Question of the day ??

Everybody has heard of those "for Dummies" books (Windows for Dummies, Dogs for Dummies, Math for Dummies, etc.).

If you were writing a book entitled "Life for Dummies", how would you begin?

Thought of the Day !!

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness is very important to God. And who would blame Him for this? After all, look at what He went through to show us forgiveness. I don't know about you, but I've never gone to such lengths to forgive someone. I have had to swallow my pride before. I have had to step out on a limb and trust again. But I have yet to die for anyone's forgiveness. What about you?

These words come immediately after Jesus teaches us how to pray the Lord's Prayer. I think something we should take notice of is the fact that when he finishes the prayer, there's only one point that he reiterates. He doesn't mention anything about our daily bread or being led into temptation. He simply restates the fact that we have to forgive.

Do you think Jesus is trying to tell us something? Could it be the fact that in this list of very important things that he's teaching here, that forgiveness is a special attribute that we need to understand?

Or maybe he just understood the fact that this would be the hardest part of the prayer for most people to digest. But the fact simply remains. If we want that great gift from our Father in Heaven, we must be willing to do the same for others here on earth.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Should pastors be paid for weddings and/or funerals? And are the weddings an obligation of the pastor, or should the pastor have the right of refusal?


* I'm curious to see if there are any differences in opinion between pastors and laity here so please state which you are if you comment. Thanks.

Thought of the Day !!

When he (Jesus) came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll containing the messages of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him, and he unrolled the scroll to the place where it says:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim
that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors,
and that the time of the Lord's favor has come."

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue stared at him intently. Then he said, "This Scripture has come true today before your very eyes!"

All who were there spoke well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips. "How can this be?" they asked. "Isn't this Joseph's son?"
Luke 4:16-22 (NLT)

Everybody enjoyed hearing what Jesus had to say. They were "amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips". He was basically giving a sermon on blessings and how he was going to be the one to bless them. Don't we all love to hear how we will be blessed?

But then Jesus says some things that these people don't want to hear. He tells them that the truth is that they will want to see him perform for them, but that they will never truly accept him. He knows this already. He tells them that no prophet is accepted in his own hometown, and that basically it was the same there.

They don't like this one bit. It angers them. And they form a mob. This local boy done good suddenly turns to a false prophet. The reason? He tells them what they don't want to hear. He tells them the truth that they want to deny. And this is what happens.

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and took him to the edge of the hill on which the city was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he slipped away through the crowd and left them.
Luke 4:28-30 (NLT)

I wonder how many times Christians have been respected and then turned on by their own church family when they've stood up for what is right, yet unpopular. And I wonder how many times they were mobbed and run out of the church.

The cold hard truth is not always easy to hear. But if we aren't willing to listen and try to hear, we will turn out like the people of Nazareth whom Jesus left.

Always be willing to question your theology, your faith, your traditions. One of two things will happen. You will find out that what you believed is actually wrong. And wouldn't we want to know the truth that God has for us? Or you will find out that you were right all along, but now have a deeper sense of understanding why.

Question these things with open-mindedness and prayer, and you will begin to grow. And God will share more and more wisdom with you.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What's the first thing you did this morning?

Thought of the Day !!

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Isaiah 50:4

I know how hard it can be to get up in the morning sometimes. I've been up for an hour now. I've fed the dog and looked over my email and the day's news stories. And I am just now beginning to realize that I'm alive. Some days it's just harder to wake than others.

But whether the alarm clock goes off and we jump out of bed, or we wear out the snooze button, we are waking each day to a new and glorious day that our Lord has made. There are so many possibilities for it at this moment. It can be a day where we make a difference...where we share the good news of Christ...where we help someone out of a jam...where we notice the beauty of God's handiwork.

At this point we don't know that we're gonna fail or wind up frustrated at the end of this day. But we ought to know that it's God who is there when we awaken. And it's God who will show us the opportunities to succeed. He's there when we wake to speak to us if we will only listen.

Let today, and everyday, begin with your Lord, and you'll soon find out that they all start getting better.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

I'm a movie watcher. I love to go to the movies. But I've been so busy that the only movie I've seen in the last couple of months was Eragon (which by the way, I loved).

So who's seen any good movies lately?

Who's seen any that we should stay away from?

Thought of the Day !!

Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.
Colossians 4:5 (NLT)

We are given more opportunities to share the love of Christ than we realize. Each day we go out the door, answer the phone or see someone while picking up the mail, we are given an opportunity. The other person may be a Christian, and she/he may not. The question is "Are we making the most of our opportunities?"

Many of us go through life looking out for ourselves and thinking about what best fits our lives. And in doing so we miss opportunities for ministry. If I'm thinking about myself, I continue driving so I won't be late for my appointment instead of stopping to help a lady on the side of the road with a flat. If I'm thinking of myself, I judge how well the church service went on what I got out of it instead of how I was able to bring joy to God and be used by Him to help someone else. If I'm thinking about myself, I dominate the conversation with someone instead of listening. If I'm thinking of myself, I get angry with the neighbor that just drove through my yard and messed it up instead of forgiving and showing him/her the gift of forgiveness.

Life is all about opportunities. I know I miss more than my fair share. But by the grace of God, He keeps bringing them my way. What about you? Can you see where you missed an opportunity or two this week to share Christ's love?

Let's be more intentional about seeking God's will in our lives instead of our own will. And it will be then that we will be enabled to do real ministry. It will be then that we will find much more joy than when we are looking out for ourselves.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If Jesus was the (step)son of a carpenter then he most likely used a hammer at some point in his life. If he used a hammer, and if he ever hit his thumb, what do you think he may have said in response?

Thought of the Day !!

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

I don't know about you, but as I read this, I hear someone who's excited about living for Christ. I wish we'd all make this our own motto. But the truth is, I find that many people get more excited over worldly things than they do living for Christ. A winning season may seem more exciting than a big crowd at church. An upcoming vacation may seem more exciting than an opportunity for ministry. Talking about a new car may seem more exciting than sharing words of encouragement to a shut-in. Playing on the computer may seem more exciting than reading the Bible. Going home and eating lunch may seem more exciting than going down to the altar to pray at the end of the church service.

I know how it feels to get excited when my team wins. I also know how much time I spend thinking about, planning and talking about vacations. There's nothing wrong with these things. But there's nothing that compares with the greatness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and knowing you're doing His work here on earth. When you know you've made a difference in someones life and feel the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, you just can't help but get excited.

Let's all try to get a little more excited about Jesus in our lives. I feel like if we do, then He'll be more excited about us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What was the last miracle that you witnessed?

Thought of the Day !!

Today I was reading a "Verse of the Day" from bibleleague@bibleleague.org that seemed so good that I wanted to pass it on. Enjoy. And may God bless each of us through His Word today.

Psalms 42:1 -- As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. (NLT)

How many times will you take a drink today? For most people, drinking is a natural way to quench a natural thirst. Reading the Bible and praying is a natural way to quench a spiritual thirst. How many times will you take a spiritual drink today?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face and turn from all our wicked ways today.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:7

People are so different. How many ways can you think of that we are totally different? There are different skin colors, genders, lifestyles, aptitudes, ways of thinking, ways of talking, ways of walking, interests, skills, personalities, agendas, likes, dislikes, eating habits, sleeping habits, etc.

But no matter how different we are, we are all loved the same by God. And that is why God sent Jesus for all of us. That is why the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Every single one of us has a chance now because of Jesus.

When we accept Christ, Christ accepts us. So as Christ has accepted us, let us accept each other; those who are in his fold now and those who may possibly be in it later. In doing this, we will bring praise to God.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
James 1:2-4

Trials and trouble that come our way can be thought of as building blocks. They make up who we are. Or maybe I should say how we handle them defines us. When there's a difficult time in your life, you are surely not going to laugh and jump for joy because there's something wrong. But you can look back at these occurrences and see how you can grow from them. Remember that God is always at work teaching us if we will just listen. And it's during our own failures and the times we seem to hit bottom that we not only need God the most, but that we can learn the most.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What has been your favorite book that you've read this year? (If you read both fiction and non-fiction you can list one of each.)

** I have moved the Bloggy Awards up so that they didn't disappear into my archives. They are under today's "Thought of the Day !!". Please cast your ballot for your favorite blogs and bloggers of 2006. We have till the end of January.

Thought of the Day !!

God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
Romans 5:20-6:2 (NLT)

Paul has made it clear that God's grace can outdo, outlast, and outlive sin. So if God's grace is so great that no matter how much we sin we can still be forgiven, should we not take advantage of it and live it up, sinning till our hearts are content?

NO!! says Paul. Of course not. We died to sin. In other words, we died to the penalty of sin, which is death. And we were raised with Jesus for a new life. Are we sinless after this? No, but our new lives are not ruled by the law that shows our sin. They are ruled by God's grace.

So why not take advantage of being able to sin more and be forgiven? First of all, every time we sin we push ourselves away from God. He still loves us the same. But in essence, we brush off that love (at least to some extent).

Also, when we sin, we can be forgiven. God can, and will forgive sinners who come to Him and ask and repent (which means to change). But the sins we are forgiven of still leave scars. I am embarrassed by some of my memories of sin. The sin is forgiven in me. But the memory, and the scar, remains because no matter how hard we try we cannot undo what we've done.

Sin goes against the moral fiber of who we are. And if we continue to sin, knowing we will ask for forgiveness, then the sincerity of our repentance will become nonexistent and God will most likely not forgive.

When we actively try our best to follow Jesus and love the way he taught us to, then sin will decrease. We most likely will never be totally sinless, but we can work towards perfection in Christian love, having Jesus rule our hearts. Then we will have more joy and will become more complete than by trying all the worldly sins we could ever imagine trying.

God's grace is so abundant that no matter what we have done, where we have been, or even what we will do in the future God can, and is willing to forgive us...His children. If He loves us that much, then shouldn't we strive to give Him our whole selves as well?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Blogosphere awards for 2006

2006 is now just a memory, and in the tradition of the Oscar's and the Grammy's, I bring you the 2nd annual "Bloggy's". Here's your chance to vote on your favorite blogger/blog sites for 2006.

In your comment simply number 1-10 and your answer. Please choose only one for each category. If more than one name is given for any number, the entry will be thrown out.


1) Best blog site of 2006

2) Most scholarly blog site

3) Most controversial blog site

4) Most spiritual blogger

5) Most amusing blogger

6) Most consistant blogger

7) Nicest dressed blogger

8) Blogger most likely to succeed

9) Blogger who has made the most impact on your life personally, spiritually or theologically

10) Blogger most likely to vanish and be found years later presiding as tribal king on a small island in the Pacific


* Please link to this so that we will get as many votes as possible. I will announce the winners and send out the awards in 2 or 3 weeks.

** Take very special care in answering #10. If you were around at the beginning of last year you may remember that Dean Snyder won this bloggy and no one has heard from him since. Talk about prophecy. But all kidding aside, it is my understanding that he was chastized to the point of leaving the blogosphere. I hope that if any of us are not around for next year's bloggy's it won't be because we got run off. God bless in your voting.

A Question about Bibles

Has anyone used the Student's Life Application Bible before? I am about to teach confirmation with some kids about 10 years old and want to buy each a bible so we will be working out of the same one. I have always used a NIV Teen Bible, but I want to use the NLT version because of its readability for younger folks. Any suggestions?

Question / Thought of the Day !!

"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic - what a find! - and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field."
Matthew 13:44 (The Message)

Just how important is the field to you...the trespasser?

What would you give up to buy the field?

What should you give up?

Is there anything you haven't given up that might possibly keep you from gaining the field?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Only 6 ballots cast for the Bloggy Awards. Who will be the next to vote?

* Scroll down to see the original post - we have until the end of January.

Thought of the Day !!

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.
1 John 1:9 (NLT)

There is nothing that you have done, can do, or will do that God cannot forgive you of. He knows these things already and is ready and willing to forget all about them. All you have to do is talk to Him. He's listening.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Which cartoon characters would make the best presidential candidates for the upcoming election in 2008?

Thought of the Day !!

Jesus has just finished teaching in what we now call the Sermon on the Mount. These teachings are many and fill up two chapters in Matthew. And he ends with these words that could be used after any of his teachings.

"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
Matthew 7:24-27 (Message)

Lets not let the words of Christ only have meaning for us in Bible studies or Sunday School or worship services. And we need to pay very close attention so that we don't fall into the temptation of using them to correct others when we've not paid attention to how they should correct us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Who was (or is) the greatest saint you have ever known? And describe what makes her/him a saint.

Thought of the Day !!

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Ephesians 4:17 (NIV)

What does it really mean to say that we are Christians? Does it mean that we go to Church? Does it mean that we were baptized when we were kids? Does it mean that our grand-momma was always in church and prayed for us? Or does it mean more?

It means more! It means that we accept Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior. It means that we not only put our faith/trust in him for our salvation, but that we change. This change comes about because he now abides in us. This change is proof of his presence in our lives.

According to Paul, it is a must that we change. He insists that the Gentiles, whom he is speaking to in this passage, must no longer live as they did. We must not let our "old ways" begin to take control of us again once we've accepted Christ.

And he doesn't say "Well, you ought to do better" or "Maybe you should act right" or "At least you're not as bad as others". He writes that he INSISTS that we change from our old ways, the ways that dominated our lives before we knew Jesus.

Are there ways that dominate your life now that are contrary to the ways of Jesus?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Bloggy Awards (Reminder)

Don't forget to scroll down and vote for your favorite blogs/bloggers of 2006. There has only been 5 actual ballots taken so far. If you don't vote, Gavin will win them all, (seeing as how he voted for himself for each one).

We have until the end of the month. And if you wish, you can vote anonymously...everyone except Gavin that is!

Question of the day ??

This morning I read a couple headlines emphasizing fighting and war (IMAGINE THAT!!)

The first was where the U.S. bombed a small villiage in Somolia seeking to kill an al Qaeda man wanted for planning embassy attacks in 1998.

The second was where President Bush has decided to send more troops to Iraq and the Democrats are trying to find ways of blocking it, possibly blocking funds for it.

What are your feelings on either/both of these stories?

Thought of the Day !!

Don't praise yourself; let others do it!
Proverbs 27:2 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered if anyone noticed the things you do? Have you ever pondered the thought that maybe you weren't making a difference?

I've had these thoughts many times. Actually, often times they come about while writing these daily devotions. I've gone through dry spells where I wondered how many people simply deleted them and if anybody actually read them. But it always seems to be right before I've given up that God shows me what I'm supposed to do. He's done that by prompting one of you to send me an email at just the time I've needed it to encourage me.

What I'm trying to say here is that we can get down and feel like we're not making a difference or that no one's listening. But God is. And God sees the difference that we make. And God will not let us fall too far before He brings us encouragement...that is...if we're keeping Him in mind in the things we do.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

I read today where President Bush will soon announce his new Iraq plans. Who believes that the war in Iraq will lead to a Democrat in the oval office in 2008?

Thought of the Day !!

Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
John 3:3

I once heard a revival speaker compare the physical growth of babies to our growth as Christians. As babies we need to be fed and taken care of. If we don't grow, then we will die. It's the same with being born again. If we try to stay the same old person we were without allowing the Holy Spirit to grow us and grow in us, we are going to wither away and die. Life is all about change. And the good news is that God will change us when we are born again. It may not happen over night, but it will happen if we will allow Him to work in us. Before I was born again I had a lot of desires that are either not as predominant now or I flat out don't have anymore. That's because Christ worked in me to change me and take away those desires. He comes to us where we are and calls us as we are. If we will simply have faith in Him and allow Him to work in us, things will change...things will become more complete.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If believing in Jesus is the only way to salvation:

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6 (NIV)

Then what happened/s to those who have never heard of Jesus? Take the Native Americans for instance. Did they have a shot at Heaven before Christians came and took over their world? Did good Jews who lived in the time of Moses or Isaiah have a chance at salvation?

What is your theological stance here?

Question of the day ?? (Updated 1/4 & 1/5)

Is anybody out there?


I know it's been the holidays and all, but the hits to my blog have gone down considerably over the last little bit. I did take a shower...I promise. But it seems only 2 or 3 like me anymore. OOhh I feel so all alone. What's a man to do?

So if you're out there, just sign in by posting anything...or nothing...just leaving your name.

I'm going on a hunger strike until I get at least 15 comments.

* or until lunchtime...I mean a man's got-a-eat lunch you know - I think I'll make it some good ole pork BBQ in honor of Mark Winter.

But then there will be no eating if I don't get the amount of comments that I've demanded.

by the way - coffee doesn't count against a hunger strike does it? because i've gotten addicted over the holidays and...well, you know...my mother-in-law got me this new coffee maker and I'd hate to...oh well, you get the point. So nothing to eat...except this last bite of bananna nut bread i'm having for breakfast...boy is it good...a neighbor left it...oh never mind. nothing to eat. i'll make lunch a big one.

I'm serious now. I'll do it. Don't make me do it. Post NOW!!!!


*Update - 1/4/07 - day two of the hunger strike

1 - I have 11 of the 15 people to post (Keith posted twice and if it goes on too long I will count him twice... :)

2 - The hunger pains are really not all that bad. It helps that I ate a big supper last night -- now dont judge me Andy - i'm sure your boy Ghandi fudged every now and then...speaking of fudge...hmmm?

3 - I am going to Jackson today (meeting Andy Stoddard actually), but am thinking about the 2nd Annual Bloggy awards night and day...or at least day...or at least part of some of the days...ANYWAY...I will try to get them out tomorrow or this weekend...that is, unless i forget@#?$

1/5 - I'm getting very hungry and very weak. i may not be able to post again i'm so weak. went to jackson yesterday and met with andy and he told me that i looked tired. oh no, if i dont eat soon, i may waste away. you can ask andy how much i ate yesterday. not enough to keep anyone alive. that is if it were all they had all week...but that's another story. ice cream doesnt count against hunger strikes does it? and since andy bought lunch that shouldnt count either i dont think. and when the muslims fast, a professor told me that they can actually eat after dark so that means last night's meal shouldnt count either. oh i'm so so hungry.

by my count i have 12 original posts. only 3 more to go. where are you mark winter?

oh yeah...one more thing...mopsie has been fired!!!!!!!

Thought of the Day !!

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Which of these fruits are obvious in your life? Which ones are less obvious?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

Isn't this an outlandish command by Jesus. I mean how can we be perfect? We're the ones born into original sin. We're the ones who keep messing up this world of ours. We're the ones that still need a Savior. How in the world can we be perfect, Jesus?

As we look at this seemingly impossible statement, lets put it into context. It comes immediately after Jesus teaches to love our enemies (another seemingly impossible statement). When he tells us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, he's not saying that we can be like God in a perfect sinless way. He's telling us to love like He does.

John Wesley spoke of Christian perfection, and this is exactly what he meant by it. We all need to strive daily and pray for the gift of perfect love. When we see things from His point of view instead of our own, we will be able to love like Him. In this way, perfection can be achieved.

It's up to you. You can become perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect, loving God and neighbor more than self. Or you can be less than perfect, loving yourself and a select few more than others. With perfection, comes God's sense of happiness and joy that anyone can have, no matter what their economic or social level is here on this earth. So it's time to choose. I choose to strive for perfection. How about you?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)

Throughout the Bible we see that our God is a God of second chances. And I hear that coming through very clearly in our passage today. Through God's grace we were brought to salvation, or given a second chance. If it were not for second, and even third and fourth and so on chances where would we be?

Mike Piazza wasn’t the best baseball player in high school or college. This is evident by fact that he was drafted in the very last round by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and then only as a favor because the coach knew his dad.

Piazza didn’t show promise before his major league career, but in being given a second chance, he became arguably the best hitting catcher in the game and broke the record for most home runs by a catcher a few years ago.

Being given a second chance is so important. A lot of people don’t do real well coming out the gate. But the race that Paul talks about running…the race that is our lives is a marathon filled with setbacks and second chances.

Sadly, in this life people are given second chances all the time for which they do nothing with. Maybe it was a speeding ticket not given that didn't slow the person down. Maybe it was an affair forgiven, only to have another that caused divorce. Maybe it was a boss allowing an employee one more time coming in late or one more absence only to be taken advantage of.

For Piazza, he made something out of his second chance. A man who was one of the very last picked will almost assuredly be a Hall of Famer one day.

What about us? We have all been given a second chance at living a life for God. How will we live out our second chance today?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Reuters stangest stories of 2006

Check out a few of the strangest events from 2006!

2006 oddities

Thought of the Day !! / Question of the Day ??

Please forgive the slowdown of meditations over the ending of 2006. Chalk it up to busyness, being out of town more or just plain laziness. But a new year is dawning, and though I will be out of pocket a couple times this month, I plan to get back on track with the "Thought of the Day !!" meditations. For today's "Thought" I go to my bishop and an email she sends out to her clergy. I thought it was a good way to start off the new year. Happy New Year to all! And may God's blessings be upon each and every one of us in 2007!

In the love of Christ,
greg

JAN. 2, 2007
"DAWNING OF A NEW YEAR"


"For everything there is a season, and time for every matter under heaven."
- Ecclesiastes 3:1


The ancient wisdom of the Teacher of Ecclesiastes resounds as the appointed text for the dawning of each new year.

No one escapes pondering of the passing of time and the freshness of the new year as fresh calendars for 2007 are opened up. 2007, how can it be? It seems that just a bit ago. . .

The Teacher is helpful: there is a time for every matter under heaven. A time for youth and a time for maturity, a time to work and a time to play, a time to be silent and a time to speak.

I love the words of the Anglican prayer for evensong, somehow missing from many prayers of self-examination. "Forgive us our sins, and grant us time to amend our lives. . ."

What is the meaning of this time, this day, for you? What wisdom from days past informs your living into this new year? How does God's gift of extended time beckon you forward?

May God be with you in this and in all newness of life,
Hope