Reviews...

I listen to a podcast called "The Tech Guy" with Leo Laporte. He reviews various tech tools, tips and toys. It's often over my head, but some of it's helpful. This week he had a quote that will no doubt become one of my favs: "It's hard to do a negative review of something when you're buddies with the guy who made it." Of course he's discussing product reviews - ethics of those doing the reviews. And, of course I thought of the church!
When I hear someone belittling the church of my Lord I wonder if they really love the Lord at all (Acts 9:5). When you love the Lord, you'll love His People - His Bride. Frankly I don't put up with people running down my bride and I doubt the Lord would either. It's hard to do a negative review of something when you're buddies with the guy who made it! Amen.

My Favorite Word in the Bible...

In a sleep deprived comatose state I once stumbled into one of those "preferred customer" rooms at the Charles De Gaul airport in Paris. I don't know if it was delirium or I just thought perhaps because I was from America Delta would roll out the carpet for me - I was wrong.

I almost got kicked out a press box once because they had a weight limit, couldn't ride the big roller coaster at Six Flags because I wasn't tall enough, missed a job because I wasn't old enough. didn't get in a class cause I wasn't smart enough, didn't get elected cause I wasn't popular enough, didn't get a date cause I wasn't handsome enough. We've all experienced it!

My favorite Bible word today: "WHOEVER". God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish..." Whoever - a miracle word!

Lord, lift me up and let me stand...by faith...WILL YOU STRETCH!

In my prayers lately is one I'm sure I should have started praying long ago but I'm compelled to pray it fervently now.

Our work at Spring Meadows (the work of all Christians really) is bigger than us. Countries, families or churches rarely outpace their leaders. For this congregation to flourish we must be more than we are: We must be better people, dream larger dreams, love deeper, care more keenly...we must stretch!

Will you pray w/me: "Lord, make me better than I am for Your Cause. Stretch me. Make us all more & better so this Work can glorify You!"

101 Good Words...

You pray – I’m sure you do, most Americans do…

I’ve found I tend to get in a rut without thinking through how I address God. So every prayer begins: “Our Father in Heaven” - “Kind and merciful God”- etc – GREAT phrases but they exclude some praise due and aspects I need awareness of in prayer. i.e. God is much more than a Kind Father. With 101 words I can get you started - think of addressing God from these aspects:

Righteous

Just

Mighty

Awesome in majesty

Loving

Father

Holy

Eternal

Each emphasizes something of God exalting an aspect of His character that will affect us if we will consider the implications.

(Extra - add your thoughts for others to "hear".)

I can't improve on this...

You needed to hear these words from the beloved today:


"This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God. My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" (1 John 4:9-12)


Amen.

That's 101 words!

To whom it may concern...counting blessings.

Life's good for me: I married a girl who has grown more lovely in the years I’ve known her-who I love with my all. Sons full of individual talent far surpassing mine! One with as much talent in presenting a lesson as any around. The other who touches lives deeply-for eternity! Who I love, who I know love me back, but most important who love God. A daughter-in-law that is special in every way - perfect for my son. An extended family beyond belief. A job that's challenging-rewarding w/people who seem to love us…who seem thankful that I’m their preacher. I'm blessed! (That's 101!)

I have a bad day list - but I'm thinking of just burning it.

THE FIRST 101...

GRACE, PERSEVERANCE, GENEROSITY, ASSURANCE, LOVE,

FORGIVENESS, HOPE, KINDNESS, CHEER, AGAPE,

HOLINESS, CHARITY, ZEAL, COMPASSION, FREEDOM,

ADORATION, KINDNESS, MERCY, FAITH, DESIRE,

ENDURANCE, GOOD-WORKS, BLISS, PIETY,

REDEMPTION, WORSHIP, JOY, CALLED, VIRTUE,

GOODNESS, CHOSEN, PRAISE, HONOR, ENCOURAGE,

FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, BLESSED, PEACE, OPENNESS,

SELF-CONTROL, REJOICE, GLORY, TENDERNESS, MAGNIFY,

REVERE, SERVE, BLESSING, PURPOSE, DEVOTION,

DIRECTION, PROVIDENCE, CARE, PRESENCE, PROTECTION,

SALVATION, FREE, UNITY, BONTIFULNESS, FRIENDSHIP,

GODLINESS, SANCTITY, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PURITY, AWE,

COURAGE, PATIENCE, HUMILITY, ADORE, EDIFY,

COMMITMENT, AMAZE, BEAUTIFY, BELOVED, FAITHFUL,

TRUTH, UNDERSTANDING, EDIFYING, WISDOM, SOBERITY,

CONFIDENCE, EXCELLENCE, BLAMELESSNESS, BELOVED, NOBLE,

EXPECTATION, CONTENTMENT, MEEKNESS, FORBEARANCE, SAFTY,

DECERNMENT, SINCERTY, THANKFULNESS, BELIEF, DREAM,

OVERCOME, JUSTICE, REUNION, HOME,

HEAVEN - 101 Good Words.