Tag Archives: Israelite

Personal Manna

Posted on June 27, 2013 | 1 comment

Just a quick note tonight – it’s been a busy week and I’m tired.

Long ago I knew I’d never be wealthy; I’d never have a yacht, nor a mansion.  In the past I’ve driven a 1972 Ford Pinto that was held together with Bondo and today I drive a 2007 Ford Focus which is five years newer than my wife’s minivan.

However, I have no complaints.  God has always seen to it that I have what I need and then some.

My kids are in a good school system.  My roof is new and my air conditioner works.  When something breaks I can get it fixed.  If I want something a little special for me or someone in the family, I can get it.

I feel like the Israelites.  I have manna and quail to satisfy me.  I can’t store it up, but each day what I need is given to me as a blessing.

I look at His generosity as a reason to take a moment throughout the day to say, “Hi, God,” or, “Thanks!” and “I love You!”  I believe He deserves to have me acknowledge His blessings throughout my day.

Just like He blesses me throughout every day.

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Posted in Blog, Communications, Culture, Family, History, People, Philosophy, Religion

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Today’s Prayer

Posted on March 27, 2013 | 1 comment

JESUS-NETWORK-MARKETING

We see in the Bible Jesus taking time and finding someplace quiet in order to pray. It’s a safe bet that prayer was part of His daily routine.

What might His prayer been like on this particular day many years ago?

“Well, Father, it starts soon. At sunset tonight it will be Thursday and …, well, let’s not talk about that until We have to. Today is My last normal day.

“I’ve tried to be a devoted son. I have spent my life among your Chosen People. I’ve reached out to Your other children, too, but I tried to do it in a way that didn’t minimize Your love of the Jews.

“It has been both strange and wonderful to spend My time here. Some of these people are really, really special, and it has been a joy to have spent my time with them. John has been a very good friend. I’m planning on asking him to look after My mother. Peter will be a great manager after, well, in the future.

“I plan on sharing the Passover preparation with my closest disciples tomorrow. Your special feast to share with those who have been special to Me. I’m focusing on the good things and trying not to dwell on what follows.

“Please, Father, let me enjoy my last normal day, if that is your will, and give me the strength for what I need to do after that.

“I love you, Father, and I know you love Me. For a few more hours, I am going to celebrate your love and the love of my friends. I’m afraid that when we talk tomorrow, I’ll be completely distracted by the task ahead of me. But for now, just know that Your Son loves you.”

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Posted in Communications, Culture, Family, Friends, History, Holidays, Leadership, People, Philosophy, Religion

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Not Understanding God

Posted on December 27, 2012 | 6 comments

I periodically get comments or notes from readers that point out how God, particularly in the Old Testament ordered the death and destruction of people. Everyone on Earth not on Noah’s ark. Lot’s wife. The Egyptians. Anyone in the way of the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. To them, this seems to be a most unfeeling and unloving God. I can understand their frustration. I can’t explain God. None of us can.

So what are the things that distract us, besides the Old Testament?

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We humans condemned, tortured and killed God’s only Son.

Early Christians were persecuted and martyred.

The human frailties of the Christian Church from its earliest days to the present.

Wars.

Sandy Hook Elementary.

It’s tough to understand from the human perspective why god permits these things to happen. If we had our way, we’d all be healthy, wealthy and wise – and live forever.

That is not the way that it is – at least not in this life.

So we toil and try in this life. We screw up. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and try again.

I wish I had a good explanation that would be compelling for others, but unfortunately I do not.

The best I can do is to try to live an example that at least piques others’ curiosity.

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Posted in Blog, Communications, Culture, History, People, Philosophy, Religion, Uncategorized, Writing

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