Our Daily Bread
I have spent a lot of my life in Kentucky. I went to school there (three times). I lived in Louisville for 16 years. I retained much of my Northern Ohio accent all those years. I don't know how many times I heard the question "You ain't from 'round here, are ya?". ha! I spent time with my sister over the weekend who lives in a very rural part of Kentucky. I just HAD to tease her about it!
The devotional says I was wrong about teasing my sister. In God's eyes, it is not where you grew up. It is how you grew up. I thought that was cool. I grew up in a small town out in the country. Attended a small high school. Even though I had a lot to learn about the big city when I went to college and started traveling, I always felt grounded in my upbringing. That was probably due to my family as much as my surroundings.
Whenever you might be embarrassed about your upbringing, take a second look at all the good that came out of it! One of my "good things" is some of the friends from high school that are still part of my life!
Lord, you had a plan in mind when you placed each of us where we grew up. Please help us to be thankful and look for the good in our upbringing!
Teaching Tuesday
The last lesson of EFM Year One was about the wisdom and apocalyptic books in the Old Testament. It is hard to believe that Year One is almost over!
Wisdom literature includes Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. The book describes Job as one of the "world literature's great classics". I agree!
Apocalyptic books are generally accepted as Daniel, some of the psalms and part of the Book of Zechariah. Very interesting stuff! The word "apocalyiptic" comes from a Greek word meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal". Apocalyptic writing claims to impart a revelation that has been given to the writer. (EFM Guide)
The manual also made it clear that Revelation in the New Testament should not be classified the same as Daniel! I thought that was interesting.
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You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
We sometimes forget
Our Daily Bread
I was in a big box electronics store with a friend. We were walking around talking and looking a stuff. If you can believe it, I was teasing him about something and making a fool of myself. We both realized at the same time that I was on camera. My silliness was broadcast over thirty TV sets for all to see! Yikes!
I guess I should say that "I sometimes forget". You know how it is. We get so caught in this situation or that situation in our lives and we just forget that God is working. Just like the electronics store, we don't realize he is watching us. We don't remember he has our best interests at mind when he asks us to wait for the answers to our prayers.
Just because God knows everything, it doesn't mean we shouldn't talk to him about it. I had a heart to heart with God last night driving home from Wooster. I talked. I listened. I don't know the answer just yet. I will continue to listen and wait and listen. The talked lifted a burden from my heart that God already knew about. He also knew that I needed to talk about it and let it go. Talk to him today!
God, thank you for your gentle reminders of your presence and your workings in our lives! Praise God!
Movie Monday
I won some free passes to see The Great Gatsby last week. I would probably call it the "average" Gatsby, however, there were parts of it that were "great"! First, the overall visual design of the movie was outstanding! The recreation of 1920s NYC, the opulence of the Gatsby mansion, and the party scenes were amazing! The narration of the story that was so incredibly written really brought out the quality of the writing. The acting in general was good, with Leo DiCaprio giving a great performance of Gatsby. It is probably the best performance I have seen from him.
I give this movie two bear paws. See it on the big screen if you see it. Don't be too upset if you don't see it at all. You can read the book...
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I was in a big box electronics store with a friend. We were walking around talking and looking a stuff. If you can believe it, I was teasing him about something and making a fool of myself. We both realized at the same time that I was on camera. My silliness was broadcast over thirty TV sets for all to see! Yikes!
I guess I should say that "I sometimes forget". You know how it is. We get so caught in this situation or that situation in our lives and we just forget that God is working. Just like the electronics store, we don't realize he is watching us. We don't remember he has our best interests at mind when he asks us to wait for the answers to our prayers.
Just because God knows everything, it doesn't mean we shouldn't talk to him about it. I had a heart to heart with God last night driving home from Wooster. I talked. I listened. I don't know the answer just yet. I will continue to listen and wait and listen. The talked lifted a burden from my heart that God already knew about. He also knew that I needed to talk about it and let it go. Talk to him today!
God, thank you for your gentle reminders of your presence and your workings in our lives! Praise God!
Movie Monday
I won some free passes to see The Great Gatsby last week. I would probably call it the "average" Gatsby, however, there were parts of it that were "great"! First, the overall visual design of the movie was outstanding! The recreation of 1920s NYC, the opulence of the Gatsby mansion, and the party scenes were amazing! The narration of the story that was so incredibly written really brought out the quality of the writing. The acting in general was good, with Leo DiCaprio giving a great performance of Gatsby. It is probably the best performance I have seen from him.
I give this movie two bear paws. See it on the big screen if you see it. Don't be too upset if you don't see it at all. You can read the book...
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Thanks, Mom!
Our Daily Bread
I usually get my mother funny cards for Mothers Day. They usually have something about how much of a challenge I was growing up ("the brilliant ones are always the hardest") or how I am now ("Sometimes when I open my mouth, my mother comes out!"). All the cards try to express my thanks for her doing her best to rear this silly old bear!
I am not a parent, so I don't understand what it was like for my Mom. Nor, can I ever imagine what it was like for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was truly an amazing lady! So much faith! So much willingness to serve God! She endured so much as a parent when her first born son became the Savior of the world!
On this Mothers Day, tell your Mom how much you love her. Dwell on fond memories if she has passed.
Lord, thank you for mothers. Please help us honor them on this day and every other day.
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 94 is one of those "God will strike down the wicked" psalms. It is a warning. It is a promise. As usual, read it out loud!
Psalm 94
1 The Lord is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, Lord, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, Lord;
they oppress your inheritance.
6 They slay the widow and the foreigner;
they murder the fatherless.
7 They say, “The Lord does not see;
the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
8 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The Lord knows all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
the one you teach from your law;
13 you grant them relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
21 The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them.
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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
I usually get my mother funny cards for Mothers Day. They usually have something about how much of a challenge I was growing up ("the brilliant ones are always the hardest") or how I am now ("Sometimes when I open my mouth, my mother comes out!"). All the cards try to express my thanks for her doing her best to rear this silly old bear!
I am not a parent, so I don't understand what it was like for my Mom. Nor, can I ever imagine what it was like for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was truly an amazing lady! So much faith! So much willingness to serve God! She endured so much as a parent when her first born son became the Savior of the world!
On this Mothers Day, tell your Mom how much you love her. Dwell on fond memories if she has passed.
Lord, thank you for mothers. Please help us honor them on this day and every other day.
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 94 is one of those "God will strike down the wicked" psalms. It is a warning. It is a promise. As usual, read it out loud!
Psalm 94
1 The Lord is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, Lord, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, Lord;
they oppress your inheritance.
6 They slay the widow and the foreigner;
they murder the fatherless.
7 They say, “The Lord does not see;
the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
8 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The Lord knows all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
the one you teach from your law;
13 you grant them relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
21 The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them.
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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Little reminders
Our Daily Bread
I have a digital photo frame in my dining room. I haven't updated the photos on it for a few years because I thoroughly enjoy watching the photos from my trip to Hawaii in 2009. My best friend and I took some great pictures of our big adventure. What wonderful memories of a lifetime goal of a Hawaii trip!
Like the devotional mentions, I also have things that remind me of the many times that God delivered me. Many of which are the scars on my chubby body. A scar from a scary interaction with concertine wire. A scar for an emergency appendectomy. A scar for my first cancer surgery. A huge scar from my second cancer surgery. I look in the mirror and see the "stones of remembrance" that are carved into my body.
What are the "stones of remembrance" of God's deliverance in your life? Take a moment today to remember and be truly thankful. Let those "stones" motivate us to trust and love God even more.
Lord, thank you for delivering us from the challenges of this life. Please help us build our foundation on the stones of remembrance!
Simply Saturday
Catch and release
I have funny dreams sometimes. After hearing some friends at work talk about their fishing adventures the other day, I had a flashback dream of the fishing adventures I had with my dad as a child. Well, I wouldn't exactly call them adventures. More like "ordeals" for me. I have never really liked fishing! Once fishing concept I learned about is "catch and release". If a fish is too small or not the right kind of fish (since I grew up on Lake Erie), we would enjoy the sport of catching it and then release it back into its watery home.
Once, again, my silly mind made a very loose connection to my Christian life that got stronger and stronger as I thought about it. Obviously, it is strong enough to write about today! "Catch and release" is now my new motto. Here is why. How many of us "catch" all the worries of the day or week or month or year or lifetime, but never "release" them? Wow! I hadn't thought of it that way!
Is the fish (or worry) too small to keep? Release it. This means that we are not to keep any worry or care to ourselves regardless of how small it is. Release it over to God. Each small worry can grow heavier when we keep collecting them!
Is the fish (or worry) the wrong kind? Release it. In my mind, there are worries and there are burdens. A worry is something that we think is important and personal and maybe even a little selfish. I find myself worrying about lots of situations that I have no control over. Well, actually, I do have control over them -- I can release them to God and let him work in his way and timing!
A burden is something that the Holy Spirit lays on your heart. A special prayer request or a person in trouble or a person facing dire circumstances all all examples of burdens. Burdens come from God. We are to catch and release those too. They are basically unselfish concerns since they come from God.
My challenge for us today and every day is to "catch and release". Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch us and hold us in his loving arms!
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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
Friday, May 10, 2013
Go, go, go!
Our Daily Bread
Yes, I realize that my Facebook postings about "Do something" or "Go, go, go" may annoy folks sometimes. I have been told that the feel bad when they read that because they don't feel like they can measure up to my activity level. DOH! This follows along with the devotion today!
So many folks think that the Word of God is something we were given to make us feel bad because we can never be good enough or perfect enough to please God. They feel bad because they can't measure up to God's standard. They don't try because they feel like "What's the point?" I think we all feel that way sometimes! The point, IMHO, is that we please God when we try as hard as we can to love and serve him. That is what he asks of us -- to give our all. He does not ask us to be perfect.
I know how I feel when a friend tells me how motivational my posts are. I imagine that God feels proud and happy with us when we tell him how motivational his Word is and his love is in our lives! Go, go, go!
Lord, thank you for cheering us on in our walks with you! Please help us to do our best to love and serve you!
Foodie Friday
Here's a healthy summer recipe -- Chicken pita sandwich. I plan to make this with lower carb whole wheat pitas. Great for summer!
Chicken Pita Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving (2 stuffed pita halves)
Ingredients
1 cup baby spinach
4 ounces cooked skinless, boneless chicken
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian vinaigrette (or other flavors as you like)
1 (6-inch) whole-grain pita, cut in half
Preparation
1. Combine spinach, chicken, bell pepper, and vinaigrette in a bowl; toss gently.
2. Serve in pita halves.
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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
Yes, I realize that my Facebook postings about "Do something" or "Go, go, go" may annoy folks sometimes. I have been told that the feel bad when they read that because they don't feel like they can measure up to my activity level. DOH! This follows along with the devotion today!
So many folks think that the Word of God is something we were given to make us feel bad because we can never be good enough or perfect enough to please God. They feel bad because they can't measure up to God's standard. They don't try because they feel like "What's the point?" I think we all feel that way sometimes! The point, IMHO, is that we please God when we try as hard as we can to love and serve him. That is what he asks of us -- to give our all. He does not ask us to be perfect.
I know how I feel when a friend tells me how motivational my posts are. I imagine that God feels proud and happy with us when we tell him how motivational his Word is and his love is in our lives! Go, go, go!
Lord, thank you for cheering us on in our walks with you! Please help us to do our best to love and serve you!
Foodie Friday
Here's a healthy summer recipe -- Chicken pita sandwich. I plan to make this with lower carb whole wheat pitas. Great for summer!
Chicken Pita Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving (2 stuffed pita halves)
Ingredients
1 cup baby spinach
4 ounces cooked skinless, boneless chicken
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian vinaigrette (or other flavors as you like)
1 (6-inch) whole-grain pita, cut in half
Preparation
1. Combine spinach, chicken, bell pepper, and vinaigrette in a bowl; toss gently.
2. Serve in pita halves.
******************************
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
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Worry not...
Our Daily Bread
"Don't worry! Be happy!" the popular calypso song rang out across the yard. "He makes it sound so easy" I thought to myself.
Well, to be frank, as Christians it should be that easy! Who knew! ha! Well, reading scriptures, praying and meditating will help us focus on letting go! I used one of my favorite tag lines at the bottom of this entry. Let go!
I have been working on this a lot the past week. I have had a weird situation in my life for several years. I think I am giving it over to God and having faith, but I finally realized my faith was expressed like this: "OK, God I have faith that you will do WHAT I want, WHEN I want. Let's get to it!" Major faith fail there! Turning these things over to God completely enables us to focus on the important things of loving God and loving others. Let's agree to focus on letting go!
Lord, thank you for allowing us to cast your cares upon you. Please speak to us and help us let go.
Technology Thursday
Here are some miscellaneous articles from the technology world:
8 high-end smartphones for $100 or less
Jeep Grand Cherokee a killer tech car? Yep!
This TV has the best picture ever tested
CNET's favorite laptop of the year so far
Microsoft touching up Windows 8 to address gripes
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
"Don't worry! Be happy!" the popular calypso song rang out across the yard. "He makes it sound so easy" I thought to myself.
Well, to be frank, as Christians it should be that easy! Who knew! ha! Well, reading scriptures, praying and meditating will help us focus on letting go! I used one of my favorite tag lines at the bottom of this entry. Let go!
I have been working on this a lot the past week. I have had a weird situation in my life for several years. I think I am giving it over to God and having faith, but I finally realized my faith was expressed like this: "OK, God I have faith that you will do WHAT I want, WHEN I want. Let's get to it!" Major faith fail there! Turning these things over to God completely enables us to focus on the important things of loving God and loving others. Let's agree to focus on letting go!
Lord, thank you for allowing us to cast your cares upon you. Please speak to us and help us let go.
Technology Thursday
Here are some miscellaneous articles from the technology world:
8 high-end smartphones for $100 or less
Jeep Grand Cherokee a killer tech car? Yep!
This TV has the best picture ever tested
CNET's favorite laptop of the year so far
Microsoft touching up Windows 8 to address gripes
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
In tune
Our Daily Bread
I grew up in a family that camped a lot. A LOT.... Most of our family vacations were camping somewhere in Ohio or Kentucky where there are many beautiful state parks. By the time I was 15 or so, I was very tired of it! I was tired of being "in tune" with nature as my dad used to say!
I look at my life now and I still don't like camping! I try to find ways to be "in tune" with God regardless of where I am -- at work, in the car, playing tennis, at church, etc. God is everywhere. We can marvel at the wonders of his creation in nature and in human beings! What an amazing God!
I also find that marveling at God's creations assures me of his working in my life. Each time I think I have an insurmountable problem, I am gently reminded of all the wonders around me and the wonders God has performed my life. What an amazing God!
Lord, thank you for working in our lives! Please help us be aware of your doings and praise you!
Wellness Wednesday
Five reasons to exercise in the morning
I found an interesting article about five reasons we should exercise in the morning. See if they apply to you. Here is the article.
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
I grew up in a family that camped a lot. A LOT.... Most of our family vacations were camping somewhere in Ohio or Kentucky where there are many beautiful state parks. By the time I was 15 or so, I was very tired of it! I was tired of being "in tune" with nature as my dad used to say!
I look at my life now and I still don't like camping! I try to find ways to be "in tune" with God regardless of where I am -- at work, in the car, playing tennis, at church, etc. God is everywhere. We can marvel at the wonders of his creation in nature and in human beings! What an amazing God!
I also find that marveling at God's creations assures me of his working in my life. Each time I think I have an insurmountable problem, I am gently reminded of all the wonders around me and the wonders God has performed my life. What an amazing God!
Lord, thank you for working in our lives! Please help us be aware of your doings and praise you!
Wellness Wednesday
Five reasons to exercise in the morning
I found an interesting article about five reasons we should exercise in the morning. See if they apply to you. Here is the article.
- It Staves Off Cravings
- It Frees Up Your Day
- It Helps You Stick To It
- It Ups Your Energy
- It Jump Starts Your Brain
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
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