not only keeps people out of my life, but it also confines my own spirit. What freedom to not have ill-will toward anyone.
 
Today's Thought: Hard feelings are like bars on the window that confine my own spirit.
 
Have a free day. Love you.
 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Healthy Skepticism

"The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him."
 
                            Proverbs 18:16
 
The wise person is skeptical. It is not wrong to question the legitimacy of what we hear or read. There are two sides to every issue, and only the fool swallows the first thing he hears without knowing the other side. Whether in parenting – "He started it!" "No, he did!" – or in theology, my understanding needs to be based on the testimony of more than one person or Scripture verse. Then I can better weigh what is true. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses" (see Matt. 18:16; II Cor. 13:1; Deut. 17:6; 19:18). This does not mean the majority is always right, but only that I need to hear all sides of the question before forming my conclusion.
 
Today's Thought: It is not wrong to question what people say.
 
Have a skeptical day. Love you.
 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Trusting God

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city and like a high wall in his own esteem."
 
                          Proverbs 18:10-11
 
What is my security? My job? Money in the bank? The past few years have shown clearly how fast we can lose either of them. It is better to put my trust in the Lord. As Paul wrote to Timothy: "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (I Tim. 6:17). He never fails.
 
Today's Thought: It is better to trust in God than in the Stock Market.
 
Have a trusting day. Love you.
 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Loners

"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment."
 
                              Proverbs 18:1
 
God made us as social creatures so we would be accountable to social wisdom. Loners (think Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma bomber, or the school shooters at Columbine, or the Uni-bomber) are often angry with society and close themselves into their own little world. People who isolate themselves from society become their own law that fits their own insane desires and often end up doing unthinkable destruction. We need each other to stay balanced.
 
Today's Thought: People who isolate themselves from other people live in their own little world.
 
Have a gregarious day. Love you.
 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- A Calm Spirit

"He who has knowledge spares his words, but a man of understanding is of a calm spirit."
 
                              Proverbs 17:17
 
It seems that this verse is a repeat of a previous Dad's Ramblings, but people who talks a lot are probably trying to cover their ignorance. It is like the preacher who wrote a note to himself in his sermon outline: "Weak point; shout louder!" A calm spirit doesn't have to yell to be heard.
 
Today's Thought: A loud voice does not indicate knowledge or wisdom.
 
Have a calm day. Love you.
 

Monday, March 8, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- A Happy Heart

"A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."
 
                                 Proverbs 17:22
 
It's not always easy to be upbeat all the time, and see humor in the bad times, but the joy of the Lord is my strength. To paraphrase an old adage, "A laugh a day keeps the doctor away." I just don't want to be a grumpy old man.
 
Today's Thought: A happy heart heals.
 
Have a joyful day. Love you.
 

Friday, March 5, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Controlled Release

"The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts."
 
                             Proverbs 17:14
 
Picture all the water stored up behind the Bonneville Dam. If the dam were to be breached, all the force of that water rushing and cascading down the Columbia Gorge would do immeasurable damage and destruction to the people in its path. But mechanisms are in place to control the release of the water in a positive manner. Now picture the anger pent up inside. If the dam is broken in an argument, the anger boils out doing great damage. There need to be mechanisms in place to release the anger in a controlled way. It is better to deal with contention before the fight begins.
 
Today's Thought: Pent up anger is destructive when the dam is broken, but can be beneficial when released in a controlled manner.
 
Have a "controlled-release" day. Love you.
 

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Bribe or Reward?

"A present is a precious stone in the eyes of the beholder;  wherever he turns, he prospers."
 
                                      Proverbs 17:8
 
This proverb is an enigma.  What is the correlaton of a gift and success?  Many Bibles translate "present" as "bribe."  Bribes do bring a certain amount of success, because they cause the receiver to please the giver.  But bribes can be either to promote good or evil.  A bribe can be an incentive to do good (as with children) or to do evil (as with politicians).  In my view, bribes should be avoided because it makes the receiver beholden to the giver, and causes people to do things for the wrong motives.  But rewards are powerful incentives. Is it a bribe or a reward?  That is the question.  What do you think?
 
Today's Thought:  A gift or bribe can bring a desired end.
 
Have a questioning day.  Love you.
 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Dad's Ramblings -- Self-control

"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
 
                                     Proverbs 16:32
 
Power is not measured by how many people I control. A man who is in control of himself (his emotions and desires)is a stronger person than he who rules over many.
 
Today's Thought: Self-control is better than ruling others.
 
Have a "self-controlled" day. Love you.
 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Dad's Rambling -- God's Work - Man's Work

"In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by fear of the LORD one departs from evil."
 
                                  Proverbs 16:6
 
There are some things only God can do, and some things only man can do. Only God, because of His mercy, can atone for my sin. No matter how hard I try, nothing I could ever do can cover my sin. Atonement is only through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, only I can choose to live a holy life. God can not do it for me. Although He is there to help me through the strength of the Holy Spirit, the responsibility is mine alone. He will not force me to live holy. My desire and choice is founded in my fear of Him.
 
Today's Thought: I cannot do what only God can do, but I must do what only I can do.
 
Have a sanctified day. Love you.
 

Monday, March 1, 2010

Re: February 28

Hi Dad,
 
As always, I really enjoyed your tribute to your dad. So very thankful for the legacy left for me by my Godly grandparents and parents. Wouldn't trade any of you for anything in the world.
 
Love,
Cheryl.


From: JOHN SCHIEWEK <schiewek0079@msn.com>
To: "Schiewek, Kerry" <kerrydschiewek@mac.com>; clw1228@yahoo.com; twerth5000@gmail.com; ladyfirniswin@yahoo.com; schieweks@comcast.net; tw0759@yahoo.com; lorenschiewek@gmail.com; schiewek0079.skeeter@blogger.com
Sent: Sun, February 28, 2010 9:09:08 PM
Subject: February 28

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.  


Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.

Dad's Ramblings -- The Established Heart

"Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established."
 
                             Proverbs 16:3
 
Should I or shouldn't I? When the spirit is unsettled and is in turmoil because of a decision that must be made, but there is no clear direction from the Lord, what do I do? I make the choice, and then commit it to God and rest secure in my trust that He will work everything out. That is the way to peace of mind.
 
Today's Thought: Peace of mind comes by committing my decisions to the Lord.
 
Have an established day. Love you.