Father, help me to work diligently and remember that I am working for you, not man. Take my hands and guide them as I write. Help me to focus on you - clear my thoughts - allow me to be a light for you. Protect me from myself. I know this day will be filled with your goodness and mercy. Amen!
October 29, 2012
Brrr! I have a fire going in the fireplace ... the sun in pouring through the french doors ... I am enjoying this first real burst of the coolness of Autumn. The frost was definitely on the pumpkin this morning!!
In the fall of 1940, George Patton gave an inspiring Armistice Day address about duty, honor, and country to the students of the prep school that his son George attended. The school fathers cautioned Patton about using the salty language he was famous for. Patton kept his word - at least until the football game. In the final moments, George III dropped a pass in the end zone that would have won the game for his school. His father stormed onto the field and turned the air blue with vulgarity aimed at his son. Patton undid everything he accomplished in his earlier speech.
When I read about General Patton's actions, I thought about how many times we make speeches then totally screw up by our actions afterwards. We can look good to the outside world but what about our inside world? This morning I read 2 Thessalonians and got some good lessons from Paul.
Anything that lives grows. If we're not growing, we are dying whether that growth is physical or spiritual. That includes faith and love as well. My faith has grown by being tested and my love grows as I love others as I love myself. As I read the Bible, I come to know God better and am able to show others the goodness of living a life that honors my Lord.
What does Paul say about my reactions to people who ignore God's advice? He says in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17: "My fiends, the Lord loves you, and it is only natural for us to thank God for you. God chose you to be the first ones to be saved. His Spirit made you holy, and you put your faith in the truth. God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. My friends, that why you must remain faithful and follow loosely what we taught you in person and by our letters. God our Father loves us. He is kind and has given us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father will encourage you and help you always to do and say the right thing." In other words: PRAY and speak the truth in love!
For such a short book in the Bible, there sure is a lot of meat in there. Paul also talks about laziness. As Christians, we are to set a good example by not being a burden to others. He tells the Thessalonians that believers "must never become tired of doing right" (2 Thess 3:13). Ever hear the saying, "She's so heavenly minded that she's no earthly good"? Think about that one for awhile ... we must be active in our faith.
Yesterday, the Cowboys football team literally lost the game by a finger tip to the Giants. Dez Bryant caught the football with "part" of his finger out of bounds. The rest of his body was in bounds but that didn't count. It was NOT a touchdown and he did not win the game for his team. My heart was pounding waiting for the decision to be made ... I could just image how Dez felt. Elated then crushed... There have been times when I caught the ball of life thinking I had won only to find out that I didn't. If I stayed too long in the throws of disappointment, I missed new opportunities to gain from my errors and try again with success. There comes a time (just like that game yesterday) that time runs out and the game is over ... life is over ... no more tries. I am praying that my touchdowns will far outweigh my failures!
Let's not waste time looking backwards today ... let's count this as a new day, a time to get in another try ... maybe, just maybe, we'll take home a win!!
Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
Miss Dottie
PS If you never try, you'll never fail. I count my mistakes as stepping stones to success! Ye Haw!! Think I'll try something new today, how about you?
What a great way to take the Dallas game and tie it into real life. On that note...the mistakes from the start of the game //or life // dictated the actions and errors later in the game// or life. There is a beautiful order to follow in life that is laid out in the Bible. If one follows a biblical road map life typically runs smoothly. Yet, we are all tempted and fall into sin. Hind sight is 20/20. There are no re-dos, so it is vitally important to make thoughtful, intentional decisions and choices. May God direct our spirits to goodness and righteousness.
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Jane