Daily Thought for Friday, September 30th

September 30, 2011

It’s An Attitude Thang

Today’s Thought:

“This may shock you, but I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude.”  – Charles Swindoll

Today’s Quote:

“Instead of crying over spilt milk, go milk another cow.”  – Erna Asp

Today’s Question:

Were you aware that “Life is a grindstone? But whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.” – L. Thomas Holdcraft

Today’s Bible Verses:            Philippians 2:1-5 & Philippians 4:4-8

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“There is no danger of developing eyestrain from getting on the bright side of things."  –  Anonymous

Have you ever noticed that it seems you can get more done when you are positive and upbeat rather than when your sullen and grouchy?

Attitude makes a difference both in the natural things we attempt to do as well as in the spiritual.

“Whines are the products of sour grapes:” – Anonymous and  “It isn’t hard to make a mountain out of a molehill.  Just add a little dirt.” – Anonymous

Our attitude towards what we are doing and whom we are doing it for can make all the difference in how effective and productive our efforts will be.

Ann Landers says, “There are really only three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, What happened?”

Which group would you fall into?

Our attitude will determine which category we might belong with. 

Are your thoughts in heavenly places on Christ Jesus or are you thinking about how long the preacher’s sermons seems to be?

Are you willing to lend a hand and do the best you can or are you to busy explaining all the reasons why something can’t be done?

It’s all about the attitude.

Sometimes if we will just open our lives up to the potential and possibilities that could be, instead of dwelling on what has been or what should have been:  we might all be surprised what God can do with us and in our lives.

“Don’t bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.” – Corrie ten Boom

If you feel your attitude needs a little altitude: then stop and spend a little time in gratitude and praise for God and all He has done for you and you might find your attitude will take a turn for the better.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may my attitude always be filled with love, hope and gratitude and may it be found to be pleasing to you.

Daily Thought for Thursday, September 29th

September 29, 2011

Worry Warts and Faith

Today’s Thoughts:

“Worry is the interest paid on trouble before if falls due.”  – Dean W. R. Inge

“Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.” - Anonymous

Today’s Quotes:

“I sometimes suspect that half our difficulties are imaginary and that if we kept quiet about them they would disappear.” – Robert Lynd

“When we do what we can, God will do what we can’t.” – Anonymous

Today’s Questions

When it comes to worrying, have you ever considered that: “It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains?” – Alice Caldwell Rice

Did you know; “Faith dares the soul to go further than it can see?” – William Clarke

Today’s Bible Verses:            2 Corinthians 5:1-9 & Romans 1:16-17

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“There are only two things to worry about. You are either sick or you are well.  If you are well you have nothing to worry about. If you are sick you have two things to worry about.  Either you get well or you die.  If you get well there is nothing to worry about.  If you die there are two things to worry about.  Either you will go to heaven or hell.  If you go to heaven you have nothing to worry about.  If you go to hell you will be so busy shaking hands with all your friends, you won’t have time to worry."  –  Mrs. Richard Malone

“Pray for faith that will not shrink when it is washed in the waters of affliction.” – Anonymous

Sadly, it seems we live to long before we learn so well, that ultimately God is in control.

For some folks it seems that worrying is second nature or maybe even first,

The question I often like to ask that person who makes a career of worrying is; “Does worrying change anything or make it better?  And typically the answer is no, though, over the years I’ve had a few more colorful answers.

If one has a bad case of worrywarts, I tend to believe the only ointment and the can heal the frustrations, anxieties and stresses that worrying creates is to point them to God.

His word says, “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness….” – The Bible (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We need to know this: “It is impossible for faith to overdraw its account on the bank of heaven.” – Anonymous

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – The Bible (Hebrews 11:6)

Now from a logical perspective if one has faith and one is striving to please God in that faith, shouldn’t being a worry wart be counter productive to that aim and endeavor?

Along these lines here are just a few thoughts for you to ponder:

“If doubt overtakes you, stop for a faith lift.” – Anonymous

“Faith is not a pill you take but a muscle you use.” – Anonymous

“Faith says, ‘I will give it before I get it.’” – Anonymous

Today’s Prayer:

Father, let faith grow within me faster than weeds in a garden.

Daily Thought for Wednesday, September 28th

September 28, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic    “The Family Circus” by Bill Keane

Today’s Application:    The Importance of Family 

“Family – the we of me.” – Carson McCullers

Today’s Thought:

“Ohana means family - no one gets left behind, and no one is ever forgotten. ”  – Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois (from ‘Lilo & Stitch’)

Today’s Quote:

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” – Jan Howard

“Camera’s shrink us so Grandma can carry us around in her wallet.” – Dolly to Billy (from ‘The Family Circus’ by Bill Keane)

Today’s Question

Would you agree that: “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts?” – Unknown

Today’s Bible Verses:            Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 3:20 & Romans 8:14-17

  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing, coveting, hiding, borrowing, inflicting pain, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together."  –  Erma Bombeck

(Dolly explains to her three brothers)

“Mommy is spelling things on the phone ‘cause Barfy’s (the family dog) listening.” – (from ‘The Family Circus’ by Bill Keane)

“I don’t care how poor a man is, if he has family, he is rich.” – Dan Wilcox & Thad Mumford (from ‘M*A*S*H’ episode entitled ‘Identity Crisis’)

“The Family Circus” debuted in February of 1960 and since then has chronicled the lives of Bil & Thelma (Thel), the Mom and Dad; their children, Billy (7), Dolly (5), Jeffy (3) and P.J. who was introduced as an infant and grew to about 18 months; their Grandma (Florence), who was Bil’s mom and their pets, Barky the Labrador, Kitty Cat the orange tabby and a stray mutt named Sam as they lived out their lives in Scottsdale Arizona.  These kids never aged but through the years they have demonstrated over and over how important family is.  Through the vacations, trials and tribulations of daily living and the just plain old day-to-day stuff that happens, they have shown love, patience, understanding, kindness and acceptance.

How important these things are to us as Christians.  Not only is every human being out there, by virtue of Adam and Eve a distant cousin of some degree: if they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they by virtue of Jesus’ blood have been adopted into the Family of God, in which we are all brothers and sisters.

And as Christians we need our spiritual family as much as we need our natural families.

God created us for His pleasure, but He did not create us to be islands unto ourselves.  From the very beginning of creation, God intended for people to interact and share in each other’s lives.

Christopher Lasch said, “The family is a haven in a heartless world.”

We need each other to make it through and to accomplish the work and will of our Heavenly Father.

“You don’t choose your family.  They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu

And while life, both in our natural and our spiritual families can often times seem to be like a circus – we need to remember patience, love, compassion and kindness will help us all make it through together.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me be the best family member I can be, both spiritually and naturally.

Daily Thought for Tuesday, September 27th

September 27, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Seven   “Blondie” by Dean Young & John Marshall

Today’s Application:    Flexibility and Patience Enable Us 

“Be firm on principle but flexible on method.” – Zig Ziglar

Today’s Thought:

“Don’t panic, Dagwood.  You’re a strong, independent, intelligent man.  You know just what to do in a crisis!  ------   Blondieeeeeee! ”  – Dagwood speaking to himself (from ‘Blondie’ by Dean Young & John Marshall)

Today’s Quote:

“I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.”  – Everett Dirksen

Today’s Question

“Does this kind of stuff ever happen to you?” – Dagwood (from ‘Blondie’ by Dean Young & John Marshall)

Today’s Bible Verses:            James 4:13-17, Galatians 5:22-23 & 2 Peter 1:2-8

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.  But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible to your approach."  –  Tom Robbins

(Dagwood in the fridge looking for sandwich fixings)

“Let’s see now; knockworst, marinated mackerel, marshmellow whip and a sour pickle; not that oughta do it.” – Dagwood (from ‘Blondie’ by Dean Young & John Marshall)

Dagwood Bumstead is the likable husband to Blondie and father of Alexander and Cookie in the “Blondie” comic strip.  Surprisingly he is the main character and most of the story lines revolve around his interactions with his family, the mailman, Mr. Beasley his neighbors Herb and Tootsie Woodley and his rather obnoxious boss, Mr. Julius Caesar Dithers and his wife. Cora.

It seems Dagwood’s plight in life is that regardless of his plans or efforts there always seems to be someone or something to interrupt, usurp or interfere.  Whether it’s time n the bathtub, eating a sandwich or some other task of life, Dagwood demonstrates illustriously that the  ‘best laid plans of mice and men’ do not always work out.  Yet he seems to manage a very great propensity for being flexible, even if it does require Blondie’s assistance.

The spiritual moral of this comic strip for us is simply this:  It is good to plan, for we must remember; “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” – The Bible (Proverbs 29:18):  but we must be patient and flexible with our plans, allowing God’s will and His plans to have place over ours.

Often God has a different way of accomplishing things than we do, and His way is always better.

And there are other times when God wants us to do something completely different than what we might be focused on – so we need to be open to that too.

What we learn from the comic strip, “Blondie” is that things will work out for the best if we learn to accept things as they come and be adaptable.

Keep in mind:  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – The Bible (Romans 8:28)

And in order to walk according to His purpose we must remain patient and be willing to be flexible.

‘Blessed are the flexible for they shall accomplish the work of God.’

Today’s Prayer:

Father, regardless of where I am going or what I may be doing, help me to have patience and always be flexible:  open to anything you want to change and always willing to be led by your Spirit.

Daily Thought for Monday, September 26th

September 26, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Six   “Dennis The Menace” by Hank Ketcham

Today’s Application:    Child-likeness has a Place in God’s Economy

“… an’ sometimes there’s no sugar an’ sometimes there’s no root beer.  But there’s always soap!” – Dennis (From ‘Dennis The Menace’ by Hank Ketcham)

Today’s Thought:

“Dear God, No use tryin’ to kid You… You know I done it.”  – Dennis (From ‘Dennis The Menace’ by Hank Ketcham)

Today’s Quote:

“Dear God, I hope things went better for you up there today than they did for me down here!”  – Dennis (From ‘Dennis The Menace’ by Hank Ketcham)

Today’s Question

“How come I always get blamed for everything I do?” – Dennis (From ‘Dennis The Menace’ by Hank Ketcham)

Today’s Bible Verses:            Mark 10:13-15  & Matthew 18:2-6

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body."  –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dennis from the “Dennis the Menace” cartoon strip seems to embody the very essence of inhibition, unabashed freedom, liberty of spirit, and unquestioning innocence and faith that is a child in their most natural state.

Now, least you think I have taken leave of my senses; I recognize that Dennis is not free from the mischievousness and oft misguided exploits that make him a terror to Mr. Wilson: endear him to Martha Wilson and I’m sure cause his parents, Alice and Henry Mitchell no limits of embarrassment and trepidation: yet in all these things he maintains such a pure approach to his life and such a sense of innocence and penitence when he has discovered the error of his ways, the he is charmingly likable.  And of course to his dog Ruff, as well as is cat Hot Dog, his best friend Joey Mc Donald and even his nemesis Margaret Wade: Dennis offers the best of all that is possible for a friend and/or a nemesis to offer.

To illustrate my point, here are a few Dennis-isms that demonstrate what I am implying:

“I didn’t’ fib!  I made a fable, like Aesop an’ those other guys!” - Dennis

“I don’t think a little kid should be punished for somethin’ he learned from a parrot!” - Dennis

“I’m giving you the right answers!  You’re just asking the wrong questions.” - Dennis

“I said I’m hungry enough to eat a horse!  I didn’t say nothin’ about carrots!” - Dennis

“The best thing you can do is get good at being you.” - Dennis

“This is the time I like best… after ya get your parents to sleep!’ – Dennis

(all taken from ‘Dennis the Menace’ by Hank Ketcham)

So then, you might ask, what does this particular Sunday comic have for us that can be applied in a spiritual context?  I’m glad you asked, because I have every intention of telling you.

What this comic reminds us, in a spiritual context, is that we need to remain child-like in our relationship with God.  We need to maintain that err of childish wonderment, that unrestrained purity of acceptance and belief in; and that courageous attitude of spirit that enables us to be willing to undertake any endeavor or opportunity – willing to embrace whatever it brings without analyzing it to death before hand.   And we need to have that meekness of spirit and purity of heart that enables us to recognize our wrongs and apologize and be repentant.

We are to be the Children of God.

“Children are God’s apostles, day by day, sent forth to preach of love, and hope and peace.” – James Russell Lowell

And we need to remember, “No day is so sacred but that the laugh of a little child will make it holier still.” – Robert G. Ingersoll

We may find that we are well beyond the chronological stage of childhood:  but may we always embrace the child-like attributes that please God and make us better Christians.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I be wise and mature enough to embrace my inner child and allow those characteristics of childhood to influence and affect me as I grow and develop spiritually.

Daily Thought for Friday, September 23rd

September 23, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Five   “Hagar the Horrible” by Chris Browne

Today’s Application:    We Need To Stick to What we Commit To

“If you don't make a total commitment to whatever you're doing, then you start looking to bail out the first time the boat starts leaking. It's tough enough getting that boat to shore with everybody rowing, let alone when a guy stands up and starts putting his life jacket on.” – Lou Holtz

Today’s Thought:

“Those who love a cause are those who love the life which has to be led in order to serve it."  –  Simone Weil

Today’s Quote:

“Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won.”  –  Louisa May Alcott

Today’s Question

What do you believe in enough that you would be willing to lay down your life to defend it?

Today’s Bible Verses:            James 1:2-8  & 1 Corinthians 15:58

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’"  –  Erma Bombeck

"’When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.’ - Zen proverb. ‘And sometimes even when the student isn't ready!’ - Zen afterthought. Hagar! I'd like to talk with you … Of course, Brother Olaf! For some time I've been worried about your lifestyle ... So, I want you to give up all drinking, gambling and fighting!! Now, I realize this is a huge decision for you to make ... So, give it careful thought ... and when you're ready, give me your ... No! ... answer.” – from ‘Hagar the Horrible’ by Chris Browne

‘Hagar The Horrible’ is a comic strip about a red-bearded Norwegian Viking named Hagar.  He and his first mate Lucky Eddie along with their crew go off to other kingdoms to pillage and loot.  They often meet with overwhelming circumstances, insurmountable odds and virtually impossible situations but they are never deterred, and they never quit.  Hagar forges on in doing that which he has committed himself to so that he can support his family:  which is comprised of wife Helga, daughter Honi and son Hamlet.  Hagar is a bit of a slob, he is uncouth and often boarders on rude, but one thing that can be said for him is he is committed to what he believes in and to doing what he stands for.

This is where the spiritual application for this comic strip comes into play for us.  Of course we should not aspire to being like Hagar in most regards, but when it comes to his willingness to stay the course and follow through in his objective:  we could take a lesson or two.

As Children of God we need to be committed without reservation to our service and resolve to accomplish His will and do His work.  We should present our bodies as ‘living sacrifices’, which is reasonable according to the Bible.

We should be so committed to Him that we are willing to die for His causes and surrender our lives for His honor.  After all, isn’t that what Jesus did for us?  And are we not supposed to be following His example?

“Sometimes success is due less to ability than zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work body and soul.” -  Charles Buxton

He’s already done His part for us, now it’s our time to do our part for Him – are you willing?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I be as committed to you as you are to me regardless of what it requires of me.

Daily Thought for Thursday, September 22nd

September 22, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Four  “Beetle Bailey” by Mort, Greg & Brian Walker

Today’s Application:    There is a Need for Discipline and Training

“Nothing is more harmful to the service, than the neglect of discipline.” – George Washington

Today’s Thought:

“I want to be remembered as a kindly, caring and thoughtful leader,” declared General Halftrack. “I’m sure you will be sir,” responded Miss. Buxley  “Just to be sure put that in the form of an order, stated the General.  –  Gen. Halftrack and Miss. Buxley (from ‘Beetle Bailey’ by Mort, Greg and Brian Walker)

Today’s Quote:

(Sgt. Snorkel is hanging by a branch on the side of a cliff)

Beetle Bailey says, “I’ll throw you a rope if you promise not to beat me up again; or put me on K.P.; or yell at me; or put me on latrine duty; or ….” . Sgt. Snorkel ponders, “I wonder if I could survive the fall.”  –  Sgt. Snorkel and Beetle Bailey (from ‘Beetle Bailey’ by Mort, Greg and Brian Walker)

Today’s Question:

Do we learn from discipline if it, in and of itself. is not somewhat painful and inconvenient?

Today’s Bible Verses:            Proverbs 1:2-9  & Hebrews 12:6-11

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.  A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“No man or woman has achieved an effective personality who is not self-disciplined. Such discipline must not be an end in itself, but must be directed to the development of resolute Christian character.” - John Sutherland Bodell

“Beatle Bailey” is set in a U. S. Army post and includes a variety of characters with significant personality flaws and a vast array of human foibles.  Among them are of course Private Beetle Bailey and Sergeant 1^st Class Orville P. Snorkel, who are, for the most part, the central characters in this comic strip.  There is also Brigadier General Amos T. Halftrack, Chaplain Staineglass, Lieutenant Sonny Fuzz, Lieutenant Jackson Flat, Private Plato, Private Zero, Sergeant Cookie Jowls, the mess sergeant, Miss. Sheila Buxley, the General’s secretary and of course Otto the Sergeant’s dog.  This cast of characters along with a few others, make up the military instillation and interact in the day to day goings on of this post.  Of course, the main focus of this strip is the relationship between Beetle and Sgt. Snorkel and the over-exaggerated discipline meted out and the often ineffectiveness it has on altering Beetles ways.  As illustrated in one strip in which the sergeant has stomped Beetle and he just gets up and saunters off as if nothing has happened.  Sgt. Snorkel asks, “How do you bounce back like that?”  To which Beetle replies, “That’s how I roll.”

While this particular strip is exaggerated for comic effect: it does serve to remind us that just like in the military forces, discipline and order is needed – the same principles hold true for those of us who have accepted Christ as our personal Savior and have become active members in the Lord’s Army.

We don’t like to learn new ways to behave and different methods of dealing with people and problems as humans but spiritually speaking: often our human approaches don’t measure up to God’s expectations and orders.

As Christians we require discipline from our loving Heavenly Father, and He is not remiss in giving it when it is required: especially if we fail to respond to His initial warning and corrections.   And in order to know what He expects we must apply ourselves to studying his rulebook and His directions for our conduct and life styles.

Even though it may not be pleasurable when we are experiencing it, if we did not have God’s Word to direct us; and His hand to discipline us – can you imagine how bad we could potentially be?  I shutter to think!

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I be diligent to learn, quick to apply what is learned and even quicker to respond when discipline is deemed necessary.

Daily Thought for Wednesday, September 21st

September 21, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Three  “Zits” by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

Today’s Application:    Facing the Challenges of Life

“The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.” - John Vance Cheney

Today’s Thought:

“No I’m going to feel weird all day.”  – Jeremy (from ‘Zits’ by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman)

Today’s Quote:

“No one has ever dared to harness the one truly limitless supply of renewable energy,” said Jeremy. “Which is,” inquired Pierce. “Frustrated mothers of teens,” replied Jeremy.  – Jeremy  & Pierce (from ‘Zits’ by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman)

Today’s Question

“If life is a bowl of cherries – What am I doing in the pits?” – Erma Bombeck

Today’s Bible Verses:            Matthew 5:39-45  & Matthew 6:25-34

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.  Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Every failure to cope with a life situation must be laid, in the end, to a restriction of consciousness. Wars and temper tantrums are the makeshifts of ignorance; regrets are illuminations come too late.” - Joseph Campbell

‘Zits’ is a comic strip that focuses on the life of a somewhat typical teenage boy named Jeremy: his daily life in coping with an ever changing world:  His interactions with his band mates (who play guitar and drums in a band called ‘Goat Cheese Pizza’ and best friends, Hector and Pierce:  His on again off again girlfriend Sara: and his parents, Walter and Connie, as they try to cope with life in general.  In short this strip is about learning to deal with life as it comes, the constant changes it brings and the many trials and temptations it can present.  Jeremy is basically a descent, responsible teen that makes mistakes but learns to make better choices and even attempts to make efforts to correct some of his bad ones.

This comic strip demonstrates for us that: “Parents learn a lot from their children about coping with life.” - Muriel Spark

And from a spiritual perspective, at least for the purposes of our consideration, this comic strip serves to remind us as Christians that life will change, things won’t always be perfect but with love, understanding and cooperation, and of course with God’s help, we can overcome, make good choices and have a better quality of life, if we will put our faith in the right place and apply our energies to the appropriate endeavors.  For us that would be seeking God, reading His word, praying and making every possible effort to effectively serve Him and do His will.

If you have ever lived with a teenager, I’m sure you can appreciate how challenging life can be.  Have you ever wondered if God doesn’t sometimes think of most of us as His teenagers?  Yet, amazingly He doesn’t give up on us and He is always willing to take us from the messes we get ourselves into and help us get back to what His desires for us are.

Life isn’t going to ever be easy and it will probably only get more challenging the closer to His return that we get, but remember ‘His grace is sufficient to see us through.’

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to embrace the challenges of life and to view them as opportunities to allow You so show me just how great you are and how you can do more than I can imagine is possible to get me through it all.

Daily Thought for Tuesday, September 20th

September 20, 2011

The Funnies – A Series

A Look At The Sunday Comics

And How They Might Be Applied To Our Spiritual Lives

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comic Two  “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz

Today’s Application:    The Importance of Friendship

Today’s Thought:

“In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.”  – Charlie Brown (from ‘Peanuts’ by Charles Schulz)

Today’s Quote:

“Ugh! I've been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs! Get hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some Iodine!”  – Lucy (from ‘Peanuts’ by Charles Schulz)

Today’s Question

“My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm Happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?” – Snoopy (from ‘Peanuts’ by Charles Schulz)

Today’s Bible Verses:            Proverbs 18:24,  Luke 12:4-7 & John 15:13-15

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

  And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.” – Charles Schulz

“Happiness is anyone and anything that’s loved by you.”  – Charlie Brown (from ‘Peanuts’ by Charles Schulz)

“A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Anonymous

The ‘Peanuts’ comic strip is one of best examples of what it means to be a true friend that can be found, in my opinion.

Regardless of how many times Lucy pulls the football away when Charlie Brown goes to kick it:  he still trusts her and goes for the kick every time.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s the ‘Great Pumpkin’ debacle, the perpetually lost baseball games; the sad little Christmas Tree or whatever else may come their way: The ‘Peanuts’ gang stick it out, come to each others aid and help each other along, even when they get on each others nerves.

The same should be true for we Christians today.  Regardless of whether or not we like the way the preacher dresses, or whether we agree with everything he says: and without regards to elder brother so and so and little sister what’s her names thinking we are out of our minds because we don’t do things they way they did back in the day: and even those of our own peer group or younger who may not measure up or be what we think they should be, we need to love each other, comfort one another, support each other and be there to help when help is needed and just love without restraint when that is what is needed as well.

We need to remember this too: “Friendship is like a bank account.  You can’t continue to draw on it without making deposits.” – Anonymous

None of the characters in Charles Schulz cartoon are perfect: but neither are we: and we need to live together, work together, grow together and get along together, even when it’s hard.  After all, if we are in Christ and we plan to spend eternity in Heaven with Him: we are going to have to spend eternity with each other too.  Isn’t it time we started practicing how to get along together now?

Jesus calls us His friends, and He has unfathomable patience, graciousness and love for us: should we not do the same for each other?

“Life is to be fortified by many friendships.  To love, and to be loved, is the greatest happiness of existence.” – Sydney Smith

 Are you ready to be happy?  Would you be my, won’t you be, please be my friend?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I be as good a friend to others as you are to me.