I was challenged this morning by the weekly column by Doug Giles of "ClashRadio". He has a way of directly attacking a problem in very vocal & blunt, but correct ways. He wrote, "For the Christian who has been paying even minimal attention to the state of our union and its current crappy condition, it's easy to see that our nation is in deep weeds from a 'God blessed' standpoint."
I agree...our nation is in desperate need of prayer, from an economical, political, cultural and spiritual perspective. Is there any perspective left? I'm afraid we have drifted far from our God-honoring intent and constitutional infrastructure.
Giles went on to write: "No civilization has lasted long when there was:
-This kind of insane debt and spending,
-A bizarre notion of entitlement,
-A death of faith,
-A degeneration of morals,
-A collapse of civility,
-A paralysis of the will,
-A decline in native born population,
-And unopposed foreign invasion."
As a nation, we are not invincible. It is time for us, as believers, to pull out the prayer of Jabez found in 1 Chron. 4:9-10. It's time for us to cry out to God to reign His favor back down on us as a nation.
Jabez, whose name means "pain," did not let the pain of his life keep him from crying out to God for His blessing, to have increased opportunities, and to have His hand be with us, and to be kept from evil.
For the next month, in particular, I am joining Giles in making this a priority prayer:
1. That God would reverse this curse we are under and leave a blessing instead.
2. That this land of opportunity we've inherited would continue to be a land of opportunity.
3. That God's mighty hand would be with us, instead of against us.
4. That the evil which is currently en vogue would cease to be that which characterizes our culture, and would be replaced with that which is holy, just and good.
Would you join me in this prayer? Perhaps God will stay our execution and shed His grace on us...again!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
This was sent today by MountainWings, the most-read religious email in the world. Enjoy...and let it challenge you today!
The Richest Man On The Bus
===========================
He is on my bus only occasionally, a worn man in crumpled clothing with disheveled hair. His life looks different from the rest of ours. We are mostly middle income. His face is etched with exhaustion and he carries virtually no belongings. We drive ourselves to the parking lot. He appears along a busy road seemingly out of nowhere. We sometimes wonder where he slept the night before.
A few weeks ago he boarded the bus, took one of the side facing front seats and as he typically does and looked down at the floor.
A few stops later a young woman boarded, a regular rider who speaks good but not native English. She swipes her bus pass only to find the machine would not accept it. The driver told her she would have to deposit the $2.25 fare. "I just bought this card," she said, "I paid the money."
The driver said she could take the card back to the sales office and explain the problem. In the meantime she would have to pay the fare for today. The woman became distressed and didn't understand why she would have to pay the fare. The rest of us just watched wondering how the problem would be solved.
Suddenly the crumpled clothed man rose from his seat, dropped a jingle of coins into the fare box and sat back down, his eyes returning to the floor. His act was so unobtrusive that the distressed passenger didn't even realize what had happened.
"You're good," the bus driver said quietly, "he paid for you."
The bus driver repeated it and pulled away from the curb. A hush fell over the bus.
The rest of us had watched the woman's discomfort, he felt it.
We wondered absently how the dilemma would be resolved. He resolved it.
We lawyers, journalists, business people were headed downtown to help fix the world. He fixed her world. We could have paid the $2.25 and never missed it. It's easy to imagine that was his fare home.
You never know when you'll be in the presence of greatness or of grace. To the world my fellow passenger looked like a man in need of solutions. I had looked at him and saw only what he lacked.
By the time he stepped off the bus that morning, it was obvious that he was a richer man then the rest of us. He had enough to open his eyes and his heart to a stranger, enough to give of what he had and trust life for the rest.
I haven't seen him since that day. Some people believe angels occasionally drop down and move among us. All I know is that I have a new respect for the simple act of kindness. It keeps the bus rolling, it speeds us along the way."
~Krista Ramsey; Cincinnati Enquirer; Nov 26, 2010; pg. A.150~
The Richest Man On The Bus
===========================
He is on my bus only occasionally, a worn man in crumpled clothing with disheveled hair. His life looks different from the rest of ours. We are mostly middle income. His face is etched with exhaustion and he carries virtually no belongings. We drive ourselves to the parking lot. He appears along a busy road seemingly out of nowhere. We sometimes wonder where he slept the night before.
A few weeks ago he boarded the bus, took one of the side facing front seats and as he typically does and looked down at the floor.
A few stops later a young woman boarded, a regular rider who speaks good but not native English. She swipes her bus pass only to find the machine would not accept it. The driver told her she would have to deposit the $2.25 fare. "I just bought this card," she said, "I paid the money."
The driver said she could take the card back to the sales office and explain the problem. In the meantime she would have to pay the fare for today. The woman became distressed and didn't understand why she would have to pay the fare. The rest of us just watched wondering how the problem would be solved.
Suddenly the crumpled clothed man rose from his seat, dropped a jingle of coins into the fare box and sat back down, his eyes returning to the floor. His act was so unobtrusive that the distressed passenger didn't even realize what had happened.
"You're good," the bus driver said quietly, "he paid for you."
The bus driver repeated it and pulled away from the curb. A hush fell over the bus.
The rest of us had watched the woman's discomfort, he felt it.
We wondered absently how the dilemma would be resolved. He resolved it.
We lawyers, journalists, business people were headed downtown to help fix the world. He fixed her world. We could have paid the $2.25 and never missed it. It's easy to imagine that was his fare home.
You never know when you'll be in the presence of greatness or of grace. To the world my fellow passenger looked like a man in need of solutions. I had looked at him and saw only what he lacked.
By the time he stepped off the bus that morning, it was obvious that he was a richer man then the rest of us. He had enough to open his eyes and his heart to a stranger, enough to give of what he had and trust life for the rest.
I haven't seen him since that day. Some people believe angels occasionally drop down and move among us. All I know is that I have a new respect for the simple act of kindness. It keeps the bus rolling, it speeds us along the way."
~Krista Ramsey; Cincinnati Enquirer; Nov 26, 2010; pg. A.150~
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Current Thinking
CURRENT THINKING
Fred Smith is one of my mentors, model and hero. He was known as a man of wisdom and principle-centered thinking. His career spanned 65 years of executive positions in the corporate world, and he served on boards for business, Christian organizations and government task forces. (You can find his biograph at www.BreakfastWithFred.com ) His lifetime friends included evangelist Billy Graham, and he was known as a mentor and friend to such men as Zig Ziglar and Ken Blanchard.
His influence through speaking, mentoring, writing, and consulting impacted men and women worldwide. As an inaugural contributor to Leadership Journal, he mentored a generation of pastors and ministry leaders — and continues to do so through his archived writings.
His books continue to direct leadership thinking. John Maxwell considers "Learning to Lead" one of the finest books on the subject. His fourth book, "Breakfast with Fred" was released on September 4, 2007.
In his late 80s he continued mentoring through www.breakfastwithfred.com, reaching an international audience.
The recipient of hundreds of achievement awards and honors, he was recognized for his contributions to business and ministry. In 2007, Christianity Today, International, established the Fred Smith Leadership Award, given to an individual who exemplifies the combination of business acumen and active Christian faith.
He and Mary Alice were married for 67 years before her death in 2004. They were the parents of three adult children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. At the age of 92, Fred passed away on August 17, 2007.
Fred Smith, Sr. was known as a man of great integrity, strength, insight, and thought. His daughter updates his website as a legacy for leaders who follow behind, wanting to be men and women of wisdom. She sends out a weekly email with Fred's writings and wisdom that I consider one of my favorite readings each week.
I share with you TODAY'S COLUMN...
When life has thrown you a curve and you want to pull the covers over your head, do you go into a manic “futuristic” exercise. Do the prospects of tomorrow hold much more appeal than the painful realities of today?
One of the most interesting little books I repeatedly review is A Way of Life by Dr. William Osler. He admonishes us to live in “day-tight compartments.” This tiny volume is a talk delivered to students at Yale. He addressed them as “fellow students” to emphasize the life-long search for knowledge. He told them, “When I was attending the Montreal General Hospital, much worried about the future, partly about the final examination, partly as to what I should do afterwards, I picked up a volume of Carlyle and saw ‘Our business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.’ It was the starting point of a habit that has enabled me to utilize to the full the simple talent entrusted to me.” Osler showed me that today is my only day.
Staying in the present isn’t easy. Clearly, it seems better suited to some personalities and temperaments than others. But, as we face difficulties, it becomes a necessary discipline to develop. We laugh with our children and grandchildren about eating an elephant one bite at a time. Overcoming and persevering are no less than dining on pachyderms. I have never actually done that, but in my day as a chicken eating contest winner, I got the hang of hanging on.
The Bible backs up the idea of day-tight living. We are told to pray for our daily bread; the workers were hired to go into the vineyards for the day; and we are told “don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow; God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
I am reminded of the pastoral painting of peasants planting in the field. Underneath are the Latin words for act and hope. We are to do our work today, not being anxious for tomorrow. Keep in mind, their act of sowing was done in the hope of reaping. My friends in sales tell me calls they make today create business in four months. They act and hope. General Robert E. Lee wrote to his son, Custis, “Fix your mind upon what is before you. Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them.”
So today, think about how well do i stay in the current? What is the balance between current thinking and future planning? Who needs my encouragement to live in day-tight compartments? Remember: "Today is my only day!"
Phil. 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Fred Smith is one of my mentors, model and hero. He was known as a man of wisdom and principle-centered thinking. His career spanned 65 years of executive positions in the corporate world, and he served on boards for business, Christian organizations and government task forces. (You can find his biograph at www.BreakfastWithFred.com ) His lifetime friends included evangelist Billy Graham, and he was known as a mentor and friend to such men as Zig Ziglar and Ken Blanchard.
His influence through speaking, mentoring, writing, and consulting impacted men and women worldwide. As an inaugural contributor to Leadership Journal, he mentored a generation of pastors and ministry leaders — and continues to do so through his archived writings.
His books continue to direct leadership thinking. John Maxwell considers "Learning to Lead" one of the finest books on the subject. His fourth book, "Breakfast with Fred" was released on September 4, 2007.
In his late 80s he continued mentoring through www.breakfastwithfred.com, reaching an international audience.
The recipient of hundreds of achievement awards and honors, he was recognized for his contributions to business and ministry. In 2007, Christianity Today, International, established the Fred Smith Leadership Award, given to an individual who exemplifies the combination of business acumen and active Christian faith.
He and Mary Alice were married for 67 years before her death in 2004. They were the parents of three adult children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. At the age of 92, Fred passed away on August 17, 2007.
Fred Smith, Sr. was known as a man of great integrity, strength, insight, and thought. His daughter updates his website as a legacy for leaders who follow behind, wanting to be men and women of wisdom. She sends out a weekly email with Fred's writings and wisdom that I consider one of my favorite readings each week.
I share with you TODAY'S COLUMN...
When life has thrown you a curve and you want to pull the covers over your head, do you go into a manic “futuristic” exercise. Do the prospects of tomorrow hold much more appeal than the painful realities of today?
One of the most interesting little books I repeatedly review is A Way of Life by Dr. William Osler. He admonishes us to live in “day-tight compartments.” This tiny volume is a talk delivered to students at Yale. He addressed them as “fellow students” to emphasize the life-long search for knowledge. He told them, “When I was attending the Montreal General Hospital, much worried about the future, partly about the final examination, partly as to what I should do afterwards, I picked up a volume of Carlyle and saw ‘Our business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.’ It was the starting point of a habit that has enabled me to utilize to the full the simple talent entrusted to me.” Osler showed me that today is my only day.
Staying in the present isn’t easy. Clearly, it seems better suited to some personalities and temperaments than others. But, as we face difficulties, it becomes a necessary discipline to develop. We laugh with our children and grandchildren about eating an elephant one bite at a time. Overcoming and persevering are no less than dining on pachyderms. I have never actually done that, but in my day as a chicken eating contest winner, I got the hang of hanging on.
The Bible backs up the idea of day-tight living. We are told to pray for our daily bread; the workers were hired to go into the vineyards for the day; and we are told “don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow; God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
I am reminded of the pastoral painting of peasants planting in the field. Underneath are the Latin words for act and hope. We are to do our work today, not being anxious for tomorrow. Keep in mind, their act of sowing was done in the hope of reaping. My friends in sales tell me calls they make today create business in four months. They act and hope. General Robert E. Lee wrote to his son, Custis, “Fix your mind upon what is before you. Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them.”
So today, think about how well do i stay in the current? What is the balance between current thinking and future planning? Who needs my encouragement to live in day-tight compartments? Remember: "Today is my only day!"
Phil. 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Making History In 400 Seconds
This is a follow-up to my comments recently about "YouVersion".
On Monday, May 2, the YouVersion community is going to read through the entire King James Bible in 400 seconds. It was on May 2, 1611, that the King James Bible was published by the Church of England under the authority of King James! Thus it has been called the "King James Version" (KJV). Though we now have many more versions to use and enjoy, when it was published, the KJV was revolutionary. It put the Bible into the common man's vernacular of that day, bringing an understanding of the Scriptures to a whole new level. It has endured as one of the most widely read books in human history.
For those of with YouVersion in your smart phones, I urge you to sign up and be part of this vast reading of the Bible on Monday, May 2. When you sign up, they will give you a portion of Scripture to read during those 400 seconds. The simultaneous readings will begin at 9:00 AM our time, Pacific Coast time (or noon, EDT). You are even encouraged to have someone take a picture of you reading your portion aloud…and post it online. If you do, please send me a copy and we’ll post it also.
What a great project to be a part of…for 6 minutes and 40 seconds…400 seconds to make history!!
On Monday, May 2, the YouVersion community is going to read through the entire King James Bible in 400 seconds. It was on May 2, 1611, that the King James Bible was published by the Church of England under the authority of King James! Thus it has been called the "King James Version" (KJV). Though we now have many more versions to use and enjoy, when it was published, the KJV was revolutionary. It put the Bible into the common man's vernacular of that day, bringing an understanding of the Scriptures to a whole new level. It has endured as one of the most widely read books in human history.
For those of with YouVersion in your smart phones, I urge you to sign up and be part of this vast reading of the Bible on Monday, May 2. When you sign up, they will give you a portion of Scripture to read during those 400 seconds. The simultaneous readings will begin at 9:00 AM our time, Pacific Coast time (or noon, EDT). You are even encouraged to have someone take a picture of you reading your portion aloud…and post it online. If you do, please send me a copy and we’ll post it also.
What a great project to be a part of…for 6 minutes and 40 seconds…400 seconds to make history!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What Are You Reading Today?
Are you a "smart-phone" user. If so, I have a wonderful recommendation for you. We have tremendous technology available, and the world at your fingertips, literally. There's another application that many of our fellowship have found, and that is "You Version." This is a Bible application for smart phones, and makes the Bible available anywhere. Now when you mention a scripture during a Sunday service, many phones are pulled out and the reference is immediately available...in several versions.
I highly recommend "You Version." I don't know if it is the best or brightest, but it is a tremendous asset to your spiritual life. Standing in line, waiting for an appointment, or just a few minutes of free time gives me time to call up scripture verses that I have been reading, or wanting to read. So, what should I read? How should I read?
I recommend "You Version's" "Life Journal Reading Plan." This is a daily reading plan that will annually take you through the Old Testament once and twice through the New Testament.
Today's reading took me through 2 Cor. 13. For the past several weeks I have been reading through Paul's letter to the Corinthians in the Message Version, and I find it inspiring, insightful and quite pointed as Paul deals with problems in the church. What encouragement...to find out he had many of the same problems back there we find today. And what wisdom..."Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it." Great advice for today...
In "You Version" you will also find a handy concordance where you can look up words and phrases, or just look up a reference to read...in one of many different versions. What a great tool now at my disposal...anywhere!
I have always encouraged people to read the Bible...here is a wonderful tool, literally at your fingertips. Enjoy...
I highly recommend "You Version." I don't know if it is the best or brightest, but it is a tremendous asset to your spiritual life. Standing in line, waiting for an appointment, or just a few minutes of free time gives me time to call up scripture verses that I have been reading, or wanting to read. So, what should I read? How should I read?
I recommend "You Version's" "Life Journal Reading Plan." This is a daily reading plan that will annually take you through the Old Testament once and twice through the New Testament.
Today's reading took me through 2 Cor. 13. For the past several weeks I have been reading through Paul's letter to the Corinthians in the Message Version, and I find it inspiring, insightful and quite pointed as Paul deals with problems in the church. What encouragement...to find out he had many of the same problems back there we find today. And what wisdom..."Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it." Great advice for today...
In "You Version" you will also find a handy concordance where you can look up words and phrases, or just look up a reference to read...in one of many different versions. What a great tool now at my disposal...anywhere!
I have always encouraged people to read the Bible...here is a wonderful tool, literally at your fingertips. Enjoy...
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