Security Camera Shots - Can you identify?

Don’t ask me how I was able to do this because it’s top secret, but I have obtained security camera photos from a local toy store. If you have any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the person in the photos please contact authorities, immediately. She is wanted for questioning regarding an uncontrolled, online Celtic music CD spending spree.

Subject was last seen eating nachos with a gray-haired man at Taco Bell.

God Stuff podcast - 3/6/18

                                   Click here for podcast!

                       
                                 Click here for podcast!

What does God want? ...You.

I Need To Be A Better Disciplinarian

Lucy hid the throw rug from the kitchen under the table in the dining room… yet again. When I was on my hands and knees retrieving the rug she slyly came into the room, acting innocent.

In a very serious voice, I said to her, “Why are you doing this? Why are you always taking this rug and hiding it? You’re not supposed to do this!”

At that point she ran upstairs; laid down on the bed; and gave me the “I’m-extremely-cute” look you see in this picture.

I have to learn to be a better disciplinarian.

A Story of Grace From Ruth Graham - Billy Graham's Daughter

I was moved as I watched Billy Graham’s daughter, Ruth, speak of some of the failures in her life at her father’s funeral today. In particular, she mentioned relational mistakes that resulted in two divorces.

Some of you may not be old enough to remember that divorce was once considered to be scandalous. And a divorce within the family of a minister was even more scandalous. When that minister happened to be one of the most famous people in the world… that must have quadrupled the level of humiliation and embarrassment Ruth felt.

Ruth described a long painful drive home after her second marriage ended within weeks. She realized that after her family had cautioned her about moving too quickly into a relationship that wound up with a terrible ending they might just say, “We’re tired of fooling with you! …You’ve embarrassed us!”

As she pulled into her parents’ driveway, her father was outside watching for her arrival. She stepped out of her car and her father, Billy Graham, wrapped his arms around her and said, “Welcome home.”

No shame. No condemnation. A father’s love for his daughter.

Ruth correctly stated that Billy Graham is not God. But that day, he showed her what God is like.

The cameras at the funeral panned the crowd as the story concluded and I saw many people wiping tears from their eyes. I was doing that, too, as I watched on a computer screen.

I love stories of grace because I, personally, am so in need of grace. Stories of grace stir gratitude and hope within me.

Ruth shared a wonderful Billy Graham story with the world. But even more important she gave us a powerful reminder of the truth of God’s amazing grace.

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

Fulfilling our purpose... Worship!

God's joy is like a secret superpower. Only we don't have to keep it a secret!

I looked deep down inside and it wasn't good

Incredible news: Perfect love casts out all fear!

Does the Bible help us know God?

God's Wisdom and Goodness in Billy Graham's Life

Many years ago, I read a biography of Billy Graham. In the biography it described how, early on in Graham’s ministry—as his popularity and influence rose—significant money began to come in the form of many donations to the ministry.

I suspect it must have felt overwhelming… and very tempting.

So, as a young man Graham determined that he would form of a Board of Directors for the ministry to be responsible for the finances of the ministry and other aspects of their work, as well. Graham would be accountable to them.

This is what happened and the board handled the finances, paying Graham a salary.

I remember being impressed by this move. He did not have to arrange things this way. He was young, incredibly popular and successful. He could have rationalized, “Hey, this money is being sent to me to continue to do my noble work, therefore, it’s my money!”

But he did not.

Looking back on this decision, years later, Graham indicated that he believed it was one of the ways God, in His goodness and kindness, looked out for him and protected him—in a sense—from himself and his popularity.

Most of us are not particularly wise when we are young. Wisdom, tends to require time and experience to develop. I’m 59 years old, I’m hoping wisdom will kick in for me, any day now. This decision regarding finances was a form of God’s wisdom in Graham’s life. I am thankful for Dr. Graham’s willingness to create a form of authority to whom he remained accountable; his example of preaching the word of God; and his effective use of his gift of evangelism to help multitudes of people all around the world come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dr. Billy Graham: November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018

Can you pray too much and bother God?