Have you ever thanked God for the heating and cooling systems in your church? Chances are unless they broke down in the past, you haven’t given them much thought. I, for one, am very thankful to be living in a time and place where heat and A/C are so prevalent in my life.
There are times in my spiritual life when I begin to sweat. Maybe you’ve experienced thos times as well, so I’d like to offer you some spiritual antiperspirant.
It’s easily the most famous prayer ever spoken, but when was the last time you contemplated the Lord’s prayer?We’ve said it so very often, yet what does it all mean? Here’s a breakdown of it all.
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father
This speaks of the brotherhood that exists among Christians. It reinforces the need for communal worship. There are no Lone Ranger Christians. (Or at least there aren’t supposed to be)
Pastor Bob preached a message the other day entitled, “Little is much, when God is in it”. He then reminded us of all the little things that God used mightily. David’s slingshot, a little boys lunch, Moses’ rod…the list goes on and on.
I had a neat example in my own life just the other day.
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During WWII in Holland the Ten Boom family put themsleves at great risk by hiding Jews in their home.
Many people were saved through their efforts, including some German troops who no longer wished to serve Hitler.
Their efforts came to a screeching halt one day after a man from their neighborhood approached Corrie Ten Boom in desperation. He told her about his wife who had also tried to save Jews but had been arrested. He needed 600 dollars to get her free. He had no money and Corrie had very little money either. She told him to come back in a few hours. She begged and borrowed the money from everyone she knew and when he returned she presented him with cash.
Five minutes after he left the Gestapo arrived and arrested her along with her entire family.
Guys,
A day late and a dollar short, right? The thing is, I had just learned these truths myself and I wanted to be sure they really worked. Well they did. My wife still hasn’t told me exactly how many points I scored, but I could tell something was different when I was allowed to sleep indoors this year.
Here’s the deal. Perhaps, like me, you’ve had grandiose plans year after year that you thought were wonderful. You were going to surprise her. You were going to outdo all the other guys, and you were destined to be a hero.
The day came and you failed.
It’s early yet, but 2010 seems to be the Year of the Eulogy. In my mind I’ve been putting together a eulogy for a dear loved one who passed away earlier this week. Traditionally eulogies are reserved for those who are deceased, but did you know that eulogies aren’t just for funerals? Really! The word simply means to speak well of, or high praise. Even though is seems downright unamerican and unmanly, you can speak well of people while they are still alive, in fact it’s recommended!
As sad as I am about the unexpected passing of Lois Roberts, I am glad that a few years ago I took the time to write a letter to her and her husband Steve. They meant a lot to me, and I just wanted to let them now. I’m glad that I did.
Too often funerals are a time of regrets and “What Ifs”. Don’t let that happen to you! My advice is to let others know how much you care for them today, don’t delay!
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