A Song From My Past...

From the Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...When I was a teenager, I sang in the high school choir.  One of the songs we sang has stuck in my mind all these years. It is written by Henry Walford Davies titled God Be In My Head:

God be in my head,
And in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes,
And in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
And in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
And in my thinking;
God be at mine end,
And at my departing.

When I am discouraged or my mind is racing with worry - I still sing these words as a prayer.  This is something very personal and very heartfelt.  It's a relief to know God is there for us in troubling times.

Do you have a song you sing or a verse you can quote during those times?  If not, know God does hear our prayers.

Have a great day,

CW

Just Another Day...

or is it?...The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...There are some days I wake up "ill as a hornet."  You know those kind of days where you are angry and irritable and don't know why.  It doesn't take much to set you off.  I am an avid people watcher. (no worries...I'm not one of those creepy guys). I just observe people and behavior at the mall or anywhere else.  I have noticed changes in behavior of the masses in the past few years.  People seem to be more impatient and really angry.  I wonder what may be going on in their lives to cause such personal chaos of hearts and minds. Then of course there are those delightful people who are "a breath of fresh air." 

But I digress back to those "angry, unpleasant" folks.  I suppose it is expected in the world we live, but the bothersome part of all this is I have seen it in many Christian Churches as well.  Satan has done a number on many who are to be witnesses not only by words but deeds as well.  Kind words and a genuine concern goes a long way in our witness to a lost and dying world.  In my ponderings for today - Aren't God's children suppose to be the most joyful people on earth?  Aren't we to let others see Jesus in our lives?  If I may quote the fruit of the Spirit for us:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

I still believe God's people can make a difference in our world today.  Sure, there are times we wake up "ill as a hornet," but we need to get over it! Remember, we ought to be witnesses out there.  Even when the world seems to be falling in around us!

Okay-Everyday is not just another day!  It's the day the Lord has made, and God is still on the throne. And we who are born again, have an eternal home called Heaven.  Oh, what a joyous day this can be!

Have a great one,

CW

Me, Me, Me, It's all about Me...

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy Continues...I heard a sermon years ago on "Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of Our Lord, Jesus Christ."  The speaker began his message with the analogy of babes in Christ to that of real babies.  He said that the most selfish creature on earth is a baby.  When they're hungry, they cry. When they want to be held, they cry.  Basically, babies cry until they get what they want.  Then he transitioned to us "grown up" babies.  We cry and whine until we get what we want.  Unfortunately, in the Christian life there are many who never grow up. 

A baby will mope, and doesn't "play" well with others.  A baby is one who says, "if I can't be in charge, I just won't participate."  A baby can be very selfish and never  mature in their faith.

Well, this is  a sad and tragic charge made to many today.  It's related to pride.  Pride thinks of no one but themselves.  If I may share something I read just the other day on the top ten evidences of a pride.

1. Pride refuses to listen, it always interrupts others.
2. Pride likes to talk about itself all the time.
3. Pride has an intense desire to be noticed.
4. Pride believes that it deserves everything it gets.
5. Pride is not thankful.
6. Pride cannot be corrected.
7. Pride does not like to follow instructions.
8. Pride exalts itself in the presence of others; it brags.
9. Pride criticizes and tries to makes itself look better by putting others down.
10. Pride thinks of its own needs first.  

Proverbs 16:5   Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord:..

 

So today I encourage all of us to continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ."

 

Have a great day,

 

CW

Plain or Peanut...

From The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...Who doesn't love candy?  I LOVE LOVE CANDY!  One of my favorites is M&Ms.  My wife is partial to peanut M&Ms, and I prefer plain in all its chocolate goodness.  We have been married for almost 29 years and she hasn't come over to the plain M&M side, nor have I budged to the peanut side.  No worries folks, we're not going to get divorced over this difference.  As a matter of fact, we have many many differences.  I'm glad about that because it is a great reminder to us that God has made us wonderfully different and unique. 

The point of today's pondering is WE ARE ALL SPECIAL in the eyes of God.  Society tells us we are supposed to think a certain way, look a certain way, behave a certain way.  Satan reminds us of all our faults (warts and all).  Sometimes we need to be reminded that God loves us so much. 

I heard one person put it this way.  God doesn't make trash.  He creates perfection in His eyes.

Hey, choose your flavor of candy and go with it!!

You are special,

Have a great day,

CW

The Boogie Woogie...

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...Someone sent me a video a few years ago of a young couple tap dancing to the "boogie woogie" song.  Puts a smile on my face every time I watch it.  It's amazing how much energy this couple has.  They are definitely having a good time for sure.  Those of you who know me, know I like all kinds of music except for rap, but that's a subject for another blog sometime.  Music, however, does move the soul in all of us.  It does bring joy to our lives.

Jesus brings joy to our lives.  I think it's a crying shame to see so many Christians who look like they have been sucking on lemons.  They are going to be in for a shock in heaven when they see this preacher dancing down the streets of heaven to what must be the best music ever.  Hey folks, let's put a little joy in our lives and experience the full measure of the Holy Spirit everyday. 

Let's boogie,

Have a great day,

CW

Church Talk...

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy..."Sanctification," "Justification," "Transubstantiation," and "Glorification."  What do these words have in common?  1. They are all good church words. 2. They're BIG words. 3.  Many folks need a dictionary for at least one of those words.

Oh...Don't get me wrong, they're not bad words at all.  When I began doing this blog, one of my purposes was to make it light and easy to understand one or two biblical teachings.  It's not intended to be shallow or without substance.  I just want this to be something that an everyday person can relate to their lives and maybe get a few chuckles, and finally, be encouraged or challenged.

I take my cue from Jesus here. He taught by using everyday illustrations such as fishing and farming.  I've learned a very long time ago if everyone cannot understand the Gospel message, it's of no use. 

I guess the acronym KISS is my directive.  Keep It Simple Stupid.  God's message to humanity is simple, salvation is simple. 

Enjoy your day! 

CW

Just for Laughs...

From The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...This is the sign that hangs in my home.  It speaks volumes to how I have chosen to live everyday life!!  Those of you who know me, know I especially love to laugh.  Some may call it a "character flaw," but they are so wrong.  There is nothing like a good belly laugh at times.  Unfortunately, there are those today who have lost their joy and have forgotten how to smile let alone laugh.  I have another great picture I keep in my home office called "the Laughing Jesus." 

I will post a picture of it on here sometime.  It's an awesome picture and really brings joy to my heart when I look at it.  It's the way I picture him.  The bible is clear that we ought to be joyful.  It's one way the work of the Holy Spirit manifests in our lives. 

 

Okay, here's today's homework assignment - find time today to "Live Well, Love Much, and especially Laugh Often." 

 

Have a great day,

 

CW