Month: March 2011

Categories
Daily Post

Happy St. Patty’s Day

‘top of the morning to ya!

I think people in Ireland like that however, my friend and co worker who currently lives in Ireland never says anything like that to me. But, of course that could be because he is English.

Anyway, he did tell me that today in Ireland they will be celebrating with parades down streets lined with ordinary people waving flags and wearing green hats.  And since such parades may have the tendency to include a person’s favorite farm implement or large truck, it doesn’t seem too different then most parades here in the States.  Oh, and my friend will be driving his antique Porsche in the parade.  Now there’s some sweetness.  However, it’s still hard for me to think of a car from 1970’s as an antique.

But hey, its St Patrick’s day, the day set aside to remember a man who took the message of hope of the Christ into the country of Ireland many many many moons ago – I guess.

I say I guess because I don’t know much about Patrick, nor his ways nor his efforts in Ireland, except that he worked with those who did not know about Christ and taught them about how his power and the power of the Creator can change your life here on Earth and forever.  And what else I know is that 1500 years later we are still talking about what he did there – even if it is by turning rivers green, wearing shamrocks and chasing pots of gold!

I just wonder what I will do today that may have an impact of the lives of others even hours after I eventually leave this planet.  hm.. Something to consider as you live this St Patrick’s Day.  What are you doing that will outlive you?

14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:14-18 (New International Version, ©2011)

Categories
Daily Post

Three Sixteen

Continuing the date thing this week, it seemed that since today was March 16, it would be appropriate to just examine a few famous three sixteens.  I mean its a number that has been hung in stadiums all over the world.  But did you know that In-N-Out burger prints the number on the bottom of their paper cups?  And of course we all remember Tim Tebow adding a reference to his eyeblack.(Which is now banned by the NCAA!)  Max Lucado has even used the numbers for the title of one of his books.

So with that, here is the famous reference:

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)

and then there’s this lesser know three sixteen from Colossians, that tells of a great way to spend today

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 (New International Version, ©2011)

Admonish others on three sixteen!

Categories
Daily Post

Ides of March

Yikes, it’s the Ides of March ( already!).  Beware!!

Yep, there you have a idyllic warning of pending catastrophe!  Idyllic? really. Well I think so when you compare it to the warning bells and whistles that went off last week in Japan. Have you been able to watch any of those videos of the water crashing in, and the only warning being a shrill high pitched alarm. And with that warning the people reacted.

Of course, those of us who “buffet our bodies daily” realize that with each and every day, we must be watchful and careful.

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

It is something that we must do each and every day, not just on the Ides of March, not just when the warning whistle is sounding. We have been provided a warning and always need to be on the lookout! Not only watching for attacks on our faith, and on our soul, but also watching for those in need, seeking opportunities to multiply mercy peace and love.

Oh, and back to Japan, if you are looking for a place to help, Healing Hands International will be working with local churches in the area – trying to get supplies, water, and blankets to those who are suffering and are in need. You can check it out here.

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 (New International Version, ©2011)

Heed the warning and be watchful today

Categories
Daily Post

Pi Day

Alright, its Pi Day! What is that?  Well its March 14, or 3/14 or 3.14 — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.  I am so certain that all of you remember Pi times R squared -right?

Well what to do?  How should we celebrate this glorious day of mathematics?  Check out this page for some interesting facts.

On this day that we celebrate Pi and things mathematical, I think that is only correct to have a verse or two that  express simple formulas and demonstrate arithmetic operations.

For instance addition:

33″But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (New American Standard Bible)

subtraction:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (New International Version, ©2011)

And finally multiplication:

2May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I think that last one will make a great formula for a successful and fun way to celebrate Pi day.

Let M = Mercy, P = Peace, L = Love and U = you. Therefore:

GreatPiDay = ((M+P+L)*U)^Spirit

Categories
Daily Post

Johnny Appleseed Day

First of all, thanks Ray for the great post yesterday, to keep us all focused on that so important Freedom in our lives. So I have been in the Nation’s Capitol and its oblivious a very inspiring place, and I am sure it will generate some ideas into next week. Today I wanted to continue the weeks “Day” theme, but after spending days with a bunch of 8th graders, my idea engine is a little rusty!

But this is one of those days in March that has a cool date 3-1-1. Its the non emergency number, and I thought I conjure up some good thought but then I remembered it was Johnny Appleseed Day!

Yeah, a day to remember that guy who walked around the county passing out various apple seeds and who is attributed with the spreading of so many apple varieties around the country. It’s a pretty good lesson on the power of one person impacts others by sharing a gift that he had.
So today on this Friday, how about considering the gifts you have, the knowledge you have the insight and hope that you have, the love that you have, the grace and forgiveness that you have, and share that with others. Think of yourself as Johnny Graceseed, or Susie Hopeful, and see how that impacts those around you!

oh of course that reminds we of several verses, but the first one is a sort of suggestion/command we are given my that hero, Jesus

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20(NIV)

and this maybe this one:

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (New International Version, ©2011)

and finally this one:

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (New International Version, ©2011)

Spread some seed!