These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Love? If I love you and you love me as much as we should, it isn’t that we will never have to say, “I’m sorry.” It is rather that each of us will accept the two word apology with a three word reply, “I forgive you,” said either by word or deed or both.
Love? It is a roof over our head that never leaks no matter how hard the rains of sorrow fall.
Love? It is more than a truce. It is a heavenly transaction with the signatures signed at the cross.
Love? It is humanity with a halo. It is flawed man with his psyche rubbed raw from giving the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians his all.
Love? When it happens, it is the miracle your Lord and mine promises it to be.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
HOW MANY SHEPHERDS DO YOU HAVE? (JAN 29)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
CLICK ON THE CHARLES WESLEY, MARTIN LUTHER, BEN FRANKLIN & ABE LINCOLN NAMES ON THE TOP RIGHT HAND SIDE AND WATCH NEIL PORTRAY THESE FOUR FAMOUS INDIVIDUALS IN HIS ONE MAN DRAMAS SEEN ROUND THE WORLD.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
PREJUDICE IS A FIRST CLASS PAIN
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY “One A Day…BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Prejudice is certainly nothing knew. It has been around ever since God peopled the earth.
Insecure men and women, seeking to make some other folk even more insecure, have courted this piece of hell and unfortunately kept it alive and well.
Prejudice was rampant in Jesus’ time. Not that He liked it. Not that He supported it. But it was there. And so it was that one day on a trip through Samaria He had a beautiful opportunity to ignore one of the prejudices of the time, and He did.
There was a well and it was filled with water. He was thirsty but had no rope nor bucket. Along came a Samaritan woman who did have a rope and bucket.
But talk to a Samaritan? Bad scene. Talk to a woman? Even worse. Men weren’t suppose to address women in public.
However, Jesus had his own sense of proper protocol and this opportunity to break two prejudices at the same time was just too good to pass by.
This Master of love and light was thirsty, so He did what common sense demanded and prejudice would have denied. He asked her for a drink of water.
Oh, the story goes a lot further than that.
Since they were now talking, communication ensued.
“Where do I find God?” she asked and it was all uphill from there.
But that is not the point I want to make. I want to call attention to the fact that if Jesus had followed the guidelines of prejudice currently in vogue, there would have been no water for His thirsty lips and no discussion to benefit her thirsty soul.
Prejudice does that. It keeps people from talking to each other and learning from each other and benefiting from each other. Prejudice is a first class pain and too often we don’t have the sense to shove it away and tell it to get lost.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY “One A Day…BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Prejudice is certainly nothing knew. It has been around ever since God peopled the earth.
Insecure men and women, seeking to make some other folk even more insecure, have courted this piece of hell and unfortunately kept it alive and well.
Prejudice was rampant in Jesus’ time. Not that He liked it. Not that He supported it. But it was there. And so it was that one day on a trip through Samaria He had a beautiful opportunity to ignore one of the prejudices of the time, and He did.
There was a well and it was filled with water. He was thirsty but had no rope nor bucket. Along came a Samaritan woman who did have a rope and bucket.
But talk to a Samaritan? Bad scene. Talk to a woman? Even worse. Men weren’t suppose to address women in public.
However, Jesus had his own sense of proper protocol and this opportunity to break two prejudices at the same time was just too good to pass by.
This Master of love and light was thirsty, so He did what common sense demanded and prejudice would have denied. He asked her for a drink of water.
Oh, the story goes a lot further than that.
Since they were now talking, communication ensued.
“Where do I find God?” she asked and it was all uphill from there.
But that is not the point I want to make. I want to call attention to the fact that if Jesus had followed the guidelines of prejudice currently in vogue, there would have been no water for His thirsty lips and no discussion to benefit her thirsty soul.
Prejudice does that. It keeps people from talking to each other and learning from each other and benefiting from each other. Prejudice is a first class pain and too often we don’t have the sense to shove it away and tell it to get lost.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
IT ISN'T THAT HE HASN'T TOLD US
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Christ has told us. We have listened. The behavioral habits expected of us as Christians are crystal clear.
Why then do we take so many circuitous routes on the way to the straight and narrow? Why do we too often clamor for excuses rather than commitments?
Is it truly because of our childhood or culture we so easily falter?? Can we blame society or must we lay at least some of the blame at our own doorsteps? In short, is it internal or external motivation that drives our lives?
“I just can’t get control of my life.” pled the woman who sat before me. And then we began to discuss the issue.
Of how we are in control even when we are out of control.
The questions and subsequent answers are the same for all of us. Should we see a doctor, take a medicine, have an operation, participate in some skullduggery, read the bible or an inspirational book, pray another prayer? Should we do all we can or give up and do nothing? What does our value system look like? How deep, wide and spiritually handsome is our faith?
We are never without choices to be made. The issue then is how effectively and efficiently we come to conclusions.
Certain facts are too basic. If our way of life is beneficial we can expand it. If it is detrimental we can administer a shrinkage program.
Each day we make out a new guest list for who and what we are going to invite into our hearts. A little bit of greed or generosity. A brief or lengthy visit with God or the devil. A good morning Jesus day. Or a get out of my life Lord foolish but persistent decree.
Unfortunately, some worship at an altar of ghostly remnants. Airy echoes of a religious past. Caught up in the world with all its clamoring for time and energy God is deposited in a holy hat box. To be worn again some day. Brought out in the open again some day. But not utilized in the control center of the soul.
Ala the old Abbott and Costello joke. Who’s on first? Whats on second? In making our decisions is that which matters most often at the mercy of that which matters least?
“He leadeth me,O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still’ tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
But not if we don’t follow. Not if we don’t number our choices in proper order. And following one’s conscience is of little value if it is dead or dying. Or quoting the Golden rule when it is made of dross.
What then to do? Tag on to the miraculous in our Christian faith, the optimism of its’ promises. Remember the unlikely individuals down through the centuries who have overcome their backgrounds as they put Christ in their foreground..
Laugh rather than lament in the face of moral obstacles.
Life’s a super bowl. Win it. Let Christ be your coach. Study his playbook called the Bible. Don’t add lib on the way toward heaven rather than hell.
Look less at outward pressures and more on inner resources. Because it isn’t always where you are physically that makes the difference but where you’re soul has put down its’ roots. Paul wrote his letter to the Phillipians from the dismal settings of a prison. John Bunyan did the same when he wrote Pilgrims Progress.
No matter what the circumstances of life there are barriers to being better, obstacles to being good and doing good. The rich man with too much. The poor man with too little. The top notch athlete with his excessive millions and excessive ego. The clod with his burden of self depreciation.
What to do? Remember that we are travelers and we get but one chance at choosing right paths and noble efforts. Sorting out what is worth keeping and throwing away that not worth keeping at all.
Yes, it is far too easy to burden a life with hates and hurts, foolish sins and he consequences thereof. a closing prayer needs saying at the end and beginning of each day. “Dear Lord, Help me to be heroic more often than struggling. Marching more often than meandering. Pursuing angels rather than devils.” Amen. And again amen.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Christ has told us. We have listened. The behavioral habits expected of us as Christians are crystal clear.
Why then do we take so many circuitous routes on the way to the straight and narrow? Why do we too often clamor for excuses rather than commitments?
Is it truly because of our childhood or culture we so easily falter?? Can we blame society or must we lay at least some of the blame at our own doorsteps? In short, is it internal or external motivation that drives our lives?
“I just can’t get control of my life.” pled the woman who sat before me. And then we began to discuss the issue.
Of how we are in control even when we are out of control.
The questions and subsequent answers are the same for all of us. Should we see a doctor, take a medicine, have an operation, participate in some skullduggery, read the bible or an inspirational book, pray another prayer? Should we do all we can or give up and do nothing? What does our value system look like? How deep, wide and spiritually handsome is our faith?
We are never without choices to be made. The issue then is how effectively and efficiently we come to conclusions.
Certain facts are too basic. If our way of life is beneficial we can expand it. If it is detrimental we can administer a shrinkage program.
Each day we make out a new guest list for who and what we are going to invite into our hearts. A little bit of greed or generosity. A brief or lengthy visit with God or the devil. A good morning Jesus day. Or a get out of my life Lord foolish but persistent decree.
Unfortunately, some worship at an altar of ghostly remnants. Airy echoes of a religious past. Caught up in the world with all its clamoring for time and energy God is deposited in a holy hat box. To be worn again some day. Brought out in the open again some day. But not utilized in the control center of the soul.
Ala the old Abbott and Costello joke. Who’s on first? Whats on second? In making our decisions is that which matters most often at the mercy of that which matters least?
“He leadeth me,O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still’ tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
But not if we don’t follow. Not if we don’t number our choices in proper order. And following one’s conscience is of little value if it is dead or dying. Or quoting the Golden rule when it is made of dross.
What then to do? Tag on to the miraculous in our Christian faith, the optimism of its’ promises. Remember the unlikely individuals down through the centuries who have overcome their backgrounds as they put Christ in their foreground..
Laugh rather than lament in the face of moral obstacles.
Life’s a super bowl. Win it. Let Christ be your coach. Study his playbook called the Bible. Don’t add lib on the way toward heaven rather than hell.
Look less at outward pressures and more on inner resources. Because it isn’t always where you are physically that makes the difference but where you’re soul has put down its’ roots. Paul wrote his letter to the Phillipians from the dismal settings of a prison. John Bunyan did the same when he wrote Pilgrims Progress.
No matter what the circumstances of life there are barriers to being better, obstacles to being good and doing good. The rich man with too much. The poor man with too little. The top notch athlete with his excessive millions and excessive ego. The clod with his burden of self depreciation.
What to do? Remember that we are travelers and we get but one chance at choosing right paths and noble efforts. Sorting out what is worth keeping and throwing away that not worth keeping at all.
Yes, it is far too easy to burden a life with hates and hurts, foolish sins and he consequences thereof. a closing prayer needs saying at the end and beginning of each day. “Dear Lord, Help me to be heroic more often than struggling. Marching more often than meandering. Pursuing angels rather than devils.” Amen. And again amen.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Sunday, January 24, 2010
DO YOU EVER GET MAD ABOUT GETTING MAD?
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. "Life is Not What It Is, But What You Make It". SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Someone once said of Jesus, “He had to be divine. No mortal man could have been that patient.” Indeed, Jesus could not have loved so much if He had not been patient so often.
Anyone can get mad, we all have. Paul knowing the problem first hand wrote, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath”.
Jesus facing the fact that people get mad at each other said, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there is a grievance between thee and a neighbor, first reconcile and then bring thy gift”.
And perhaps an oyster is one of the finest examples of patience in action. It takes an irritation and makes it a pearl.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. "Life is Not What It Is, But What You Make It". SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Someone once said of Jesus, “He had to be divine. No mortal man could have been that patient.” Indeed, Jesus could not have loved so much if He had not been patient so often.
Anyone can get mad, we all have. Paul knowing the problem first hand wrote, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath”.
Jesus facing the fact that people get mad at each other said, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there is a grievance between thee and a neighbor, first reconcile and then bring thy gift”.
And perhaps an oyster is one of the finest examples of patience in action. It takes an irritation and makes it a pearl.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Thursday, January 21, 2010
THE LOUD SOUND OF SILENCE
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Peter set a precedent that night he denied Christ. A precedent that has been followed by untold numbers of Christians down through the centuries.
A call to weakness went out from that lonely vigil of a frightened man. “Play it safe. Don’t ruffle the waters. If denial will save your skin, then deny.”
Peter knew what he oughta do. He just didn’t wanna.
And so the decision went out, echoing down through the ages, to all Christians who are unsure of their Christianity. “When you are between a moral rock and hard place be a sneak, be a deserter, be a weasel, be a liar about your faith. Deny, deny, deny.
Don’t worry about what you ought to do. Concentrate only on what you don’t wanna do.
“Christ? Never heard of Him.” It is the message Christians send out into the world all the time. At work, at play. Silent in the face of obscenities.
Silent when an ethical concept is being battered, bruised and finally destroyed.
Silent when someone in a group makes disparaging remarks about a Jesus freak.
Silent! And silently thinking the words, I don’t wanna be brave for Christ because they, the agnostics, the occasional atheist, the lukewarm Christians will think less of me. They’ll think I’m a holy Joe.
God forbid.
When the 19th century evangelist Dwight L. Moody* was once criticized for his style of evangelism he simply replied, “I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.”
Below are SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
VISIT THE ABOVE SITE FOR A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER THAT BEGAN ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
STARTING ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER ON MY OTHER BLOG. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
Peter set a precedent that night he denied Christ. A precedent that has been followed by untold numbers of Christians down through the centuries.
A call to weakness went out from that lonely vigil of a frightened man. “Play it safe. Don’t ruffle the waters. If denial will save your skin, then deny.”
Peter knew what he oughta do. He just didn’t wanna.
And so the decision went out, echoing down through the ages, to all Christians who are unsure of their Christianity. “When you are between a moral rock and hard place be a sneak, be a deserter, be a weasel, be a liar about your faith. Deny, deny, deny.
Don’t worry about what you ought to do. Concentrate only on what you don’t wanna do.
“Christ? Never heard of Him.” It is the message Christians send out into the world all the time. At work, at play. Silent in the face of obscenities.
Silent when an ethical concept is being battered, bruised and finally destroyed.
Silent when someone in a group makes disparaging remarks about a Jesus freak.
Silent! And silently thinking the words, I don’t wanna be brave for Christ because they, the agnostics, the occasional atheist, the lukewarm Christians will think less of me. They’ll think I’m a holy Joe.
God forbid.
When the 19th century evangelist Dwight L. Moody* was once criticized for his style of evangelism he simply replied, “I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.”
Below are SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
VISIT THE ABOVE SITE FOR A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER THAT BEGAN ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15TH
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
ETERNITY! THE CONTINUATION OF YOU AND ME WITH THE GOD OF BOTH OF US
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
I got to thinking the other day of how it is with me in this the 81st year of my life.
Of how it is that I began to talk before I could read, and walk before I could run.
I remember the day I puckered my lips and made funny little sounds I called a whistle before I could ever make a tune.
All my life, I have been doing things before I completely understood or mastered what I was doing.
It is the same with my faith. When I pray to my Lord, I don’t think about what my theology professor had to say in Seminary class, or the long complicated theological discussions we had, rather I seek to feel what God is speaking to my heart.
When I pray to my Creator I don’t understand exactly where I stand in His scheme of things, except that by His grace I am saved.
What I am really saying is that even as I know God, you know God. I may have read more books than some of you (but not more than many of you my ministerial friends who are reading this), listened to more teachers, written more sermons on the subject, but as I know Him with my heart, so too do you with your heart.
I may still be able to read some Greek and even stumble over some Hebrew, but what counts is not how great a scholar I am. Rather, what counts, is how good a Christian I am in accepting his forgiveness and becoming a better person out of a sense of overwhelming gratitude.
I know this. Each of us stands on a shore and gazes across an uncharted sea. It is called life - a life that began with God, ends with God, and then, with the promise of eternity, continues with God.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
I got to thinking the other day of how it is with me in this the 81st year of my life.
Of how it is that I began to talk before I could read, and walk before I could run.
I remember the day I puckered my lips and made funny little sounds I called a whistle before I could ever make a tune.
All my life, I have been doing things before I completely understood or mastered what I was doing.
It is the same with my faith. When I pray to my Lord, I don’t think about what my theology professor had to say in Seminary class, or the long complicated theological discussions we had, rather I seek to feel what God is speaking to my heart.
When I pray to my Creator I don’t understand exactly where I stand in His scheme of things, except that by His grace I am saved.
What I am really saying is that even as I know God, you know God. I may have read more books than some of you (but not more than many of you my ministerial friends who are reading this), listened to more teachers, written more sermons on the subject, but as I know Him with my heart, so too do you with your heart.
I may still be able to read some Greek and even stumble over some Hebrew, but what counts is not how great a scholar I am. Rather, what counts, is how good a Christian I am in accepting his forgiveness and becoming a better person out of a sense of overwhelming gratitude.
I know this. Each of us stands on a shore and gazes across an uncharted sea. It is called life - a life that began with God, ends with God, and then, with the promise of eternity, continues with God.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (JAN 15)
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Sunday, January 17, 2010
AN OLD FASHION ATTACK OF GUILT!
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
You know what America is badly in need of? An old fashioned attack of guilt. No more trips on a gravy train called excuses.
America needs repentance… followed by regeneration. A sense of responsibility followed by a need for solution. Of course, not followed by perfection, that’s for sure. But certainly accepting the reality that the only way to slow down some of the current crises for sinning is calling sin what it is.
My friends, God created us. He put above us the 3,500 stars we can see with our naked eyes and the millions upon millions we cannot see. He made an Adam, and that he might not be alone he created an Eve.
He made a mountain, and sent a Moses atop that mountain, and there gave the world Ten Commandments. He gave and gave and gave and keeps on giving, and I just keep on saying, “Thank you.” He offers me a feast and the least I can do is offer him a life that not a spiritual famine.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A NEW SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGAN ON THIS BLOG, ONFRIDAY JAN 15TH
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
You know what America is badly in need of? An old fashioned attack of guilt. No more trips on a gravy train called excuses.
America needs repentance… followed by regeneration. A sense of responsibility followed by a need for solution. Of course, not followed by perfection, that’s for sure. But certainly accepting the reality that the only way to slow down some of the current crises for sinning is calling sin what it is.
My friends, God created us. He put above us the 3,500 stars we can see with our naked eyes and the millions upon millions we cannot see. He made an Adam, and that he might not be alone he created an Eve.
He made a mountain, and sent a Moses atop that mountain, and there gave the world Ten Commandments. He gave and gave and gave and keeps on giving, and I just keep on saying, “Thank you.” He offers me a feast and the least I can do is offer him a life that not a spiritual famine.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
A NEW SIX DAY SERIES ON ANGER BEGAN ON THIS BLOG, ONFRIDAY JAN 15TH
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Thursday, January 14, 2010
REMEMBER!!! BEING A FOOL IS FAR TOO EASY!!!
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Karl Marx. Remember, he called the State, God, and formed a theology. He fashioned his ideology first as a Jew and finally as an atheist.
From the Hebrew prophets he reached out and applied their belief that a violent social change was inevitable.
Playing off this religious base he came to the conclusion that it was perfectly all right to kill off a few thousand in the name of improvement.
From atheism he extracted the belief that there is no hereafter and therefore was perfectly comfortable in disrupting the herenow of 800 million people. He fed the people a famine while trying to convince them it was a feast.
But then, of course, this isn’t the only example of poor spiritual and mental eating habits.
After World War I, things weren’t going so well in Europe. In Germany, its war-weary and destitute people were also looking for a leader – a savior.
Willing to accept anyone if the promises were big enough. All the while in a dingy jail cell sat Adolph Hitler writing Mein Kampf, which became the creed for National Socialism.
Its theme was absurd, but perfectly acceptable to a nation gone blind in one eye and not able to see out of the other one. It’s theme read; I believe in a god who has sent us Adolph Hitler to save us from becoming parasites and do-nothings. I believe in a god who has sent us Adolph Hitler to bring back to us beauty and truth. I believe in Adolph Hitler because I no longer believe in myself.
It was a stupid idea and, looking back, it seems difficult to believe any that intelligent human beings could have bought into it. But people, because of greed or arrogance or anger or desperation, buy into stupid ideas all the time.
And so in not too long a time, all of Germany was shouting this nonsense: goose stepping through not only their own country but many other lands. Persecuting Jews and anyone else who got in their way, and supping at the table of power and conquest.
Hello, Isaiah, what was that you said?
“It shall even be as when a hungry man dreameth, and behold he eateth; but he awaketh and his soul is empty.”
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Karl Marx. Remember, he called the State, God, and formed a theology. He fashioned his ideology first as a Jew and finally as an atheist.
From the Hebrew prophets he reached out and applied their belief that a violent social change was inevitable.
Playing off this religious base he came to the conclusion that it was perfectly all right to kill off a few thousand in the name of improvement.
From atheism he extracted the belief that there is no hereafter and therefore was perfectly comfortable in disrupting the herenow of 800 million people. He fed the people a famine while trying to convince them it was a feast.
But then, of course, this isn’t the only example of poor spiritual and mental eating habits.
After World War I, things weren’t going so well in Europe. In Germany, its war-weary and destitute people were also looking for a leader – a savior.
Willing to accept anyone if the promises were big enough. All the while in a dingy jail cell sat Adolph Hitler writing Mein Kampf, which became the creed for National Socialism.
Its theme was absurd, but perfectly acceptable to a nation gone blind in one eye and not able to see out of the other one. It’s theme read; I believe in a god who has sent us Adolph Hitler to save us from becoming parasites and do-nothings. I believe in a god who has sent us Adolph Hitler to bring back to us beauty and truth. I believe in Adolph Hitler because I no longer believe in myself.
It was a stupid idea and, looking back, it seems difficult to believe any that intelligent human beings could have bought into it. But people, because of greed or arrogance or anger or desperation, buy into stupid ideas all the time.
And so in not too long a time, all of Germany was shouting this nonsense: goose stepping through not only their own country but many other lands. Persecuting Jews and anyone else who got in their way, and supping at the table of power and conquest.
Hello, Isaiah, what was that you said?
“It shall even be as when a hungry man dreameth, and behold he eateth; but he awaketh and his soul is empty.”
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
WHAT IS SO DIFFERENT ABOUT STARS? ALL AROUND THEM IS DARKNESS BUT THEY NEVER NOTICE...THEY'RE TOO BUSY MAKING LIGHT.
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Anxiety is the darkness of the night without the brightness of the stars.
Are there ways and means to improve our handling of this nightmare? There are indeed. Firstly, it is very important to understand that none of us will ever completely eliminate all anxiety. Pockets of panic will always exist. Eradication just isn’t going to happen.
We should all remember what an old farmer in my first country pastorate wisely reminded me when I was down a bit, “Every path has its puddles.” And sometimes the best we can do, after we have tried to keep thoughts that stink at a distance, is to work at making them less toxic and a little more manageable.
If you are like the Psalmist and wonder, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” then believe and follow our other scripture reading and take it to the Lord in prayer.
Jesus said, “My peace I give you, not as the world gives it,” and when He said that He meant it. Therefore, for all the psychological principles that can and should be applied, for all the practical applications and ideas that may work, never forget the spiritual connection called Christ. He digs beneath the veneer and deals directly with our souls.
When you weep in the night and perhaps even moan in the day, do so with your Jesus by your side. Does that sound too simple? Perhaps. But how it sounds is not what it is all about. Rather, if you try going it alone with a stack of self-help books close at hand without your Bible front and center, you will find some helps but you won’t find yourself. And therein lays the difference.
I took countless counseling courses in Seminary. I have read a multitude of books that deal with the psychology and philosophy of how to handle anxiety But I tell you this, as much as they help, without Christ, they are only band-aids. They do not address the spiritual backbone which is where lies a strength that can be found nowhere else.
One of the hardest things to achieve, when anxiety comes to call, is that balance between uncontrolled hysteria and unrealistic self-control. The Bible refers to it as “the peace that passeth understanding.” And this is what, when the walls come crashing down, Christ can bring. Control in the midst of uncontrol.
The cause of your anxiety may not go away. The pain may still be very real. But you are not the same person you were before you said and meant, “Here am I, Lord, take me.”
Again, it may all seem too simple. But what is simply true is that if you try to go it alone you will be nowhere near as strong, or brave, or able to handle what is hurting you so. Leaving that one set of footprints in the sand because you are letting Christ carry you for a little while is more than just a beautiful picture…it is a beautiful truth.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Anxiety is the darkness of the night without the brightness of the stars.
Are there ways and means to improve our handling of this nightmare? There are indeed. Firstly, it is very important to understand that none of us will ever completely eliminate all anxiety. Pockets of panic will always exist. Eradication just isn’t going to happen.
We should all remember what an old farmer in my first country pastorate wisely reminded me when I was down a bit, “Every path has its puddles.” And sometimes the best we can do, after we have tried to keep thoughts that stink at a distance, is to work at making them less toxic and a little more manageable.
If you are like the Psalmist and wonder, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” then believe and follow our other scripture reading and take it to the Lord in prayer.
Jesus said, “My peace I give you, not as the world gives it,” and when He said that He meant it. Therefore, for all the psychological principles that can and should be applied, for all the practical applications and ideas that may work, never forget the spiritual connection called Christ. He digs beneath the veneer and deals directly with our souls.
When you weep in the night and perhaps even moan in the day, do so with your Jesus by your side. Does that sound too simple? Perhaps. But how it sounds is not what it is all about. Rather, if you try going it alone with a stack of self-help books close at hand without your Bible front and center, you will find some helps but you won’t find yourself. And therein lays the difference.
I took countless counseling courses in Seminary. I have read a multitude of books that deal with the psychology and philosophy of how to handle anxiety But I tell you this, as much as they help, without Christ, they are only band-aids. They do not address the spiritual backbone which is where lies a strength that can be found nowhere else.
One of the hardest things to achieve, when anxiety comes to call, is that balance between uncontrolled hysteria and unrealistic self-control. The Bible refers to it as “the peace that passeth understanding.” And this is what, when the walls come crashing down, Christ can bring. Control in the midst of uncontrol.
The cause of your anxiety may not go away. The pain may still be very real. But you are not the same person you were before you said and meant, “Here am I, Lord, take me.”
Again, it may all seem too simple. But what is simply true is that if you try to go it alone you will be nowhere near as strong, or brave, or able to handle what is hurting you so. Leaving that one set of footprints in the sand because you are letting Christ carry you for a little while is more than just a beautiful picture…it is a beautiful truth.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
WHOEVER SAID FUSSING AND FUMING WAS BEST? (Jan 8)
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
Sunday, January 10, 2010
ONE, TWO, THREE AND WHAT IS NUMBER FOUR OR MORE ON YOUR LIST?
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Proverbs 28:13 “he who conceals his sins does not prosper but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
The fact of the matter is that some people spend more time planning their vacations than they do their lives.
Therefore, when you make resolution commitments make them bigger rather than so tiny as to hardly be worth the effort. If you are going to make resolutions, make resolutions that have the ring of impossibility about them.
What am I talking about? I am talking about not aiming at a target and not aiming at a bullseye but aiming at the centrer of the bullseye. You may well end up missing the target anyway but you will hit it far often if you settle for nothing but the ultimate goal.
Since I don’t know what, if any, resolutions you have in mind for this New Year, I can only hope that you haven’t given up on the idea because of past failures.
And, yes, the book of Proverbs has another good admonition for that problem, too. “A prudent man foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Proverbs 28:13 “he who conceals his sins does not prosper but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
The fact of the matter is that some people spend more time planning their vacations than they do their lives.
Therefore, when you make resolution commitments make them bigger rather than so tiny as to hardly be worth the effort. If you are going to make resolutions, make resolutions that have the ring of impossibility about them.
What am I talking about? I am talking about not aiming at a target and not aiming at a bullseye but aiming at the centrer of the bullseye. You may well end up missing the target anyway but you will hit it far often if you settle for nothing but the ultimate goal.
Since I don’t know what, if any, resolutions you have in mind for this New Year, I can only hope that you haven’t given up on the idea because of past failures.
And, yes, the book of Proverbs has another good admonition for that problem, too. “A prudent man foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
Thursday, January 7, 2010
GOD'S PRESCRIPTION FOR LIVING
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
They were 5000 gathered on a hillside. Jesus had just fed this multitude so food was not uppermost in their minds.
Never one to miss an opportunity, He therefore did what He often did - laid it on the line.
“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal of approval” (John 6:57)
Over a quarter of a century ago, Tucky and I were reminded of this scripture from Matthew as we stood at the foot of massive pyramids.
Thousands of years had passed since those ancient Egyptian Pharaohs built these giant stone expressions of temporal wealth and ego. Monuments to their desired immortality filled with treasures for their next anticipated life.
And we thought to ourselves. They were not timeless on earth. We are not timeless on earth…therefore to make sense of it all…something more than material goods must have our attention or we are woefully at a spiritual disadvantage.
They had reigned from golden thrones with a silver spoon in their mouth. They had at least realized that men would try to break in and steal these earthly riches once their feet no longer trod the geography of their Kingdom.
So all manner of convoluted tunnels and dead ends were created to foil the looters. It didn’t work. Thieves still broke in and stole what obviously these ancient rulers had not been able to take with them.
History simply recorded one more time that the prescription for better living in this world or the next is not collecting that which moth and rust can corrupt on thieves break in and steal.
Admitted…!!! Poverty on earth is not a good or recommended thing, but if one has no food for the soul that is an even greater poverty
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
They were 5000 gathered on a hillside. Jesus had just fed this multitude so food was not uppermost in their minds.
Never one to miss an opportunity, He therefore did what He often did - laid it on the line.
“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal of approval” (John 6:57)
Over a quarter of a century ago, Tucky and I were reminded of this scripture from Matthew as we stood at the foot of massive pyramids.
Thousands of years had passed since those ancient Egyptian Pharaohs built these giant stone expressions of temporal wealth and ego. Monuments to their desired immortality filled with treasures for their next anticipated life.
And we thought to ourselves. They were not timeless on earth. We are not timeless on earth…therefore to make sense of it all…something more than material goods must have our attention or we are woefully at a spiritual disadvantage.
They had reigned from golden thrones with a silver spoon in their mouth. They had at least realized that men would try to break in and steal these earthly riches once their feet no longer trod the geography of their Kingdom.
So all manner of convoluted tunnels and dead ends were created to foil the looters. It didn’t work. Thieves still broke in and stole what obviously these ancient rulers had not been able to take with them.
History simply recorded one more time that the prescription for better living in this world or the next is not collecting that which moth and rust can corrupt on thieves break in and steal.
Admitted…!!! Poverty on earth is not a good or recommended thing, but if one has no food for the soul that is an even greater poverty
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON MY OTHER BLOG “ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS”…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
UNLEARN THE HABIT OF FRET AND FUSS
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Remember Erma Bombeck? She wrote a piece one day about a little boy named Donald. I have a feeling he was a composite rather than a real person, but I think getting inside of Donald’s head is a good way to close this morning’s sermon. A good way to emphasize how foolishly we all can sometimes capture more worry bugs than we know what to do with, and, please forgive me, let them bug us.
Before his first day of school, six-year old Donald proved he had worrying down pat. His thoughts were as follows: My name is Donald. I don’t know anything. I have new underwear, a loose tooth, and I didn’t sleep much last night. What if a bell rings and a man yells, “Where do you belong?” and I don’t know? What if the trays in the cafeteria are too high for me to reach? What if my loose tooth comes out when we have our heads down and are supposed to be quiet? Am I supposed to bleed quietly? What if I splash water on my nametag and my name disappears and no one knows who I am?
Yes, without any teaching, Donald had already learned the art of worrying.
An old preacher friend of mine used to tell me, “Neil, if your knees are knocking, kneel on them.”
Did you know that enough fog to obscure seven blocks of downtown Miami, when condensed, would fill a medium sized glass with water? Have you ever stopped to think that, like Donald, we do that – make our fears bigger than they deserve to be? Fall victim to a fog that confuses our perception of reality. I guess what I’m saying to each of us is …. Plug into the Lord on a regular basis. Be so busy so often putting our hands in a praying position we find it impossible to spend much time wringing them. And when we pray, ask for total recall. Total recall of all the goodness He has given us, and probably more just waiting for us around the corner. Climb up on His heavenly lap. He has gifts that make Santa’s pale by comparison. Believe He cares about every single detail of our life.
He has rooms in heaven all filled with Christ-mas presents just waiting for us to really ask for them. The peace that passeth understanding is one of them. It may take more patella-persuasion than you are willing to give. More praying than you’re willing to do. Your reluctance may be greater than your persistence.
Well now, I’ve given you a lot of things to remember to do, haven’t I? And now I give you one more. Read Psalm 37. I call it the Fret Not Psalm. Read it and see if you agree.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Remember Erma Bombeck? She wrote a piece one day about a little boy named Donald. I have a feeling he was a composite rather than a real person, but I think getting inside of Donald’s head is a good way to close this morning’s sermon. A good way to emphasize how foolishly we all can sometimes capture more worry bugs than we know what to do with, and, please forgive me, let them bug us.
Before his first day of school, six-year old Donald proved he had worrying down pat. His thoughts were as follows: My name is Donald. I don’t know anything. I have new underwear, a loose tooth, and I didn’t sleep much last night. What if a bell rings and a man yells, “Where do you belong?” and I don’t know? What if the trays in the cafeteria are too high for me to reach? What if my loose tooth comes out when we have our heads down and are supposed to be quiet? Am I supposed to bleed quietly? What if I splash water on my nametag and my name disappears and no one knows who I am?
Yes, without any teaching, Donald had already learned the art of worrying.
An old preacher friend of mine used to tell me, “Neil, if your knees are knocking, kneel on them.”
Did you know that enough fog to obscure seven blocks of downtown Miami, when condensed, would fill a medium sized glass with water? Have you ever stopped to think that, like Donald, we do that – make our fears bigger than they deserve to be? Fall victim to a fog that confuses our perception of reality. I guess what I’m saying to each of us is …. Plug into the Lord on a regular basis. Be so busy so often putting our hands in a praying position we find it impossible to spend much time wringing them. And when we pray, ask for total recall. Total recall of all the goodness He has given us, and probably more just waiting for us around the corner. Climb up on His heavenly lap. He has gifts that make Santa’s pale by comparison. Believe He cares about every single detail of our life.
He has rooms in heaven all filled with Christ-mas presents just waiting for us to really ask for them. The peace that passeth understanding is one of them. It may take more patella-persuasion than you are willing to give. More praying than you’re willing to do. Your reluctance may be greater than your persistence.
Well now, I’ve given you a lot of things to remember to do, haven’t I? And now I give you one more. Read Psalm 37. I call it the Fret Not Psalm. Read it and see if you agree.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A FOREVER FRIEND
These thoughts are added to each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
She was a Christian, but still she had feared death all her life. There was too much of the unknown in it to fit her fashion. She’d never done it before.
Then came the day when she had not many breaths left of her life’s supply. “Is this death?” she asked her doctor.
“Yes,” he answered, for he was a close friend as well as her physician.
Then she turned to her husband and said, “My dearest, this is the hour I have for so many years dreaded.
This is the hour I have always shrunk from.” And then with a serene smile beyond description she said, “Husband, do you see that face? Do you hear that music? Christ is here. I have never known such rapture of light and peace and joy.”
Living or going through the night to the throne of Grace, God is with us.
He is with us when twin towers are built and when they waver and fall to the ground in terrible pieces.
He is with us at dawn and dusk. On the blackest night or when the brightest moon sweeps away the darkness, He is with us.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, if this site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
(Scroll down to read previous thoughts)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
She was a Christian, but still she had feared death all her life. There was too much of the unknown in it to fit her fashion. She’d never done it before.
Then came the day when she had not many breaths left of her life’s supply. “Is this death?” she asked her doctor.
“Yes,” he answered, for he was a close friend as well as her physician.
Then she turned to her husband and said, “My dearest, this is the hour I have for so many years dreaded.
This is the hour I have always shrunk from.” And then with a serene smile beyond description she said, “Husband, do you see that face? Do you hear that music? Christ is here. I have never known such rapture of light and peace and joy.”
Living or going through the night to the throne of Grace, God is with us.
He is with us when twin towers are built and when they waver and fall to the ground in terrible pieces.
He is with us at dawn and dusk. On the blackest night or when the brightest moon sweeps away the darkness, He is with us.
SOME RECENT POSTINGS ON ONE A DAY YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS…To view them go to “Google Search” type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins” Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
HE COULD HAVE KILLED HIM BUT HE DIDN’T (Dec 28)
JUST AN ORDINARY INSECT (Dec 25)
ARE YOU WRITING HAPPINESS WITH FADING INK? (Dec 23)
HAVE YOU GONE BLIND OR IS IT THAT YOU JUST HAVEN’T OPENED YOUR EYES (DEC 11)
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE (Dec 10)
DON’T LOSE YOUR PRAYER WHILE PRAYING (DEC 9)
And, yes, if this site or the One A Day site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, if this site has met any of your needs share it with a friend. Just have them go to “Google Search” and type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU
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