Thoughts on Proverbs 15:23

Proverbs 15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!

We are always looking for good advice or the right words to say in difficult situations. The question is, why are we in need of a good word or sound advice in a world that has access to so much information.  You would think that with all the information located on the internet our world would be getting better.  However, it is not. The information or the counsel that sustains a person during hard times is in great need today.  You see good advice or a timely word of instruction blesses both the one in need and the one giving the good word.  Last I checked, the internet gives access to bad advice on life matters as much as it does good advice.  Further, the internet when used wrongly destroys those who are need of peace.

Today's social media outlets are causing problems with the human spirit connecting on the human level.  Now there are some good things that social media offers.  Sharing family photos with family scattered all over the world.  Connecting with old friends that you have lost contact with, from yesteryear.  Storing data or writing an inspiring blog.  These are the good things that social media offers.  The bad thing social media offers are the comparison game.  By comparing our lives against others, we are looking for validation that we are better off, more blessed, more successful, better looking, greater life experiences, and so goes the ego train of comparison. It seems that social media has become the bragging sites on life accomplishments. Last those who use the social media frenzy to bully others do so to destroy a since of worth or belonging. As a society we need to take back our worth by sharing words of inspiration. 
So the next time you are on social media do not seek to compare your life with your friends.  Instead look for ways to give a timely word of hope.  Seek to offer an apt word of inspiration. Ask how you might pray for a person in your friends list.  Look for opportunities to impart the love of Christ not the green monster: Mr. Jealousy or his bride Mrs. Bully.  Do not fall trap to the compare game, rather thank God for the blessings you see in the lives of those on the net.  Encourage those who are struggling or different due to social status placed on them by society.  Share the love of Christ in all things in order to change the world around you one post at a time.  
Remember a timely word goes a long way in shaping the world of peace around you. But bitterness, strife and jealousy, will destroy that peace within the souls of those all around you.  So do not compare, but share the peace of Christ today to change the world around you for peaceful tomorrow.  Amen...

 

Exciting New Adventure With Jacob

Like most parents, I struggle at times to pay attention to the little things my child does.  Here lately he has been learning so much, so fast. I have even began to wonder how much I have been missing when I am away at work.  This past week we have been getting outside each night after dinner for some fun time. We have taken walks, played golf, rode his tricycle, go to the park, played basketball, and tonight we went to a Frankie's Fun park played miniature golf and rode a go-cart.

We first went to watch the cars go around the track, while watching them zoom by, I asked him,
"Do you want to ride one of those cars?"
He said, "No daddy."
"Are you sure little buddy, we can ride it together?"
"I am sure," he said. We watched for a few minutes and I began to carry him away.  Then he said,
"No Daddy I want to ride the cars."
I said, "You sure you want to ride Buddy?
"Yes, I want to ride the cars." 

So we get in line and waited for the two-seater go-cart which had two steering wheels. As I strapped him into the seat, I thought to myself, am I making a good decision? I began to pray that those on the course with us would pay attention and that no one would hits us or decide to play bumper cars. He looked so small in that little seat. He did not even cry as I strapped him in using a five point safety harness.  I got in the seat beside him and in just a few minutes we were off at the races.

Now to catch all this my wife got on another go cart to take video with her phone.  As you can see on the video he is holding onto the wheel with one hand and holding onto my leg with his other hand.  He seemed a little scared, but he had a blast riding that car.  https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=621650845928&set=vb.136700118&type=2&theater

This was by far the hardest and funnest thing I have done as a parent yet.  When we got off the car he walked with a big smile on his face holding my hand. When I asked him if he had fun driving the car he said "uh-huh." Did  you like going fast little Buddy, uh-huh daddy, I went fast...I laugh on the outside and realized that as time goes by he will do new things one day without me. 

The Story of the Influence of God That Shaped A Man to Answer the Call

Yesterday I went to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte NC with the C4 14-002 class. The library is not what you think you are going to see.  Many would believe that it would be about the man whose name is on the library, but it is not.  The library is about God's interaction with a young farm boy, who grows up to follow God's calling upon his life.  What is interesting is that William Franklin Graham, "Billy Graham" has, was, and is willing to be used by God to share the message of salvation.  The powerful message of God's redemptive love for all is shared throughout the library.  The story of Billy's ministry and life is weaved throughout the story of God's power to use a farm boy to preach the good news to the world. 

Now some might be puzzled by the opening exhibit.  It's a talking cow.  The cow has a very country ascent and speaks about how she observed a young farm boy growing up to be a messenger for God.  It is cute and really grabs the attention of the young children.  One thing the cow says that I have reflected about is that one day all will worship God together, even the animals will worship God.  The Billy Graham Library is a place that honors God, while sharing the life and testimony of God's powerful blessing through the man Billy Graham.  He was a pastor to eleven presidents, a messenger of peace to many world leaders, a spokesman of good news to communist countries, and a willing vessel to be used by God.  Yes, he was influenced by God to be an influencer for God.

No one could say that Billy Graham used the platform established by God for himself, but he did use the message God laid on his heart to speak to the world.  I have wondered about how many times Billy Graham must have been asked to run for office or to be an endorsement for a political candidate.  He has been on the world stage for over 60 years.  He has been involved in so many issues as a spokesman for God's message of love; that he is considered the biggest leader for Christian influence in the 20th century.  He has sought to remain true to his calling and to leave a foundation upon which the ministry can continue. He has spoken to millions and has been a voice of truth as such as time as this.
 
The message that comes through the library is that God has a plan for each of us and if you are willing to be used by him your life will be forever changed.  Are you willing to take that journey?  Are you willing to allow yourself to be used?  Are you willing to allow God control of your ministry?  Who will be next  to answer the call in order to be used to share the message of hope to a lost and dying world?  Billy Graham would say God is waiting for you to respond. 

Let us pray. God I am a sinner in need of your redeeming grace and love.  I am willing to be used by you to be a spokesman of your redemptive work.  Use me not to build an empire for myself but to guide others to your kingdom in heaven.  Grant to me nothing but strength to speak of your truth to the world.  Increase my faith in your holy words that they are inerrant and inspired for all generations.  In Jesus' Name Amen...