Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 9, 10, 11; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Having been out of work for just over 10 not-so-glorious months now, I have a new appreciation for having and holding a job. I remember a day as a young man saying that I would not work "fast food". This is a misnomer in and of itself. I am thankful for a local Pastor who called me to come and clean the gym of their Church. The money sure helped. Oh, it did not pay the back mortgage or big bills like that; but, it helped tremendously with the day to day necessities.
As I was cleaning the carpets there were places in the carpet where the children had spilled during lunch or snack times. I sprayed them with the spot cleaner and I even pulled the machine ever so slowly over those spots. The result? Dirty spots that were wet. I felt like the example of Ecclesiastes 10:10, "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct." The problem is that the stains have probably been there too long and are set into the carpet.
I did not quit though. I sure wanted to give up. I am a perfectionist and things like that do not set well with me. I did not give up though. I kept going and finished my task no matter how good or bad the carpet looked when I was finished. I did my best and the Pastor knows that. He was happy with it. I accepted it.
I thank God for providing this bit of hard work. I was exhausted when I arrived home that evening; but, it was that hard day of working tired. I hope this finds you doing those things that God has entrusted to you to get done.
So, how are you doing?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 6, 7, 8; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
Ecclesiastes 6:2, "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease."
I remember a time at a Church we attended for a few years we were wanting to build on to the building. A wealthy man called the Pastor of the Church and invited him to breakfast. At this breakfast meeting the man asked the Pastor what the balance was on the current mortgage of the Church building. The Pastor gave him a "ballpark" figure. The man pulled out a checkbook and began to write a check for the balance. The Pastor took the check and went back to the Church to find that he has overestimated a little. He called this man and told him and the Pastor was told to keep the extra. Praise God!
This man knew how to use what God had given him to meet the needs of the people. I have never been one to have much money or anything else for that matter. I have come to the conclusion that God knows that He cannot entrust much to me so He does just that. That is okay. Right now things are so slim that I wonder if He can trust me with anything at all.
Do you see money as a spiritual matter? I hope so; because, it is. If you are going to live your life successfully as one of God's children you will have to look at money this way.
Do you have riches or do riches have you? Think about it for a minute before you answer that.
Ecclesiastes 6:2, "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease."
I remember a time at a Church we attended for a few years we were wanting to build on to the building. A wealthy man called the Pastor of the Church and invited him to breakfast. At this breakfast meeting the man asked the Pastor what the balance was on the current mortgage of the Church building. The Pastor gave him a "ballpark" figure. The man pulled out a checkbook and began to write a check for the balance. The Pastor took the check and went back to the Church to find that he has overestimated a little. He called this man and told him and the Pastor was told to keep the extra. Praise God!
This man knew how to use what God had given him to meet the needs of the people. I have never been one to have much money or anything else for that matter. I have come to the conclusion that God knows that He cannot entrust much to me so He does just that. That is okay. Right now things are so slim that I wonder if He can trust me with anything at all.
Do you see money as a spiritual matter? I hope so; because, it is. If you are going to live your life successfully as one of God's children you will have to look at money this way.
Do you have riches or do riches have you? Think about it for a minute before you answer that.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3, 4, 5; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
So many of us are so quick to say things that we regret. I know that I have a lot in my time walking this earth. I remember growing up it was my mouth that got me into more trouble than anything and sometimes it still does.
We live in a day that a person's word is not worth the breath that it takes to expel it. This is sad. I remember a day when I could go to the local store and get something and they would put it on a tab and it had to be paid weekly. If you did not pay your tab you lost the privilege.
I wish I was known as a man of my word. I don't think I am; but, I could be wrong. This should not be. My life is a reflection of Christ and He is a man of His Word. You will see this as you read His Word. If He says it you can mark it down that it is or will be.
So what about you? Are you considered a man or woman of your word? I sure hope so. If not it is never too late to begin to work on becoming a man or woman of your word.
Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
So many of us are so quick to say things that we regret. I know that I have a lot in my time walking this earth. I remember growing up it was my mouth that got me into more trouble than anything and sometimes it still does.
We live in a day that a person's word is not worth the breath that it takes to expel it. This is sad. I remember a day when I could go to the local store and get something and they would put it on a tab and it had to be paid weekly. If you did not pay your tab you lost the privilege.
I wish I was known as a man of my word. I don't think I am; but, I could be wrong. This should not be. My life is a reflection of Christ and He is a man of His Word. You will see this as you read His Word. If He says it you can mark it down that it is or will be.
So what about you? Are you considered a man or woman of your word? I sure hope so. If not it is never too late to begin to work on becoming a man or woman of your word.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12, 2010
Today's reading: Job 42; Ecclesiastes 1, 2; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
Job 42:10, "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
The other night I was laying in bed and I could not sleep. Have you ever had that happen? Most of us have I am sure. I laid there and laid there and could not go back to sleep. I considered getting up; but, I was afraid that if I did I would wake up everyone else. As I laid there I began to think of people. Then I thought to myself that I did not think these people were coming to mind for no reason at all. So, I began to pray for all those who came to mind. Only God knows why this happened.
As I was reading our Scripture passage for today I thought about laying in bed and praying the other night. I was caught by the phrase "...when he prayed for his friends:". I wonder how often things would be different in my life if I would just spend more time in fervent prayer. Maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I do not spend any time in fervent prayer and would be deeply convicted about it. The truth is that we all could afford to spend more time in prayer. I am not talking about the child's bedtime prayer of, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep...". This is far from what I am talking about. However; this is the kind of prayer I am afraid we most often issue up in hopes of getting them answered. This ought not to be.
Prayer is spiritual work. I hope the next time you think of me you take the opportunity to pray for me and my family. I do my very best to pray for all who come to my mind because I desperately depend upon the prayers of God's people.
So, how are you doing?
Job 42:10, "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
The other night I was laying in bed and I could not sleep. Have you ever had that happen? Most of us have I am sure. I laid there and laid there and could not go back to sleep. I considered getting up; but, I was afraid that if I did I would wake up everyone else. As I laid there I began to think of people. Then I thought to myself that I did not think these people were coming to mind for no reason at all. So, I began to pray for all those who came to mind. Only God knows why this happened.
As I was reading our Scripture passage for today I thought about laying in bed and praying the other night. I was caught by the phrase "...when he prayed for his friends:". I wonder how often things would be different in my life if I would just spend more time in fervent prayer. Maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I do not spend any time in fervent prayer and would be deeply convicted about it. The truth is that we all could afford to spend more time in prayer. I am not talking about the child's bedtime prayer of, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep...". This is far from what I am talking about. However; this is the kind of prayer I am afraid we most often issue up in hopes of getting them answered. This ought not to be.
Prayer is spiritual work. I hope the next time you think of me you take the opportunity to pray for me and my family. I do my very best to pray for all who come to my mind because I desperately depend upon the prayers of God's people.
So, how are you doing?
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
Today's reading: Job 39, 40, 41; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
Psalm 41:9-10, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
Today I had the opportunity to go to a local Church that has a daycare ministry and clean carpets. The Pastor approached me and asked me if I would be willing to clean the carpet in the Church's gym. I thought I could do this. He related to me as we walked through the building that in the past he had many men who were out of work ask for money or things to do around the Church and when they were to come and actually do the work they were a no call and no show.
In spite of being half an hour late I did make it and believe it or not I finished the job. It took me eight (8) hours with very little break time (big surprise I know). I did not see much difference in the carpet; but, the Pastor said he did and he was grateful to me for doing it. He asked me to come back and clean the chairs that have cloth coverings on them and I have agreed.
The Scripture today made me think of those who have said "yes" to the Pastor of that Church; but, never came to do the work. The Pastor had put his trust in these men and they just blew him off like it was nothing. If you cannot keep your word you are not much of a person let alone a Christian. Shame on us who cannot keep our word. We represent Christ and should be dependable and honest.
I am so thankful for the ability to do the work today. It was not me. I am so sore and hurting right now that I can barely move. It is a good stiff and sore though. It is that feeling you get after a hard day's work. Look at Psalm 71:16, "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." It was not me that was doing the work. It was God who enabled me to complete the task at hand. That gym looked huge at the beginning. At the end when I only had a dozen or so passes across the thing it did not look so big. I finished the job and for that I am thankful. Thank God!
So how are you doing? Are you honest and finish the job?
Psalm 41:9-10, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
Today I had the opportunity to go to a local Church that has a daycare ministry and clean carpets. The Pastor approached me and asked me if I would be willing to clean the carpet in the Church's gym. I thought I could do this. He related to me as we walked through the building that in the past he had many men who were out of work ask for money or things to do around the Church and when they were to come and actually do the work they were a no call and no show.
In spite of being half an hour late I did make it and believe it or not I finished the job. It took me eight (8) hours with very little break time (big surprise I know). I did not see much difference in the carpet; but, the Pastor said he did and he was grateful to me for doing it. He asked me to come back and clean the chairs that have cloth coverings on them and I have agreed.
The Scripture today made me think of those who have said "yes" to the Pastor of that Church; but, never came to do the work. The Pastor had put his trust in these men and they just blew him off like it was nothing. If you cannot keep your word you are not much of a person let alone a Christian. Shame on us who cannot keep our word. We represent Christ and should be dependable and honest.
I am so thankful for the ability to do the work today. It was not me. I am so sore and hurting right now that I can barely move. It is a good stiff and sore though. It is that feeling you get after a hard day's work. Look at Psalm 71:16, "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." It was not me that was doing the work. It was God who enabled me to complete the task at hand. That gym looked huge at the beginning. At the end when I only had a dozen or so passes across the thing it did not look so big. I finished the job and for that I am thankful. Thank God!
So how are you doing? Are you honest and finish the job?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010
Today's reading: Job 36, 37, 38; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
Job 38:29, "Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?"
Many of you know that I enjoy the hobby of photography. I have often thought about posting photos I have taken along with this blog; however, I keep talking myself out of it. As a photographer I have had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful things. Hoary frost is one of them. It creates some of the most beautiful scenes. I wish I had an eye popping shot to post here but I don't. Maybe some day.
I believe the Bible to be true and without any error at all. It was funny one day speaking with another photographer and the subject of fog came up. They were quite amazed when I told them that hoary frost was in the Bible. I am not sure why this was such a revelation; but, it was. This just goes to show you that God's Word has it all covered.
I know that I look at things differently now. I see them as a photographer and even more so as a Christian. We who know Christ as our Saviour should look at things through the eye of Scripture so to speak. The Bible has the answer for everything and it is up to us to dig it out. When I look at a beautiful landscape I think about Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Not everyone looks at it that way. Then I decide how I am going to compose the shot and take it.
I want to challenge you to see things the way that God sees them today. Look at even the little things through the lens of the Scripture.
Job 38:29, "Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?"
Many of you know that I enjoy the hobby of photography. I have often thought about posting photos I have taken along with this blog; however, I keep talking myself out of it. As a photographer I have had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful things. Hoary frost is one of them. It creates some of the most beautiful scenes. I wish I had an eye popping shot to post here but I don't. Maybe some day.
I believe the Bible to be true and without any error at all. It was funny one day speaking with another photographer and the subject of fog came up. They were quite amazed when I told them that hoary frost was in the Bible. I am not sure why this was such a revelation; but, it was. This just goes to show you that God's Word has it all covered.
I know that I look at things differently now. I see them as a photographer and even more so as a Christian. We who know Christ as our Saviour should look at things through the eye of Scripture so to speak. The Bible has the answer for everything and it is up to us to dig it out. When I look at a beautiful landscape I think about Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Not everyone looks at it that way. Then I decide how I am going to compose the shot and take it.
I want to challenge you to see things the way that God sees them today. Look at even the little things through the lens of the Scripture.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010
Today's reading: Job 33, 34, 35; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129, Proverbs 9
Job 33:21, "His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out."
As I was reading this Scripture passage I thought of the commercials that advertise to help feed hungry children all over the world. I thought about how their bones stick out under their skin and how horrible they appear. Then I was thinking about how we who are God's children probably look the same way spiritually speaking.
We are spiritually anemic. We do not take the time; like the men and women of old, to daily get into God's Word and not just read it but study it. I mean we need to get into the Word of God and dig like we are mining diamonds. Why don't we do this? I believe it is the flesh that keeps us from the Word of God. What is even more tragic is that the Scriptures are exactly what we need the most and we just casually look over it from time to time.
We are so blessed here in America. We have plenty and most of us are grossly overweight because we eat junk that is not good for us. On the other hand we are Spiritually starving ourselves. This ought not to be. Wake up America and get back to the Word of God daily. Pray like everything depends upon God. Study the Bible and find those Spiritual diamonds. Work until Jesus comes because it will not be much longer.
So, how are you doing?
Job 33:21, "His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out."
As I was reading this Scripture passage I thought of the commercials that advertise to help feed hungry children all over the world. I thought about how their bones stick out under their skin and how horrible they appear. Then I was thinking about how we who are God's children probably look the same way spiritually speaking.
We are spiritually anemic. We do not take the time; like the men and women of old, to daily get into God's Word and not just read it but study it. I mean we need to get into the Word of God and dig like we are mining diamonds. Why don't we do this? I believe it is the flesh that keeps us from the Word of God. What is even more tragic is that the Scriptures are exactly what we need the most and we just casually look over it from time to time.
We are so blessed here in America. We have plenty and most of us are grossly overweight because we eat junk that is not good for us. On the other hand we are Spiritually starving ourselves. This ought not to be. Wake up America and get back to the Word of God daily. Pray like everything depends upon God. Study the Bible and find those Spiritual diamonds. Work until Jesus comes because it will not be much longer.
So, how are you doing?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)