+DEV+ Empathy

Date: May 31, 2009 11:36 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Empathy

Empathy

Scripture Focus: John 11:1-14

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

“Come home right away. Your mother is critically ill.” The urgency in Dad’s voice could not be muffled by the distance that separated us.

When we visited Mom that night, we were shocked by her deteriorating health. She had healed after a number of cancer operations, but this time the malignancy was too extensive to operate. 

The day she died was colored in blacks and brilliant yellows. It was flooded with joy because she had told us in a time of consciousness about becoming a Christian when our former pastor visited her. In spite of our deep sorrow, we could rejoice in the death that released Mom from her pain and put her in God’s presence at the age of 59.

The support from Christians who understood both my sorrow and my rejoicing carried me through the next days. I remembered that Jesus wept with Mary, Martha, and the others at Lazarus’ tomb. He understood their sorrow. People who can weep with those who weep and genuinely rejoice with those who rejoice reflect Jesus‚ empathy.  

Insight: “Father, thank You for understanding our emotional needs. Help me develop more empathy for others.”

+DEV+ Good Works

Date: May 29, 2009 1:09 AM

Topic: +DEV+     Good Works

Good Works

Scripture Focus: John 9:1-38

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

This quote is worthy of adoption. Jesus‚ earthly life exemplified this ideal. One example of His good works is found in today’s reading.

At the temple, Jesus passed by a man who was born blind. Jesus took the initiative to meet his need for sight without the man asking Him for healing. Later, when the man was thrown out of the temple for testifying on behalf of the One who had performed the miracle, Jesus found him and taught him the truth about Himself.

Every day you have opportunities to use good works in building bridges to begin or strengthen relationships. Your friends, your coworkers, family members, and neighbors all have needs. Will you seize the opportunities God gives you to do something good for them? 

Insight: Whom can you do something good for this week? What will you do? When will you do it?

+DEV+ Condemnation of Sin

Date: May 27, 2009 11:07 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Condemnation of Sin

Condemnation of Sin

Scripture Focus: Luke 11:37-54

“We exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, KJV).

Sin erects barriers in relationships. It comes between people and God, person and person. Left uncorrected, it eats away at fellowship like a cancer and becomes contagious.

Jesus knew the power of sin, and was not afraid to condemn the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and other sins which hindered relationships with God and men. Though He condemned their actions and attitudes, He did not attack their personhood. He still loved them and died for them.

As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility to help one another grow. Sometimes that includes pointing out sin, but we must be sure we go to the individual with love and being sure there is not unconfessed sin in our own lives.

We need to realize that not everyone will respond well to that kind of conversation. Remember that the religious leaders were hostile toward Jesus. However, to avoid the confrontation to try keeping peace with someone will eventually erode the relationship anyway. 

Insight: (1) Deal with sin in your life first. (2) Be sure the other person’s problem is sin, not your opinion. (3) Go and speak the truth in love.

+DEV+ Rebuke

Date: May 26, 2009 10:42 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Rebuke

Rebuke

Scripture Focus: Luke 10:38-42

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:5-6).

Martin Luther wrote, “I had rather that true and faithful teachers should rebuke and condemn me, and reprove my ways, than that hypocrites should flatter me and applaud me as a saint.”

Not many of us have Luther’s attitude toward rebukes, but often they are needed to help us grow.

Jesus was not afraid to rebuke people. While Mary sat listening to Jesus, Martha prepared dinner. Though she was doing something worthwhile, she did it with the wrong attitude. She fretted and complained about having to do it alone. Instead of reproving Mary for not helping, Jesus rebuked Martha for her worry. 

Martha did not let the rebuke break her relationship with Jesus. In fact, it strengthened that relationship. She sent for Him when her brother Lazarus was sick, and Jesus often visited her home.

It is difficult to point out wrong actions and attitudes to our friends, but it is necessary for relationships to develop depth. It is also necessary to do so with the right attitude and in love. 

Insight: Do you need to rebuke a friend? Ask for God‚s help to do so in love.

+DEV+ Teaching

Date: May 26, 2009 12:58 AM

Topic: +DEV+     Teaching

Teaching

Scripture Focus: Luke 10:25-37

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

Teachers are powerful influences, in both positive and negative ways. While I was a child, my Sunday School teacher influenced me to become a Christian and to serve God. Then a high school teacher influenced me to drop out of church for a time.

Several church leaders influenced me to write and teach. A pastor changed my view of teaching adults. Other pastors challenged me to think through my convictions in the light of biblical truth. As a result of the influence of these pastors and teachers as well as many others, I have grown intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

Jesus knew the value of teaching in helping people grow. When a lawyer asked Him questions, He answered by a story. That story about the Good Samaritan and the accompanying question of who was the neighbor taught more than a lecture.

We don’t need to be a teacher in order to teach others. In fact, the New Testament makes it clear that all believers are to teach. God can use you to build relationships through your teaching! 

Insight: “The only way we can teach the Word of God is to live the Word of God” (Henrietta C. Mears).

My Name is Old Glory

My Name is Old Glory

by Howard Schnauber

© 1994 the author[Mr. Schnauber has given permission to the public to use this poem for program or publishing purposes. Please credit the Fort Collins Public Library Local History Archive, Oral History Interview of Mr. Howard Schnauber, the author.]  

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America's halls of justice.

I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.

I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.

Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace - honor - truth and justice.

I stand for freedom

I am confident - I am arrogant

I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners

My head is a little higher

My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected

I am revered - I am loved, and I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years:

Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.

And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.

I was there.

I led my soldiers - I followed them.

I watched over them.

They loved me.

I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.

I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country, and when it is by those

with whom I have served in battle - it hurts.

But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle,

 

 When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.

My name is Old Glory.

Dear God - Long may I wave.

+DEV+ Acceptance

Date: May 24, 2009 9:56 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Acceptance

Acceptance

Scripture Focus: John 8:1-11

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

Teenagers are characterized by their struggles for acceptance. Some will do almost anything to be part of a group. Many of us never outgrow this need for acceptance. We crave friends who will love us as we are, not as they wish we were. We’re fortunate to develop a relationship with even one such person.

Jesus was such a man. One morning when He was teaching people, some religious leaders brought to Him a woman they probably had set up in an adulterous situation in order to trap Jesus.

To these leaders, she was an object to be used. To Jesus, she was a person to be respected as someone made in God’s image. He ignored the men as they tried to trap Jesus into agreeing with them that she should be stoned. After He told them the one without sin should cast the first stone, they slunk away. When the last man had gone, Jesus spoke to the woman. He didn’t condemn her as a person, but He did tell her to stop sinning. Though He did not like her sin, He loved and accepted her.

Are you following His example?

Insight: Have you been condemning someone instead of accepting him, though you can’t agree with him.

+DEV+ Discernment

Date: May 22, 2009 12:38 AM

Topic: +DEV+     Discernment

Discernment

Scripture Focus: Matthew 15:21-28

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands” (Psalm 119:66).

People need help. Sometimes it is difficult to know which individual or Christian organization should get our time, and efforts.

When Jesus was on earth, He taught and healed many people, but He didn’t help everyone. He used discernment in the use of His time and abilities.

In today’s passage, again He wanted to be alone, but it was difficult to hide the news of His arrival in the area. When a Gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter heard Jesus was there, she went to Him for help.

At first He ignored her, but she was persistent. In Jesus‚ brief conversation with her, He discerned that her faith in Him was genuine. He made it clear that His mission was to Jewish people first, not Gentiles. When her answer demonstrated that she still had faith in Him, Jesus healed her daughter.

As we relate with others, we often need to exercise discernment in order to know if we should support their causes, help them in some tangible way, or even spend a lot of time with them.

Insight: “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes” (Psalm 119:125).

+DEV+ Time for People

Date: May 20, 2009 10:07 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Time for People

Time for People

Scripture Focus: Mark 6:30-44

“Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

My weekly “to do” schedule keeps me functioning. Without it, I accomplish little, but sometimes it gets in the way of relationships. I have to fight the tendency to stick to the list instead of making time for people who haven’t been scheduled.

Jesus faced the same conflict. After sending out His disciples on an extended mission and hearing about the death of John the Baptist, He scheduled time alone with the Twelve when they returned.

However, His plans were interrupted by a crowd of people. Instead of sticking to His planned schedule, He took the time to teach the multitude and heal the sick. In fact, He spent so much time that His disciples began to worry that it growing late. Instead of sending the crowd away to eat, Jesus spent even more time with them, feeding them by means of a miracle.

Do you reflect Jesus‚ heart by building relationships choosing to set your schedule aside and take or make time for individuals? Or are you too busy with your own plans?

Insight: What friend, neighbor, relative, or acquaintance do you need to spend time with soon? When will you do it?

+DEV+ Mercy

Date: May 19, 2009 10:21 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Mercy

Mercy

Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:27-3

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Mercy is . . . 

• watching a friend suffering in a hospital, squeezing his hand to remind him he is not alone.

• bandaging a child’s cuts and offering him a cookie to cheer him up.

• noticing the widow’s son does not have a warm coat and giving him one.

• forgetting the cutting remark you heard about yourself, instead of retaliating in kind.

• overlooking a friend’s faults (not sins) instead of harping on them.

• visiting individuals in a nursing home.

• taking meals to a family when a parent is sick.

• helping someone who is out of work find a job.

• watching children so their mother can have a day to herself.

Jesus demonstrated mercy when He responded to two blind men who persistently followed Him. After ascertaining their faith, He touched their eyes, giving them sight. He didn’t have to do so, but He reached out with mercy to alleviate their hardship. 

Insight: Will you ask the Lord to make you more aware of the needs others have? Will you make yourself available to show your Father’s mercy to them?

+DEV+ Encouragement

Date: May 18, 2009 10:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Encouragement

Encouragement

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

The note was not lengthy, but the message was powerful: “Don’t give up; keep on believing. God is still in control. I’m still praying for you.”

Encouragement like that helps me continue trusting God to work in difficult situations. Jesus was the model encourager. When Jairus approached and asked Him to heal his only daughter, who was dying, Jesus started to follow him home. But on the way, a woman who needed healing came to Him. While Jesus took time for her, Jairus’ daughter died.

Jesus encouraged Jairus by telling him not to give up. “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). “Just believe” literally means, keep on believing. After encouraging Jairus with these words, Jesus took charge of the situation and brought Jairus‚ daughter back to life.

Spoken or written words of encouragement are bridges to strengthen relationships. Is there someone you know who is going through a trial or difficulty and who could use your encouragement?

Insight: Whom can you encourage today? What will you say to that person to help him not give up? Perhaps you can share Psalm 27.

+DEV+ Encouragement

Date: May 18, 2009 10:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Encouragement

Encouragement

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

The note was not lengthy, but the message was powerful: “Don’t give up; keep on believing. God is still in control. I’m still praying for you.”

Encouragement like that helps me continue trusting God to work in difficult situations. Jesus was the model encourager. When Jairus approached and asked Him to heal his only daughter, who was dying, Jesus started to follow him home. But on the way, a woman who needed healing came to Him. While Jesus took time for her, Jairus’ daughter died.

Jesus encouraged Jairus by telling him not to give up. “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). “Just believe” literally means, keep on believing. After encouraging Jairus with these words, Jesus took charge of the situation and brought Jairus‚ daughter back to life.

Spoken or written words of encouragement are bridges to strengthen relationships. Is there someone you know who is going through a trial or difficulty and who could use your encouragement?

Insight: Whom can you encourage today? What will you say to that person to help him not give up? Perhaps you can share Psalm 27.

+DEV+ Encouragement

Date: May 18, 2009 10:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Encouragement

Encouragement

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

The note was not lengthy, but the message was powerful: “Don’t give up; keep on believing. God is still in control. I’m still praying for you.”

Encouragement like that helps me continue trusting God to work in difficult situations. Jesus was the model encourager. When Jairus approached and asked Him to heal his only daughter, who was dying, Jesus started to follow him home. But on the way, a woman who needed healing came to Him. While Jesus took time for her, Jairus’ daughter died.

Jesus encouraged Jairus by telling him not to give up. “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). “Just believe” literally means, keep on believing. After encouraging Jairus with these words, Jesus took charge of the situation and brought Jairus‚ daughter back to life.

Spoken or written words of encouragement are bridges to strengthen relationships. Is there someone you know who is going through a trial or difficulty and who could use your encouragement?

Insight: Whom can you encourage today? What will you say to that person to help him not give up? Perhaps you can share Psalm 27.

+DEV+ Encouragement

Date: May 18, 2009 10:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Encouragement

Encouragement

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

The note was not lengthy, but the message was powerful: “Don’t give up; keep on believing. God is still in control. I’m still praying for you.”

Encouragement like that helps me continue trusting God to work in difficult situations. Jesus was the model encourager. When Jairus approached and asked Him to heal his only daughter, who was dying, Jesus started to follow him home. But on the way, a woman who needed healing came to Him. While Jesus took time for her, Jairus’ daughter died.

Jesus encouraged Jairus by telling him not to give up. “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). “Just believe” literally means, keep on believing. After encouraging Jairus with these words, Jesus took charge of the situation and brought Jairus‚ daughter back to life.

Spoken or written words of encouragement are bridges to strengthen relationships. Is there someone you know who is going through a trial or difficulty and who could use your encouragement?

Insight: Whom can you encourage today? What will you say to that person to help him not give up? Perhaps you can share Psalm 27.

+DEV+ Forgiveness

Date: May 17, 2009 11:35 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Scripture Focus: Luke 7:36-50

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Jesus demonstrated the importance of forgiving others when He accepted a dinner invitation from a Pharisee named Simon.

A prostitute, who probably had responded earlier to Jesus’ teaching, joined the group and openly displayed her love and worship. She performed the common courtesies of a host washing dusty feet, greeting with a kiss, and anointing with oil all of which Simon had neglected to do.

Jesus read Simon’s thoughts of condemnation toward the woman and told him a story to illustrate the relationship between forgiveness and love, thus vindicating the woman’s actions.

Because of the woman’s faith, Jesus verbalized His forgiveness, not only for her sake but also to teach Simon His power to forgive sins.

Paul made it clear in our verse for today that we are to follow Christ’s example and readily forgive others instead of holding grudges. When we find it hard to forgive, we need to remember that Christ forgave us. 

Insight: Forgiveness builds bridges; a grudge builds walls. Has someone wronged you whom you have not forgiven? Will you do so today?

+DEV+ Sympathy

Date: May 14, 2009 9:16 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Sympathy

Sympathy

Scripture Focus: Luke 7:11-17

“A dead person was being carried out the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. .  . . When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Don’t cry‚” (Luke 7:12-13).

Someone has said, “People will not care what you know until they know that you care.” Talk is cheap. It is easier to tell people we care than it is to show that we do.

Jesus often demonstrated His concern for people. One day He watched a dead man being carried out of the city for burial. When He saw the man‚s mother and observed her grief, He immediately felt compassion for her. Going beyond His feelings, He acted He brought the son back to life.

We don’t have His power to raise the dead, but we do have the ability to sympathize genuinely with individuals and act to help them in their grief or suffering. There are many ways to demonstrate sympathy beyond saying vaguely, “I care,” and “Call me if you need anything.” We can:

• spend time with the person

• offer to run errands or clean house

• take meals to her or take her out to eat

• send a card of encouragement

What can you add to this list? 

Insight: Whom do you know who needs sympathy in action? How will you show yours today?

+DEV+ Commendation

Date: May 13, 2009 9:47 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Commendation

Commendation

Scripture Focus: Luke 7:1-10

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, I tell you I have not found such great faith even in Israel‚” (Luke 7:9). 

At funerals people say nice things about the deceased, compliments they usually did not tell that person when he or she was alive. In contrast, Jesus commended people in their hearing. He let them know what He appreciated about them. One example is in today’s Scripture reading.

The centurion asked Jesus to heal his dying servant. He expressed faith in Jesus‚ ability to do so by telling our Lord that it wasn’t necessary to see the servant. He believed Jesus could heal just by speaking from where He was.

Jesus publicly commended the man for his faith, pointing out that this Gentile’s faith was greater than the faith of any Jewish person He knew.

It’s not difficult to commend others. If we feel uncomfortable doing so, it may be because we do not give words of praise often enough.

Think of some of the people you live and work with. What do you appreciate about them? Don’t keep those compliments to yourself; pass them on verbally or in a note.

Insight: Whom will you commend today? For what? How will you do it?

+DEV+ Meeting Needs

Date: May 12, 2009 9:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Meeting Needs

Meeting Needs

Scripture Focus: John 5:1-16

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27-28).

A few years ago my friend Andy was in a major car accident. A driver ran a red light and smashed into the company car as he drove through the intersection. During the impact, he hit his head hard on the door window and sat in shock for a few minutes.

Bob, another friend who was riding with him, was not injured and took charge of the situation. Since he was unable to decide whether or not to get into the ambulance, Bob insisted Andy go. He reported what happened to the police officer, and called the auto club to tow the car. Then I met them at the hospital.

Andy had a lot of needs I was unable to take care of. I was thankful my friend attended to those needs.

Jesus related to people in much the same way. When He saw a need, He helped. Today’s passage records that Jesus noticed one particular sick man lying by the pool and asked him if he wanted to be well. Jesus went to the heart of his need and met it.

We can do the same today as we relate to people. What needs do your friends, relatives, and acquaintances have that you can help meet?

Insight: Choose one need you are aware of, and decide how you will meet it. Then follow through as soon as possible.

+DEV+ Compassion

Date: May 10, 2009 10:01 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Compassion

Compassion

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:40-45

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).

Leprosy! The word pierced with arrows of fear. It built walls of isolation and death. In Bible times, lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were socially ostracized. God gave detailed instructions in the Law for detecting the disease and excluding the diseased one.

Though lepers were isolated from the rest of the population, one boldly approached Jesus. Instead of shrinking from the man and refusing to have anything to do with him, Jesus touched him.

This one act of compassion spoke volumes to the diseased man. But Jesus even went beyond touching to honoring the man’s request for healing.

We may never have contact with people who are isolated from society, but there are people nearby who can use compassion. Sometimes just a hug or a phone call or an email is what is needed. Other situations may require more extensive help or finding someone else who can meet that need.

In order to build bridges, we must be aware of needs and do what we can to meet them.

Insight: To whom can you demonstrate Jesus’ compassion today? How will you do it?

Happy Mothers day

We at Restoration Ministry want to wish every Mom a very Happy Mothers day. May God's Blessings be upon you and your families. 

+DEV+ Lack of Prejudice

Date: May 6, 2009 9:46 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Lack of Prejudice

Lack of Prejudice

Scripture Focus: John 4:1-42

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (James 2:8-9).

The kids next door are loud and often cut across the lawn of a senior citizen.

A church member ignores the new members because they have asked for several changes.

Some married couples won’t associate with singles.

Discrimination wears many hats.

In Jesus‚ time one form of prejudice was a lack of dealings between Jews and Samaritans, their half-breed countrymen. But Jesus crossed racial, moral, and social boundaries when He went through Samaria to talk with a woman at the well.

Though she would have been ignored by a Jewish man because she was a Samaritan, a woman, and a prostitute, Jesus reached out to her. He initiated the conversation, keeping it on her interest level and pointing out her sin without condemning her. As a result, she believed in Him as Messiah-Savior and told many others who also believed.

Opportunities for building relationships are all around us if we, like Jesus, refuse to let prejudices of any kind block the way.

Insight: What kinds of people do you look down on or refuse to associate with? Are you willing to confess your prejudices as sin and forsake them?

Airplane Humor

Not sure where I got this, but it is good...

Airplane Humor

After every flight, Quantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Quantas pilots and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers. By the way, Quantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

(P = the problem logged by the pilot.)

(S = the solution and/or action taken by mechanics.)

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.

S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.

S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.

S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.

S: Live bugs on back order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute decent.

S: cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.

S: Evidence removed.

P: DME Volume unbelievably loud

S: DME volume set to a more believable level

P: Friction locks cause throttle lever to stick.

S: That's what they're for.

P: IFF inoperative.

S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.

S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.

S: Engine found on right wing after brief search

P: Aircraft handles funny.

S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, and fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.

S: reprogramed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.

S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.

S: Took hammer away from midget.

+DEV+ Directness

Date: May 5, 2009 11:04 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Directness

Directness

Scripture Focus: John 3:1-21

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

In conversation with another have you ever felt that you were talking about two different subjects, even though you weren’t?

On the surface, Nicodemus‚ dialogue with Jesus appears that way. Nicodemus came trying to figure out who Jesus is, but Jesus ignored the question and went directly to the heart of his problem.

Jesus helped him grapple with his unspoken need of being born again, of putting his faith in Jesus plus nothing. He focused directly on Nicodemus‚ need without talking down to him. Jesus treated him as the intellectual he was, expecting him to understand and respond to the truth.

Sometimes we too need to be direct in our relationships others. It’s easy to ignore their needs especially their spiritual needs and talk about everything else. But if we really want to introduce them to Jesus the only way to God we must confront them directly and in a loving manner which shows we care about them as individuals and we want to help them know the God we love.

Insight: Think of one person with whom you have built a relationship but have never talked with directly about Christ. How will you do so today?

+DEV+ God’s Promise, My Hope

Date: May 3, 2009 10:07 PM

Topic: +DEV+     God’s Promise, My Hope

God’s Promise, My Hope

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:49-56

“Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” (Psalm 119:49-50).

How many times have you come to God with one of His promises and held Him to it? I have over and over.

When our job crashed, I cried out to God, and He delivered us. When I broke my back, He gave me a promise that even this would be a blessing in my life.

One day I sat on the stone bench by a little stream tumbling down the hill at the spring of a little creek. I prayed, “Lord, I have this problem and pain in my life. Use it for Your glory.”

The very next day at the house, a man came in early to our Bible study. He was totally distraught. His wife was dying and she was not allowed to be there with the rest of her family. I listened, remembering times when God had met my need as I called on Him in times of complete desperation, then prayed with him.

God is amazing in the way He uses the pain in our lives. Remembering His promises, He comforts us so we may comfort others. 

Insight: God’s promises are our hope and comfort in the trials of life. Hold Him to them. “Lord, remember what You have said to me.”

+DEV+ A Book of Remembrance

Date: May 1, 2009 12:11 AM

Topic: +DEV+     A Book of Remembrance

A Book of Remembrance

Scripture Focus: Malachi 3:16-18

“Those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence” (Malachi 3:16).

Did you know there are books in heaven? Did you know your name is written in the book of life if you are God’s child?

Malachi speaks of a book of remembrance being written. Many Israelites in his day had chosen not to follow God, but some still loved and faithfully worshiped Him. They feared God and encouraged one another. God listened to their conversations and wrote down their names. He knows those who put Him first, and they are precious to Him. Not one of them will be left out of His book of remembrance.

God remembers His own, and He will complete the work He has begun in us. He rejoices over us, singing a love song in our ears. He will get all of His own safely to Heaven. We may not be considered of worth by the world around us, but Jesus promises that not one believer will be lost or forgotten. In fact, some day Jesus will present each of us before His Father’s throne with great joy, trophies of His grace. What a day that will be!

Insight: You are so special to God that He writes your name in His book of remembrance. He will not forget you.