We Know
My son Steve knows his "floppy hat" is reserved for life's most informal times. This hat, which would look good on a fisherman by the lake, is not to be worn to church or school. So, when he grabbed it one morning on his way out of the house to catch the school bus, he knew he was breaking a rule.
The Unfailing Spring
Joseph Campbell, a well-known authority on mythology, said that his friends were living "wasteland lives." He said they were "just baffled; they're wandering in the wasteland without any sense of where the water is—the Source that makes everything green."
He's Watching
In this age of electronics, we have all become aware of bugging devices. A person's office, hotel room, or telephone can be monitored so that every sound is picked up. This is accomplished through highly sensitive microphones that are so small they can easily be hidden. Heads of state, government officials, and business people in strategic positions must be exceedingly careful of what they say, especially when entering a strange setting. The awareness that they might be overheard is sure to make them think twice before they speak.
Earthen Vessels
Ruthe Frens had spent most of her life as a missionary in Japan. When I was asked to speak at her funeral, the apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4 came to mind. Ruthe's conversion as a child had not been like Paul's. It was not accompanied by a blinding light from heaven and an audible message from Jesus (Acts 9). Yet, over the years it was obvious to all who knew her that she had seen the light—she had come to know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). And her face revealed the joy of her relationship with the Lord.
One Day At A Time
Perhaps you've seen the phrase "One Day At A Time" on a bumper sticker, plaque, or refrigerator magnet. The slogan is often used by recovering alcoholics as a reminder that a person doesn't have to stay sober forever—just for today. A month, or even a week, without alcohol may seem impossible for them. But the key to success is to trust God for the strength to say no to a drink today.
Get Practical
The missionary noticed that the woman who was helping the family with household chores and with the local language was upset. So she asked some questions and learned that the helper was pregnant, and that she and her husband had decided to abort the baby because they felt they couldn't afford a second child.
It's Not Man-Made
A popular British magazine printed an article a few years ago titled "Create Your Own Personal Religion." The author wrote, "I just cannot understand how people can devote themselves to a single religion and expect it to answer all their prayers and cater to all their needs. I do not doubt that Jesus was the Son of God, but I think there were also many other sons—and daughters—of God." She concluded, "I've become a sort of theological magpie, taking bits from different religions which happen to suit my needs."
Early Defense System
Every believer in Christ is involved in spiritual warfare every day. We cannot afford, therefore, to enter the day complacently.
Grow Up!
When my children were infants, my wife and I gave them milk. As they grew older, we fed them soft food. They looked as happy as the plump babies pictured on the baby-food jars.
