You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. (Psalm 139:13-15 NLT).
The illustration at left is a cross-sectional view of our DNA! Looks a lot like a grand stained glass window, doesn’t it? Recently, as I was reading The Grand Weaver, by Ravi Zacharias (which I highly recommend), he mentioned the design of God in our lives and referenced this picture. I had to see it for myself! It is truly incredible to think of how intricately planned and designed each of us are in the mind of God. And, everyone has a different DNA. Their stained glass window will unique to them alone. Certainly the psalmist recognized that truth in our reading today. We are “wonderfully complex.” The question rises, “What difference does that make?” Well, I can think of at least two important things.
1. First, it means that we are not an accident in creation. We are an intentional act of God. Think of it. When God decided to form me, he foreordained every detail of my physical, intellectual, and emotional makeup. Mary compliments me by saying that I really don’t have gray hair. “It’s more silver,” she says. That’s her way of saying that she likes it and it’s attractive. Personally I just think it makes me look old; but, if she likes it, I’m in! The point is that God decided it would be that color as I aged. Of course I can chemically alter that color and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, take it to a deeper level. Since we are not an accident, God has a design and purpose in mind for every detail of our life. That’s a great comfort for me as I face the inevitable difficulties of aging. God has a use for that too!
2. Second, it means I am vital to God’s plan and purpose. If I were not important, then why create me in the first place? That brings hope and encouragement to me. I know that physical illness and infirmity are not a part of God’s ultimate plan. He intended for us to be eternal beings just as He is, but through sin, death and decay has taken its toll. However, death and decay are not the end. God has seen to that as well in His plan. As Zacharias says, “It brings order out of chaos.”
This is the God I can trust with all that I am and hope to be. This is the measure of His grace. The next time you compare yourself to someone else, in any area, physically, intellectually, or emotionally, remember that you are VERY special in God’s plan and purpose. It’s in your DNA! He has made you wonderful! Never doubt it for a moment!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
"The Remaining Spark"
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).
I happened on an illustration that appeared in a publication promoting a transition ministry for people who have recently been released from prison in London. The painting showed a small child blowing on a dying ember with the following words written beneath: Perhaps there remains a spark! It certainly fits the ministry of this half-way house, but I would remind you that it also fits the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is this hope that we have been given that allows us to recognize victory in every trial.
I know that your first reaction might be that you haven’t been victorious over every trial. In fact, some of them might have knocked you done to your knees or worse. You may have been hurt in a way that you cannot possibly imagine any good coming from it. And, from my own experience I would agree with you in the short term. That’s where the rub really comes. We live so rooted in the present that it is extremely difficult to get past it to see how God could possibly bring victory in the future.
The story is told how one night at dinner a man, who had spent many summers in Maine, fascinated his companions by telling of his experiences in a little town named Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, as part of a large lake for which a dam was being built. In the months before it was to be flooded, all improvements and repairs in the whole town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it were to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the whole town became more and more bedraggled, more gone to seed, more woebegone. Then he added by way of explanation: "Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present." That’s the principle! We can manage to overcome the trials of the present because we know the outcome for the future.
I read the following from an unknown author recently: "Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley.” Hope… that’s the remaining spark!
I happened on an illustration that appeared in a publication promoting a transition ministry for people who have recently been released from prison in London. The painting showed a small child blowing on a dying ember with the following words written beneath: Perhaps there remains a spark! It certainly fits the ministry of this half-way house, but I would remind you that it also fits the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is this hope that we have been given that allows us to recognize victory in every trial.
I know that your first reaction might be that you haven’t been victorious over every trial. In fact, some of them might have knocked you done to your knees or worse. You may have been hurt in a way that you cannot possibly imagine any good coming from it. And, from my own experience I would agree with you in the short term. That’s where the rub really comes. We live so rooted in the present that it is extremely difficult to get past it to see how God could possibly bring victory in the future.
The story is told how one night at dinner a man, who had spent many summers in Maine, fascinated his companions by telling of his experiences in a little town named Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, as part of a large lake for which a dam was being built. In the months before it was to be flooded, all improvements and repairs in the whole town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it were to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the whole town became more and more bedraggled, more gone to seed, more woebegone. Then he added by way of explanation: "Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present." That’s the principle! We can manage to overcome the trials of the present because we know the outcome for the future.
I read the following from an unknown author recently: "Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley.” Hope… that’s the remaining spark!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
"A Tender Message of Grace"
Every so often I like to explore other translations and paraphrases of the Scripture in my daily readings. I found one today that caught me by surprise:
Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:27-30 The Message).
It is a very familiar and often quoted passage of Scripture; however, I doubt you’ve heard this version quoted very often. I know I haven’t. It speaks of Jesus’ tender message of grace. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus always knew how to locate people? These words spoken thousands of years ago still transcend all time and still apply to us today. It's amazing that over all these centuries, humans repeatedly struggle with the same issues. It seems our trials simply cycle and come back around during every generation. People get tired, worn out, and in some cases, burned out. He knew that and He knew the answer to our weariness.
The key is in what Jesus brought to us. Jesus brings relationship, not religion. The differences between the two are interesting. Religion is a belief system or conviction that one follows and adheres to; while relationship is a connection or bond between two parties. A person can have a conviction they follow based on their relationship with another. But in our own strength, it's difficult to live out a belief system when there's no relationship to encourage us. So, Jesus says, “Come to me.” He wants us to enter into a relationship with Him that transcends the man-made or self-imposed rules of religion. After all, it's the duties of religion in the absence of grace that wear people out.
He then invites us to “take His yoke.” The Message says, “Walk with me and work with me.” Jesus is not advocating the absence of religion, He is defining real religion. When we feel worn out or on the verge of burn out, it's a sure indicator we have either been doing things in our own strength or trying to carry out an assignment God didn't give us. So check yourself: Are you weary and heavy laden? If the answer is “yes,” then walk with Jesus and work with Him. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. That’s how you can learn to live freely and lightly!
Read the passage again… this time slowly! Aren’t you ready to get away with Him? You can right now in prayer!
Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:27-30 The Message).
It is a very familiar and often quoted passage of Scripture; however, I doubt you’ve heard this version quoted very often. I know I haven’t. It speaks of Jesus’ tender message of grace. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus always knew how to locate people? These words spoken thousands of years ago still transcend all time and still apply to us today. It's amazing that over all these centuries, humans repeatedly struggle with the same issues. It seems our trials simply cycle and come back around during every generation. People get tired, worn out, and in some cases, burned out. He knew that and He knew the answer to our weariness.
The key is in what Jesus brought to us. Jesus brings relationship, not religion. The differences between the two are interesting. Religion is a belief system or conviction that one follows and adheres to; while relationship is a connection or bond between two parties. A person can have a conviction they follow based on their relationship with another. But in our own strength, it's difficult to live out a belief system when there's no relationship to encourage us. So, Jesus says, “Come to me.” He wants us to enter into a relationship with Him that transcends the man-made or self-imposed rules of religion. After all, it's the duties of religion in the absence of grace that wear people out.
He then invites us to “take His yoke.” The Message says, “Walk with me and work with me.” Jesus is not advocating the absence of religion, He is defining real religion. When we feel worn out or on the verge of burn out, it's a sure indicator we have either been doing things in our own strength or trying to carry out an assignment God didn't give us. So check yourself: Are you weary and heavy laden? If the answer is “yes,” then walk with Jesus and work with Him. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. That’s how you can learn to live freely and lightly!
Read the passage again… this time slowly! Aren’t you ready to get away with Him? You can right now in prayer!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"Saying Something Nice"
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 NIV).
I love the story I read the other day from an old file I had taken from a 1992 issue of Bits and Pieces. In it the story is told of a hunt during quail season in Georgia, as an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran rheumatically ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. "Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be but him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can -- and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"
You have heard it said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There is a lot of wisdom in that truth. Certainly Paul must have had something like that in mind as he encouraged the Philippians to have the same mind as Christ in being tender and compassionate. Our reading today is a call for us to be encouragers of others.
It’s always been a little surprise to me when people seem to delight in hurting the feelings of others with their words. Of course, we expect children to exhibit that kind of behavior, however, as adults we ought to know and do better! And, you know, we all need that encouragement from time to time. News anchor Dan Rather admitted he was always fascinated by the sport of boxing, even though he was never good at it. "In boxing you're on your own; there's no place to hide," he said. "At the end of the match only one boxer has his hand up. That's it. He has no one to credit or to blame except himself." Rather, who boxed in high school, says his coach's greatest goal was to teach his boxers that they absolutely, positively, without question, had to be "get up" fighters. "If you're in a ring just once in your life, completely on your own, and you get knocked down but you get back up again, it's a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Your sense of achievement is distinct and unique. And sometimes the only thing making you get up is someone in your corner yelling."
Life can be a fight! Of course God is always in our corner encouraging us to persevere, but isn’t it nice to have others in our corner telling us not to quit! Some of the fondest memories I have of friends in my life were those who stood by me and told me to keep swingin’! Even today, there are those times when I feel like the old pointer. I can still give it a try, but as I said yesterday, I’m not as good as I once was. Oh, I am still as good once as I once was, but it is so wonderful to hear others as they encourage me. Let’s each commit ourselves to being people who know how to say something nice to everyone we meet along the way!
I love the story I read the other day from an old file I had taken from a 1992 issue of Bits and Pieces. In it the story is told of a hunt during quail season in Georgia, as an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran rheumatically ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. "Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be but him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can -- and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"
You have heard it said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There is a lot of wisdom in that truth. Certainly Paul must have had something like that in mind as he encouraged the Philippians to have the same mind as Christ in being tender and compassionate. Our reading today is a call for us to be encouragers of others.
It’s always been a little surprise to me when people seem to delight in hurting the feelings of others with their words. Of course, we expect children to exhibit that kind of behavior, however, as adults we ought to know and do better! And, you know, we all need that encouragement from time to time. News anchor Dan Rather admitted he was always fascinated by the sport of boxing, even though he was never good at it. "In boxing you're on your own; there's no place to hide," he said. "At the end of the match only one boxer has his hand up. That's it. He has no one to credit or to blame except himself." Rather, who boxed in high school, says his coach's greatest goal was to teach his boxers that they absolutely, positively, without question, had to be "get up" fighters. "If you're in a ring just once in your life, completely on your own, and you get knocked down but you get back up again, it's a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Your sense of achievement is distinct and unique. And sometimes the only thing making you get up is someone in your corner yelling."
Life can be a fight! Of course God is always in our corner encouraging us to persevere, but isn’t it nice to have others in our corner telling us not to quit! Some of the fondest memories I have of friends in my life were those who stood by me and told me to keep swingin’! Even today, there are those times when I feel like the old pointer. I can still give it a try, but as I said yesterday, I’m not as good as I once was. Oh, I am still as good once as I once was, but it is so wonderful to hear others as they encourage me. Let’s each commit ourselves to being people who know how to say something nice to everyone we meet along the way!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Just One Person"
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34 NLT).
I enjoy reading the chapter of faith in Hebrews from time to time just to remind myself of how important just one person can be in the history and plan of God. Our reading today is a part of the long list of the writer telling of the incredible faith of men and women who made such a difference in history. Throughout the entire Bible whenever God had a job to do he called a person, and usually just one person. When he wanted to form a nation, the nation of Israel to be his own people, he chose and called Abraham. When he wanted to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. When he wanted a leader to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he chose and called Joshua. When he needed an earthly mother for the Christ child, he chose and called Mary. When he wanted to take His message of grace to the Gentiles, he chose and called Paul. From Genesis to Revelation, God's methods are people, one at a time. You, too, can be one that God uses. As the unknown poet wrote:
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to YOU!
Some of you may be saying that you’re not as young as you once were. Perhaps you’re not as strong as you once were. Or, maybe you just simply don’t eel as good as you once were. I like the lyrics of Toby Keith’s song, As Good As I Once Was: “I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was!” And once is often enough! Who do you need to make a difference for today?
I enjoy reading the chapter of faith in Hebrews from time to time just to remind myself of how important just one person can be in the history and plan of God. Our reading today is a part of the long list of the writer telling of the incredible faith of men and women who made such a difference in history. Throughout the entire Bible whenever God had a job to do he called a person, and usually just one person. When he wanted to form a nation, the nation of Israel to be his own people, he chose and called Abraham. When he wanted to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. When he wanted a leader to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he chose and called Joshua. When he needed an earthly mother for the Christ child, he chose and called Mary. When he wanted to take His message of grace to the Gentiles, he chose and called Paul. From Genesis to Revelation, God's methods are people, one at a time. You, too, can be one that God uses. As the unknown poet wrote:
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to YOU!
Some of you may be saying that you’re not as young as you once were. Perhaps you’re not as strong as you once were. Or, maybe you just simply don’t eel as good as you once were. I like the lyrics of Toby Keith’s song, As Good As I Once Was: “I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was!” And once is often enough! Who do you need to make a difference for today?
Monday, August 2, 2010
"A Living God"
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! (Luke 24:1-6 NLT).
I know it’s not Easter, but a very important thought occurred to me as I was driving to work earlier this week. It began with a statement I heard a theologian who observed: When God is dead anything is possible. That is a very powerful statement. Sadly it is true. When God is dead, the fences of morality are easily plowed over. Think for a moment about the Holocaust and the men who carried out its murderous plan. These were not monsters, but ordinary men; they were not crazed psychopaths, but mere men who had gone far astray of the plan and purpose of God. They were men to whom God was dead. And, when God is dead, anything is possible.
I read recently a man in his middle years once approached Ravi Zacharias after he had finished speaking and said, “If I told you all the horrible things I have done in my life you wouldn’t even want to be seen standing next to me. There is almost nothing I haven’t done. I am not sure even God can forgive me.” Zacharias said at the time he had to wonder what all was couched beneath those words. Still, the verse which came to mind were words spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7).
When God is dead, the possibilities are unfathomable. But another question must be answered: If anything is possible when God is dead, what then is possible if God is alive? C.S. Lewis was a man who saw the beauty of the prodigal son worked out in his life. Describing his own quite reluctant conversion, he exclaims, “Who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape? The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” 1 So, I can say with absolute confidence when God is alive, nothing is impossible! Absolutely nothing can separate you from God’s love, not even God’s seeming “death.” Don’t let anything convince you that God is dead! He is alive forever! And His love for you is unchanged. The Father is fully with you, waiting for you to come home. Come on back today!
1. C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955, p. 237
I know it’s not Easter, but a very important thought occurred to me as I was driving to work earlier this week. It began with a statement I heard a theologian who observed: When God is dead anything is possible. That is a very powerful statement. Sadly it is true. When God is dead, the fences of morality are easily plowed over. Think for a moment about the Holocaust and the men who carried out its murderous plan. These were not monsters, but ordinary men; they were not crazed psychopaths, but mere men who had gone far astray of the plan and purpose of God. They were men to whom God was dead. And, when God is dead, anything is possible.
I read recently a man in his middle years once approached Ravi Zacharias after he had finished speaking and said, “If I told you all the horrible things I have done in my life you wouldn’t even want to be seen standing next to me. There is almost nothing I haven’t done. I am not sure even God can forgive me.” Zacharias said at the time he had to wonder what all was couched beneath those words. Still, the verse which came to mind were words spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7).
When God is dead, the possibilities are unfathomable. But another question must be answered: If anything is possible when God is dead, what then is possible if God is alive? C.S. Lewis was a man who saw the beauty of the prodigal son worked out in his life. Describing his own quite reluctant conversion, he exclaims, “Who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape? The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.” 1 So, I can say with absolute confidence when God is alive, nothing is impossible! Absolutely nothing can separate you from God’s love, not even God’s seeming “death.” Don’t let anything convince you that God is dead! He is alive forever! And His love for you is unchanged. The Father is fully with you, waiting for you to come home. Come on back today!
1. C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955, p. 237
Sunday, August 1, 2010
"August 2nd - This Day in History"
“August 2nd… this day in history” is an unusual way to begin a devotional. However, I thought it might be at least instructional, and hopefully inspirational! Here’s just a brief list of some of the things that have happened on this day:
1914 – perhaps the first “bailout” of a nation. As a result of the economic instability caused by World War I, American bankers were seriously considering an issue of emergency currency within a week’s time. In Washington a conference between President Woodrow Wilson and New York Foreign exchange officials were going to discuss the possibility of allowing England an unprecedented amount of $100,000,000 credit.
1934 – the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler, the chancellor of Germany, became the country's Fuhrer ( president and chancellor ) today after German President Paul Von Hindenburg died.
1943 – a future president becomes a hero. Lt. John F. Kennedy of the United States command, the PT-109 is sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while on patrol near the Solomon Islands. The future president was credited with saving members of his crew.
1949 – a great comedian is injured. Comedian, Bob Hope ended up in Hollywood’s Presbyterian Hospital as a result of been bucked off by his fake steed while working on a Hollywood film set. Hope was straddling a barrel rocked by Lucille Ball when it rolled over and sent him flying.
Oh, I suppose I also ought to mention that it is also the day I was born! Some of the events above were history changing events, some merely incidental occurrences that were recorded because of the personality involved. And, while my birth was certainly recorded by the hospital and celebrated by my family, I’m quite certain it was not a moment of historical importance! That day would come later in my life, at my second birth. Nearly twenty years after making my entrance into this world I came to an understanding of who Jesus was and how He had died to provide me with eternal life. While the second birth would not have happened without the first, the second birth was the most important. It is for all of us.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIV).
I certainly hope that I have made a difference in the lives of people that I have ministered to over these last forty-one years, however, the real measure of success in life is not “in the numbers.” It is in THE number. That number is the One who gave Himself on my behalf so that I might have eternal life, now and then. That’s how you make a difference in history! Do you know the One who brings life? You can. Just ask!
1914 – perhaps the first “bailout” of a nation. As a result of the economic instability caused by World War I, American bankers were seriously considering an issue of emergency currency within a week’s time. In Washington a conference between President Woodrow Wilson and New York Foreign exchange officials were going to discuss the possibility of allowing England an unprecedented amount of $100,000,000 credit.
1934 – the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler, the chancellor of Germany, became the country's Fuhrer ( president and chancellor ) today after German President Paul Von Hindenburg died.
1943 – a future president becomes a hero. Lt. John F. Kennedy of the United States command, the PT-109 is sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while on patrol near the Solomon Islands. The future president was credited with saving members of his crew.
1949 – a great comedian is injured. Comedian, Bob Hope ended up in Hollywood’s Presbyterian Hospital as a result of been bucked off by his fake steed while working on a Hollywood film set. Hope was straddling a barrel rocked by Lucille Ball when it rolled over and sent him flying.
Oh, I suppose I also ought to mention that it is also the day I was born! Some of the events above were history changing events, some merely incidental occurrences that were recorded because of the personality involved. And, while my birth was certainly recorded by the hospital and celebrated by my family, I’m quite certain it was not a moment of historical importance! That day would come later in my life, at my second birth. Nearly twenty years after making my entrance into this world I came to an understanding of who Jesus was and how He had died to provide me with eternal life. While the second birth would not have happened without the first, the second birth was the most important. It is for all of us.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIV).
I certainly hope that I have made a difference in the lives of people that I have ministered to over these last forty-one years, however, the real measure of success in life is not “in the numbers.” It is in THE number. That number is the One who gave Himself on my behalf so that I might have eternal life, now and then. That’s how you make a difference in history! Do you know the One who brings life? You can. Just ask!
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