Worship this morning reminded me of a critical oversight in my Shade Tree Wisdom of yesterday. I turn to Luther to add the critical item. That’s prayer.
Ora et Labora, was his watchword.
Erst dasz Gebet, denn die Arbeit..(First the prayer, then the work).
For Dr. Luther prayer was critical for his work. He often said he had to pray an extra hour because there was so much to be done.
The hymn says: “With the Lord begin thy task, Jesus will direct it.”
Any task, any journey, any undertaking or planning, if it is bathed in prayer will go more easily. Often it seems as if an answer comes that we so badly needed, just sort of out of the blue, because God provided it. And the work is done.
Of course, Eat That Frog doesn’t have any of this. No school would dare to bring it in, it is not legal nor is it politically correct. Ah, what evils we often endure because something is not “politically correct” or because it is. So if this book is used as part of some class discussion or teaching, as I suspect it is – no instructor would dare to add any religion to its message, on pain of discipline or dismissal.
But for you, Ora et Labora; pray and work. And the hymn concludes:
If your task be thus begun,
With the Savior’s blessing,
Safely then your course will run
Toward the promise blessing.
Good will follow everywhere,
While you here must wander,
You at last the joy will share,
In the mansions yonder.” TLH 483,4.
GPD 6/29/08
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/28/08
Most of us have some regrets. We know well the words, “If only I had “ or “I wish I did”, and “if I had only chosen that direction”. That’s why we memorized the John Greenleaf Whittier lines,
“Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these,
It might have been”.
Regrets. Can weigh us down, make our life sad, or end up in bitterness and even hatred.
In a Circuit meeting several months ago one member mentioned a book titled, “Eat That Frog”. Said it was available in libraries. I didn’t believe it, so next time I visited our local library, I asked the librarian for that book. She gave me a sort of ‘you’re pulling my leg look’, but checked the data base and said, “Yes, here it is”. She found it in the business section of Kingwood college in North Harris County. I asked her please to get it.
So here it is. It’s lying in front of me now. It is a self-help book with the subtitle,. 21 ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time. The title “Eat That Frog” comes from the thought, if the worst thing you had to do today was to eat a frog, get to it. Boil it, fry it, grill it, steam it, but get it done. After that, the rest of the tasks that day will be easier.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? Just start, and the thing gets done. Reminded me of the homestead in our neighborhood when I was growing up. The item that set this place off was a white rail fence around the property. Really looked fancy. But after some weathering, it needed to be painted, and a friend answered the plea for somebody to do it. Then he sort of wished he had not. And he talked with his father about the job. He sort of mentioned that he really did not want to do it. It was a boring job, dull. But his dad quoted that old bromide: “By the yard, it’s hard, but it’s a cinch, by the inch”. So he got started, did one board at a time, and soon finished, and was he ever proud! Pointed out his work to everyone who would listen.
So the book really exists, and it is quite helpful. It looks as if it was even used as a text for some classes. But how about those regrets? Things we did to hurt, words we spoke and cannot take back, actions we really should not have taken? There is help for that too..
King David said it best, and he said it for us all, "But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.” Psalm 130,4. And St. Paul writes, “In whom, (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according o the riches of his grace” Ephesians 1,7.
Let the word of the old apostle John be the final blessing, “If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” l John 1,7. Then, as Luther says, “go to sleep in peace under His care.” May the Lord ever bless your day.
GPD 6/28/08
“Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these,
It might have been”.
Regrets. Can weigh us down, make our life sad, or end up in bitterness and even hatred.
In a Circuit meeting several months ago one member mentioned a book titled, “Eat That Frog”. Said it was available in libraries. I didn’t believe it, so next time I visited our local library, I asked the librarian for that book. She gave me a sort of ‘you’re pulling my leg look’, but checked the data base and said, “Yes, here it is”. She found it in the business section of Kingwood college in North Harris County. I asked her please to get it.
So here it is. It’s lying in front of me now. It is a self-help book with the subtitle,. 21 ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time. The title “Eat That Frog” comes from the thought, if the worst thing you had to do today was to eat a frog, get to it. Boil it, fry it, grill it, steam it, but get it done. After that, the rest of the tasks that day will be easier.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? Just start, and the thing gets done. Reminded me of the homestead in our neighborhood when I was growing up. The item that set this place off was a white rail fence around the property. Really looked fancy. But after some weathering, it needed to be painted, and a friend answered the plea for somebody to do it. Then he sort of wished he had not. And he talked with his father about the job. He sort of mentioned that he really did not want to do it. It was a boring job, dull. But his dad quoted that old bromide: “By the yard, it’s hard, but it’s a cinch, by the inch”. So he got started, did one board at a time, and soon finished, and was he ever proud! Pointed out his work to everyone who would listen.
So the book really exists, and it is quite helpful. It looks as if it was even used as a text for some classes. But how about those regrets? Things we did to hurt, words we spoke and cannot take back, actions we really should not have taken? There is help for that too..
King David said it best, and he said it for us all, "But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.” Psalm 130,4. And St. Paul writes, “In whom, (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according o the riches of his grace” Ephesians 1,7.
Let the word of the old apostle John be the final blessing, “If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” l John 1,7. Then, as Luther says, “go to sleep in peace under His care.” May the Lord ever bless your day.
GPD 6/28/08
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/25/08
We had a nice rain yesterday, so the air was fresh, but a bit heavy and more humid this morning to make walking less pleasant. But I did anyhow, walk, that is. I was just passing a parked car when a phone lying on the seat started to buzz. At least the owner had the door locked. But all I needed was a rock and this conversation might follow.
“Hello”
“Who is this?”
“It’s the person stealing your friends phone, Looks like a pretty good one, think I’ll just keep it”.
“You can’t do that.”
“Why not. He didn’t seem to want to keep it. Goodbye now”.
No, I didn’t do that. Didn’t even want to, but it makes me think how careless we often are with our things. And how the rising prices are causing people to re-think some spending habits. Starbucks, for example, blamed rising prices when it reported a drop of 28 percent in earnings for the second quarter. The latte habit is getting a second look, I believe. And cut out the Frappucinos. And one sees fewer SUVs on the highway lately, more sedans and smaller cars.
In other ways, rising food and gas prices are making people take another look at their spending habits, and making some adjustments in the way they regard what they buy.
An example that I wonder about. There is a car with Illinois plates parked down the street. It’s been there for several weeks now. Question; is it a family visiting, or a son home from university, or someone who came to visit and now doesn’t have the funds to drive back home again? I am not curios enough to go and ask, but. .
Studies seem to show that if we use cash for all purchases, instead of the ubiquitous card, we spend less. Give that a try.
But in it all, we remember that we are His. God’s children, who trust His care in their lives always. My experience is that God is always there, and especially in the interruptions and what we might regard as side issues of life, even there does He reach, and bless.
Meanwhile, I leave you with the question James asks. ”What is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. So we ought to say, if the Lord wills, we will live, and do this or that’.” James 4,14. So, always “My times are in Thy hands" Ps. 31,15. So live and walk under His care and blessing in Christ.
GPD 6/25/08
“Hello”
“Who is this?”
“It’s the person stealing your friends phone, Looks like a pretty good one, think I’ll just keep it”.
“You can’t do that.”
“Why not. He didn’t seem to want to keep it. Goodbye now”.
No, I didn’t do that. Didn’t even want to, but it makes me think how careless we often are with our things. And how the rising prices are causing people to re-think some spending habits. Starbucks, for example, blamed rising prices when it reported a drop of 28 percent in earnings for the second quarter. The latte habit is getting a second look, I believe. And cut out the Frappucinos. And one sees fewer SUVs on the highway lately, more sedans and smaller cars.
In other ways, rising food and gas prices are making people take another look at their spending habits, and making some adjustments in the way they regard what they buy.
An example that I wonder about. There is a car with Illinois plates parked down the street. It’s been there for several weeks now. Question; is it a family visiting, or a son home from university, or someone who came to visit and now doesn’t have the funds to drive back home again? I am not curios enough to go and ask, but. .
Studies seem to show that if we use cash for all purchases, instead of the ubiquitous card, we spend less. Give that a try.
But in it all, we remember that we are His. God’s children, who trust His care in their lives always. My experience is that God is always there, and especially in the interruptions and what we might regard as side issues of life, even there does He reach, and bless.
Meanwhile, I leave you with the question James asks. ”What is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. So we ought to say, if the Lord wills, we will live, and do this or that’.” James 4,14. So, always “My times are in Thy hands" Ps. 31,15. So live and walk under His care and blessing in Christ.
GPD 6/25/08
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/24/08
A wonderful morning, this, for walking. Quiet, several sprinklers at work, birds enjoying the day and twittering away. No traffic at all. Not a car on the street while I was out. No one to wave to. Nice.
I keep thinking of last Sunday and the growth of the Church. We had the privilege of ordaining Ryan Honeycutt into the holy ministry. I thought of St. Paul. He had his young pastors to teach and mentor, Timothy and Titus. The Pastor who preached for this service was the one who confirmed this young man as a youth. Now he sees him entering the field as one of God’s chosen to “preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, correct, admonish. . . in righteousness”. And God willing, next Sunday he will be installed as associate Pastor in Ohio in the Church that sent him his call.
And the world, well, maybe a bit of song performed in The King and I sets the stage. The young king sings:
“When I was a boy, world was a better pot,
What was so, was so, what was not, was not.
Now I am a man, world has changed a lot,
Some things nearly so,
Others not.
It’s a puzzlement.
That seems to describe the thinking today. It’s floundering. It’s settled into a morass of despond that leads to despair. The Psalm speaks like this – and I pray every Christian has this sort of mind-set too – “I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I set Your rules before me, I cling to your testimonies, O Lord let me not be put to shame’ Psalm 119.30-31.
He is sure of what he believes. There is no “some things nearly so, others not” in this sort of mind. He knows this Word is “quick, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning even the thoughts and intents of the heart” Heb. 4,12.
So he is serene in his life, knowing that the Lord is in it, and leading always to the best for us. What blessing. In our younger days, on rare occasions we would stop somewhere for an ice cream cone. I would ask, “What do you want?” And Ruth often said, “Surprise me”. She trusted me, and was never disappointed, she claims.
We believe God sent His Son to die in our place. Our sins have been paid. Now we often don‘t really trust, do we? Yet we know what He says, “My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” Is, 55,8. The Bible is filled with God doing the unexpected, folding back the waters for them to pass safely, forgiving the sinner, healing the blind man, pointing to the Father, caring for His children.
The Psalm also said, “My times are in your hands”. 31,15. We walk by His leading, and we walk surely, for God delights in us. That world needs to hear this sure Word too, and that is why God, through His Church, keeps on preparing and sending your men into the harvest field.
So we may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know Who will be there to bless us.
GPD 6/24/08
I keep thinking of last Sunday and the growth of the Church. We had the privilege of ordaining Ryan Honeycutt into the holy ministry. I thought of St. Paul. He had his young pastors to teach and mentor, Timothy and Titus. The Pastor who preached for this service was the one who confirmed this young man as a youth. Now he sees him entering the field as one of God’s chosen to “preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, correct, admonish. . . in righteousness”. And God willing, next Sunday he will be installed as associate Pastor in Ohio in the Church that sent him his call.
And the world, well, maybe a bit of song performed in The King and I sets the stage. The young king sings:
“When I was a boy, world was a better pot,
What was so, was so, what was not, was not.
Now I am a man, world has changed a lot,
Some things nearly so,
Others not.
It’s a puzzlement.
That seems to describe the thinking today. It’s floundering. It’s settled into a morass of despond that leads to despair. The Psalm speaks like this – and I pray every Christian has this sort of mind-set too – “I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I set Your rules before me, I cling to your testimonies, O Lord let me not be put to shame’ Psalm 119.30-31.
He is sure of what he believes. There is no “some things nearly so, others not” in this sort of mind. He knows this Word is “quick, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning even the thoughts and intents of the heart” Heb. 4,12.
So he is serene in his life, knowing that the Lord is in it, and leading always to the best for us. What blessing. In our younger days, on rare occasions we would stop somewhere for an ice cream cone. I would ask, “What do you want?” And Ruth often said, “Surprise me”. She trusted me, and was never disappointed, she claims.
We believe God sent His Son to die in our place. Our sins have been paid. Now we often don‘t really trust, do we? Yet we know what He says, “My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” Is, 55,8. The Bible is filled with God doing the unexpected, folding back the waters for them to pass safely, forgiving the sinner, healing the blind man, pointing to the Father, caring for His children.
The Psalm also said, “My times are in your hands”. 31,15. We walk by His leading, and we walk surely, for God delights in us. That world needs to hear this sure Word too, and that is why God, through His Church, keeps on preparing and sending your men into the harvest field.
So we may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know Who will be there to bless us.
GPD 6/24/08
Monday, June 23, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/23/08
A wonderful morning, this, for walking. Quiet, several sprinklers at work, birds enjoying the day and twittering away. No traffic at all. Not a car on the street while I was out. No one to wave to. Nice.
I keep thinking of last Sunday and the growth of the Church. We had the privilege of ordaining Ryan Honeycutt into the holy ministry. I thought of St. Paul,. He had his young pastors to teach and mentor,. Timothy and Titus. The Pastor who preached for this service was the one who confirmed this young man as a youth. Now he sees him entering the field as one of God’s chosen to “preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke,. Correct, admonish. . . in righteousness”. And God willing, next Sunday he will be installed as associate Pastor in Ohio in the Church that sent him his call.
And the world, well, maybe a bit of song performed in The King and I sets the stage.
The young king sings: “When I was a boy, world was a better pot,
What was so, was so, what was not, was not.
Now I am a man, world has changed a lot,
Some thing nearly so,
Others not.
It’s a puzzlement.
That seems to describe the thinking today,. It’s floundering. It’s settled into a morass of despond that leads to despair. The Psalm speaks like this – and I pray every Christian has this sort of mind-set too – “I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I set Your rules before me, I cling to your testimonies, O Lord let me not be put to shame’ Psalm 119.30-31.
He is sure of what he believes. There is no “some things nearly so, others not” in this sort of mind. He knows this Word is “quick, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning even the thoughts and intents of the heart” Heb. 4,12.
So he is serene in his life, knowing that he Lord is in it, and leading always to the best for us. What blessing. In our younger days on rare occasions we would stop somewhere for an ice cream cone. I would ask, “;What do you want?” And Ruth often said, “Surprise me”. She trusted me, and was never disappointed, she claims.
We believe God sent His Son to die in our place. Our sins have been paid. Now we often don‘t really trust, do we? Yet we know what He says, “My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways me ways” Is, 55,8. The Bible is filled with God doing the unexpected, folding back he waters for them to pass safely, forgiving the sinner, healing the blind man, pointing to the Father, caring for His children.
The Psalm also said, “My times are in your hands”. 31,15. We walk by His leading, and we walk surely, for God delight in us. That world needs to hear this sure Word too, and that is why God, through His Church, keeps on preparing and sending, your men into the harvest field.
So we may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know Who will be there to bless us.
GPD 6/24/08
I keep thinking of last Sunday and the growth of the Church. We had the privilege of ordaining Ryan Honeycutt into the holy ministry. I thought of St. Paul,. He had his young pastors to teach and mentor,. Timothy and Titus. The Pastor who preached for this service was the one who confirmed this young man as a youth. Now he sees him entering the field as one of God’s chosen to “preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke,. Correct, admonish. . . in righteousness”. And God willing, next Sunday he will be installed as associate Pastor in Ohio in the Church that sent him his call.
And the world, well, maybe a bit of song performed in The King and I sets the stage.
The young king sings: “When I was a boy, world was a better pot,
What was so, was so, what was not, was not.
Now I am a man, world has changed a lot,
Some thing nearly so,
Others not.
It’s a puzzlement.
That seems to describe the thinking today,. It’s floundering. It’s settled into a morass of despond that leads to despair. The Psalm speaks like this – and I pray every Christian has this sort of mind-set too – “I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I set Your rules before me, I cling to your testimonies, O Lord let me not be put to shame’ Psalm 119.30-31.
He is sure of what he believes. There is no “some things nearly so, others not” in this sort of mind. He knows this Word is “quick, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning even the thoughts and intents of the heart” Heb. 4,12.
So he is serene in his life, knowing that he Lord is in it, and leading always to the best for us. What blessing. In our younger days on rare occasions we would stop somewhere for an ice cream cone. I would ask, “;What do you want?” And Ruth often said, “Surprise me”. She trusted me, and was never disappointed, she claims.
We believe God sent His Son to die in our place. Our sins have been paid. Now we often don‘t really trust, do we? Yet we know what He says, “My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways me ways” Is, 55,8. The Bible is filled with God doing the unexpected, folding back he waters for them to pass safely, forgiving the sinner, healing the blind man, pointing to the Father, caring for His children.
The Psalm also said, “My times are in your hands”. 31,15. We walk by His leading, and we walk surely, for God delight in us. That world needs to hear this sure Word too, and that is why God, through His Church, keeps on preparing and sending, your men into the harvest field.
So we may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know Who will be there to bless us.
GPD 6/24/08
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/21/08
Yes, the first day of summer. The summer solstice, the day the sun is directly over the equator and gives us the longest day. Yesterday the temperature reached 99, but not quite a record. Yet the morning walk is rather nice, cool and calm. Pleasant to take the time for a little contemplation.
One thing I was thinking of is the remarkable system we enjoy when there is need. At our class, one of the members said she felt the need to lie down and rest a bit, and then slumped and slid to the floor, unconscious. We made her comfortable, and called 911, the response was quick, and the paramedics checked our friend and then took her to the hospital because of an erratic heart beat and blood pressure problems. She is responding and resting comfortably.
Weather is dry here, yet there have been little pockets of rain here and there. We had a nice rain at church during our Thursday class, but when we got home, dry. But last night we did have a nice rain, and others were, you guessed it, dry.
The paper this morning reports that Texas is dry, needing rain for planting and growth. And the same paper reports flood waters are still rising in some areas of the Midwest and along the Mississippi.
It all brought to mind a promise we easily forget. It stands in Genesis, was spoken after the flood, and reads, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter and day and night, shall not cease.” Gen.8,22.
Then this. “This is the token of my covenant. . .I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and the earth.” And so when this rainbow is seen, “I will remember My covenant”. Vv.12-14.
So there is the promise of God. His hand is at work, we know not how or why, we simply trust because we also know that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.” But we also know that God loved us so much that He sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. For “God so loved the world. That He gave His Only begotten Son”. St. Paul explains it this way, “You has He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. 2,1.
We may wonder and speculate about the weather, and discuss the whys and wherefores, but of this we can be sure. Christ died for us. And salvation is ours as God’s gift.
GPD 6/21/08
One thing I was thinking of is the remarkable system we enjoy when there is need. At our class, one of the members said she felt the need to lie down and rest a bit, and then slumped and slid to the floor, unconscious. We made her comfortable, and called 911, the response was quick, and the paramedics checked our friend and then took her to the hospital because of an erratic heart beat and blood pressure problems. She is responding and resting comfortably.
Weather is dry here, yet there have been little pockets of rain here and there. We had a nice rain at church during our Thursday class, but when we got home, dry. But last night we did have a nice rain, and others were, you guessed it, dry.
The paper this morning reports that Texas is dry, needing rain for planting and growth. And the same paper reports flood waters are still rising in some areas of the Midwest and along the Mississippi.
It all brought to mind a promise we easily forget. It stands in Genesis, was spoken after the flood, and reads, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter and day and night, shall not cease.” Gen.8,22.
Then this. “This is the token of my covenant. . .I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and the earth.” And so when this rainbow is seen, “I will remember My covenant”. Vv.12-14.
So there is the promise of God. His hand is at work, we know not how or why, we simply trust because we also know that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.” But we also know that God loved us so much that He sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. For “God so loved the world. That He gave His Only begotten Son”. St. Paul explains it this way, “You has He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. 2,1.
We may wonder and speculate about the weather, and discuss the whys and wherefores, but of this we can be sure. Christ died for us. And salvation is ours as God’s gift.
GPD 6/21/08
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Shade Rree Wisdom 6/19/08
The air is still this morning. Not even the very tops of the trees show any movement. So the forecast is hot again, and summer is still days away. But on the walk I see a sign on a pole saying, “Lost Cat” and describing this cat. I wonder how many such signs ever have any result?
So many problems. It reminds me I haven’t read a Sherlock Holmes mystery for a long time, but still remember his classic reply to the puzzled Dr Watson. “Elementary, my dear Watson”. Then he proceeds to unravel the puzzle and it all makes sense.
But look at our world and its problems. The Air Force recently awarded a multi billion dollar contract to replace aging tankers to a firm overseas. Boeing lost it and complained. Now they reveal that there were 7 major errors in the contract and the bidding, and the contract is up for review.
The flood waters in Iowa are receding and leaving major heartache in their wake. One farmer lost 300 brood sows and 800 piglets to the waters. Who replaces that? And the lost treasures, the heritage of a lifetime, or even several lifetimes, gone, washed away, leaving sadness.
Here is a report that gas stations are starting to reject credit cards because of the high cost to them. It is easier for me, at least, to use the card to make gas payments. Well. Get used to it.
So where is the “Elementary, my dear Watson” in all this?
I find comfort in turning to psalm 139. Listen to the opening verses in The Message: 1 A David psalm. God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! “ Psalm 139, 1-6.
Look at the rich promises of God that David lists here. God knows, God understands, God stands always ready to hear and to help. Let’s remember such promises, and depend on them, and the troubles of this world fade into the background. Indeed, the living become “Elementary, My Dear Watson, or Christian”, because God is always there.
In the very first Church convention James reminded the Christians that “Known to God are all His works from the beginning of the world”. Acts 15,18. So in this world of mystery, it is good to know the God who knows all things, and trust Him to guide us directly and safely home.
GPD 6/19/08
So many problems. It reminds me I haven’t read a Sherlock Holmes mystery for a long time, but still remember his classic reply to the puzzled Dr Watson. “Elementary, my dear Watson”. Then he proceeds to unravel the puzzle and it all makes sense.
But look at our world and its problems. The Air Force recently awarded a multi billion dollar contract to replace aging tankers to a firm overseas. Boeing lost it and complained. Now they reveal that there were 7 major errors in the contract and the bidding, and the contract is up for review.
The flood waters in Iowa are receding and leaving major heartache in their wake. One farmer lost 300 brood sows and 800 piglets to the waters. Who replaces that? And the lost treasures, the heritage of a lifetime, or even several lifetimes, gone, washed away, leaving sadness.
Here is a report that gas stations are starting to reject credit cards because of the high cost to them. It is easier for me, at least, to use the card to make gas payments. Well. Get used to it.
So where is the “Elementary, my dear Watson” in all this?
I find comfort in turning to psalm 139. Listen to the opening verses in The Message: 1 A David psalm. God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! “ Psalm 139, 1-6.
Look at the rich promises of God that David lists here. God knows, God understands, God stands always ready to hear and to help. Let’s remember such promises, and depend on them, and the troubles of this world fade into the background. Indeed, the living become “Elementary, My Dear Watson, or Christian”, because God is always there.
In the very first Church convention James reminded the Christians that “Known to God are all His works from the beginning of the world”. Acts 15,18. So in this world of mystery, it is good to know the God who knows all things, and trust Him to guide us directly and safely home.
GPD 6/19/08
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/17/08
Not a breath of air moving this morning, but it wasn’t really unbearable at all. Just pleasant, quiet, conducive to thought, and rejoicing over God’s creation. Squirrels busy about their thing, a dog doing some morning throat-clearing, and suddenly the morning quiet is shattered when, in the distance, a car horn starts blatting. I suppose a warning set off somehow. And it goes on and on and, there, finally someone shut it off.
So quiet again, and warmish. And the summer is yet four days away. But already the days reach well into the 90’s, and people wonder how people lived here without air conditioning. But that’s a rite of summer here, isn’t it? To complain about the heat?
And that’s the subject of my thought this morning. That of complaining, or grousing, or carping, finding fault, whining, grumbling, squawking, belly-aching, criticizing. And that sort of attitude is very infectious. Recall that the hangers-on with the Israelites were the first to complain to Moses about conditions.
The Bible does have something to say about this. Look at Philippians. A letter written from jail. And in it St. Paul writes, “My imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. . .” for when soldiers and others “found out I’m in jail because of The message, that stirred their curiosity, and now they have learned all about Him:”. 1,12-14.
So St. Paul urges those Christians to show their faith in their living. He writes “14 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! 15 Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night 16 so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing. “ 2, 12-14.
And that, it seems to me, is a good word for us as well. To show by the lives we live that Christ is all in all, that He has forgiven us, died for or sins, rose again, and lives eternally for us. We are, in short, saved by Him. What better way to spend time in these warm summer days than to think of this, speak of it, and, always, live it to God’s glory.
GPD 6/17/08
So quiet again, and warmish. And the summer is yet four days away. But already the days reach well into the 90’s, and people wonder how people lived here without air conditioning. But that’s a rite of summer here, isn’t it? To complain about the heat?
And that’s the subject of my thought this morning. That of complaining, or grousing, or carping, finding fault, whining, grumbling, squawking, belly-aching, criticizing. And that sort of attitude is very infectious. Recall that the hangers-on with the Israelites were the first to complain to Moses about conditions.
The Bible does have something to say about this. Look at Philippians. A letter written from jail. And in it St. Paul writes, “My imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. . .” for when soldiers and others “found out I’m in jail because of The message, that stirred their curiosity, and now they have learned all about Him:”. 1,12-14.
So St. Paul urges those Christians to show their faith in their living. He writes “14 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! 15 Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night 16 so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing. “ 2, 12-14.
And that, it seems to me, is a good word for us as well. To show by the lives we live that Christ is all in all, that He has forgiven us, died for or sins, rose again, and lives eternally for us. We are, in short, saved by Him. What better way to spend time in these warm summer days than to think of this, speak of it, and, always, live it to God’s glory.
GPD 6/17/08
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/15/08
Father’s Day
So, you did not get a silver money clip engraved with the word “Dad” for Father’s Day. I’m sort of sorry, though, to tell the truth, by the time you fill the gas tank there probably isn’t enough there for a clip to hold anyhow. So it is probably OK .The first Father’s Day was observed because a Mrs. Dodd in Spokane Washington remembered what her own father had done. She was a one of 6 children, and when the 6th was born, the mother died giving birth, so her Father, William Smart, raised the children by himself. Did everything for them, fed, clothed, nurtured, and saw they all had a good start in life. So to honor that effort, she started the day.
Fathers have ever been high in God’s measure. The Lord lays on them the teaching, the instructing, the passing on. Isaiah said, “The fathers to the children shall make known the truth” Is. 38,19. The Word of God, the truths of living, should be taught. The Bible is filled with that truth. “These words shall be in the heart and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” Moses taught.
That work is primary, and is urgent. The truths of God should be subject of conversation. Listen to the teaching of Moses. “Talk of them when you sit at home, and when you are out walking, when you lie down, and when you get up.” Educators today use the term “teachable moment”. In short, in daily life, point out the lessons as the moment comes.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." taught Soloman in proverbs 6,22.
St. Paul sums up the matter best I believe, when he urges, “And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6,4. That is a good summary of the relationship God establishes. If such is yours, be thankful unto Him.
As for that silver money clip. I have reached the years when, as one person put it, the sweetest sound is that voice over the phone saying, “Hello, Dad.” Or when they call and say, Dad, we are taking you and Mom out for Brunch today.
GPD 6/15/08
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/14/08
Flag Day
In 1885, public school teacher B J Cigrand arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin, public school, District 6, to observe June 14, (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of the stars and stripes), as “flag birthday”. The teacher advocated this in newspapers and articles over the next years.President Wilson officially established flag resolution on May 30, 1916. But it was not till August 3, 1949, that President Truman signed an act of Congress establishing June 14th as official Flag Day.
So today we can sing:
You’re a grand old flag, you’re high-flying flag,
And forever in peace may she wave.
The emblem of, the land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.
Every heart beats true,
With the red, white, and blue.
Alexander Annin began making flags for merchant ships only 50 years after the flag was born. Today the Annin Company is the biggest maker of flags. Each stripe is sewn individually, and each star is fit exactly. The Annin flags have flown for Presidential inaugurations since the days of Zachary Taylor. It was the flag raised at Iowa Jima and the flag draped over Lincoln’s coffin as it lay in state.
Henry Holcomb Bennett wrote:
“Hats off, along the street there comes, a blare of bugle, a ruffle of drums.
A flash of color beneath the sky, Hats off, the Flag is passing by.”
Through the years the flag has evoked emotion and feelings in hearts young and old. It speaks simply of the freedoms we hold high in this country, the very freedoms that lure so many to our shores. It is the feeling that speaks of sacrifice, separation, hardship, struggle, and peace.
And as God’s children, we appreciate that. The flag is a symbol. We cringe when it is burned and mistreated by little minds bent on destruction. But we daily thank God for the blessings this country, this home, offers us. And so Flag Day remains for us, a time for thanksgiving, and remembrance. Indeed, “O give thanks unto the lord, for He is good, and His mercy endureth forever.”
GPD 6/14/08
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/12/08
It’s the morning news that wakes us at 6. And how distressing. Ten wild fires raging in California. A tornado hits a boy scout camp in west Iowa and injures 40, kills 4. Flood waters rage In Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and the Mississippi has shut down locks for miles because the waters are so high, and the crest is not yet. An entire lake washes away in moments, taking with it homes and living, and the man who sees his retirement home gone in a moment can only cry. While the East coast is sweltering with really unseasonable heat, and we on the Gulf Coast are just entering the hurricane season with forecasts of a coming Season filled with them.
With a mind filled with such news, I step out for my morning walk. There is calm, just a little breeze to make it pleasant. There are two walkers approaching, an owner is giving his dog a bit of exercise, otherwise I have the day to myself.
Serene, calm. Judging by what surrounds me now, I can hardly believe the unrest, turmoil, disaster is the lot of so many right this minute.
And then it strikes me. That is just when the trouble comes nearest in my spiritual life, when things seem to be going well, when all systems, as they say, are “go”.
The Apostle Paul came to mind. He was riding high. The temple authorities were all on his side, even gave him permission to go to other cities and do his business, which was persecuting Christians. Then it happened, and God took a direct hand in his life and turned him into one of God’s spokesmen for the entire region. And with that came pressure, persecution, unending trouble. How does he handle it? 2 Corinthians 4:8-11
“8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
Then he says this, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” v.16.
So the outward signs may be terrible, yet, because Christ lives in me, the inward man is being renewed and strengthened day by day. This by the grace of God, who loved me and gave His Son to die for me. Today in Bible Study we fixed on this from Hebrews, “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith.” Hebrews 12,1. And that, finally, is what brings us release from worry, because of His promises.
GPD 6/12/08
With a mind filled with such news, I step out for my morning walk. There is calm, just a little breeze to make it pleasant. There are two walkers approaching, an owner is giving his dog a bit of exercise, otherwise I have the day to myself.
Serene, calm. Judging by what surrounds me now, I can hardly believe the unrest, turmoil, disaster is the lot of so many right this minute.
And then it strikes me. That is just when the trouble comes nearest in my spiritual life, when things seem to be going well, when all systems, as they say, are “go”.
The Apostle Paul came to mind. He was riding high. The temple authorities were all on his side, even gave him permission to go to other cities and do his business, which was persecuting Christians. Then it happened, and God took a direct hand in his life and turned him into one of God’s spokesmen for the entire region. And with that came pressure, persecution, unending trouble. How does he handle it? 2 Corinthians 4:8-11
“8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
Then he says this, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” v.16.
So the outward signs may be terrible, yet, because Christ lives in me, the inward man is being renewed and strengthened day by day. This by the grace of God, who loved me and gave His Son to die for me. Today in Bible Study we fixed on this from Hebrews, “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith.” Hebrews 12,1. And that, finally, is what brings us release from worry, because of His promises.
GPD 6/12/08
Monday, June 9, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/9/08
In a Bible class at a church I was serving as visiting pastor. The class asked me what I preferred to be called. They were having trouble pronouncing my last name. So I recited this ditty:
“Call me Preacher, if you will,
Call me Pastor, better still,
Preacher, Pastor, Shepherd, Friend,
Names and titles without end,
But how that man my heart doth rend,
Who blithely calls me ‘reverend’.
So they settled on Pastor.
It’s a good choice because it describes and makes a statement of purpose too. It’s good to be precise. It’s healthy to be exact. It is correct. And no one can then wonder what is meant.
I thought of that recently when I was replacing some summer shirts. Did you know you’ve got to be sure they have a breast pocket? Many are made without, and I need a pocket. I find it useful. The change saves the manufacturer money, of course. (Money that he often loses because the ship on which the shipment is coming is on a waiting list to unload!)
So many changes are subtle and often go unnoticed. Remember when suddenly cans of coffee were 14 ounces, not a pound any more? Cost, about the same.
Now and then at night when I shut this machine down it tells me not to. It will shut down by itself after it has made certain changes and additions to the programs. And I am not even aware of what happened to make it better.
Did you know when the waiter sets that glass of ice water on the napkin it will soon stick to the paper, unless you first shake a little salt down before setting the glass down. Then the glass does not stick. A Chemist can probably tell me why, but it is true. But, the salt makes a subtle change.
And that is what this leads to. Experiments show that you can set a frog into a pan of water and set that to heat, and the frog will boil to death before he jumps to safety because the change is so gradual. What a cruel thing to do. It is, really, isn’t it?
But it’s exactly what the devil does with faith. He makes little changes, sets the attention on non-essentials, things that don’t matter, or are not important, just so the essential, the saving faith in Jesus Christ, is left out or set aside.
I think of a church that nearly came to blows over choice of paint for the fellowship room. Everyone agreed it needed painting, but what color? Things were getting ugly when one member bought paint, at night he and several friends set to work and painted that room. The next morning it was done. Everybody agreed it was a nice choice, and peace descended.
C S Lewis in his Screwtape Letters tries to give examples of Satan at work. And most of that work is just misdirection. But that truth remains. “The devil, like a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith.” And it is the faith you learn from the Holy Bible. So be armed.
GPD 6/9/08
“Call me Preacher, if you will,
Call me Pastor, better still,
Preacher, Pastor, Shepherd, Friend,
Names and titles without end,
But how that man my heart doth rend,
Who blithely calls me ‘reverend’.
So they settled on Pastor.
It’s a good choice because it describes and makes a statement of purpose too. It’s good to be precise. It’s healthy to be exact. It is correct. And no one can then wonder what is meant.
I thought of that recently when I was replacing some summer shirts. Did you know you’ve got to be sure they have a breast pocket? Many are made without, and I need a pocket. I find it useful. The change saves the manufacturer money, of course. (Money that he often loses because the ship on which the shipment is coming is on a waiting list to unload!)
So many changes are subtle and often go unnoticed. Remember when suddenly cans of coffee were 14 ounces, not a pound any more? Cost, about the same.
Now and then at night when I shut this machine down it tells me not to. It will shut down by itself after it has made certain changes and additions to the programs. And I am not even aware of what happened to make it better.
Did you know when the waiter sets that glass of ice water on the napkin it will soon stick to the paper, unless you first shake a little salt down before setting the glass down. Then the glass does not stick. A Chemist can probably tell me why, but it is true. But, the salt makes a subtle change.
And that is what this leads to. Experiments show that you can set a frog into a pan of water and set that to heat, and the frog will boil to death before he jumps to safety because the change is so gradual. What a cruel thing to do. It is, really, isn’t it?
But it’s exactly what the devil does with faith. He makes little changes, sets the attention on non-essentials, things that don’t matter, or are not important, just so the essential, the saving faith in Jesus Christ, is left out or set aside.
I think of a church that nearly came to blows over choice of paint for the fellowship room. Everyone agreed it needed painting, but what color? Things were getting ugly when one member bought paint, at night he and several friends set to work and painted that room. The next morning it was done. Everybody agreed it was a nice choice, and peace descended.
C S Lewis in his Screwtape Letters tries to give examples of Satan at work. And most of that work is just misdirection. But that truth remains. “The devil, like a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith.” And it is the faith you learn from the Holy Bible. So be armed.
GPD 6/9/08
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/5/08
Nice breeze this morning, so the walking was pleasant, cool, invigorating. And the school year ends tomorrow.
Graduation time. Time for celebrations and offering of best wishes and words of advice for the newly minted graduates.
So, this morning one column suggests paying attention to the handshake. Did you look the principal in the eye when you shook his or her hand and smile?. Funny, we take handshakes for granted, and yet this columnist claimed studies show it can give people impressions about a person. If the handshake is firm and direct, and the person makes eye contact and smiles directly, it means sincerity and makes a fine first statement. But, if the handshake is careless, sloppy, sort of lukewarm and one glances over the shoulder or down to the floor, it makes a bad impression.
So the advice is, stick your hand out horizontally, have a warm smile on your face, and shake once, firmly, and release.
But enough.
I was thinking this morning of the advice parents offer during goodbyes that happen when the son or daughter leaves home for university, or work elsewhere. One that sticks in my mind is something my own father said. He warned us about “Mitmachen”. It’s a German word that covers so many things. At root, it means doing something because everybody else is doing it”. Going with the crowd. Dad used to picture the end of that trail, it usually ended in doing something stupid. Solomon said, “My son, if sinners entice you, consent thou not”. Prov. 1,10 Don’t go that way. Do your own thinking.
“Avoid it”, said Solomon (Prov. 4,15). It is better to think about an action beforehand. What is the end of it. What does it mean? To what purpose. So many questions. But, the point is, ask them before doing what “everybody is doing”.
And that’s really a sound word for us at any time. We’ve all done things, dumb thing, stupid things, even hurtful things, because we did not first ask what the end of our act or word will be. Think, then act, is the word from Solomon. Then he says, “My son, attend to my words. . .keep them in your heart. . .keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life”. Prov 4,20.22.23.
GPD 6/5/08
Graduation time. Time for celebrations and offering of best wishes and words of advice for the newly minted graduates.
So, this morning one column suggests paying attention to the handshake. Did you look the principal in the eye when you shook his or her hand and smile?. Funny, we take handshakes for granted, and yet this columnist claimed studies show it can give people impressions about a person. If the handshake is firm and direct, and the person makes eye contact and smiles directly, it means sincerity and makes a fine first statement. But, if the handshake is careless, sloppy, sort of lukewarm and one glances over the shoulder or down to the floor, it makes a bad impression.
So the advice is, stick your hand out horizontally, have a warm smile on your face, and shake once, firmly, and release.
But enough.
I was thinking this morning of the advice parents offer during goodbyes that happen when the son or daughter leaves home for university, or work elsewhere. One that sticks in my mind is something my own father said. He warned us about “Mitmachen”. It’s a German word that covers so many things. At root, it means doing something because everybody else is doing it”. Going with the crowd. Dad used to picture the end of that trail, it usually ended in doing something stupid. Solomon said, “My son, if sinners entice you, consent thou not”. Prov. 1,10 Don’t go that way. Do your own thinking.
“Avoid it”, said Solomon (Prov. 4,15). It is better to think about an action beforehand. What is the end of it. What does it mean? To what purpose. So many questions. But, the point is, ask them before doing what “everybody is doing”.
And that’s really a sound word for us at any time. We’ve all done things, dumb thing, stupid things, even hurtful things, because we did not first ask what the end of our act or word will be. Think, then act, is the word from Solomon. Then he says, “My son, attend to my words. . .keep them in your heart. . .keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life”. Prov 4,20.22.23.
GPD 6/5/08
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