Our Daily Bread
Do you remember your teenage days when every "no" or rejection seemed like persecution? Our teenage angst was sooooo intense!
I don't think I have ever been persecuted for my faith. I have been teased a few times or questioned about why I don't do some things like watch porn or subscribe to adult chat sites or watch every reality TV show out there. Yes, as children of God, we may be teased or even persecuted because we are "in the world", but not "of the world". The ways of the world and the ways of God are like oil and water that don't mix. Keeping ourselves grounded in God's Word, but still connected to this world so we can spread God's light is a challenge for all of us!
Lord, than you for making a way we can live our lives like heaven on earth. Please help us persevere.
Teaching Tuesday
The chapter this week was on the Psalms. It was a very cool chapter mainly because I love the Psalms! I enjoy reading them and experiencing the raw emotions of pain, joy, and praise! I have written about the types of psalms before, so I won't repeat that today.
I recommend finding your favorite psalm, like 23 or 34 or 100, and read it out loud every day this week.
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Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Reeaaadddyyyyy.....
Our Daily Bread
While watching the Winter Olympics one year, some friends and I were fascinated by the starter for the speed skating. He said the word "Reeeaadddyyyy" exactly the same way before he fired the starting gun. It was so unique we laughed and laughed about it. Months later, I was flipping channels and heard that familiar starting word "Reeeaaadddyyyyy". I couldn't help but laugh!
I mention this story because it came to mind when I read the devotional about preparation. I like the story because it reminds me to be consistent about readiness. Most of my friends know that I am a planner, though I have been better about being spontaneous. I call being spontaneous only having a day or two to play! ha! There is nothing wrong with planning your readiness for serving God. Be flexible when God asks you to be flexible. Hold firm when God tells you to hold firm!
Lord, thank you for leading us in our preparations to serve you better!
Movie Monday
I got to see Iron Man 3 on Friday. I really liked it! It had a great story line, the special effects were very good, but not overwhelming, and it several twists and turns that made it interesting. My only complaint is that is sort of wrapped up in like two minutes after the final fight scene. That was a little odd to me. The acting was appropriate for this type of movie (no Academy Award nominees here..). See it on the big screen, but wait a week or two for the crowds to die down. I saw it at the 4:15 show at Arena Grand. It was't very busy at that time.
I give this three bear paws! See at the theater!
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You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread
While watching the Winter Olympics one year, some friends and I were fascinated by the starter for the speed skating. He said the word "Reeeaadddyyyy" exactly the same way before he fired the starting gun. It was so unique we laughed and laughed about it. Months later, I was flipping channels and heard that familiar starting word "Reeeaaadddyyyyy". I couldn't help but laugh!
I mention this story because it came to mind when I read the devotional about preparation. I like the story because it reminds me to be consistent about readiness. Most of my friends know that I am a planner, though I have been better about being spontaneous. I call being spontaneous only having a day or two to play! ha! There is nothing wrong with planning your readiness for serving God. Be flexible when God asks you to be flexible. Hold firm when God tells you to hold firm!
Lord, thank you for leading us in our preparations to serve you better!
Movie Monday
I got to see Iron Man 3 on Friday. I really liked it! It had a great story line, the special effects were very good, but not overwhelming, and it several twists and turns that made it interesting. My only complaint is that is sort of wrapped up in like two minutes after the final fight scene. That was a little odd to me. The acting was appropriate for this type of movie (no Academy Award nominees here..). See it on the big screen, but wait a week or two for the crowds to die down. I saw it at the 4:15 show at Arena Grand. It was't very busy at that time.
I give this three bear paws! See at the theater!
*****************************
You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Hungry for the Word
Our Daily Bread
I am a big guy who loves to eat. I have to be careful what I eat because I am diabetic. A family joke is that most of us are diabetic because we are so sweet! Another joke is "you are what you eat". I guess I should be one big Hoho! How I miss those!
If theory of "you are what you eat" is true, then today's devotional makes perfect sense. I didn't grasp the scripture passage from Jeremiah 15:16 about eating God's Word. After I thought about it, I love the reference and what it means. I can see God's Word entering my body like the healthiest foods I have ever eaten, purifying and cleansing my body, mind and heart. What a vision!
Like many folks, I sometimes use the excuse "The of the Bible I read, the less I understand". For me, the point of reading and studying the Bible is not to memorize it or know everything there is to know. The point is to learn about God and let him permeate every part of our being. What an amazing God we have!
Lord, thank you for your Word. Please help us learn and listen and "eat" your Word so we can be like you!
Psalm Sunday
We are looking at Psalm 93 this week. I really like this simple psalm. I think about the majesty and power of the Niagra Falls and then think about what the psalm says. What an amazing God we have!
Psalm 93
1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
I am far from perfect, but despite my mistakes and my sins, I will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon me - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
I am a big guy who loves to eat. I have to be careful what I eat because I am diabetic. A family joke is that most of us are diabetic because we are so sweet! Another joke is "you are what you eat". I guess I should be one big Hoho! How I miss those!
If theory of "you are what you eat" is true, then today's devotional makes perfect sense. I didn't grasp the scripture passage from Jeremiah 15:16 about eating God's Word. After I thought about it, I love the reference and what it means. I can see God's Word entering my body like the healthiest foods I have ever eaten, purifying and cleansing my body, mind and heart. What a vision!
Like many folks, I sometimes use the excuse "The of the Bible I read, the less I understand". For me, the point of reading and studying the Bible is not to memorize it or know everything there is to know. The point is to learn about God and let him permeate every part of our being. What an amazing God we have!
Lord, thank you for your Word. Please help us learn and listen and "eat" your Word so we can be like you!
Psalm Sunday
We are looking at Psalm 93 this week. I really like this simple psalm. I think about the majesty and power of the Niagra Falls and then think about what the psalm says. What an amazing God we have!
Psalm 93
1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
***************************
I am far from perfect, but despite my mistakes and my sins, I will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon me - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
Saturday, May 4, 2013
From deep within
Our Daily Bread
After a concert in which I sang a solo, a friend came up to me and said "I love it when you sing a solo. It sounds like it is coming from deep within!". I didn't really think about it much until the next time I sang. It was true and I never realized it. Singing brings up feelings, hopes and dreams from parts of me that I can't always access with my conscious mind!
The devotional talks about the Psalms and how David (and other psalm writers) seem to express their deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, praises and other things that we have trouble expressing. It is explainable since they are usually sung. Songs can do that to us. I am sure you noticed that I reference songs a LOT on this blog!
What song is welling up in your mind and heart? Pray that song to God. Sing it to God. Yes, he knows your deepest thoughts and desires. He wants you to tell him anyway so you can share everything with Him!
Lord, thank you for the gift of music. Please help us lift songs that can express things that we cannot say.
Simply Saturday
From deep within
God has been teaching me a lot lately. I don't know if I wasn't paying attention before or that it has been so gradual that these things didn't come to my conscious mind.
First, there was a prayer session where God asked me something very specific. If I had to make a choice about something, what would my choice be? From deep within, a sincere and honest reply came out that surprised me. I shared it with my best friend this morning.
Second, I had a situation come up that scared me a little, but my response was so sincere and loving and natural that I thought about it all day. God gave me a new goal to be that loving and caring to everyone I meet, not just the folks that are special to me. I have not always been that way with even the folks I care about very much. God is teaching me how to treat and cultivate those that need and want me in their lives. It is a different approach for this bear in a china shop kind of guy!
Lastly, God reminded me about listening. Take a chill pill, breathe and listen. He answered some very specific prayers this week in a variety of ways. I felt special and very humbled by the experiences. God really does know what is best for us. It is not always easy to see that or to wait for the perfect time for what he has in store for us. It is important to remember that our life circumstances cannot affect our joy in the Lord unless we allow them to!
Don't be afraid to sing your song to God. Don't be afraid to share the hopes, dreams, feelings and fears from deep within.
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We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
After a concert in which I sang a solo, a friend came up to me and said "I love it when you sing a solo. It sounds like it is coming from deep within!". I didn't really think about it much until the next time I sang. It was true and I never realized it. Singing brings up feelings, hopes and dreams from parts of me that I can't always access with my conscious mind!
The devotional talks about the Psalms and how David (and other psalm writers) seem to express their deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, praises and other things that we have trouble expressing. It is explainable since they are usually sung. Songs can do that to us. I am sure you noticed that I reference songs a LOT on this blog!
What song is welling up in your mind and heart? Pray that song to God. Sing it to God. Yes, he knows your deepest thoughts and desires. He wants you to tell him anyway so you can share everything with Him!
Lord, thank you for the gift of music. Please help us lift songs that can express things that we cannot say.
Simply Saturday
From deep within
God has been teaching me a lot lately. I don't know if I wasn't paying attention before or that it has been so gradual that these things didn't come to my conscious mind.
First, there was a prayer session where God asked me something very specific. If I had to make a choice about something, what would my choice be? From deep within, a sincere and honest reply came out that surprised me. I shared it with my best friend this morning.
Second, I had a situation come up that scared me a little, but my response was so sincere and loving and natural that I thought about it all day. God gave me a new goal to be that loving and caring to everyone I meet, not just the folks that are special to me. I have not always been that way with even the folks I care about very much. God is teaching me how to treat and cultivate those that need and want me in their lives. It is a different approach for this bear in a china shop kind of guy!
Lastly, God reminded me about listening. Take a chill pill, breathe and listen. He answered some very specific prayers this week in a variety of ways. I felt special and very humbled by the experiences. God really does know what is best for us. It is not always easy to see that or to wait for the perfect time for what he has in store for us. It is important to remember that our life circumstances cannot affect our joy in the Lord unless we allow them to!
Don't be afraid to sing your song to God. Don't be afraid to share the hopes, dreams, feelings and fears from deep within.
*****************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Friday, May 3, 2013
On the right course
Our Daily Bread
I talk with different friends and Bible study groups about God's "rules". We often complain about how restrictive the "don'ts" of the bible are. After much discussion and prayer, we finally realized that God's Word is like a GPS for the way we are supposed to behave in this life. Are we on the right course?
Like many men, I don't like to ask for directions. I don't always listen when someone tries to offer directions and instructions. I know. I need to get better at this! God's Word gives the directions for life that are best for us. It may not always be obvious that it is the best thing for us at the time. God will lead us and will be patient with us if we do our best!
What are we "not getting" today? Are we on the right course?
Lord, thank you for showing us the best way to live. Please help us follow what is best for us!
Foodie Friday
Our church dinner Saturday is tomorrow. I will probably buy this pie from Costco instead of making it from scratch. I tried it last weekend and it was great! Costco is selling it in Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus for Derby Weekend.
Bake a Kentucky Derby pie to keep the Kentucky Derby tradition alive. Kentucky Derby pie has been a tradition since the early 1950s when it was first served in a small restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Add you own special touch by serving the pie warm, and accenting each piece with a scoop of rich vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream.
The original Kentucky Derby pie recipe is kept a secret. However, improvise by either following this suggested recipe, or change some of the ingredients and make a version of your own! Gather the ingredients, which include flour, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, butter, Kentucky bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, salt, vanilla extract, a pie shell and pie plate.
Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup of flour
½ cup of brown sugar
½ cup of white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup of melted butter
2-4 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
1 cup of walnuts
1¼ cups of chocolate chips
Salt (just a pinch)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1-9 inch deep-dish pie shell
Directions:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix flour, sugar, eggs and melted butter. Next combine bourbon, walnuts, vanilla and salt. Line the bottom of the pie crust with chocolate chips. Pour the pie filling in the pie crust. Place the pie in the oven, and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Allow the pie to cool a bit, but serve it while still warm. Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream. Most importantly, enjoy!
*******************************
Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God - William Carey
I talk with different friends and Bible study groups about God's "rules". We often complain about how restrictive the "don'ts" of the bible are. After much discussion and prayer, we finally realized that God's Word is like a GPS for the way we are supposed to behave in this life. Are we on the right course?
Like many men, I don't like to ask for directions. I don't always listen when someone tries to offer directions and instructions. I know. I need to get better at this! God's Word gives the directions for life that are best for us. It may not always be obvious that it is the best thing for us at the time. God will lead us and will be patient with us if we do our best!
What are we "not getting" today? Are we on the right course?
Lord, thank you for showing us the best way to live. Please help us follow what is best for us!
Foodie Friday
Our church dinner Saturday is tomorrow. I will probably buy this pie from Costco instead of making it from scratch. I tried it last weekend and it was great! Costco is selling it in Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus for Derby Weekend.
Bake a Kentucky Derby pie to keep the Kentucky Derby tradition alive. Kentucky Derby pie has been a tradition since the early 1950s when it was first served in a small restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Add you own special touch by serving the pie warm, and accenting each piece with a scoop of rich vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream.
The original Kentucky Derby pie recipe is kept a secret. However, improvise by either following this suggested recipe, or change some of the ingredients and make a version of your own! Gather the ingredients, which include flour, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, butter, Kentucky bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, salt, vanilla extract, a pie shell and pie plate.
Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup of flour
½ cup of brown sugar
½ cup of white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup of melted butter
2-4 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
1 cup of walnuts
1¼ cups of chocolate chips
Salt (just a pinch)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1-9 inch deep-dish pie shell
Directions:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix flour, sugar, eggs and melted butter. Next combine bourbon, walnuts, vanilla and salt. Line the bottom of the pie crust with chocolate chips. Pour the pie filling in the pie crust. Place the pie in the oven, and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Allow the pie to cool a bit, but serve it while still warm. Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream. Most importantly, enjoy!
*******************************
Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God - William Carey
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Some people just need it more
Our Daily Bread
A church I used to attend had the tradition of asking for open prayer requests during the early church service. Some folks really like it as they share their needs and joys. Some folks seem to talk every week. Some folks would rather write down their requests instead of bringing them up in public if they are shy.
The apostle Paul was not afraid to ask for prayer. He asked for prayer for his ministries over and over, often being very specific in the prayer requests. He knew the power and need of prayer. Like Jesus, he believed in prayer!
How about us? Are we afraid to ask for prayer? Do we pray for others? Do we know of folks that specifically need our prayers? I thought of several!
Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of prayer. Please help us use it!
Technology Thursday
There isn't much going on with technology right now. Boring! There should be some announcements in the next month or two. I will keep my eye out for new stuff and share. I might also create some how to or best articles if I can find ones already on the Internet.
*****************************
u r a bcog. u r fawm Now believe it!
A church I used to attend had the tradition of asking for open prayer requests during the early church service. Some folks really like it as they share their needs and joys. Some folks seem to talk every week. Some folks would rather write down their requests instead of bringing them up in public if they are shy.
The apostle Paul was not afraid to ask for prayer. He asked for prayer for his ministries over and over, often being very specific in the prayer requests. He knew the power and need of prayer. Like Jesus, he believed in prayer!
How about us? Are we afraid to ask for prayer? Do we pray for others? Do we know of folks that specifically need our prayers? I thought of several!
Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of prayer. Please help us use it!
Technology Thursday
There isn't much going on with technology right now. Boring! There should be some announcements in the next month or two. I will keep my eye out for new stuff and share. I might also create some how to or best articles if I can find ones already on the Internet.
*****************************
u r a bcog. u r fawm Now believe it!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
It's just stuff
Our Daily Bread
I have had a lot of ups and downs in my life. While I am fortunate now to have my home with lots of cool stuff in it, I remember times when everything I owned fit into my old run down car! I lived in a rented room, not an apartment, but a room. I lived pay check to pay check. I learned something important then -- It's just stuff...
After we learn that lesson, we can move on to the things that are really important: loving God and loving others. I am not saying that Christians can't be successful and have stuff. I am saying that those thing should never take higher priority in our lives that loving God and loving others!
We can find our worth, not in what we have, but who we are in the Lord!
Lord, thank you for being our all. Please help us cherish you more than "stuff".
Wellness Wednesday
6 Unexpected Ways to Make Someone's Day
IMHO, wellness is now always about me. Here are six ways to make someone's day. Here is the full article to read more.
Be thoughtful, simply because you can.
Say something good about something old.
Say who referred you.
Compliment for something you aren't expected to compliment.
Notice when someone tries something different.
Give someone credit they don't deserve--yet.
*******************************
I am far from perfect, but despite my mistakes and my sins, I will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon me - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
I have had a lot of ups and downs in my life. While I am fortunate now to have my home with lots of cool stuff in it, I remember times when everything I owned fit into my old run down car! I lived in a rented room, not an apartment, but a room. I lived pay check to pay check. I learned something important then -- It's just stuff...
After we learn that lesson, we can move on to the things that are really important: loving God and loving others. I am not saying that Christians can't be successful and have stuff. I am saying that those thing should never take higher priority in our lives that loving God and loving others!
We can find our worth, not in what we have, but who we are in the Lord!
Lord, thank you for being our all. Please help us cherish you more than "stuff".
Wellness Wednesday
6 Unexpected Ways to Make Someone's Day
IMHO, wellness is now always about me. Here are six ways to make someone's day. Here is the full article to read more.
Be thoughtful, simply because you can.
Say something good about something old.
Say who referred you.
Compliment for something you aren't expected to compliment.
Notice when someone tries something different.
Give someone credit they don't deserve--yet.
*******************************
I am far from perfect, but despite my mistakes and my sins, I will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon me - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
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