A Day of Action

Today is Friday, June 30, 2017. Day 21,659. Last day of June. Four days until our July 4 holiday!

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.” ~ Mitch Hedberg
BrainyQuote

The word of the day is divagate, a verb, meaning, “to wander; stray.” It also means, “to digress in speech.”

It says today is Social Media Day. Seeing as how social media has pretty much taken over our lives, I don’t think it needs a day named after it.

Did I mention we had a pot luck for lunch, yesterday? Well, this one was truly “pot luck,” in every sense of the word. About half of the offerings were dessert, most of the other half was snacks or sides, and there were about two or three items that could be considered a “main course.” One guy brought in some tamales, there were a couple of trays of smoked sausage (one person brought Eckrich, and it was amazing!), and then, after we had started, someone else brought in three containers of wings. I stopped at Tom Thumb and got some potato salad and cookies. There was some of each left at the end of the day, so I brought them home. My guess is that S will eat the potato salad for lunch today. 😀

Nothing planned for tonight or for the weekend, until Monday night, when we have the Stars & Stripes event in Southlake. Then we are off on Tuesday, for a day of chilling and just hanging out. Maybe I’ll grill. Or maybe it will be too hot.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS
All Scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted

(From The Divine Hours)

Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 
The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
Psalm 98:1-2
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalm 119:76-77
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 108:3-4
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 
And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 
And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:29-32
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12

(From The President’s Devotional)

“I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions and into actions which bring results.” ~ Florence Nightingale, “Letter to a Friend”

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.
1 John 3:18 (The Message)

“A prayer for action:
Dear God, you did not just say that you would bring the children of Israel out of Egypt; you brought them.
You did not just promise to deliver Daniel from the lion; you delivered him.
You did not just assure Mary that she would bear a child; you came into the world.
You did not just offer yourself as a sacrifice for our sin; you were and are our sacrifice.
In the same manner, let me live out my words into the world today. Let this day be one of action.
Amen.” (Joshua DuBois)

Father, I echo this prayer today. Let me live out my words. Let my actions speak louder than my words, and let those actions be those which would be inspired by the steps and words of my Savior. I pray that my actions never contradict my words, as I know they have, at times, in the past. That is shameful, and I always ask forgiveness for those failings. Help me to show love, understanding, and compassion to my fellow humans. May the love of Christ overflow from my life.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

The Miracle of Church

Today is Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Day 21,657. Six days until our July 4 holiday!

“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” ~ E. B. White
BrainyQuote

Bonus quote!
“All the President is, is a glorified public relations man who spends his time flattering, kissing and kicking people to get them to do what they are supposed to do anyway.” ~ Harry S Truman, Letter to his sister, Nov. 14, 1947
The Quotations Page

Today’s word of the day is interdigitate. It is a verb, meaning, “to interlock, as or like the fingers of both hands.” I didn’t know there was a word for that!

Today is Happy Heart Hugs Day. I’m all about the hugs. I’m a hugger. If you’re a hugger, this is your day!

I feel much better this morning than I did yesterday. In fact, by bed time last night, I was feeling 100% better. Who knows what was wrong? I may have actually had a touch of something the night before. But I seem to be fine this morning.

It’s bowling d+9*-kl (Um . . . Rocky the cat just jumped on the keyboard). What I was trying to type before I was so felinely interrupted was, it’s bowling night! I’m always excited about bowling night. Sometimes, after it’s over, I’m not so excited. But I’ve been doing pretty good in this league, for someone who hasn’t bowled consistently in close to 30 years. My average should be around 163, or so, tonight.

The Red Sox are back in first place! The Rangers are in second place, but 12.5 behind the Astros, who have won an incredible 52 games already. The only other team that has won over 50 games is the Dodgers.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS
All Scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted

(From The Divine Hours)

Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Psalm 31:23
To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.
Psalm 28:1
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
Psalm 77:13
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
Psalm 25:20
But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! 
Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name! 
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Psalm 80:17-19

(From Practice Resurrection)

As Eugene Peterson set out on his search for “church,” he didn’t begin with Ephesians, but it is where he wound up. He began with the book of Acts, “in which the term ‘church’ occurs twenty-four times.” Ephesus is mentioned for the first time in Acts.

One thing that Peterson noticed was the parallel between the birth of Jesus and the birth of the church. I confess that I had never noticed this, but Peterson brings it to light in a marvelous way that only he can do. But there is a great parallel between Luke 1-2 and Acts 1-2. Of course, they were written by the same author, weren’t they?

But God brought our Savior into the world in somewhat “unkingly” circumstances. He could have come to the world and solved all of the hunger troubles. He could have come with a loud, spectacular entrance and filled all the amphitheaters and “hippodromes.” He could have performed circus-like miracle shows. He could have overthrown the Roman government. But he didn’t do any of those things.

Jesus came, by a miracle, “in the form of a helpless infant born in poverty in a dangerous place with neither understanding nor support from the political, religious, or cultural surroundings.”

Our “salvation community” came into the world in much the same way. It was, in fact, miraculous, but under much the same circumstances as the birth of Jesus. While the story in Acts seems somewhat outrageous, that is only if you were in the same room. From the outside, things carried on just as usual, with governments, religious leaders, and culture being largely oblivious to what was happening.

Both of these things happened by what Charles Williams called the Descent of the Dove. “The Holy Spirit descended into the womb of Mary in the Galilean village of Nazareth. Thirty of so years later the same Holy Spirit descended into the collective spiritual womb of men and women, which included Mary, who had been followers of Jesus. It happened as they were at worship on the Jewish feast of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem. The first conception gave us Jesus; the second conception gave us church.”

Father, thank you for the “miracle of church.” I thank you that you chose to send your Holy Spirit, not once, but twice. Once to save us, and the second time, to unite us in Trinitarian Community. I pray for the advancement of that community as the Church. I pray for unity within a body of believers that is, in some cases, intensely divided. Make us one in Christ and in the Holy Spirit, as we seek to walk in your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Whose Purpose Am I After?

Today is FRIDAY!! (I’m so excited I had to back up and re-spell it twice!) August 5, 2016. 14 days until S turns 23!

Quote of the Day

“I love mankind; it’s people I can’t stand.” – Charles M. Schulz

Word of the Day

Cosmopolis – an internationally important city inhabited by many different peoples reflecting a great variety of cultures, attitudes, etc.

Today is International Beer Day. Personally, I can’t stand the stuff. But I have some friends who like beer, especially all of those weird “craft” beers. Like Peter Cotton Ale, Hoptimus Prime, Audrey Hopburn IPA, Honey Boo Brew American Honey Ale, Blind Pig IPA, Bad Elf, Magic Hat #9, Dogfish Head. I know you think I’m making those up, but those are all real beers.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.
The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.
You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about.
The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.
When the sun rises, they steal away and lie down in their dens.
Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening. Psalm 104:14-23

This psalm shows the “detailed thoughtfulness evident throughout creation.” As man simply goes about his daily work, all of these other things just happen, exactly as they were designed by the Creator.

“I walk in wonder through this world which you, O God, made and called good. You forgot nothing. You left nothing out. I will never, it seems, come to the end of discovering what is before my eyes, and never run out of reasons for lifting up my discoveries in praise to your great name. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

The Baffling Call of God

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.” . . . But they understood none of these things. Luke 18:31, 34

By all appearances, the life of Christ was a dismal failure. He was called by God to what appeared to be disaster, and he called his disciples to watch him die. “He led every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. . . . But what seemed failure from man’s standpoint was a tremendous triumph from God’s, because God’s purpose is never man’s purpose.”

So, in our own lives, God also issues this “baffling call.” It’s like what some call “the call of the sea.” No one can hear it, save he who has the nature of the sea within him. It is impossible for us to describe God’s call on our lives. Oh, sure, many people have said, “God has called me to thus and so.” But in many cases, they have set their own purposes and simply believe that God has endorsed them. The Republican party had about a dozen “candidates” this year that all said God told them to run. The outcome makes their statements doubtful.

The call of God is “to be in comradeship with Himself for His own purposes, and the test is to believe that God knows what He is after.” I don’t have to know what he is after. I just have to believe in him and follow him in faith. “If we are in communion with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, we shall no longer try to find out what His purposes are.” This is important. And it actually makes the Christian life easier. Dallas Willard spoke frequently of what he called “the easy yoke.” The yoke is easy because we are simply walking in God’s Kingdom, letting him be the guide and letting him show us what to do. It is his work, we are just helping. We don’t have to figure it out. But, “if we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the leisureliness which ought to characterize the children of God.”

Father, may I step into this easy yoke today, living my day in your grace, allowing you to direct my path. May I not try to figure things out, and may I most especially not try to direct things toward my own purposes. I long for the simplicity of life that is spoken of. I long for the kind of communion with you that makes this life easier. Draw me into your kingdom, Father.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

It’s About the Relationship

Today is Thursday, August 4, 2016. 15 more days until S turns 23! Also, Pre-Friday.

Quote of the Day

“Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” – P. J. O’Rourke

Word of the Day

Synthespian – A computer-generated character in a film.

Today is Coast Guard Day. This day honors the courageous work of Coast Guards.

If you recall, I was trying to leave early, yesterday. And I got out the door a few minutes after 6:00 AM. Unfortunately, my car wouldn’t start because my battery was dead. Fortunately, C was still home because I was leaving early. We were able to get me jumped off pretty quickly, and I got to work about 7:15 AM. Unfortunately, the batter must have been really bad, because it didn’t hold a charge on the way to work, and was still dead. Fortunately, I was able to get hold of Hyundai Roadside Assistance. Unfortunately, they don’t bring batteries, they just provide a jump start so that you can get to a repair shop. I did not need that at 8:30 AM. Fortunately, a co-worker was able to give me a jump so I could get started after work and get to the Auto Zone store across the street from our neighborhood. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the batter I needed. Fortunately, an Auto Zone three miles away had some, he was able to put on on hold for me, and also gave me another jump so I could drive to the other store. Fortunately, there is no more unfortunately in this story. The guy at the other Auto Zone got the new battery installed quickly, and it started right up. As I pointed out on my Facebook status, the one thing in the day that kept it from being a complete disaster was the fact that C was still home because I was leaving early. Had it been a “normal” work morning, she would have already been gone, and I likely would have had to try to call someone for help. God is good.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. Psalm 104:10-13

“The very environment in which we live is evidence of provision for our basic needs; fulfillment is built into the basic structure of creation. God the maker is also God the satisfier.”

“I turn my dissatisfactions over to you, O God. I know that every need I experience is a stimulus to come to you. I know that you have a way of dealing with each need so that I will live completed, not deprived, praising, not complaining. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

The Brave Comradeship of God

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.” Luke 18:31

God is brave to trust us! We might say that God was unwise to choose us, because we have nothing of value to bring. But that is exactly why he chooses us! “As long as you think there is something in you, He cannot choose you because you have ends of your own to serve; but if you have let Him bring you to the end of your self-sufficiency then He can choose you to go with Him to Jerusalem, and that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.”

“The comradeship of God is made up out of men who know their poverty.” We, as Christians, we do not champion any “cause” of our own, but the cause of God. This is what truly bothers me when I see “Christians” on social media pushing their opinions about certain politicians, or, even worse, bashing the politicians that they don’t like. My place is not to push politics or candidates. My place is to spread the Gospel of Christ, which is that the Kingdom of God is here, and is available for you to receive and step into. The moment I begin to champion a cause of my own, is the moment I lose focus and step off of the path.

Also, it is important to realize that “the main thing about Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the atmosphere produced by that relationship.” The work flows out of that relationship and atmosphere. This is why the disciplines are so important.

Father, I have only begun to truly understand the disciplines and what they mean to my life. I pray that, as I continue to study and learn, that these will become permanent additions to my life, shaping my character more and more like that of Christ. I pray that I may truly begin, as much as is possible, to live like Jesus. Teach me your way, that I may walk in your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name. Show me your way, show me your truth, show me your glory.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

No Strain, No Strength

Today is Tuesday, August 2, 2016. 17 days until S turns 23!

Quote of the Day

“A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.” – Andre Maurois

Word of the Day

Galluses – a pair of suspenders for trousers.

Today is Ice Cream Sandwich Day. I’m a big fan of ice cream sandwiches. Especially those round ones with chocolate chips all around the edge!

Band practice went well, last night. We started working on some “new” music (I put it in quotes because it’s all music that the band has played before, but not recently, and I have never played it) for a concert on September 17. I was thrilled when I realized that one of the pieces incorporates the theme music from Looney Tunes! Or maybe Merry Melodies. Or perhaps both. It’s the first one in this clip.

The band is going to be busy over the next few months, as they are talking about two potential concerts in October, and there is a great possibility that I might not be able to make either one, as my 40 year HS reunion is the first weekend in October, and we are leaving for Galveston on October 14, for a week. I’m really looking forward to that trip!

The Rangers made some good deals at the trade deadline, yesterday. The acquired Carlos Beltran from the Yankees, who, even though he is toward the end of his career, is still putting up some good numbers at the bat. They also acquired Jonathan Lucroy, a catcher, from the Brewers, who is reported to be a great catcher and a good hitter, as well. Thrown in with that deal was a decent relief pitcher. Still lacking a fifth starter, though. The Red Sox didn’t do a lot, landing a relief pitcher from the Twins. The Rangers were off last night, and play in Baltimore tonight, while the Red Sox helped the Rangers by beating the Mariners 2-1, in Seattle. This also put the Sox back in second place (tied with the Boo Jays) and only one game behind Baltimore. So tonight could be a win-win for both of my favorite teams, if the Rangers beat Baltimore. As an added bonus, Cleveland lost last night, which puts the Rangers back on top of the AL.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.
He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire. Psalm 104:1-4

Eugene Peterson points out that there are no “nature psalms,” but there are “Creator psalms.” In other words, the writers of the psalms did not glorify nature; rather, they used nature to glorify the Creator. They developed “a rich vocabulary of praise to God out of the stuff of his creation.”

“Like the wind, O God, you are invisible; yet all your effects are visible–from the gentle breeze that cools and comforts, to the roaring hurricane that moves and rearranges. I ready myself to respond to every aspect of your creative work in me: ‘Breathe on me, breath of God’ (Edwin Hatch). Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

The Discipline of Difficulty

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

You won’t see many lists of “spiritual disciplines” that include the discipline of difficulty. It’s not one of the “classic” disciplines. However, Chambers certainly makes a good case for it. “An average view of the Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble. It is deliverance in trouble, which is very different.” That “average view” is what spawns the proliferation of incorrect statements such as “God will never give you more than you can handle.” I have discussed the serious issue with that statement in previous blogs.

The psalmists also addressed this truth. For example, Psalm 34:19 says, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. It does not say that the Lord keeps the righteous from having trouble. God gives us strength through the strains of difficulty. “If there is no strain, there is no strength.” It’s just like muscle strength. You have to strain the muscles in order to build up strength. And God gives us strength for the moment. “God never gives strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute.”

Father, I pray for this attitude about difficulties. Of course, I never want to face any difficulties, because they’re, well, difficult. But I know that, in your plan for my life, there must be difficulties so I can grow in strength and in faith. So help me to face them head-on, with the confidence that, as the psalmist wrote, you will deliver me out of those difficulties. Let me never lose heart and cave in.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

As Far As the East Is From the West

Today is Sunday, July 31, 2016. 19 days until S turns 23! Last day of July.

Quote of the Day

“The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.” – Billy Graham

Word of the Day

Polyphonic – consisting of many voices or sounds. Or, in music, “a) having two or more voices or parts, each with an independent melody, but all harmonizing; contrapuntal (opposed to homophonic). b) pertaining to music of this kind. c) capable of producing more than one tone at a time, as an organ or a harp.”

Today is Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day. And to celebrate this day, I give you . . . the nyckelharpa!

We are getting ready for our worship gathering, this morning. We worship with The Exchange, which meets at 10:15, at the Northpark YMCA, at 9100 N Beach St., Fort Worth, TX. If you are in the area, please join us!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. Psalm 103:6-18

When we experience forgiveness, it prompts praise within us. “In forgiveness our sins are personally confronted, not impersonally condemned.” While we experience the severity of our Father, we also experience his grace.

“Merciful Father, I used to try to hide my true self from you, assuming that if you knew all about me you would necessarily condemn me. Now I know that your knowledge is gracious and that deception is futile. Come to me with just the right mixture of severity and kindness. Judge me and save me, both at the same time, in Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Father, I am so grateful for this forgiveness, and the fact that you do not impersonally condemn us for our sins. I have long rejoiced over the words of this Psalm, especially that particular verse that tells us that you have removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west, which is an infinite distance! Hallelujah!

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Remember

Today is Saturday, July 30, 2016. I’ve been corrected . . . the trade deadline is Monday, since the 31st falls on Sunday, this year.

Quote of the Day

“The word ‘happiness’ would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” – Carl Jung

Word of the Day

Littoral – of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore especially of the sea. So I guess it could be possible to be “literally littoral.”

Today is Paperback Book Day. Do I even need to say anything more? Here is one blogger/artist’s representation of Paperback Book Day . Please note that the books in the picture are miniatures. Amazing work!

Yesterday, while driving home, I was playing my iTunes music on shuffle, and this song came up.

As I listened to the lyrics, I realized that, outside of the fact that Rich had 4 brothers and sisters, and his dad was a farmer, this song relates to me and my family. These lyrics spoke most clearly to me:

“Never picture perfect
Just a plain man and his wife
Who somehow knew the value
Of hard work, good love, and real life”

“And they worked to give faith hands and feet
And somehow gave it wings”

We miss my dad terribly, still, but this is the legacy that my parents gave me. And for that, I am eternally grateful to both them, and our Father in heaven.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

“Forgetfulness atrophies the muscles of praise and leaves them flabby and passive. Remembrance internalizes a history of grace and strengthens praise into blessing, so that we act in a renewing way on our environment.”

“What blessings I have experienced! What benefits I have been given! I will compile my own list of goodness through the hours of this day and give you praise, O God, for each item. Stir my memory and quicken my tongue, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”

Father, help me to remember. Don’t allow my muscles of praise to atrophy! Help me to internalize the history of grace that has gone before me. What a history it is! I thank you, my Father, for the “plain man and his wife” who raised me to love you, worship you, and serve you. I pray that I will never disappoint them.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Depend Upon Him Now

Today is Thursday, July 28, 2016. Pre-Friday!

Quote of the Day

“Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.” – George Eliot

Word of the Day

Numinous – 1 : supernatural, mysterious; 2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity : holy; 3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense : spiritual. “Pilgrims to the shrine spoke to the congregation about their numinous experiences.”

Today is Milk Chocolate Day. While I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, still . . . chocolate!! So, yeah.

So the brand new pool heater has a leak in it. The good news, is, though, that the part that is leaking is replaceable. So the technician said he would call the manufacturer and get them to send him a new part. At this point, we don’t have a time line. The fence isn’t finished, either. They may have taken a night off. Perhaps they even went to church. Some folks still do that on Wednesday night. We sort of had “church.” There were four of us at the prayer gathering last night, and it was a good time of fellowship and prayer. And all of the fellowship was centered around prayer requests.

Again, both the Red Sox and Rangers lost, last night. Rangers lost 6-4 after giving up four runs in the eighth inning. Red Sox lost 4-3 after giving up a home run to Miggy in the top of the ninth. Fortunately for the Sox, both Baltimore and Toronto also lost. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the Astros did not lose. But they are still in first place, 2.5 games up.

We have a Pastoral Assist Team meeting this Sunday, and guess where we are going to have it? Never mind . . . you would never guess! Pancho’s!!! That’s right, a new Pancho’s Mexican Buffet has opened up, just minutes from our house! Who knew they were even still a thing?? I’m excited. I love Pancho’s!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:
that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die,
that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise,
when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD. Psalm 102:18-22

In spite of the troubles listed in the previous passage, hope springs up, for “a people yet to be created.” Yes, pain and sorrow are certain in this life, but even more so are praise and salvation. “If the results of sin are inevitable, the consequences of grace are irresistible.”

“Lord God, I survey the ruins around me–broken promises, plotted malice, failed love–and I am brought low. Then I review the expectations of faith–the visitation of your spirit, the deliverance by the Messiah, the praising worship of the redeemed–and I am lifted up. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

After Obedience–What?

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side . . . Mark 6:45

I’ll say right off the bat that I don’t necessarily agree with everything in this reading, but there is, I think, some good truth within. And that truth does involve our tendency to think that if we obey Jesus, “He will lead us to great success.” I suppose that, as humans, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have some ulterior motive for following Christ. But, “We must never put our dreams of success as God’s purpose for us; His purpose may be exactly the opposite.” I dreamed, for years, of being a professional musician, but it never happened. I could blame my lack of motivation, which certainly may have had something to do with it. But it is entirely possible that this was not God’s plan for me. I’m not wise enough to know for certain. It is also entirely possible that God is not leading us, individually, to a “particular end, a desired goal.”

“His purpose is that I depend on Him, and on His power now. If I can stay in the middle of the turmoil calm and unperplexed, that is the end of the purpose of God.” While I don’t necessarily disagree with the sentiment, there, I think Scripture says otherwise. I do believe that there is a future purpose that God has for us, but it includes what Chambers speaks of, here. I believe that purpose is to become more like Christ, and walk in the kind of life that Jesus walked. This requires, though, for us to depend upon God now. And if we look to longingly toward that future, we fail to pay attention to what is happening now. So I think a healthy balance of both is in order for us. We need to be sure that we are walking in his Kingdom now so that we can be ready to walk in it for eternity.

Father, I pray again for this kind of obedience in my life. I pray that I might be more focused on what is now than what is to come. I know what your will for my life is. It does not include my dreams. It does not include what I think might be really cool to do. What it does include is that I be more like Christ and walk in his way. Train me to succeed in this, Father, as it is truly the only thing that matters.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Obedience Leads to Understanding

Today is Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

Quote of the Day

“To be or not to be. That’s not really a question.” – Jean-Luc Godard

Word of the Day

Sonorous – 1. rich and full in sound, as language or verse. 2. giving out or capable of giving out a sound, especially a deep, resonant sound, as a thing or place: a sonorous cavern. 3. loud, deep, or resonant, as a sound.

Today is Scotch Whiskey Day. I’ve only tasted Scotch a couple of times. The first time, was many years ago, and I do not remember liking it. However, most recently was just about a year ago, and it was good. I don’t know if I had better Scotch that time, or my tastes have changed. Considering that the first time was in a bowling alley, there’s a pretty good chance that the latter time was better Scotch.

The pool heater is installed, but we smelled gas when we got home, so the guy is going to have to come back out and look at it. The fence gate is almost finished, but not quite. It looks like they have just a little more to do, and some cleanup, and it will all finally be done.

C continues to feel better. There’s some drama going on at work, about which I am not at liberty to speak. It will all be okay, though.

Tonight, we have our semi-monthly Anchor prayer gathering, at 7:00 PM. This is a really cool time when several of us from our church gather and pray for each other, and then for some general topics concerning (usually) the church at large.

The Red Sox and Rangers both lost last night. The Sox have dropped to third place, now behind the Boo Jays. The Astros lost, so the Rangers are still 3.5 up in first place.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!
For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.
My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread.
Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh.
I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places;
I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.
All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse.
For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink,
because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.
You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.
For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.
Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;
he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. Psalm 102:1-17

Sin has horrible consequences. “It cuts us off from experiences of intimacy, driving us into positions of isolation where we are enclosed in self-pity and a withering preoccupation with the self.” Heavy words, there, but true. In this psalm, we have the image of the owl and the “lonely sparrow” that are “similes for the soul sunk in sin.”

“There is nothing worse than feeling separated from you, Father–no pain more hurting, no desolation more desperate. At the places where my sin has turned me in upon myself expand me outward in faith to receive forgiveness and engage in praise. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

The Way to Know

If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. John 7:17

“The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience.” If we want scientific knowledge, we rely on intellectual seeking. But if we want spiritual insight, understanding of the teachings of Jesus, we must be obedient; we must be willing to do what he says. “Spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.”

The moment we receive “a word from God,” we are tested on it. We must be careful of the things that we shrug our shoulders over. “At the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.”

Father, teach me this way. But before I can be obedient, I must know what you are telling me, so drive me deeper into your word, each day. I confess that my Scripture reading has faltered. May your Spirit motivate me to delve deeper and read more of your words, that I might know what you are telling me. These brief devotional readings are not enough. Sure, they are “food,” but they are more like “snacks,” as opposed to the “main course.” Teach me your way, that I may walk in your truth. And then, when you teach me, give me the desire and strength to be obedient, that I might truly understand the ways of Jesus.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

I Will Sing

Today is Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Quote of the Day

“Imagination and fiction make up more than three quarters of our real life.” – Simone Weil

Word of the Day

Pidgin – a simplified speech used for communication between people with different languages. One example of this would be Hawaiian Pidgin English. The word “choke” means “plentiful.” “Dis restaurant give choke amounts of food.” “Try” means “please.” If you’re getting impatient, one might ask you to “try wait.” There’s a whole vocabulary.

Right on the heels of Cousins Day, today is Aunt and Uncle Day. I don’t have very many of those left. Well, I only ever had three blood aunts/uncles, to begin with. There were a lot of great aunts and uncles. I have one uncle and his wife, whom I always called “aunt,” and then I think I have another aunt-by-marriage left in Louisiana. I’m not sure about the “great” ones . . . I think there might be one left. My mother will know.

C continues to feel better, which is good. S has been complaining of headaches, for a while, though. I can’t help but feel like it has something to do with diet and sleep habits, though, as her sleep pattern is all out of whack.

The pool heater installation did not happen yesterday. The guy got tied up in something else (not literally), and will be here this morning. And the fence is almost done. The trash is hauled off, and we just need the gate to be completed.

The Rangers had a comeback win over the Athletics, last night, winning 7-6. They have now won three in a row. The Astros lost, so they gained a game in their division. The Sox, however, lost to the Tigers 4-2. Close game, with pretty good pitching on both sides.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.
I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.
Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD. Psalm 101

“The Christian who sings of moral convictions and loyal determination in personal (vv. 1-4) and professional (vv. 5-8) relationships finds that the song puts steel into every resolve to do a difficult job well to the glory of God.”

“Father, you have given me work to do: give me also the ethical stamina to do it right. No work will be a burden as long as I know I am sharing your will; no task will be demeaning when I know that I am participating in your ways. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.”

“When it comes to a question of our forgiving other people, it is partly the same and partly different. It is the same because, here also, forgiving does not mean excusing. Many people seem to think it does. They think that if you ask them to forgive someone who has cheated or bullied them you are trying to make out that there was really no cheating or no bullying. But if that were so, there would be nothing to forgive. They keep on replying, “But I tell you the man broke a most solemn promise.” Exactly: that is precisely what you have to forgive. (This doesn’t mean that you must necessarily believe his next promise. It does mean that you must make every effort to kill every taste of resentment in your own heart—every wish to humiliate or hurt him or to pay him out.) The difference between this situation and the one in which you are asking God’s forgiveness is this. In our own case we accept excuses too easily; in other people’s we do not accept them easily enough.” – C.S. Lewis, from The Weight of Glory

Father, let me sing of those convictions today, as I work, and as I interact with other people on a personal level. Let me practice the kind of forgiveness (as if I have anything to forgive, right now) that Lewis speaks of. But this includes resentment toward anyone for any reason, as well. I pray for peace toward all people in my heart. And keep driving me to do the best job possible in all circumstances, to the glory of your name!

Come, Lord, Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.