“Every time I think of you; I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4, NLT).
Barbara Johnson is one of my favorite Christian authors. Barb tells of the time she had overslept and was late for work. Then, several things happened at the office to contribute to her agitation. By the time she reached the bus stop for the trip home her stomach was tied into knots.
“When they were all full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit” (John 6:12, GNT).
My cell phone has been acting up lately. The device is only a few years old. Planned obsolescence is the reason, so I’m told.
It seems that many things made today are not built to last. From electronics to motor vehicles, clothing to major league sport rosters, most consumables are produced with a short shelf life in mind. In many instances, it’s more expensive to repair an item than to replace it. Such is life in a disposable society.
“In this life we have three great lasting qualities – faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of them is love” (I Corinthians 13:13, J.B. Phillips).
Several years ago, my father was approached by a member of the church he served. I’ll call her Darlene. Darlene sat down in my father’s office and spoke:
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to
keep their whole body in check” (James 3:2, NIV).
Legend has it that one day Albert Einstein wrote on the chalk board:
9 x 1 = 9, 9 x 2 = 18, 9 x 3 = 27…9 x 9 = 81, 9 x 10 = 91.
“The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings” (Proverbs 18:21, ERV).
A disturbing trend has been observed near the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina. During the early months of the year, right whales leave the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean to mate and raise their calves in the warmer temperatures of South America. Marine biologist, Maria Piotto, has observed sea gulls attacking young southern right whales. The gulls persistently swoop down and peck at the calf’s flesh as the baby whale breaches the surface for air.
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV).
Steve was a professional baseball player. Steve was also my high school classmate and friend. Following a successful amateur career at Notre Dame, Steve was drafted in the sixth round of the 1983 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians).