LIFE IS GOOD

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

DIAMONDBACKS WIN-DEFEAT METS 7 TO 2.
WEBB GOES AGAINST MARTINEZ TODAY!


SUNS WIN BIG OVER MAVERICKS-SERIES TIED AT TWO EACH.


JAMES AND BETTY ROBISON ARE WORKING HARD TO PROVIDE FOOD AND WATER FOR HUNGRY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE RECEIVED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF FOOD AND NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRANSPORT IT. WE ARE SENDING CONTRIBUTIONS AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME.
BETTY ROBISON
C/O LIFE OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 982000
FORT WORTH TX 76182-8000
Matthew 25 teaches us that at the judgment the thing that matters will be what we did about those who were hungry and thirsty, etc.

A HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Sunday we went to church at Lincoln Heights Christian. It’s always good to see old friends. Almost everybody asked, “What are you doing these days?”

Nothing real exciting—that’s for sure.

But here’s the weekend:

After church on Sunday we had a pool party, steak on the grill, ate on the patio.

We watched the Diamondbacks and the Suns on television. They both lost. Made me want to cry.

Monday I went out early and repaired a Malibu light.

Monday, Memorial Day, was also my first day to get in the pool this season. I could hear the family next door playing in their pool. I thought about their oldest son who is sixteen. We have watched him grow up and in a couple of years we will watch him go off to college—or maybe to war. I don’t know any of the men or women who have died in the war going on now. I feel terrible about their deaths but if I had watched them grow up I would feel even worse.

The Diamondbacks lost another close game on Monday. Another game they should have won.

Today is Tuesday and the Suns will play again tonight. I am concerned they may lose. However, I have been reading Anderson Cooper’s book, Dispatches From The Edge, A Memoir Of War, Disasters, And Survival, and it really helps to put things in perspective.

So what if the Suns and Diamondbacks both lose? In the greater scheme of things it doesn’t matter at all—not one little bit!

(I know that, but man I hope they win!)

REMEMBER

Monday, May 29, 2006

Today is Memorial Day.

This is a day to remember.

But will we? Will we remember?

We are being asked to pause for a moment this afternoon at 3:00 to remember those who gave their lives to keep us free. I am taking my moment now.

Instead of writing a blog today I want to refer you to the Wall Street Journal Opinion Page and Peggy Noonan's excellent article.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110008422

GO TO CHURCH

Sunday, May 28, 2006

FOR SAFETY'S SAKE... Do NOT ride in cars: they cause 20% of all fatal accidents. Do NOT stay home: 17% of all accidents do occur in the home. Do NOT walk on the streets or pavements: 14% of all accidents happen to pedestrians. Do NOT travel by air, rail, or water: 16% of all accidents happen on these. Only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are related to previous physical disorders. Hence, the safest place for you to be at any time is church. Bible study is safe, too. The percentage there is even less. Go to church! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

Saturday, May 27, 2006

A little girl went to church for the first time. After the service the minister asked how she had liked it. "Well," she thought for a moment, "I thought the music was fine; but your commercial was too long!"

LIFE IS DIFFICULT

Friday, May 26, 2006

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


Tim Hansel writes good stuff. His devotional on page 146 of the excellent book, Keep On Dancin', Daily Readings to Celebrate Life addresses the topic of trouble in this world.

There is no question that life is difficult. In fact, it has been said that God promises four things: peace, power, purpose, and TROUBLE. For example, in the verse above Jesus reminds us quite boldly that in the world there will be trouble. But we are not merely to endure it. We are to “be of good cheer,” for He has overcome the world.

Many of us have only gotten half the message. We recognize the difficulty of life and drearily drag ourselves through each day, mumbling about our burdens. (I’ve heard it said that “some Christians have just enough Christianity to make them miserable.”) It can be different—but the choice is ours.

FEELING OLD

Thursday, May 25, 2006

I have just returned from my morning walk. Most of the time the walking invigorates me but not today. For some strange reason I feel tired and old. Maybe it’s because I played a rough game of basketball last night against the Dallas Mavericks. Well, I didn’t really play but I felt like I did. I hope I’m rested up for Friday’s game.

Thinking about being old makes me think about a little girl that went with her father when he visited the elderly at the convalescent home. As he went from room to room visiting, in one room he saw her just standing, staring at a set of false teeth in a glass of water. Finally, she looked up at him and said, “The tooth fairy is not going to believe this.”

RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Whatever happened to respect for authority?

We live close to a high school. It is illegal to park on the streets close to the school during certain hours. Anyone parking illegally gets a ticket. Students continue to ignore the warnings and park anyplace they want to. It makes me wonder: Do they pay the fines? Do they just not care? What about respect for authority?

There are three ways to get something done:1. Do it yourself.2. Hire someone to do it for you.3. Forbid your kids to do it.

As I write, there are ten student cars parked illegally and that's just the ones I can see from where I am.

I threw beans at the pigeons and they finally went away.

HOPE

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

HOPE

I’m a writer.

Chapter twelve of my book is on hope. I’m in the process of rewriting this chapter.

Hope is such a good word. I like the way it sounds. But hope doesn’t just sound good—it is good.

Hopeless is a terrible word. It sounds bad. It is bad.

Max Lucado in his splendid book, God Came Near, says, “Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming ending. Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.”

CAMBRIDGE’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Monday, May 22, 2006

Cambridge’s Christian Heritage is recovering the past, challenging the present and shaping the future. They are equipping Christians in Cambridge.

Two trips to London left me deeply impressed with the wonderful, old, church buildings and the huge cathedrals. The buildings are wonderful—but they are empty.The people, not only in London, but all over Europe have stopped going to church.

The United States is heading in the same direction. Yes, a lot of people still go to church in America but our society is becoming more secular every day.

The world view I grew up with was one embraced by the majority. That is rapidly changing.

The Christian Heritage group is located at the historically old Round Church at Cambridge. They are equipping Christians to not only present the gospel to others but to passionately persuade them to accept Christ. Sounds like the New Testament.

They teach about the problem of evil, science and the Bible, the main worldviews, our worst doubts, the cultural context today, and more.

Cambridge is one of the education centers of the world. Pray for the Christians who are serving Christ in that place.

MAKING AN EXCEPTION FOR SELF

Sunday, May 21, 2006

In 1 Samuel 28:3 we read, “Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.”

And then just four verses later he said, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

He had driven the mediums out of the land until he needed one.

Isn’t that the way it usually is?

No medium for you!

But for me—well that’s different.

We see it everywhere: in the home, big business, the government, the church—everyplace.

ME. ME. ME.

POOR ME

Saturday, May 20, 2006

In the NIV King Saul says: “…No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is concerned about me (emphasis mine) or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait for me, as he does today.” 1 Samuel 22:8

The Living Bible reads like this: “…For not one of you has ever told me that my own son is on David’s side. You’re not even sorry for me. (Emphasis mine) Think of it! My own son—encouraging David to come and kill me!” 1 Samuel 22:8

Regardless of how it reads, it is clear Saul is feeling sorry for himself.

Saul is not so different from the rest of us. Does anybody care? We all want to know.

We all have days when we feel nobody cares.

And the sad truth is—we may be right. Right that is about everybody except one—JESUS.

The Bible makes it clear, over and over again—JESUS CARES!

LEADING DISTRESSED, IN DEBT, DISCONTENTED PEOPLE

Friday, May 19, 2006

Elders in the Lord’s church are among my favorite people.

These men have a great responsibility in leading people (sheep).

Most of the time these elders spend eight or more hours working for a living. They come home from a busy day and try to do everything else that needs to be done. An elder not only cares for his family, he cares for the family of God.

The Old Testament part of my daily scripture reading was 1 Samuel 21 & 22. Verse 2 of chapter 22 reads: “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.”

Wow! Look at these words: distress, in debt, discontented.

How would you like to be their leader?

Pray for your spiritual leaders. No, not every member of the church is distressed, in debt or discontented. Absolutely not! But let’s face it. We are just people and sometimes people can be a motley crew and hard to lead.

Thank God for good leaders.

NOT LOVING GOD

Thursday, May 18, 2006

My purpose for writing a blog is to let my friends (the few who care) know what I’m thinking about. Back when I retired from years of ministry, friends would often ask, “Clif, what are you up to these days? Are you preaching anyplace?”

Today I’m thinking about God. I’m thinking about not loving Him.

As it often happens, reading led me into this thinking. Ken Gire is one of my favorite writers. Today I was reading in his book, The Reflective Life and came across this quote from R.A. Torrey: “If loving God with all our heart and soul and might is the greatest commandment, then it follows that not loving him that way is the greatest sin.”

Ken Gire asks, “Where can you hide from logic like that?”

Listen again: “If loving God with all our heart and soul and might is the greatest commandment, then it follows that not loving him that way is the greatest sin.”

DITMORE REUNION

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Ditmores from all over the United States will sweep in on San Antonio, Texas next month like a summer thunderstorm in the desert. Texas is big, but so is the Ditmore clan when you get them all together. Who knew?? I certainly didn’t until a few years ago. All my life I thought it was just our little bunch from Fletcher, Oklahoma. Not very impressive—just a few local Okies.

So, am I going to the big reunion? I sure would like to see the Alamo.

“Somebody thinking they would have fun with the preacher managed to unload a dying donkey on the preacher’s doorstep in the middle of the night. When the parson found it in the morning the donkey was dead. He called the veterinarian, “Doc, there’s a dead donkey in front of my house.” In on the prank, the vet answered, “Do you ministers take care of the dead?” “That’s right. We do,” came the reply, “but first we get in touch with their relatives.”

English Standard Version

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

If you happen to be in the market for a new Bible, let me suggest the English Standard Version.

“The ESV satisfies the preaching, memorizing, studying, and reading needs of our church, from children to adults. We are building all our future ministry around it.” John PiperPreaching Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

Our Sunday morning Bible Class teacher, Dr. Wayne Grudem served on the Translation Oversight Committee. Even though I do not know them personally, I respect all the scholars associated with this translation. I'm continuing to use the NIV because I have so many copies of it. If I needed a new one I would go to the ESV.

PAPER PILE-UP

Monday, May 15, 2006

Magazines, newspapers, letters, memos, faxes, reports, photocopies, bulletins, bills, catalogs, trade journals and much more adds to the paper pile-up. The glut goes on.

You would think that computers and other electronic information processors would bring and end to so much paper. Not so—at least not yet.

We are living in the Information Age.

Over the years I have tried to hang on to every “important” piece of paper and some that were not so important. Only now, at the age of 71 have I started to get serious about getting rid of the paper pile-up.

Let me encourage you to do better than I have done.

Get organized. Keep and file only that which is absolutely necessary. Keep only that which cannot be found anyplace else.

Have a good, uncluttered day!

RESPECT

Sunday, May 14, 2006

MOTHER, generally speaking, has always been a respected word.

Certainly there are women who do not deserve respect even if they are mothers.

But again, generally speaking mothers are respected and mother is a respected word.

These words absolutely amaze me: MOTHER F__ __ __ __ __ __.

Why would we ever say these words?

WHY?

Today is Mothers’ Day. Honor your mother every day.

MOTHERS' DAY

Saturday, May 13, 2006

TOMORROW IS MOTHERS' DAY. I WANT TO WISH ALL MOTHERS A HAPPY DAY.


A MOTHER'S LOVE
A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away
. . .It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking
. . .It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems
. . .It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation
. . .A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
~Helen Steiner Rice~

THE REPUBLICANS MAY HAVE TO LOSE

Friday, May 12, 2006

I’m conservative by nature. I have always voted Republican but that has been because I have liked the Republican candidate better than the Democrat.

I voted for George W. Bush and I am happy the Republicans control Congress. But I am not pleased with the way things are going right now. I don’t think the Republicans are listening to the people. I don’t know why they are not; I just know they’re not. I’m concerned with big government, big spending, failure to secure the borders and a few other things. The Republicans may have to lose in November in order to get the message.

No need for me to blunder along trying to explain all of this when Peggy Noonan does a much better job. She has an excellent article at http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110008359. The article is long but well worth reading.

THE SILENCE OF GOD

Thursday, May 11, 2006

You plead and plead and plead. Nothing! Total silence! Lightening doesn’t strike, thunder doesn’t roar—God doesn’t say or do anything.

Matthew 15:21-28 tells the story of a woman who persisted when others would have given up.

Many preachers have led us to believe that God, like a vending machine, will give us what we want, when we want it.

Jesus ignores this woman. He calls her race “a dog.”

God does not always give us what we want. But He will not remain silent. He may be silent for awhile, but if we worship Him and persist in prayer, He eventually will speak.

Read this woman’s story. It’s good!

GO ON A “WORK BENDER”

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Excesses of all kinds are dangerous. However, there are times when we should indulge in excess. WORK is something that we should “get carried away with” every once in a while.

There will be a hangover after a work binge, but it will be charged with the pride of accomplishment.

Over the years, there have been times when I would go out into the yard and work all day. I would leave my butt out there—but it felt good. Real good! I have done the same thing inside the house, in the office and for others. Work is good. Don’t be afraid of it.

So be happy that you have work to do and then do it. Do it with gusto!

CONVICTION

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Whatever happened to conviction?

Today if you are a person of conviction you are considered a radical.

I don’t believe it’s possible to be a person of spirit unless you also have a slightly radical streak. You don’t have to be a tyrant and you don’t have to be mean spirited.

When your convictions are really convictions, you will be radical. There will be things that you simply cannot bear to see happen or continue to happen.

All lovers of truth are radical. They stand for liberty and justice.

Men like Bill O’ Reilly and women like Ann Coulter are radical. Sometime they are too radical! But I appreciate the fact they stand for something. I would hate to see them squelch that spirit.

Take a stand! Shows some guts!

SUCCESS

Monday, May 08, 2006

I love the story of how Avis moved to the top of the car rental business.

Their competition had five dollars for each dollar they had. They asked: "How do we get five million dollars of advertising for one million dollars?"

Finally, Bill Bernbach heard the question and answered: "If you want five time the impact, give us ninety days to learn enough about yoru business to apply our skills, and then run every ad we write where we tell you to run it. Our people work to see how effective ideas are. But most clients put our ads through a succession of Assistant V.P.'s and V.P.'s of advertising, marketing, and legal until we hardly recognize the remnants. If you promise to run them just as we write them, you'll have every art director and copywriter in my shop moonlighting on your account."

They shook hands on it.

Ninety days later, Bill Bernbach came out to show Avis his recommned ads. He said he was sorry but the only honest things they could say were that the company was second largest and that the people were trying harder.

Avis didn't like the ads but they had agreed to run them.

The rest is history. Their sales growth rate increased from 10 per cent to 35 per cent in the next couple of years.

M O R A L: Don't hire a master to paint you a masterpiece and then assign a roomful of schoolboy-artists to look over his shoulder and suggest improvements.

AMEN AND AMEN!

EVERY ORGANIZATION I KNOW NEEDS TO LEARN THIS TRUTH--ESPECIALLY THE CHURCH.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

SUNS WIN!

DIAMONDBACKS
TIED FOR FIRST

CARDINALS SELECT
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER
NEW STADIUM - SOLD OUT

Saturday, May 06, 2006

SUNS VS. LAKERS

STAY AWAY FROM THE DA VINCI CODE

Friday, May 05, 2006

Many Christians are saying we should “engage” The Da Vinci Code—take on the battle. Some churches see this as an opportunity for evangelism. Baloney! You never answer the Devil’s questions. You just give him the authority to question God. The people in love with this movie are not on a search for truth. They are on a crusade against Christ and the church.

I bought and read the book when it first came out. I wish I hadn’t. I should have just relied on good reviews and let it go at that. I shouldn’t have bought the book and I’m not going to buy a ticket to the movie. Christians should just select another movie to attend. The powers that be will get the message if nobody sees the movie.

This film is based on a book that is proud of its heresy and blasphemy. I plan to stay away from it!

You can’t have a debate with stupid people. They ask such questions as, “Why is the church afraid of women? Why has it suppressed them since the beginning? Answer THAT!” You start to answer and they move on to, “There is no evidence for the Resurrection. Have you read the Gospel of Mary Magdalene?”

BALONEY!

WHITE GUILT AND THE WESTERN PAST

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Tuesday I read one of the best articles I have read in many years. It appeared on the editorail page of the Wall Street Journal. It was written by Shelby Steele. Mr. Steele is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. The article answers the question, "Why is America so delicate with the enemy?". This is a fantastic article! It is too long for me to copy here but you may read it at http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008318. I hope you will take the time to read this great message.

SPORTS

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Last night the Phoenix Suns showed up for the game.

In this important playoff series they have been missing in action.

They threw one molester to the floor and held another one at bay.

They won the game in a decisive manner. The same way they have treated the Lakers all year until this series.

Hopefully they will go back to L.A. and give Jack and his buddies something to think about.

The Diamondbacks laid some hurt on the Dodgers last night.

The Diamondbacks were down 6 to 0 until “Big Red” knocked a Grand Slam. They went on to win the game and the 2 game series.

Now the people over in L.A./Hollywood can say, “Yes sir, they’re hot over in Phoenix in more ways than one!

LIKE A MIST

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, and carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life: You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:13-14)

The last time I saw her was at a Bible Lectureship on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu about two years ago. The Lectureship is going on again this week and Gwen was probably planning to go. She died last night around 8:00.

“Just as man is destined to die once…” (Hebrews 9:27

The Bible makes it very clear that we are going to die. It also makes it clear that death could come at any moment.

We need to live in the moment—in Christ.

THE MARCH OF THE CRIMINALS

Monday, May 01, 2006

“When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.” Ecclesiastes 8:11.

You call them what you want to—I call them criminals!

There was a time when it was considered wrong to commit a crime—not anymore.

Are they criminals because they are marching? Of course not. They are marching criminals because they are illegally in this country. Is everybody taking part in the march today in this country illegally? No. Some of them are just ignorant.

I heard President Bush say this morning that the people in Iraq must obey the rule of law. That makes me laugh! How hypocritical is that? He wants to make the people in another country obey the rule of law when his eyes are closed to the criminals here?

I love and respect President Bush but this kind of talk is just silly.