Thoughts for the Week

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” – Will Rogers

Thoughts for the Week of 4 February: Power of the Cross

1 Corinthians 1: 17 – 19

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
   the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]

Last week, I was not a very effective example at work as a Disciple of Jesus.  One of the engineers I worked with 2 years comes to me (as a sounding board) frustrated about “how” these things are being produced.  (I’ve worked there a long time,  so I know there are better ways from the pitfalls in a manufacturing company). Instead of praying for this man, and advising how Jesus helps me at work, with projects, people and struggles,  I used my “years of wisdom as an employee, a Navy Chief, and wise in the ways of the world”.   THAT was pretty useless.  I could have used the parable in Matthew 25 (14)  about the master entrusting his gold to his servants. Some made wise investments according to their abilities and one just buried it )   I know God will give me more opportunities with this engineer to share with him again.

But as an example of how the Cross has the POWER of GOD in our lives,  last week I learned how JESUS has it under control –again.    One of my grown sons came over and stayed for dinner the same evening that we had two of the Singles over to dinner.   He was raised in, but does not attend any service nor is a disciple.  I have been praying for more than a year that he will encounter a Disciple of Jesus where he works or lives (in OC) – and last week one of the guys who works for him was talking the “talk”  When he looked him up on FB, he recognizes a Disciple that he’s known since they were kids.   And so now I am amazed all over again how Jesus chooses the time and places to reach out to us.   I am praying now for my son, the Brothers (singles) to hang out.    And let the power of God, which/ whom,  my own children,  was “foolishness” – work.   And me – PRAY unceasing like the persistent widow.

Thoughts for the Week of 29 January:  Trust in the Lord

Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

When are we most likely to trust GOD?
When are we most likely to trust our own judgement?
How likely are you to pray first before your act?

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I lead a small group study each week in my church fellowship.  I share this as I think any person of faith, skeptics, or are drifting want to find purpose and encouragement, and “community”.