November 21, 2022
I am initiating a new theme: Marching Order Monday…
#386 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Saturday, October 8, 2022 I feel like God is giving me my final marching orders. I don’t mean that in a morbid sense–I have years ahead of me as far as I know. I believe there are certain specific practices or thought patterns that God wants me to engage in from now until the finish line. These need to be elevated in priority. God is too gentle with me to pile on all these orders at once. He knows the capabilities of my mind. But He did reveal one of them to me today: *Pay attention to your breathing. The Holy Spirit comes as a breath.
November 22, 2022
Tuesday, Tuesday, so golf to me…
#387 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Friday, October 14, 2022 My friend, after a particularly ruinous hole, said, “Do you see now why I am thinking about quitting golf?” (He is a fanatical golfer) “No,” I said, “Golf is a spiritual exercise. You should expect to go through hard times.” He was fine after that. The truth shall set you free.
November 23, 2022
#388 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Monday, August 22, 2022 I think that if I suffer, God has allowed it (not willed it) to happen in order to address something in my character. Everyday suffering–a cold, insomnia, bad bowels–God wants to improve us in those situations. Characteristics like patience and forbearance and hopefulness are meant to be nurtured. It’s as we face trials (sadly) that we are most inclined to turn our thoughts to God. All of those verses about perseverance and endurance address these situations. So in the midst of my discomfort I will think, yeah, fine, I’ll suffer through it. Only sometimes (like today) God just intervenes on my behalf, almost out of nowhere. God’s hand is firm but it is gentle.
November 24, 2022
This one is perfect for Thanksgiving Day…
#389 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Thursday, November 17, 2022 I’m sitting in my study realizing that this room is a museum–a testament to God’s faithfulness and my blessedness. The photographs and the books, the knickknacks and the doodads, the multi-memorabilia that trigger so many memories of events and wonders. I have a wall of black and whites of us as a young family. Karen gets me candles so it smells good too. Looking back on the journey with a thankful heart is a great aid in preparing to continue it.
November 25, 2022
#390 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Monday, October 31, 2022 WWJD–At one point in my teaching career, I saw a number of high school kids wearing that bracelet (What Would Jesus Do). It’s a wonderful thought to carry with you, especially through high school. But mine today would say WIJD (What Is Jesus Doing). He wants to animate my reality. That happens when I allow His love to flow through me.
November 26, 2022
#391 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 The farther I get on the journey, the more I realize it is about love. God sent Jesus to us to demonstrate what human love was supposed to look like. No one has ever loved like Jesus loves–not Mother Theresa, not Buddha, not Led Zeppelin. And if I pay attention to His presence, I get to see it in action. As He directs it toward me, as He directs it toward others, as He directs me to direct it toward others. This journey just gets better and better.
November 27, 2022
#392 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
Saturday, October 22, 2022 I’ve stopped watching the news–I’m not sure if that is an act of cowardice or wisdom. I try to look through The Week (a weekly news summary magazine) each issue, but even that is laborious. I have also decided to stop contributing to any political campaign or cause. It seems the best way to direct our charitable giving is to try and relieve suffering. Certainly I’ll exercise my civic duty and vote (I did). But I have come to believe I can be of more help to this aching planet by connecting to my Creator and trying to follow His guidance than I ever can by pursuing an abstract cause or political agenda.
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