Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Along with our three daughters and two sons-in-law, we had our two grand-daughters home for Christmas – Avery and Annabelle. On Sunday morning, their parents – Jenny and Eric – dedicated little Annabelle to the Lord in a wonderful service here at Bethel Naz. Avery was the big sister, and she got to stand on the platform with Mom and Dad and Bella during the dedication rite. So, Avery had on a pretty dress that she just loved wearing. As a matter of fact, she wouldn’t take it off all day long! She would say, “Avwee boo’ful!” (Avery beautiful!) Of course, Nana and Pahpooh agreed with her!
The next morning, while she was getting ready to pack up and go to her other grandparents’ home, she caught site of that dress again and wanted to put it back on: “Avwee boo’ful!” But, it wasn’t what a little two-year-old needed to wear during a car trip, so Momma had to say no. Avery just wasn’t too happy about that! She wanted to be beautiful!
I got to thinking about the verse in Revelation that talks about the bride of Christ being given new clothes to wear. (See memory verse below.) When Jesus calls us all to heaven, we are going to be dressed in his righteousness! We are going to be beautiful because of the new clothes with which Christ has clothed us. I’m glad we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to wear those new clothes, but that we can put on the righteousness of Christ right now! I want to be able to say, like Avery, “Boo’ful! Jesus makes me beautiful!”
The Bible says to be “dressed and ready.” The wedding of the Lamb is coming!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Slow Down on Government Interference in Health Care!
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
How thankful I am for the medical care I receive in America! Today I am healing from carpal tunnel surgery I had yesterday. The surgery went well, and we were able to get it done before the end of the year. (That was an answer to prayer, as I had asked many to pray about that since we had met our deductible – we carry a large deductible – for 2009. Thanks for your prayers!)
Having the privilege of getting surgery through insurance – even if it is a high deductible – is not something we should take lightly. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some don’t have it because of calculated choice. Others don’t have it because they are citizens – and presumably are responsible enough to pay taxes to their homeland – of another nation. Some don’t have it because they are here illegally. And there are others who don’t have it because they refuse to work. Yet we know that there are those who don’t have that privilege because they can’t afford insurance.
It is the latter group that concerns me. What are we to do as a nation to help those truly in need? I’m quite confident that the course the Obama administration – along with the Senate and Congress – is taking will not only not help, but will actually make the situation worse. My gut tells me that the government cannot do a better job than the private sector in health care. Experience teaches us that politicizing medical benefits leads to corruption. The recent actions of the Senate confirm that politicians will not hesitate to be greedy in doling out health benefits.
Is private American health care perfect? No, but we need to slow down – even back up – before we do irreversible harm to the best health care system in existence on the planet.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
How thankful I am for the medical care I receive in America! Today I am healing from carpal tunnel surgery I had yesterday. The surgery went well, and we were able to get it done before the end of the year. (That was an answer to prayer, as I had asked many to pray about that since we had met our deductible – we carry a large deductible – for 2009. Thanks for your prayers!)
Having the privilege of getting surgery through insurance – even if it is a high deductible – is not something we should take lightly. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some don’t have it because of calculated choice. Others don’t have it because they are citizens – and presumably are responsible enough to pay taxes to their homeland – of another nation. Some don’t have it because they are here illegally. And there are others who don’t have it because they refuse to work. Yet we know that there are those who don’t have that privilege because they can’t afford insurance.
It is the latter group that concerns me. What are we to do as a nation to help those truly in need? I’m quite confident that the course the Obama administration – along with the Senate and Congress – is taking will not only not help, but will actually make the situation worse. My gut tells me that the government cannot do a better job than the private sector in health care. Experience teaches us that politicizing medical benefits leads to corruption. The recent actions of the Senate confirm that politicians will not hesitate to be greedy in doling out health benefits.
Is private American health care perfect? No, but we need to slow down – even back up – before we do irreversible harm to the best health care system in existence on the planet.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Monday, December 28, 2009
Feeling Feeble? You're Not!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 11-12
NT: Revelation 19
W&W:
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 3-4
NT: Revelation 22
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Genesis 1-2
NT: Matthew 1
W&W: Psalm 1
Today’s Reflection:
On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them… And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12.8, 10).
The golden age of The Church holds such glorious promise! The feeblest of The Church will be like David – a mighty warrior and outstanding leader, a man with a heart for God and worship.
And, the leaders of The Church will be like God – like the Angel of the Lord. What a wonderful prospect! Are we living up to our privileges as the people of God?
In 2010, may God pour out on us a spirit of grace and supplication: showing us favor, helping us pray. May he grant us faith as a gift, faith in the One we look to, faith in the One who was pierced!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
OT: Zechariah 11-12
NT: Revelation 19
W&W:
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 3-4
NT: Revelation 22
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Genesis 1-2
NT: Matthew 1
W&W: Psalm 1
Today’s Reflection:
On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them… And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12.8, 10).
The golden age of The Church holds such glorious promise! The feeblest of The Church will be like David – a mighty warrior and outstanding leader, a man with a heart for God and worship.
And, the leaders of The Church will be like God – like the Angel of the Lord. What a wonderful prospect! Are we living up to our privileges as the people of God?
In 2010, may God pour out on us a spirit of grace and supplication: showing us favor, helping us pray. May he grant us faith as a gift, faith in the One we look to, faith in the One who was pierced!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
We Are Not Alone!
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20
Today’s Reflection:
The past few days I was feeling a little like he prophet Elijah in the Old Testament, despondent that so few stood for right: “I am the only one…” But, with the news last night I am happy to say, “I’m not alone!”
I reported yesterday that I had sent a letter to Governor Heineman of Nebraska, urging him to refuse the political payoff that Senator Nelson had worked out with Harry Reid. Last night I was thrilled to hear the governor report that he did that very thing. My spirit was refreshed within me when I saw this statement of principle. It is a small beginning, but an encouraging one. The sweetheart deals worked out in the shadows and whispers of closed meetings are still very much a part of the health care deceit. (Yes, I meant deceit, not debate.) Yes, Harry Reid has established a sleazy atmosphere in the Senate – sinking beneath any semblance of honor – by publicly praising the kind of dealing that is anathema to most decent American citizens. But, there are glimmers of dignity. Governor Heineman, Senator Johanns, and the good people of Nebraska refuse to be bought!
We are not alone. Let us urge our national leaders to join Nebraskans in the fight to restore what has made America great – responsibility, sacrifice, honor.
I know that we cannot depend on man for our ultimate hope. We are not alone in the fact that God has come to be with us: Emmanuel. My faith rests on Jesus Christ, the divine Child who was born on the first Christmas night. But it is refreshing to see these values lived out in elected officials.
May God bless your Christmas celebrations with his peace, glory and joy.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20
Today’s Reflection:
The past few days I was feeling a little like he prophet Elijah in the Old Testament, despondent that so few stood for right: “I am the only one…” But, with the news last night I am happy to say, “I’m not alone!”
I reported yesterday that I had sent a letter to Governor Heineman of Nebraska, urging him to refuse the political payoff that Senator Nelson had worked out with Harry Reid. Last night I was thrilled to hear the governor report that he did that very thing. My spirit was refreshed within me when I saw this statement of principle. It is a small beginning, but an encouraging one. The sweetheart deals worked out in the shadows and whispers of closed meetings are still very much a part of the health care deceit. (Yes, I meant deceit, not debate.) Yes, Harry Reid has established a sleazy atmosphere in the Senate – sinking beneath any semblance of honor – by publicly praising the kind of dealing that is anathema to most decent American citizens. But, there are glimmers of dignity. Governor Heineman, Senator Johanns, and the good people of Nebraska refuse to be bought!
We are not alone. Let us urge our national leaders to join Nebraskans in the fight to restore what has made America great – responsibility, sacrifice, honor.
I know that we cannot depend on man for our ultimate hope. We are not alone in the fact that God has come to be with us: Emmanuel. My faith rests on Jesus Christ, the divine Child who was born on the first Christmas night. But it is refreshing to see these values lived out in elected officials.
May God bless your Christmas celebrations with his peace, glory and joy.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
An Open Letter to the Governor of Nebraska
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16
Today’s Reflection:
Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
Watching the news last night I was struck by how far our national leaders have come away from “convictions of honor and good sense.” The passage of cloture by the lone Democratic hold-out (Senator Bill Nelson – D, Nebraska) on the health care debate was anything but an indication of honor and good sense. And then he had the gall to try to pass it off on his Republican governor. I am so angry, that I did something I rarely do: I wrote to the governor. Following is “An Open Letter to Governor Heineman”:
Governor,
I'm a registered Republican in Ohio. I can't vote for you. I can't keep you in office or send you from office. I can only encourage you to have the moral courage to accept the challenge so brazenly and cowardly presented to you from Senator Nelson.
Do the right thing. Tell the Senator:
"Nebraskans are people of honor and dignity, of pride and decency. I am appalled that you have prostituted the people of Nebraska in such manner. Of course we will not accept the terms of the back-room deal you made to sell your vote to bring the health care debate to cloture. I stand with the good people of Nebraska in instructing you - as you promised you would do - to rescind the deal you secretly made with Harry Reid and the Democratic Caucus. We Nebraskans are not for sale. You, dear sir, should know that."
Go get 'em, Governor! Stand up for what is right! Call the coward's bluff. As Winston Churchill (in an age of apparently greater honor) said, "Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."
With votes so brazenly for sale in the Senate of the United States, our Christmas goose, dear reader, is cooked.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16
Today’s Reflection:
Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
Watching the news last night I was struck by how far our national leaders have come away from “convictions of honor and good sense.” The passage of cloture by the lone Democratic hold-out (Senator Bill Nelson – D, Nebraska) on the health care debate was anything but an indication of honor and good sense. And then he had the gall to try to pass it off on his Republican governor. I am so angry, that I did something I rarely do: I wrote to the governor. Following is “An Open Letter to Governor Heineman”:
Governor,
I'm a registered Republican in Ohio. I can't vote for you. I can't keep you in office or send you from office. I can only encourage you to have the moral courage to accept the challenge so brazenly and cowardly presented to you from Senator Nelson.
Do the right thing. Tell the Senator:
"Nebraskans are people of honor and dignity, of pride and decency. I am appalled that you have prostituted the people of Nebraska in such manner. Of course we will not accept the terms of the back-room deal you made to sell your vote to bring the health care debate to cloture. I stand with the good people of Nebraska in instructing you - as you promised you would do - to rescind the deal you secretly made with Harry Reid and the Democratic Caucus. We Nebraskans are not for sale. You, dear sir, should know that."
Go get 'em, Governor! Stand up for what is right! Call the coward's bluff. As Winston Churchill (in an age of apparently greater honor) said, "Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."
With votes so brazenly for sale in the Senate of the United States, our Christmas goose, dear reader, is cooked.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Monday, December 21, 2009
By My Spirit
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 4-5
NT: Revelation 15
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20
Today’s Reflection:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” (Zechariah 4.6-7)
We can put our names in there in place of Zerubbabel! (That’s good, because most of us have names easier to spell and type!) God tells us to depend on him, not our own ingenuity or strength or influence. To be sure, we must use all of our resources in pursuing life’s purpose, but we must do so with the realization that God must bless it or it is in vain.
O hungry heart, you will be filled! O thirsty soul you will be quenched. O weary worker, you will be renewed.
Like the prophet Zechariah we can draw endurance from the twin sources of divine fuel (the olive trees on either side of the lamps in Zechariah’s vision – see chapter 4.3). Be strengthened by the twin sources of:
• Word and Spirit
• Faith and Obedience
• Prayer and Fasting
• Praise and Worship
• Presence and Promise
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
OT: Zechariah 4-5
NT: Revelation 15
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20
Today’s Reflection:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” (Zechariah 4.6-7)
We can put our names in there in place of Zerubbabel! (That’s good, because most of us have names easier to spell and type!) God tells us to depend on him, not our own ingenuity or strength or influence. To be sure, we must use all of our resources in pursuing life’s purpose, but we must do so with the realization that God must bless it or it is in vain.
O hungry heart, you will be filled! O thirsty soul you will be quenched. O weary worker, you will be renewed.
Like the prophet Zechariah we can draw endurance from the twin sources of divine fuel (the olive trees on either side of the lamps in Zechariah’s vision – see chapter 4.3). Be strengthened by the twin sources of:
• Word and Spirit
• Faith and Obedience
• Prayer and Fasting
• Praise and Worship
• Presence and Promise
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Just for Fun…
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Something happened to me today that was just fun – or funny, depending how you look at it. I hope it brightens your day and lightens your spirit.
Last week I lost the cover off my USB flash drive that is on my keyring. That wasn’t surprising as it has come up missing before, only to be found in another pocket. This time, however, I didn’t find it in any of my pockets – pants… coats… nor hoodie… It wasn’t on the floorboard of my truck nor anywhere in the garage. It wasn’t in the laundry nor in the church parking lot. It was gone. That was aggravating as I knew that I was going to get pocket fuzz in the crazy little memory thingie and mess it up.
Well, as I was coming in the door of the church this morning, I put my keys in my pocket and that made me think about that little flash drive cover: “Wouldn’t it be cool to find it somewhere? I would be just like the lady in the Bible who found the lost coin!” I just chuckled about it, amused that I thought something like that could happen.
When I pulled on the door handle, the door was locked. Ugh! “Diane always has this door unlocked! My hands are full and now I have to take off my gloves and fish my keys back out of my pocket and unlock the door..." When I put my key into the lock, my eye went past it to a milky-transparent piece of plastic – smaller than a dime – on the sidewalk. You guessed it: my flash drive cover. I have to tell you: it was cool. Just fun.
Just fun? Just a little thing? yeah, I guess so, but it reminded me to look for the blessings of God and the joys of life in the little things. And, when we see God at work in the little things, they become small stepping-stones to growing faith, faith that one day will grow big enough to see not just a lost item found, but a lost community saved!
Author and playwright Norman Mailer once said, “Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” Even in the little things, I want to grow into more. How about you? Come grow with me, the best is yet to be!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Something happened to me today that was just fun – or funny, depending how you look at it. I hope it brightens your day and lightens your spirit.
Last week I lost the cover off my USB flash drive that is on my keyring. That wasn’t surprising as it has come up missing before, only to be found in another pocket. This time, however, I didn’t find it in any of my pockets – pants… coats… nor hoodie… It wasn’t on the floorboard of my truck nor anywhere in the garage. It wasn’t in the laundry nor in the church parking lot. It was gone. That was aggravating as I knew that I was going to get pocket fuzz in the crazy little memory thingie and mess it up.
Well, as I was coming in the door of the church this morning, I put my keys in my pocket and that made me think about that little flash drive cover: “Wouldn’t it be cool to find it somewhere? I would be just like the lady in the Bible who found the lost coin!” I just chuckled about it, amused that I thought something like that could happen.
When I pulled on the door handle, the door was locked. Ugh! “Diane always has this door unlocked! My hands are full and now I have to take off my gloves and fish my keys back out of my pocket and unlock the door..." When I put my key into the lock, my eye went past it to a milky-transparent piece of plastic – smaller than a dime – on the sidewalk. You guessed it: my flash drive cover. I have to tell you: it was cool. Just fun.
Just fun? Just a little thing? yeah, I guess so, but it reminded me to look for the blessings of God and the joys of life in the little things. And, when we see God at work in the little things, they become small stepping-stones to growing faith, faith that one day will grow big enough to see not just a lost item found, but a lost community saved!
Author and playwright Norman Mailer once said, “Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” Even in the little things, I want to grow into more. How about you? Come grow with me, the best is yet to be!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I Owe My Soul to a Federal Bailout
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
As I was driving home from a doctor’s appointment today, I found myself behind a Saturn Aura. I thought of my friend, Aaron, who was the first person I really knew who owned a Saturn. He swore by them. I thought about how the company just blossomed when it began over a decade ago. And I thought, sadly, about how it was one of the companies on the chopping block of GM.
My mind began wandering. What has been happening in our great nation? Are saying good-bye to what we have known as America? Oh, to be sure, America will exist for many years as a great and powerful nation. America will enjoy lingering prosperity and liberty. But, are recent events the beginning the inevitable downward phase found in the lifecycle of nations?
I could wax philosophic about the decline of morals in our nation. Or, I could pine for the days when American seemed to have a different work ethic and feeling of pride in self-sufficiency. I could express concern about terrorist hatred. I could even write about how the American culture has been weakened by all the “hyphenation” going on that has prevented great segments of our society from joining in the melting pot.
What concerned me this morning, however, was what is happening to business in America. Having just left the doctor’s office, I was a bit miffed at the history of unresponsiveness on the part of my health insurance provider. But, I believe that what we have has been working better than anything else around the globe. Why does the federal government – with its stellar record – need to insert itself into my healthcare? And in traffic behind the Saturn Aura, my mind quickly revolted that two of the big three auto makers took money from American taxpayers to support failed management and labor – to subsidize poor performance. Is it right for the federal government to get involved in saving companies and unions who engage in poor business practices? Let GM figure it out. History proves that American ingenuity will far outperform American bureaucracy. And what of the banks and financial institutions bailed out in late 2008 and early 2009? I am beginning to think that we would have sorted this out a lot quicker and with less mess had we let those too big to fail fail. We are creating a spirit of dependence not independence.
Is anybody besides me nervous that the federal government (re – their stellar record above) is positioning itself to set policy and practices for private companies? Yes, regulations are needed to provide checks and balances that protect consumers and provide accountability in all these areas. That is a function of the government. But running great segments of our economy is not. Find for me, please - in the Constitution - the rational for the federal government reaching so far into private lives and businesses. I’m not a Constitutional scholar; I’m just a concerned citizen wondering if we’ve sold the soul of our great nation for a bail-out.
Is there not a better way?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
As I was driving home from a doctor’s appointment today, I found myself behind a Saturn Aura. I thought of my friend, Aaron, who was the first person I really knew who owned a Saturn. He swore by them. I thought about how the company just blossomed when it began over a decade ago. And I thought, sadly, about how it was one of the companies on the chopping block of GM.
My mind began wandering. What has been happening in our great nation? Are saying good-bye to what we have known as America? Oh, to be sure, America will exist for many years as a great and powerful nation. America will enjoy lingering prosperity and liberty. But, are recent events the beginning the inevitable downward phase found in the lifecycle of nations?
I could wax philosophic about the decline of morals in our nation. Or, I could pine for the days when American seemed to have a different work ethic and feeling of pride in self-sufficiency. I could express concern about terrorist hatred. I could even write about how the American culture has been weakened by all the “hyphenation” going on that has prevented great segments of our society from joining in the melting pot.
What concerned me this morning, however, was what is happening to business in America. Having just left the doctor’s office, I was a bit miffed at the history of unresponsiveness on the part of my health insurance provider. But, I believe that what we have has been working better than anything else around the globe. Why does the federal government – with its stellar record – need to insert itself into my healthcare? And in traffic behind the Saturn Aura, my mind quickly revolted that two of the big three auto makers took money from American taxpayers to support failed management and labor – to subsidize poor performance. Is it right for the federal government to get involved in saving companies and unions who engage in poor business practices? Let GM figure it out. History proves that American ingenuity will far outperform American bureaucracy. And what of the banks and financial institutions bailed out in late 2008 and early 2009? I am beginning to think that we would have sorted this out a lot quicker and with less mess had we let those too big to fail fail. We are creating a spirit of dependence not independence.
Is anybody besides me nervous that the federal government (re – their stellar record above) is positioning itself to set policy and practices for private companies? Yes, regulations are needed to provide checks and balances that protect consumers and provide accountability in all these areas. That is a function of the government. But running great segments of our economy is not. Find for me, please - in the Constitution - the rational for the federal government reaching so far into private lives and businesses. I’m not a Constitutional scholar; I’m just a concerned citizen wondering if we’ve sold the soul of our great nation for a bail-out.
Is there not a better way?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Shoulder to Shoulder
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Christmas is the season we celebrate God’s coming to earth in the form of humanity – in his Son, Jesus Christ. But, we must always remember why Jesus took on flesh and blood: so that he might become a sacrifice for sins. The Bible says: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13.12). Had he not come in the flesh, he would have no blood with which to make us holy. The cradle points to the cross.
Today’s Old Testament reading reminds us that God will one day “purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3.9). That verse reveals a good ordering of life’s interests:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Christmas is the season we celebrate God’s coming to earth in the form of humanity – in his Son, Jesus Christ. But, we must always remember why Jesus took on flesh and blood: so that he might become a sacrifice for sins. The Bible says: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13.12). Had he not come in the flesh, he would have no blood with which to make us holy. The cradle points to the cross.
Today’s Old Testament reading reminds us that God will one day “purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3.9). That verse reveals a good ordering of life’s interests:
- Purity first – be right with God. Get right with God. Set your heart on God. Let Jesus make you holy. This is why he came.
- Prayer next – get to know God. Commune with God. Understand God’s will and Word. Worship God.
- Then service – serve God. Serve him by serving others.
- Finally fellowship and partnership – we are to be shoulder to shoulder with God’s people in doing the work of the Kingdom. God didn’t create us, he doesn’t save us, he doesn’t call us for us to fly solo. He calls us into fellowship with him and others, to partner in the work of God.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 1
NT: Revelation 10
W&W: Psalm 150
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
At Christmas time, we celebrate the incarnation of God – God becoming flesh – in Jesus Christ. The Apostle John calls Jesus “The Word.” Jesus is God’s voice speaking words of hope and peace into our despair and turmoil. Today’s New Testament contains the following verse: “Then the voice I heard from heaven spoke to me once more: ‘Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land’” (Revelation 10.8).
Speak once more, O Voice from heaven!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
OT: Zephaniah 1
NT: Revelation 10
W&W: Psalm 150
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
At Christmas time, we celebrate the incarnation of God – God becoming flesh – in Jesus Christ. The Apostle John calls Jesus “The Word.” Jesus is God’s voice speaking words of hope and peace into our despair and turmoil. Today’s New Testament contains the following verse: “Then the voice I heard from heaven spoke to me once more: ‘Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land’” (Revelation 10.8).
Speak once more, O Voice from heaven!
- The scroll lies open, but I must go and take it. In order to know the content of what God speaks, I must be attentive and eager to hear from God. I must make every effort that I can. Yesterday, I challenge the congregation at Bethel Nazarene Church to give God the gift of our wonder by reading Luke chapter 1 and 2 every day this week and listen for the “voice” of God. Would you be willing to do that also? His Word will pay great dividends in your life – if you will give it the time and attention it deserves.
- The scroll is held by the angel who stands on the sea and on the land. The sea represents, fear, tempest, uncertainty. The land represents truth, fait, a firm foundation. The content of God’s message to us is equally valuable for times of peace and times of turmoil. We find in God’s Word – Jesus Christ – a haven in the storm and a foundation on which to build.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Lessons from the side of an icy road, III
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Today I want to finish up with my lessons learned standing on the side of an icy road.
By way of update, Monday morning a van slid off the road into a deep ditch near my home. I had gone down the hill and after determining that everyone was OK, I went back up the hill to redirect traffic while emergency and recovery crews did their work. I encountered some interesting people.
At first, folks simply did what I told them, which at first was to just turn around and go back because they couldn’t get through. Shortly I had to turn back a school bus. As I was telling the driver about the situation, my neighbor drove up and offered to lead the bus through his farm lanes and get the kids safely back on their route. After that, I started sending people that way myself.
One guy, however, must have thought I didn’t know what I was talking about, and he headed down the hill. I’m glad he got stopped and was able to back up because there really was no way for him to get through.
One lady thanked me profusely for telling her about the short cut through the farm lanes. She told me to look at her fuel gauge. It was below empty. There was no way she would have made it back to Felicity for gas. She had a baby in a car seat with her. It made me feel good to help her reach her destination.
Another fella headed down the farm lane only to show back up in a few minutes. He asked me, “Did you get the names of the people who were in the accident?” “No,” I admitted, but it was a mom taking her son to high school. He breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t his family. He went on.
In their hurry and the confusion some folks didn’t “veer right past the 2nd barn.” They ended up going down a ½ mile long drive, turning around, and coming back where they had left the lane.
All in all, it was an interesting hour and I met some nice people. The morning was made better by the hot cup of coffee that Lana brought me!
So what are some more lessons learned on the side of an icy road?
I learned that most people are trusting of what is told them in a reasonable way and will do what is needed even if it represents an inconvenience.
I learned that I don’t have all the answers. I need to depend on people with better information to find the best path to get the kids to school on time.
I learned that a few people won’t believe you until they see it for themselves.
I learned that some people are travelling on “empty” and need extra grace and understanding for them and their families.
I learned that people are very concerned that their families are OK.
I learned that there will be people who don’t get it right the first time. They will need to turn around and try again.
I learned that I’ve got an awesome soul-mate who takes better care of me than I deserve.
And most of all I learned that people need to be warned. There is danger ahead and they don’t know it. But God has made a path of safety, a way to our final destination. If we can point them to Jesus they’ll get through just fine.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Today I want to finish up with my lessons learned standing on the side of an icy road.
By way of update, Monday morning a van slid off the road into a deep ditch near my home. I had gone down the hill and after determining that everyone was OK, I went back up the hill to redirect traffic while emergency and recovery crews did their work. I encountered some interesting people.
At first, folks simply did what I told them, which at first was to just turn around and go back because they couldn’t get through. Shortly I had to turn back a school bus. As I was telling the driver about the situation, my neighbor drove up and offered to lead the bus through his farm lanes and get the kids safely back on their route. After that, I started sending people that way myself.
One guy, however, must have thought I didn’t know what I was talking about, and he headed down the hill. I’m glad he got stopped and was able to back up because there really was no way for him to get through.
One lady thanked me profusely for telling her about the short cut through the farm lanes. She told me to look at her fuel gauge. It was below empty. There was no way she would have made it back to Felicity for gas. She had a baby in a car seat with her. It made me feel good to help her reach her destination.
Another fella headed down the farm lane only to show back up in a few minutes. He asked me, “Did you get the names of the people who were in the accident?” “No,” I admitted, but it was a mom taking her son to high school. He breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t his family. He went on.
In their hurry and the confusion some folks didn’t “veer right past the 2nd barn.” They ended up going down a ½ mile long drive, turning around, and coming back where they had left the lane.
All in all, it was an interesting hour and I met some nice people. The morning was made better by the hot cup of coffee that Lana brought me!
So what are some more lessons learned on the side of an icy road?
I learned that most people are trusting of what is told them in a reasonable way and will do what is needed even if it represents an inconvenience.
I learned that I don’t have all the answers. I need to depend on people with better information to find the best path to get the kids to school on time.
I learned that a few people won’t believe you until they see it for themselves.
I learned that some people are travelling on “empty” and need extra grace and understanding for them and their families.
I learned that people are very concerned that their families are OK.
I learned that there will be people who don’t get it right the first time. They will need to turn around and try again.
I learned that I’ve got an awesome soul-mate who takes better care of me than I deserve.
And most of all I learned that people need to be warned. There is danger ahead and they don’t know it. But God has made a path of safety, a way to our final destination. If we can point them to Jesus they’ll get through just fine.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Lessons from the side of an icy road…
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Today’s Reflection:
Sorry I didn’t continue my story yesterday. Was focused on getting the rest of our stuff moved from our rental house in Feesburg into our new home here in Bethel! We are thanking the Lord for his goodness!
Monday I wrote about the accident that happened on the road in front of our house. A minivan had flipped over in the ditch. By the time I got down the hill to them, two other vehicles had stopped, and the folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. They were OK.
While talking to them and the folks in the other vehicles, I looked down at the shoulder where I was standing and saw that I was in the path where the minivan had skidded off the highway. Meanwhile, two other cars came around the bend and started sliding on the ice down the hill. They both hit the ditch on the other side. Since the folks were all OK, I decided that I needed to warn other people before they headed down the hill. So I headed up the hill and started redirecting traffic, which kept me occupied for the next 90 minutes as the emergency and recovery crews did their work.
Some observations from this event are in order. Coming from a Christian pastor, my message is pretty predictable.
First of all, I would say people need to be aware of where they are. I have a friend who likes to say we need to be aware of our surroundings – right after he cracks me in the ribs! But, it is true that we need to watch the road we are travelling.
We need to be cognizant of not only the immediate direction, but also the ultimate destination. Sometimes we think we are heading one way when the road actually will take us the wrong way. We also need to know the condition of the road. That mother driving her son to school had no idea that there was ice on the road underneath that light dusting of snow. She had no idea that she would lose control on the curve/hill and plunge into the ditch. She had no idea that disaster was just a breath away. A very serious result was quite possible. We also need to be aware of where we are standing. While I was standing on the shoulder where the minivan had gone over into the 10 foot deep ditch, I was fortunate that another vehicle didn’t follow the same path, pushing me to serious injury and quite possibly death.
The New Testament reading for today is from Revelation 7. Verse 3 says, “Do not harm… until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” God in his mercy puts a shield of protection around us. Often the unsaved as well as the saved are protected by God’s shield of mercy. That is because God wants everyone to be sealed as his own. But, the plain truth of reality is that there come times when God – in his providence – lifts the shield that protects u from earthly danger. (He always shields his own spiritually!) Accidents happen. Life can be changed drastically in a moment – even ended suddenly. We must be ready…
Tune in tomorrow for more lessons from the side of an icy road…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Today’s Reflection:
Sorry I didn’t continue my story yesterday. Was focused on getting the rest of our stuff moved from our rental house in Feesburg into our new home here in Bethel! We are thanking the Lord for his goodness!
Monday I wrote about the accident that happened on the road in front of our house. A minivan had flipped over in the ditch. By the time I got down the hill to them, two other vehicles had stopped, and the folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. They were OK.
While talking to them and the folks in the other vehicles, I looked down at the shoulder where I was standing and saw that I was in the path where the minivan had skidded off the highway. Meanwhile, two other cars came around the bend and started sliding on the ice down the hill. They both hit the ditch on the other side. Since the folks were all OK, I decided that I needed to warn other people before they headed down the hill. So I headed up the hill and started redirecting traffic, which kept me occupied for the next 90 minutes as the emergency and recovery crews did their work.
Some observations from this event are in order. Coming from a Christian pastor, my message is pretty predictable.
First of all, I would say people need to be aware of where they are. I have a friend who likes to say we need to be aware of our surroundings – right after he cracks me in the ribs! But, it is true that we need to watch the road we are travelling.
We need to be cognizant of not only the immediate direction, but also the ultimate destination. Sometimes we think we are heading one way when the road actually will take us the wrong way. We also need to know the condition of the road. That mother driving her son to school had no idea that there was ice on the road underneath that light dusting of snow. She had no idea that she would lose control on the curve/hill and plunge into the ditch. She had no idea that disaster was just a breath away. A very serious result was quite possible. We also need to be aware of where we are standing. While I was standing on the shoulder where the minivan had gone over into the 10 foot deep ditch, I was fortunate that another vehicle didn’t follow the same path, pushing me to serious injury and quite possibly death.
The New Testament reading for today is from Revelation 7. Verse 3 says, “Do not harm… until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” God in his mercy puts a shield of protection around us. Often the unsaved as well as the saved are protected by God’s shield of mercy. That is because God wants everyone to be sealed as his own. But, the plain truth of reality is that there come times when God – in his providence – lifts the shield that protects u from earthly danger. (He always shields his own spiritually!) Accidents happen. Life can be changed drastically in a moment – even ended suddenly. We must be ready…
Tune in tomorrow for more lessons from the side of an icy road…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Monday, December 7, 2009
God Forgives Sin!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 7
NT: Revelation 5
W&W: Psalm 145
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 1
NT: Revelation 6
W&W: Psalm 146
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7.18-19)
Our God is a forgiving God. This morning I happened upon a potentially unforgiving situation that proved to be forgiving...
As the dawn broke, I found myself in the kitchen pouring a second cup of coffee. I looked out on the deck and noticed that we had a light dusting of snow. When I stepped out onto the deck, snow was still falling, but almost imperceptibly. "The roadsare going to be slick," I thought.
A few minutes later I saw a small truck pass in front of our house. Since we live on a hill and the road in front of us T’s into a crossroad at the bottom, I was worried that the truck might not be able to stop. So I stepped out onto the deck again. I heard a loud bump. It sounded like the bed of a dump truck being dropped into place. Oh no!
In a few seconds, I saw the little pickup going on up the state route, but I ran out on highway to see if I could see what had made the loud bump. As I went down the hill, I saw the bottom of a mini-van – facing up! – in the 10 foot deep ditch on the side of the road. My stomach instantly knotted. I remembered the time my daughter Amy was in a car that flipped onto its top – 7 years ago. It was a scary feeling then and it was now, too.
I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and called 911 as I made my way down the hill. By the time I arrived where the car was, two other vehicles were there and the drivers were out of their cars. The folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. Whew… They appeared OK.
Tune in tomorrow for more of the story…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
OT: Micah 7
NT: Revelation 5
W&W: Psalm 145
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 1
NT: Revelation 6
W&W: Psalm 146
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7.18-19)
Our God is a forgiving God. This morning I happened upon a potentially unforgiving situation that proved to be forgiving...
As the dawn broke, I found myself in the kitchen pouring a second cup of coffee. I looked out on the deck and noticed that we had a light dusting of snow. When I stepped out onto the deck, snow was still falling, but almost imperceptibly. "The roadsare going to be slick," I thought.
A few minutes later I saw a small truck pass in front of our house. Since we live on a hill and the road in front of us T’s into a crossroad at the bottom, I was worried that the truck might not be able to stop. So I stepped out onto the deck again. I heard a loud bump. It sounded like the bed of a dump truck being dropped into place. Oh no!
In a few seconds, I saw the little pickup going on up the state route, but I ran out on highway to see if I could see what had made the loud bump. As I went down the hill, I saw the bottom of a mini-van – facing up! – in the 10 foot deep ditch on the side of the road. My stomach instantly knotted. I remembered the time my daughter Amy was in a car that flipped onto its top – 7 years ago. It was a scary feeling then and it was now, too.
I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and called 911 as I made my way down the hill. By the time I arrived where the car was, two other vehicles were there and the drivers were out of their cars. The folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. Whew… They appeared OK.
Tune in tomorrow for more of the story…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
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