Our children have good memories of times we entertained missionaries in our home. They learned that missionaries are real people who care about others, undergo personal struggles, have distinct personalities, and possess a good sense of humor. A missionary to Brazil gave an ocelot skin and other artifacts to our children. Another missionary gave our son a pair of cowboy boots. He said he wouldn’t need them in Bangladesh. Another got expelled from a bowling alley in the middle of a game we were enjoying. It seems he had stepped on some candy and tracked it onto the bowling lane.
Crowds got to know Jesus’ teachings, but individuals who drew close to Him got to know Him. When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, Mary sat at His feet and listened to what He had to say. However, Martha was too busy to sit at His feet, and objected that Mary was not helping her. Jesus explained that Mary’s choice was better than Martha’s.
If you want to know Jesus well, spend quality time with Him.
Showing posts with label devotional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devotional. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Jay Has Left the Stadium
He’s gone! Jay Cutler has left Denver. He put his $2 million house up for sale and moved to Chicago. He is now da Bears’ quarterback.
The Broncos had planned on Jay’s throwing arm to carry them to another Super Bowl, but along came a new coach, Josh McDaniels, who talked about possibly trading Jay. The word “trade” dug into Jay’s feelings like a sharp knife. He knew how to cope with the disappointment of having his passes intercepted, but he couldn’t deal with the angst caused by the word “trade.” How could any coach trade him? After all, by his own admission, his stronger throwing arm is stronger than John Elway’s.
So Jay sulked and refused to show up for team meetings. He even refused to return owner Pat Bowlen’s telephone calls.
I think most Denver fans think Jay acted like a baby. They had hoped for a quarterback with a psyche like his strong throwing arm. Although some fans blame the new coach for Jay’s departure and call him a New England carpetbagger, most Denverites blame Jay. They see him as a little baby with a big arm.
Now Jay is in Chicago, where he can enjoy a Gino’s deep-dish pizza or a Portillo’s hot dog. While he is swallowing some of Chicago’s outstanding food, maybe he will also swallow his pride.
Sensitive feelings are not limited to idolized sports figures; they come packaged in immature church members too. It is not uncommon for a church member to develop hurt feelings if he or she hears talk of a “trade.” The Minister of Music wants to move a sensitive person from choir director to the soprano section. Suddenly, the choir director fails to show up at choir practice, and begins to shop around for a new church home.
A soloist in one church I pastored kept a written record of how often he sang and how often each of the other soloists sang. He complained when he spent more time “on the bench” than the others. Eventually, he left the church and took his hurt feelings to another church.
Jay Cutler has given a new meaning to Jaywalking, and Jaywalking is not a pretty sight in sports or in church.
The Broncos had planned on Jay’s throwing arm to carry them to another Super Bowl, but along came a new coach, Josh McDaniels, who talked about possibly trading Jay. The word “trade” dug into Jay’s feelings like a sharp knife. He knew how to cope with the disappointment of having his passes intercepted, but he couldn’t deal with the angst caused by the word “trade.” How could any coach trade him? After all, by his own admission, his stronger throwing arm is stronger than John Elway’s.
So Jay sulked and refused to show up for team meetings. He even refused to return owner Pat Bowlen’s telephone calls.
I think most Denver fans think Jay acted like a baby. They had hoped for a quarterback with a psyche like his strong throwing arm. Although some fans blame the new coach for Jay’s departure and call him a New England carpetbagger, most Denverites blame Jay. They see him as a little baby with a big arm.
Now Jay is in Chicago, where he can enjoy a Gino’s deep-dish pizza or a Portillo’s hot dog. While he is swallowing some of Chicago’s outstanding food, maybe he will also swallow his pride.
Sensitive feelings are not limited to idolized sports figures; they come packaged in immature church members too. It is not uncommon for a church member to develop hurt feelings if he or she hears talk of a “trade.” The Minister of Music wants to move a sensitive person from choir director to the soprano section. Suddenly, the choir director fails to show up at choir practice, and begins to shop around for a new church home.
A soloist in one church I pastored kept a written record of how often he sang and how often each of the other soloists sang. He complained when he spent more time “on the bench” than the others. Eventually, he left the church and took his hurt feelings to another church.
Jay Cutler has given a new meaning to Jaywalking, and Jaywalking is not a pretty sight in sports or in church.
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Streetcar Named Dalhousie
Stellar! Stellar! That’s my opinion of the outstanding way in which streetcars moved people.
Connected by a rod from its roof to an overhead power line, each streetcar whirred along city streets at a good pace and emitted zero pollution. Their high efficiency was marred only when the pole became disconnected. The streetcar came to a halt, and passengers waited for the conductor to prop the pole back into place.
My favorite streetcar was named “Dalhousie.” It traveled from downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, to Port Dalhousie, a Lake Ontario resort town about four miles north of St. Catharines. The ride cost only a nickel, but it journeyed past Martindale Ponds, my favorite fishing spot, and several productive fruit farms.
Back then, Ralph Bell, now retired from the Billy Graham team, was my riding companion. In the good old summertime, we headed for the beach and the midway rides Port Dalhousie offered. After a swim and a few rides on the Tilt-A-Whirl, Carousel, and Bumper Carts, we boarded the streetcar again and rode home. An occasional stall simply gave us additional time to talk about the day’s fun.
Of course, stalling was never the power line’s fault. The power was always available, but the streetcar had to stay connected. Similarly, the Christian must stay connected to God’s power in order to move forward. Progress stalls instantly if the Christian fails to stay in vital union with Christ.
By obeying the Scriptures, yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s control, and confessing our sins we experience God’s power to move forward toward the successful completion of His will. And all along our journey to heaven, we enjoy an unforgettable ride.
© Jim Dyet
Connected by a rod from its roof to an overhead power line, each streetcar whirred along city streets at a good pace and emitted zero pollution. Their high efficiency was marred only when the pole became disconnected. The streetcar came to a halt, and passengers waited for the conductor to prop the pole back into place.
My favorite streetcar was named “Dalhousie.” It traveled from downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, to Port Dalhousie, a Lake Ontario resort town about four miles north of St. Catharines. The ride cost only a nickel, but it journeyed past Martindale Ponds, my favorite fishing spot, and several productive fruit farms.
Back then, Ralph Bell, now retired from the Billy Graham team, was my riding companion. In the good old summertime, we headed for the beach and the midway rides Port Dalhousie offered. After a swim and a few rides on the Tilt-A-Whirl, Carousel, and Bumper Carts, we boarded the streetcar again and rode home. An occasional stall simply gave us additional time to talk about the day’s fun.
Of course, stalling was never the power line’s fault. The power was always available, but the streetcar had to stay connected. Similarly, the Christian must stay connected to God’s power in order to move forward. Progress stalls instantly if the Christian fails to stay in vital union with Christ.
By obeying the Scriptures, yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s control, and confessing our sins we experience God’s power to move forward toward the successful completion of His will. And all along our journey to heaven, we enjoy an unforgettable ride.
© Jim Dyet
Friday, November 7, 2008
Kissing Camels
I played golf yesterday at Kissing Camels, one of Colorado’s premier courses. A golf buddy had bid on golf for four at an auction, and won. He graciously included me in the foursome.
Kissing Camels sits on a mesa directly across from Garden of the Gods, a popular tourist attraction. A massive rock formation in Garden of the Gods resembles two kissing camels. Nearly every fairway offers a clear view of Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, and Cheyenne Mountain. But, as we played, we were also treated to a close-up look at deer herds and a coyote. A regal buck stared menacingly at us when we looked for an errant golf ball (not mine) in a stand of ponderosa pine.
Viewing the spectacular scenery and wildlife yesterday reinforced my conviction that the Creator is all wise, all powerful, and benevolent. What a wonderful environment He provided for us! But nature rests under a curse, and therefore doesn’t rival the beauty and majesty of the original creation. However, when Jesus returns to Earth, He will restore the planet to Edenlike conditions. I can hardly wait to play a premier golf course then.
Kissing Camels sits on a mesa directly across from Garden of the Gods, a popular tourist attraction. A massive rock formation in Garden of the Gods resembles two kissing camels. Nearly every fairway offers a clear view of Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, and Cheyenne Mountain. But, as we played, we were also treated to a close-up look at deer herds and a coyote. A regal buck stared menacingly at us when we looked for an errant golf ball (not mine) in a stand of ponderosa pine.
Viewing the spectacular scenery and wildlife yesterday reinforced my conviction that the Creator is all wise, all powerful, and benevolent. What a wonderful environment He provided for us! But nature rests under a curse, and therefore doesn’t rival the beauty and majesty of the original creation. However, when Jesus returns to Earth, He will restore the planet to Edenlike conditions. I can hardly wait to play a premier golf course then.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
One of Those Days
We have all had a rough day now and then. The washing machine breaks. The car’s battery dies. The kids get sick. We dislocate a hip. Lightning forces us off the golf course. The boss rants and raves incessantly. Ad nauseum, Ad nauseum.
Yesterday was one of those days.
Gloria and I switched health care plans at the first of the year after learning the new plan’s directory of providers included our primary care doctor. It did. But yesterday, when Gloria was very sick and we stepped into our primary care doctor’s office, a sign on the receptionist’s desk informed us the doctor did not accept our plan. Many long phone calls later I learned we had walked into a quagmire. The health insurance company and the doctor were about as agreeable as two grizzlies vying for the same salmon.
Our agent said frankly we needed a new primary care doctor. But it took several calls to find one. Several doctors listed in the directory of providers denied belonging to the plan. The one who responded positively identified February 28 as the first available appointment day.
What might national health care look like?
That evening in Penrose, Colorado, went well. The mid-week service was well attended and the group discussion was lively and relevant. And then we all walked to our cars. While we were praying, a blinding blizzard had arrived. I wheeled my car onto the nearby highway to begin the hour-long drive that would stretch through the canyons and hills to my home in Colorado Springs.
If you know Colorado, you know snow clearance is left mainly to the sun, and it definitely wasn’t shining at 8:00 p.m. Two miles down the slick, snowy road, I faced a whiteout. So I turned around and returned to Penrose, where I slept the night away in a comfortable, warm bed. The morning ride home was treacherous, but at least I could see where I was going.
So yesterday was one of those days. But it was also a Romans 8:28 day. It lay squarely in God’s hands for my good and His glory. I found myself giving thanks for thoughtful church members who furnished the parsonage for my comfort. They had anticipated a day or two when the weather would be bad. I also was thankful for a new doctor’s willingness to accept two new patients with a Medicare supplement plan.
Yesterday was one of those days.
Gloria and I switched health care plans at the first of the year after learning the new plan’s directory of providers included our primary care doctor. It did. But yesterday, when Gloria was very sick and we stepped into our primary care doctor’s office, a sign on the receptionist’s desk informed us the doctor did not accept our plan. Many long phone calls later I learned we had walked into a quagmire. The health insurance company and the doctor were about as agreeable as two grizzlies vying for the same salmon.
Our agent said frankly we needed a new primary care doctor. But it took several calls to find one. Several doctors listed in the directory of providers denied belonging to the plan. The one who responded positively identified February 28 as the first available appointment day.
What might national health care look like?
That evening in Penrose, Colorado, went well. The mid-week service was well attended and the group discussion was lively and relevant. And then we all walked to our cars. While we were praying, a blinding blizzard had arrived. I wheeled my car onto the nearby highway to begin the hour-long drive that would stretch through the canyons and hills to my home in Colorado Springs.
If you know Colorado, you know snow clearance is left mainly to the sun, and it definitely wasn’t shining at 8:00 p.m. Two miles down the slick, snowy road, I faced a whiteout. So I turned around and returned to Penrose, where I slept the night away in a comfortable, warm bed. The morning ride home was treacherous, but at least I could see where I was going.
So yesterday was one of those days. But it was also a Romans 8:28 day. It lay squarely in God’s hands for my good and His glory. I found myself giving thanks for thoughtful church members who furnished the parsonage for my comfort. They had anticipated a day or two when the weather would be bad. I also was thankful for a new doctor’s willingness to accept two new patients with a Medicare supplement plan.
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Ultimate Appointment
Life delivers bundles of sadness along with heaps of joy. The other day, Gloria’s oldest brother called to say his middle daughter had died. Our niece Jill had battled breast cancer courageously for a long time. She was only 46. Ironically, her mother had breast cancer, which had claimed her mother’s life when she was 46.
The same day, a member of a church I had pastored in Williamson, New York, until 1964 called to tell me another member of the church had died during the night. He remarked, “She went to bed, fell asleep, and woke up in heaven.” She was in her 80s.
Death is no respecter of persons. Soon the old must die, and at any time the young may die. Hebrews 9:27 insists everyone must keep an appointment with death. But Christians need not fear death. For the Christian, death issues a passport to an unending life in heaven. Death ushers the Christian immediately into the presence of the risen Savior (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21–23). It is a graduation; a change of address; a triumph, not a tragedy; a gain, not a loss.
Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to heaven, and sat down at the Father’s right hand—the place of uncontested authority. Now, He is preparing a place for us. Christians who have passed through the veil of death are enjoying indescribable surroundings and boundless vibrant life with Christ.
Yes, it is hard to part with loved ones and friends, but someday they will welcome us to heaven. They may even given us a grand tour of that beautiful, peaceful place. In the meantime, when thoughts of dying confront us, we can exclaim with the apostle Paul, “’Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ . . . But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
The same day, a member of a church I had pastored in Williamson, New York, until 1964 called to tell me another member of the church had died during the night. He remarked, “She went to bed, fell asleep, and woke up in heaven.” She was in her 80s.
Death is no respecter of persons. Soon the old must die, and at any time the young may die. Hebrews 9:27 insists everyone must keep an appointment with death. But Christians need not fear death. For the Christian, death issues a passport to an unending life in heaven. Death ushers the Christian immediately into the presence of the risen Savior (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21–23). It is a graduation; a change of address; a triumph, not a tragedy; a gain, not a loss.
Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to heaven, and sat down at the Father’s right hand—the place of uncontested authority. Now, He is preparing a place for us. Christians who have passed through the veil of death are enjoying indescribable surroundings and boundless vibrant life with Christ.
Yes, it is hard to part with loved ones and friends, but someday they will welcome us to heaven. They may even given us a grand tour of that beautiful, peaceful place. In the meantime, when thoughts of dying confront us, we can exclaim with the apostle Paul, “’Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ . . . But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Faithful Friends
About a month ago a retired Air Force colonel left his ranch home in Cotopaxi, Colorado, to feed his livestock. He took his two dogs with him. When he didn’t return, his family launched a search. Knowing he had Alzheimer’s, they suspected he had become confused and wandered off into nearby rugged terrain. They were right. Although the search failed to locate the missing man, a hunter stumbled onto his body the other day, and also found his two dogs in good condition at his side.
Those of us who own dogs and are owned by them know how loyal they are. My two dogs, a Maltese and a toy poodle, are more than pets; they are good friends. Whatever I spend to feed them and keep them healthy and groomed, they more than repay me in companionship and loyalty. They even listen attentively when I talk to them—something not everyone does when I preach.
Another dog will join our family at the end of October. Sadie, a Coton de Tulear puppy will join Molly and Rosie to form a trio of faithful, loving friends.
Proverbs 17:17 teaches, “A friend loves at all times.” It seems to me we can learn a significant lesson from our canine friends.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Podcast: Cure For Frustration
Cure for Frustration. Luke 5:1-11.
Gabcast! Cure for Frustration #1
"Cure for Frustration" was written by James Dyet and was published by Haven Ministries. Copyright 1998. Used by permission.
This podcast was recorded by Sherrie E. , who is Dr. Dyet's daughter.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Gabcast! Cure for Frustration #1
"Cure for Frustration" was written by James Dyet and was published by Haven Ministries. Copyright 1998. Used by permission.
This podcast was recorded by Sherrie E. , who is Dr. Dyet's daughter.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Podcast: How About A Sign?
Gabcast! How About A Sign? #1
"How About A Sign?" was written by James Dyet and was published by Haven Ministries. Copyright 1998. Used by permission.
This podcast was recorded by Sherrie E. , who is Dr. Dyet's daughter.
For the text version of this devotional,go to Dr. Dyet's web site.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
"How About A Sign?" was written by James Dyet and was published by Haven Ministries. Copyright 1998. Used by permission.
This podcast was recorded by Sherrie E. , who is Dr. Dyet's daughter.
For the text version of this devotional,go to Dr. Dyet's web site.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
"Suffering" by James Dyet
15 points on why God allows us to suffer. by James Dyet
1) Suffering is a force that pushes us closer to God. It helps us see our weaknesses and the need to rely on Him.
2) Suffering develops Christlike character (Rom. 8:18–29).
3) Suffering uncovers the genuineness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6–7).
4) The comfort we receive during our suffering enables us to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:5–7).
5) Christians who have experienced intense suffering display intense grace (2 Cor. 12:7–9).
6) Our suffering provides opportunity to tap into our Lord's strength (2 Cor. 9:10).
7) Suffering helps us keep our focus on Heaven and eternal values (2 Cor. 4:16—5:5; Phil. 1:20–23; Col. 3:1–4; 2 Tim. 6–8).
8) God doesn't test us beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).
9) God's way is sometimes hard, but it is always perfect (Psm. 18:30a).
10) Sometimes, God's will is mysterious, but it is always best. Herod executed James, but God extricated Peter from a similar fate. (Acts 12).
11) The Rapture—the blessed hope— may occur in our lifetime and will end our suffering.
12) God may receive greater glory through a suffering believer's display of faith than through healing.
13) Job's questions about suffering were answered by a revelation of God's sovereignty (Job 42–6).
14) The curse of sin ravages human life as well as nature. Our sufferings are a reflection of the extent of the curse.
15) Heaven's joys will make earth's sufferings seem like nothing. (Rev. 21:1–5).
copyright 2007 JamesDyet
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
1) Suffering is a force that pushes us closer to God. It helps us see our weaknesses and the need to rely on Him.
2) Suffering develops Christlike character (Rom. 8:18–29).
3) Suffering uncovers the genuineness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6–7).
4) The comfort we receive during our suffering enables us to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:5–7).
5) Christians who have experienced intense suffering display intense grace (2 Cor. 12:7–9).
6) Our suffering provides opportunity to tap into our Lord's strength (2 Cor. 9:10).
7) Suffering helps us keep our focus on Heaven and eternal values (2 Cor. 4:16—5:5; Phil. 1:20–23; Col. 3:1–4; 2 Tim. 6–8).
8) God doesn't test us beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).
9) God's way is sometimes hard, but it is always perfect (Psm. 18:30a).
10) Sometimes, God's will is mysterious, but it is always best. Herod executed James, but God extricated Peter from a similar fate. (Acts 12).
11) The Rapture—the blessed hope— may occur in our lifetime and will end our suffering.
12) God may receive greater glory through a suffering believer's display of faith than through healing.
13) Job's questions about suffering were answered by a revelation of God's sovereignty (Job 42–6).
14) The curse of sin ravages human life as well as nature. Our sufferings are a reflection of the extent of the curse.
15) Heaven's joys will make earth's sufferings seem like nothing. (Rev. 21:1–5).
copyright 2007 JamesDyet
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Monday, August 27, 2007
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