Sunday, September 9, 2012

Submission


All right, I confess, I am an avid Dog Whisperer fan. For those who maybe unfamiliar with this top- rated TV program, the star, Caesar Milan, is an expert in rehabilitating dogs with behavior problems. There is no question that he has an amazing gift.
But I have discovered that no matter the behavior problem, no matter the breed of dog, there is one state of mind; he says (repeatedly) that the dog must possess to resolve its issue. And that state of mind is a calm, submissive attitude. Until that is achieved, to progress can be made.
That got me to thinking. In this world the word “submission” has a negative connotation. People see submission as weakness. But just the opposite is true in the spiritual realm. It is only as we submit ourselves to God and the Holy Spirit can we receive the help we need.1 Cor. 1:27 2 Cor. 12:10 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Are WeThankful?

Swollen from Meds
I have a friend whose granddaughter, Savana (age 2 1/2yrs) , has been in ICU for eighty-two days. She has had a multitude of problems and came close to death’s door a couple of times. But she is one determined girl!

 Here is part of an email I received this morning. I hope it touches your heart as it did mine. "A little while ago a member of the custodial staff came into the room to empty the two waste cans. As the woman was leaving the room Svana mouthed the words "Thank you" to her. I came close to crying. It is amazing that a child who has been through and is going through as much as she is has the presence of mind and disposition of spirit to thank someone for emptying the trash."

The Bible tells us that one of the sins characterizes the last days will be unthankfulness. I think you would agree we are living in an age when almost everyone feels entitled for everything they have [and want.] When was the last time someone thanked you for some act of kindness.


Maybe we can learn for this child to be thankful.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Who IS in charge?


This year's election will probably go down in history as America's most important election. The two candidates are world's apart in their platforms. Their ideas of how to solve America's problems are poles apart. It is of vital importance that each America exercise their right to vote.

I am a patriotic American and love my country but no matter who is elected, no man nor government can save America. [Psalm 146:3] Because America's problem is not economic, political, or philosophical. The core of our dilemma is spiritual; we have turned our backs on God. Our founding Fathers knew our country's deep need for God; George Washington said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. Patrick Henry said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ....'

The only hope for America is that we will return to the God who founded this great nation and obey the principles of His Word.

Monday, August 27, 2012

High Call

In the film, Cheaper by the Dozen, Steve Martin's character, Tom Baker, decides to walk away from his dream of coaching college football because of the strain it has been on his family. When his boss asks if he'll have any regrets for such a decision, Baker says, "If I screw up raising my kids, nothing I achieve will matter much."

The world on the other hand says we should pursue degrees, titles, salaries and positions. Many parents do not realize that they are not just raising kids but they are also raising future adults. We have the awesome duty of raising the next generation. One hundred years from now will it have really matter that I lived on this planet? It will if you invest your life in the life of your children.

Jesus' plan for world evangelism was to invest his life into the lives of twelve men. I wonder how different the next generation would be if we took seriously making an investment into the spiritual lives of our children.  It seemed to have worked for Jesus and I believe we can change the world one family at a time.