Friday, July 25, 2008

I Saw God Today

Okay, so it wasn’t today. It was actually last week during a very early and very long road trip for work. (But the title sounds better than "I saw God one day last week")

But it was still really cool and it felt as though God just wanted to say “Hello” and that He was smiling.

So I took His picture. (He didn’t seem to mind)





















His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.
His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.

(Habakkuk 3:3b-4)

Yeah, it was really cool and it was indeed a great day.

Blessings.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Proper Church Attire

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin.
Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt, and boots that were very worn and ragged.

In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally well-worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city.
It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen.

The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry.

As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him.

No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him.
They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor.
'Before you come back here, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in this church.'

The old Cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he again showed up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat.
Once again he was completely shunned and ignored.

The preacher approached the cowboy and said, 'I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church.'


'I did,' replied the old cowboy.

'And what did God tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping here?' asked the preacher.

'Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He'd never been in THIS church.'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I’ve been to churches like that. Where they are more concerned with how you dress, or the type of house you live in or the kind of car you drive.

Do you really think that wearing the right clothes, having a big house or driving an expensive car will get you into heaven? Of course not.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The only way to heaven is by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.

God is not concerned about your house, your clothes or your car. What He is concerned about is how you honor His Son.


God looks at your heart.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)

He (Jesus) answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (Luke 10:27)

How is your heart? Do you have a heart condition? I have to check mine every day.
I just want to be like David. A man after God’s own heart.


So how about that old cowboy?

Would he be accepted at your church?




Blessings.


Thursday, July 17, 2008

Normal?….Namely......

The following is a list of names of people I have actually met.
See if you notice something about each of those names.

What do they have in common?

Stacey
Tracy
Leslie
Lynn
Kelly
Terry
Carroll
Marian
Kim
Charlie
Shannon
Chris
Parker
Ally

Dana *

In case you hadn’t noticed, each one of the individuals named here is a MAN!

Really.

And it makes me wonder…..what kind of parent would give their son a girl’s name?

Seriously. Is this normal? Or just close enough?

I couldn't even find examples of this in the Bible.
The women in the Bible have names like Eve, Naomi, Ruth, Mary, Martha, Sarah, and names like that. And not one of those women would be mistaken for a man by the mere mention of her name.

But with some guys? I just don’t know.
At work, I have learned to ask someone first if there is any doubt.

I’m not criticizing these guys or judging them, I just think it’s weird.

Maybe that’s why some of those fellows go by their middle name (unless, of course, their middle name happens to be Nancy or something), or go by a nickname like Butch, or Duke, or Stinky, or Bubba.

Do you know of a guy with what could also be a girl’s name?

I was just wondering.


* I almost forgot about this one. Thanks CrazyDeb!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Alpha Dude for President

I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.
HERE IS MY PLATFORM:


(1) Press 1 for English is immediately banned. English is the official language, speak it or wait at the border until you can.

(2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country's attitude. NO imports, no exports. We will use the 'Walmart' policy 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.'

(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.

(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border. (six month tour) They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will not be able to touch it.

(6) Just like the presidency, all political offices (senators, congressmen, etc.) will have term limits. All politicians will be required to contribute to social security, just like everyone else. No more “Golden Umbrella”. No more free rides.

(7) Welfare - Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.

(8) Professional Athletes --Steroids - The FIRST time you check positive you're banned for life.

(9) Crime - We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences, if convicted of murder you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim, gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(10) One export will be allowed, Wheat, The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(11) All bans and/or restrictions on accessing or utilizing American Oil will be lifted. Wanna stimulate the economy? Bring those gas prices DOWN.


(12) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it's a worthy cause.

(13) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.

(14) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes but a vote for me will get you better than what you have, and better than what you're gonna get.Thanks for listening, and remember to write in my name on the ballot in November.


God Bless America


Monday, July 07, 2008

God’s One-Liners

I’m posting these just for fun, although most of these carry a pretty good message. You may actually be able to see yourself in some of them.
And remember: If you can’t laugh at yourself, then laugh at someone near and dear to you.
(or something like that)

Don't let your worries get the best of you;
remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many folks want to serve God,But only as advisers.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The good Lord didn't create any thing without purpose,
but mosquitoes come close.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

When you get to your wit's end,You'll find God lives there.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

People are funny;
they want the front of the bus,
middle of the road,
and the back of the church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Opportunity may knock once,
but temptation bangs on the front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ *

Quit griping about your church;If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead.
So why should you?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete.Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises'
are just sitting on the premises.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Be ye fishers of men.
You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'

*+*+*+* +*+* +*+*+*+*

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

He who angers you, controls you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Remembering Names

Remember my next door neighbor, Mark? I’ve written about him before.

Well, he and his family went out of town for a few weeks on vacation. Before he left, he asked me if my son and I would take care of his yard. Sure. After all, that’s what neighbors do.

Well, one Saturday while I was mowing his lawn, his mother stopped by to check on things and get the mail. I stopped what I was doing to say hello.
I asked her if she knew when Mark would be home and she asked, “Who’s Mark?”
“Your son, my neighbor.”
“No. His name is Paul.”
“Are you sure? I thought his name was Mark.”
“I think I would know the name of my own son.”


We chatted briefly and she went on her way and I went back to cutting the grass.
The entire time I couldn’t stop thinking that I had been calling my neighbor by the wrong name for the last three years, and he never once corrected me!

“Paul” came home last week and he came over one evening while I was outside barbequing.
We said hello and talked about his trip and stuff like that.
Then I said, “Hey, I’ve got a bone to pick with you!”
“Why’s that?”
“I talked to your mom, and apparently I’ve been calling you by the wrong name for the past three years! Why didn’t you ever correct me?”
“No you haven’t. Well, if you did, I didn’t notice!”
We both got a good laugh out of it.

Then Paul told me something else.
He said he would probably never forget my name or get it wrong, and not because it also happens to be his middle name.
But because of his kids.

Sometime before they left on their trip, his kids asked him if they could pray for me.
When he asked them why, they told him that their Sunday School teacher had taught them about what the Bible says about loving your neighbor, and that they should pray for their neighbor.
So they said, “Dad, can we pray for Scott?”
“Why would you want to pray for Scott?”
“Because our teacher said we should pray for our neighbor and he’s real nice and we want to pray for him.”
“Sure we can, let’s pray for Scott and his family.”

Paul said he was so impressed that his kids would interpret that lesson that way, that he would not soon forget the lesson his children just taught him.

I thought it was pretty cool that my neighbor’s children think I am alright and they would want to pray for me. I always liked them already anyway.

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14

Have you prayed for your neighbors lately?

Luke 10:26-28
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."


I probably won't forget my friend's (neighbor's) name again, but just in case, I wrote it on the big message board in our kitchen.



Blessings.