He Did It, But Hey, I'll Take The Credit...Is that fair?

May those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
Psalm 40:16:b

I sat both dumbfounded and amazed as I listened to Phil tell the story! According to Phil he had single-handedly made the sale that put the company over the top. I let Phil bask in his moment of glory without setting the record straight.

You see, I knew that Phil had played only a minor role in the sale; someone else had suggested he contact this particular prospect. Someone else had provided the inside information he needed to present the product and close the deal. I knew all this because I happened to know Phil’s sales manager and he had told me that he was the one who had provided all the ideas and information Phil needed to get the account. I also knew that word would get back to Phil’s manager and that he would deal with Phil as only he could (which he did).

How many times are we like Phil?

We love it when God answers our prayers, gives us ideas and guides us in our spiritual and everyday lives. But are we not sometimes guilty of trying to take all the credit when we get positive outcomes?

True, God helps those who help themselves by giving them insights and confidence as he works through us to bless us, but let’s share the credit with the One who made it all possible. May those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Heavenly Father, you are merciful and kind. You not only forgive us our sins but also those times when we blame you when our hopes aren't fully realized, as well as our failure to give you the credit for our successes. Deliver us from our short-sightedness and help us realize that our faith in you and confidence in your working through us is strengthened in the same measure that we give you the honor and glory for both the big and small things in our lives. In Jesus Name, AMEN

Everyone Has A Story To Tell--Are You Telling It?

I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and salvation
Psalm 40:10


Have you ever seen one of those infomercials on television? They are filled with testimonials from “people just like you” who have made money, lost weight, etc.


Advertisers know that we are interested in how other people solved a problem or improved their lot in life, so instead of bombarding us with a lot of facts and statistics they trot out satisfied users of their product to tell their story.


The Good Lord was way ahead of our modern advertisers because that is the method he has advocated for centuries. We are simply supposed to tell other people how much better our lives are because we have a relationship with him.


We don’t need a degree in theology to do this, don’t need to know how to quote scripture, and we don’t have to “preach” to people. Simply tell some who is experiencing what you’ve been through how your faith made a difference. I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and salvation

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus told us that we were to share the good news with others. His servant Peter wrote that we should always be able to give a reason for the hope that is within us. We all fall short in doing this, perhaps because we don't want to be considered politically incorrect, or for fear we will lose friends. Or perhaps it is because we take your faithfulness and salvation for granted, as being something we deserve...Whatever the reason, deliver us from ourselves that we can influence others toward a deeper relationship with you by speaking of your faithfulness at every opportunity. In Jesus name, AMEN

June 26, 2007: Ya Gotta Take The Medicine Daily!

I delight to do your will, O my God
Psalm 40:8a

I was talking to a friend of mine who had been suffering from back pain. Her doctor examined her and found she had pulled a muscle and he prescribed some simple exercises to relieve the problem. I asked her how she was feeling and she told me she still hurt. In response to my puzzled look, she explained that she didn’t like the exercises and only did them when the pain became completely unbearable.

I believe it was G. Campbell Morgan who once said he could fill the church by announcing that he planned to preach on “Finding God’s Will”, but that it would be empty the following Sunday if he announced his topic to be “Doing God’s Will”.

Why is that? Could it be that too often we are like my friend who only followed the doctor’s advice when the pain became unbearable? I’m sure the Psalmist had his share of troubles, but he “delighted” to do God’s will.

When we take delight in something we make the time to do it, in fact many times we will go out of our way to do it (ever drive out of your way for your favorite ice cream or shake?). You see, when we find delight in doing something it isn’t a duty or a drudgery but something we look forward to! I delight to do your will, O my God

Heavenly Father, Deliver us from our proneness to only follow your prescription when the pain of daily living becomes too unbearable. Help us understand that it is only as we live according to your teachings that the peace we have becomes one that passes all understanding, that the joy we have for living becomes a constant fountain bubbling up within us--even in the desert times, and that our belief becomes confidence. In Jesus Name, AMEN

June 25, 2007: Listen For The Voice Of God

Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear
Psalm 40:6

What type of church do you prefer? Some people feel more comfortable in a highly structured worship service, others prefer less formality.

Over the years I’ve participated in all types of church services and the thing I’ve discovered is that God is able to penetrate the mind and speak to the heart in all different types of services. In other words, God doesn’t require that we have a contemporary service, a southern gospel music service or a liturgical service.

What God does require, regardless of the type of service we prefer to attend, is that we allow him to open our ears so he can speak to us. Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear

Heavenly Father, too often we forget that when we come into your presence we don't need to "set the mood" with a certain type of music or way of worship. It seems to many times we let our preferences interfere with what it is all about--which is to receive a fresh touch from you and to hear your still small voice speaking comfort in the midst of our troubles, confronting us with our sins and challenging us to press forward. When we come before you, remind us to "clean out our ears" so that we can hear, for that is all that really matters. In Jesus Name, AMEN

June 22, 2007: This Way To Self-Worth

The Lord is my light and my salvation (deliverance)…The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Behavioral psychologist tell us that people need to know the way to attain a sense of dignity (sense of self-worth), to have a sense that if things don’t work out there will be a way to salvage their dignity (willingness to take a risk), and the knowledge that there is a safe place to find protection and rest.


This verse provides all three of these requirements. It tells us that the Good Lord provides light to show us not only who we really are (loved of God) but light to show us the way (a sense of direction); it also reveals that we can count on him to deliver us in difficult times, and that we have a safe place (his stronghold).


With that assurance, shouldn’t we act with confidence in every area of our lives? The Lord is my light and my salvation (deliverance)…The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

Heavenly Father, if we could all grasp the powerful effect the words of this text can have on our minds, we would be able to amaze ourselves in every area of our lives. Grant us insight into who we are, what you want to be in our lives, and fill us with confidence and courage to dare great things. In Jesus name, AMEN

June 21, 2007: Simple Way To Increase Faith

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us…
Psalm 40:5

I suppose that it is human nature to keep count of our difficulties, maintain a list of all the times someone has done us wrong, and keep an inventory of all the problems we’ve been through.


We’ve all known people who keep such lists and seem to enjoy reviewing them as often as possible. When practiced over a period of time, such people become cynical and negative.
Unfortunately, we all have the tendency to do this, especially when it seems that the chips are down.


Today’s text provides us with the antidote to such negative thinking. When we realize that our mind is going through our bad things that have happened to us inventory, deliberately stop it by taking out a piece of paper and begin listing all the wonderful things God has done for you.


Don’t just list the “big” things, but include those little things that we often take for granted. After a few minutes we will become aware of the fact that like a parent God keeps us in His thoughts and that he had blessed us beyond what we realized. You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us…

Heavenly Father, in your word we are told that we should live by faith. Help us to realize that we must nurture our faith, and that we do so by deliberately choosing to think faith building thoughts. Deliver us from our tendency to think negatively so that by filling our minds with all the wondrous things you’ve done for us we will not only strengthen our faith, but enlarge our capacity for deeper faith. In Jesus name, AMEN

June 20, 2007: Finding A New Tune

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…
Psalm 40:3

I recall a lunch meeting I had a few years ago with a couple of friends, In the course of the conversation the name of a mutual friend came up.


One fellow said that he had recently run into this person and the other lunch companion asked how he was doing. The reply was simply, “Same song, different verse.”


We all knew what he meant. Our mutual friend was known for “singing his blues” to everyone who would listen. In fact, most people tried to avoid being around him because he was such a downer!


What kind of song do we “sing” to the folks around us? Is it constantly negative, focused on our problems, concerns and the unfairness of life? Or is it a song that accents the potential in problems, the goodness of life and the positive values that a life of faith can give us?


Many times, as children of Almighty God we tend to overlook the goodness that God had bestowed on us and instead sing the “Pity Party Blues” or the “Woe Is Me” anthem. This makes for a poor testimony before others and more importantly tends to reinforce negative attitudes in our minds.


Why not change your song by taking stock of all the good things in your life, inventory the wonderful times God has lifted you up, given you insight and helped you. When you do this, you’ll have a new tune to sing along with! He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…

Heavenly Father, teach us to not only number our days, but to also number our blessings. Deliver us from the spirit of self-pity and put a ne song in our mouths, a song of abundant life and confidence through your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. AMEN

June 19, 2007 Faith Shaky? Pray Honest Prayers

He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Psalm 40:2


A friend once told me that during one period of his life, he honestly considered suicide because he felt so alone and mired in a seemingly hopeless situation. He had lost his job and his family and friends had forsaken him.


He confided that he had been raised in a good home by godly parents, but that in his adult years he had drifted away from the faith of his childhood. Finally, in the depths of his despair he said he prayed a simple, honest prayer, “God, I was taught about you as a child, but I’m so confused now that I don’t know what to believe, if the teaching from my childhood is right, please do something to confirm it…”


He said that suddenly he felt a sense of calmness and his sense of hopelessness lifted. He continued to struggle with faith but kept praying honest prayers and eventually prayed his way back to his Father’s house, where he found the solid ground needed to rebuild his life and career. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

Heavenly Father, we all face obstacles and problems in life that sometimes cause us to question our faith. At such times, we too often begin to intellectualize our beliefs and in so doing undermine that childlike faith that has sustained us through the years. Help us, dear Father to turn back to the childlike confidence that makes us truly mature in the faith, and confirms us in the hope we all have. In Jesus name, AMEN

Monday, June 18, 2007 -- "That's Life, My Way!"

For with you is the fountain of life…
Psalm 36:9

Several years ago, Frank Sinatra recorded a hit song entitled “That’s Life”. The song is about a person who, looking back over his life realizes that “now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain” and has admissions of “mistakes, I’ve made a few…” and also the fact that regardless of how difficult things got, “I saw it through, without exemption.” With pride the singer says, “I took the blows…I stood tall…and did it my way.” I’ve always liked that song because it reveals the type of character, goal oriented perseverance and individualism that made America great.


But unfortunately, too many people take that same approach when it comes to governing their lives. They are going to do it “My way” with little or no regard for God or traditional values. Those who try to live their lives without faith in a Higher Power often are reduced to resignedly repeating the refrain from another Sinatra hit that says, “That’s life…ridin’ high in April, shot down in May” when their path grows dark and fills with disappointments.


But for those who live their lives by faith, they realize that God’s steadfast love provides them with a fountain of life. Of course, this doesn’t refer to the length of our lives, rather the quality of our lives. This fountain of life springs forth in each of us and gives us “songs in the night”, “turns our mourning to joy” and makes us “more than conquerors” when we choose to drink from it. It gives us the power to soar in the April months of our lives, the guidance to get through the May months of our lives and the power to turn my way into “Thy way”, thus making “That’s life” into “That’s Abundant life!” For with you is the fountain of life…

Heavenly Father, We thank you for the gift of life that you offer us so that we can maximize our ability to fully realize our dreams, work toward our goals with integrity and find the spiritual inner strength we need to "keep on keeping on" in the face of adversity. Forgive us for too often following "my way" instead of merging our way into your way and lead us to better understand how to apply your principles and thereby experience not only life, but life to its fullest. In Jesus name, AMEN

Saturday, June 16, 2007

For Sunday, June 17, scroll to the end of Saturday's meditation

Yet you have made them a littler lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor
Psalm 8:5


When humankind’s short-sighted reasoning led them to misuse their gift of free will and disobey God they lost what Arminius called their “original righteousness” and the presence of the Holy Spirit was withdrawn, yet they (and we) are still in the image of God (though damaged) and therefore able to be restored to that pre-fall state through faith.


Psychologists tell us that one of the driving questions of human existence has to do with who we really are and why we are here. The Psalmist tells us that those of us who have exercised restorative faith are truly the highest order of God’s creation and that the Creator has crowned us with glory and honor.


No true child of God need ever suffer from inferiority feelings or a sense of inadequacy because as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father we have a very special place in not only God’s creation but also in his care and plan. Yet you have made them a littler lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor

Heavenly Father, Today we have many names for the age old malady that keeps us from realizing who we are and what we can become, but we know that it is rooted in our lack of realization of the truth of today’s scripture verse. Help us to not only come to know that people are your greatest creation, but also that by faith in your Son we can experience to restorative power of the indwelling presence of your Spirit, which will enable us to grow toward the person we were meant to be and thereby fulfill the wonderful purposes you have for us. In Jesus liberating name, AMEN

Sunday, June 17, 2007

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21,22

Recently, I wrote about a man we called Frank and the negative effects on his health and work caused by his desire to strike back against people who had wronged him. As you will recall, Frank had been up for a promotion which everyone agreed he deserved. But much to his consternation senior management selected a less qualified individual. Of course, he was disappointed but took it in stride—until he learned that the individual who had been promoted had managed, with the help of some unethical managers taken credit for much of the work that Frank had done.


Our passage for today could be considered a companion text to the one we illustrated with Frank’s story (. “Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done” Proverbs 24:29) because it states in the positive the actions we should take toward those who have wronged us.


It goes without saying that it takes a real man or woman to live up to these words. Why not take some time this Lord's Day to make a list of people whom you feel have wronged you and then try to figure out how you can begin to follow the teaching of this text in the coming week.


Not only will you be a better person and feel better about yourself, “the Lord will reward you.” If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Heavenly Father, this is a hard teaching to follow, but we know that you never ask of us anything that is impossible, if we allow you to empower us with your Spirit of love to accomplish it. Free us from our resentments, teach us to pray for those who have wronged us and to act in ways that show forth your grace toward them. This we pray in your Son's name, AMEN

Friday, June 15, 2007

Prepare your work outside, get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build your house

Proverbs 24:27


Have you ever tried to assemble a toy for your children or grandchildren? You get a box full of parts, a plastic bag full of screws and other do-hickeys and “simple” instructions for assembling the gizmo. Of course, the instructions run something like this “Insert part A into part C, secure with hex screw 2 and place safety cap Z over screw heads.”


Every time I get involved in such a project I’m reminded that God has given us a box of life parts and a bag of screws. And to fully enjoy life we have to follow the instructions carefully because if we don’t we are liable to get the parts assembled wrong.


One of the key things in assembling the “package of life” that we’ve been given is learning to get our priorities right. This involves not only reading the “instructions” but learning how to distinguish what is important at the moment and what is less important. Prepare your work outside, get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build your house


Heavenly Father, we know that life can be grand—no matter what! But too often it loses its grandness because we feel overwhelmed by all the things we have going on in our lives. This robs us of the serenity of mind that you have given us and creates the anxious spirit that minimizes our joy and dampens our enthusiasm. Help us to learn to see more clearly those things that are truly important, and teach us “not to sweat the little things." But most of all remind us to seek first your kingdom. In Jesus name, AMEN

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand(work) before kings; he not stand before obscure men Proverbs 22:29


For more than 20 years, my wife has been involved with helping people move toward achieving their career goals. One of the most critical things in getting, holding or advancing in a job is the skill level of the individual. Skills are something that we acquire through training, practice and continual commitment to upgrading and refining them. However, too many people mistakenly limit their definition of skills to what is known a “hard skills” i.e. technical aptitude, etc. There is another type of skills called “soft skills”. Soft skills refer to our ability to adapt, get along with others, handle customer relations, etc. The skills that qualify us for a position then, really involves honing our God given “knack” for doing certain things and developing the type of personality and interpersonal skills.


It is interesting to note that the soft skills most employers look for are found in the book of Galatians, chapter 5, verses 22,23. Just as no one can expect to become a brain surgeon by simply reading a book, we need to realize that as Christians we have to apply ourselves to honing our vocational skills to fully realize the potential that God has given us. And we also must continually surrender our personality to the influence of the Holy Spirit in order for the “soft skills” known as the fruit of the Spirit can blossom in our lives. We must do our part in order to receive the full benefit from the gifts and talents that we’ve been given. Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand(work) before kings; he not stand before obscure men

June 13, 2007

Buy the truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction and understanding Proverbs 23:23


We have all faced the dilemma of deciding how to spend our discretionary income. In my case it usually involves deciding between two books. Depending on the mood I’m in I might buy a novel or I might purchase a business or theology book.


Of course, there are times when I need to decide between investing in a book or buying groceries. The point is, I have to make a value judgment on where my money will benefit me the most at that point in my life. In doing so I indicate that I am willing to sacrifice one for the other. If I decide to take a course at a university, I saying I will invest the time that could have been spent on other things gaining academic knowledge.


Our verse for today reminds us that we have to make this same choice with our time and energy. The text urges us to invest our time in order to acquire truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding.


There is nothing wrong with investing time to be with family, to enjoy leisure pursuits, etc., but we need to be certain that we are also investing time for spiritual and personal development. Buy the truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction and understanding

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off
Proverbs 23:18


Loss of a job…


Failing health…


A marriage ending in divorce…


A child addicted to drugs…


The death of a spouse…


Passed over for a promotion…


Many times life can take some unexpected turns that leave us confused, frustrated and ready to either give up on God’s dream for our lives or yield to the temptation to take shortcuts. When we experience these feelings it is usually because we feel that we have lost all hope of achieving our goal, realizing our expectations or finding a way out of our difficulty.


This verse, rooted deeply in the Judeo-Christian belief that God has a purpose and a plan for everyone willing to accept the responsibility of seeking it assures us, that regardless of how bleak things may seem, our hope has not been misplaced because God has a way of bringing a new dawn for us. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off
--Robert Hidde

Monday, June 11, 2007

Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done” Proverbs 24:29


Let me tell you about a man whom we’ll call Frank. Frank had been an outgoing mid-level manager, full of zest and optimism. Frank was up for a promotion which everyone agreed, he deserved. Much to his consternation senior management selected a less qualified individual. Of course, he was disappointed but took it in stride—until he learned that the individual who had been promoted had managed, with the help of some unethical managers taken credit for much of the work that Frank had done.


In addition, these unethical managers had implied in their reference letters that Frank had been the one who had stolen the credit from their candidate. Being fully human, Frank became angry and began plotting his revenge. Regardless of what he was doing his plans were never far from the surface of his mind. He became resentful and surly, he couldn’t concentrate on his work and his health began to decline.


His wife became concerned and asked their minister to call on Frank. During their conversation, Frank confessed that he was focused on revenge. Over several weeks, the minister was able to help Frank let go of his resentment and desire for revenge. Within a few months he was his old self again, and by the end of the year the truth came out and he received a promotion.


Frank’s story illustrates how important it is for us to follow the teachings of this passage, "Do not say, 'I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done'”

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be wise enough to desist
Proverbs 23:4


A few years ago I became acquainted with a man whom most would consider to be wealthy. Life had not been a continual upward progression from his humble beginnings. Over time he shared with me how he had made money, then lost it; then made more money and again saw it go away. “During those years” he confided “I was always focused on making more and more; my family suffered, my health suffered and I finally realized that my business was also suffering because of my priorities.”


Then he told me what turned his life around and laid the foundation for his wealth. “One day I was reading my Bible and came across a verse that changed my thinking. At first it bothered me, but then I did some research and talked to my pastor and discovered that the verse didn’t condemn working to build financial security but that it cautioned against becoming so focused on it that you become obsessed with simply getting more and more; you have to be able to walk away from it long enough to recharge and enjoy relationships.


"Once I learned this, and it took several months for it to really soak in, I found new peace, a clearer mind and most of all that I again was enjoying life, as well as my business.”

That verse is our text for the day, Do not toil to acquire wealth; be wise enough to desist

Saturday, June 9, 2007

And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. Luke 6:18


Luke was a Greek physician, therefore it is natural for him to be interested in the work Jesus did to relieve human suffering. Since the time of Luke we have come to a greater understanding of not only physical ailments but psychological maladies. It is interesting that Luke tells us that Jesus healed the sick and cured those troubled with unclean spirits.


Over the years I have counseled scores of people who suffered from unclean spirits, many of them were cured by coming into contact by faith with Jesus. I’m not talking about demon spirits, rather about those subconscious foundations and attitudes that create “unclean” spirits of negativity, anger, depression, fear and feelings of inferiority.


Once we let the Great Physician cure us of these spirits then we are liberated to begin living lives of inner peace, joy, confidence and power. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.
--Robert Hidde

Friday, June 8, 2007

Give your strength to your servant

Psalm 86:16b



Not only can we count on God to provide us with guidance as we handle our daily affairs, we can also count on him to give us the added strength of mind and conviction we need during difficulties.


A young lad was trying to pick up a bulky bag of lawn fertilizer. His father knew the boy had the strength to carry the sack—if he could ever get it off the ground, the father offered to help him but the boy insisted that he pick it up. He tugged and pulled but could never get enough heft to get it up high enough to carry. Finally, exhausted by his efforts the boy ask his dad to help him pick up the bag. Together they easily lifted the sack high enough for the boy to get his arms around it. The father then watched as his son proudly carried the sack down the driveway.


Now, often when we think of strength, we think only of physical strength, such as is found in this little illustration. But I am convinced that the strength the Psalmist talks about is much more than that. I believe he is also referring to a mental strength in the face of adversity. An inner strength that provides us with the persistence we need to keep on in the face of difficulties. A strength that comes from fresh insights and new ideas—these clarify situations and open our mind to opportunities thus reinvigorating us to new goals. The strength of unshakeable faith that God will never fail us or forsake us.


As we become aware of these forms of strength at work in us, let us never forget that it is not our strength, but God’s strength surging through us, empowering us and helping us pick up what ever our sack of fertilizer and carry it with success. Give your strength to your servant

Robert Hidde

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long
Psalm 86:3

For almost 42 years I have tried to bring messages through print, from the pulpit and secular speakers platform that inspire, challenge and help people live vibrant lives of confidence and faith. If there is one thing that I have learned during this time it is that living in constant awareness of God’s nearness and willingness to guide our minds produces more positive outcomes than we experience when we try to go it alone.


I became acquainted with a successful executive several years ago who testified to this simple truth. Almost everyday he was faced with decisions that involved millions of dollars, the future of his company and the security of both his employees and stockholders. “I have a fine education, solid experience and good business instincts” he said, “but when I combine those ingredients with the wisdom that God gives when I ask for it, I always see things turn out much better than when I simply rely on my on background.”


Don’t hesitate to bring every decision and problem you face in your career, family and personal life to God. Then be open to his guidance, you’ll be amazed at the ideas that you receive that correct your thinking, develop a strategy and lead to positive outcomes. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy Psalm 86:1

Often, in the midst of a hectic week, it is easy to feel like we are losing our mental and spiritual equilibrium, isn’t it? There are projects to be started and completed, decisions to be made, meetings to participate in, work to be done and a myriad of activities involving family and friends. In looking over everything we need to get done it is easy to feel overwhelmed, to become aware of our limitations and experience a sense of inadequacy.


Why not try following the example of some of the most successful people in the history of American business? Men like John D. Rockefeller, J.C. Penney, J. L. Craft, John Danforth (founder of Purina), Milton S. Hershey and countless others who, realizing their poverty and need in certain areas of their lives made their faith an integral part of their business lives.


Certainly, these men weren’t perfect and they made mistakes, but each of them demonstrated a reliance on Almighty God and their religious faith as they understood it. So if you are feeling somewhat inadequate or overwhelmed by all the things you’ve still got to co this week, why not acknowledge your poverty and need in these areas of your life and talk it over with God.

You may not become as rich as Rockefeller or have your name on a retail store or chocolate bar but you will experience the wonderfully amazing presence of God’s guiding hand. Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Psalm 86:4

In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me Psalm 86:7


Christianity is a supposed to be a joyous way of life, even though there are those down through history (and even today) who would deny this fact. We need to remember thought that the book of Job, oldest of all books in the Bible, tells us that our days are full of trouble. But the Psalmist, while not denying that fact echoes another truth that balances those dire words, the truth that almighty God cares for us and will guide and assist us if we allow him. This means that even when we are faced with major obstacles, crisis or problems we can have inner peace, assurance and gladness. The reason is simple, we know that no matter what trouble we find coming our way, God is just a prayer away, and he will answer us!



Of course, there are times when the problems, cares and pressure of daily living weigh us down. When this happens it can drain any sense of joy out of us. What’s a Christian to do? The answer is to follow the Psalmist example, go to our kind heavenly father, tell him what is bothering you and ask him to gladden your mind.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86:17

Is it proper to seek God’s blessings in our lives?

There are some who don’t believe we should, that we should simply take whatever comes along and be satisfied with it. Of course, the real question goes to our motives for seeking God’s blessing.

What motivates us to seek God’s blessings?

Is it simply to acquire material things?

Is it because we need better health?

The Psalmist prays for a “sign” (which would indicate some outward manifestation, perhaps better health, material things, etc) but he tells us that his motive is not simply a selfish desire for more, rather it is in order that God be glorified.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7 (8:3-11)

Someone sent me a group of jokes and stories the other day and one of them reminded me of this passage. It seems that a student in a writing class had an assignment to write a short story.

Like so many people, the student waited until the last minute to complete the assignment and failed to proofread carefully. One of the sentences in the story read as follows, “Marge stood at the head of the stairs, lost her balance and fell. When John found her, she was laying prostitute at the bottom of the stairs.” The week after the assignments had been turned in the instructor returned the graded stories. She had circled the sentence and written in the margin, “You need to learn to distinguish between a fallen woman and one who has simply slipped.”

Of course the writer had meant prostrate, not prostitute but in his haste he had failed to be sure he had typed the right word.

How many times do we get the wrong word when we hastily judge the actions or motives of others?
Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
Robert Hidde

Friday, June 1, 2007

The Lord will vindicate his people

Psalm 134:14

Many years ago, I became acquainted with a retired retailer who lived in a small town. I always enjoyed hearing his stories, especially the one he told about what happened when Wal-Mart built a store in his town.

Naturally, their entry into the market sent shock waves through the retail community. A meeting of all the store owners was held and it was decided that in order to compete, it would be necessary for all the stores to be open on Sunday.

A stanch Christian from the old school, he refused to join the other merchants in opening on Sunday. They tried everything to convince him of the folly of his decision, but he stayed true to his convictions.

Within a year, most of the other businesses had closed their doors, they discovered that the overhead for a seven day a week operation was just too great.

But my friend was able to remain in business because after seeking God’s wisdom he was led to focus on those things he could offer his customers that the retail giant couldn’t.
Robert Hidde

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Those who have believed in God…apply themselves to good deeds, these are excellent and profitable to men.
Titus 3:8b

How long has it been since you deliberately set out to do something nice for someone?

I’m not talking about writing a check to your favorite charity or participating in some church or group activity such as Habitat for Humanity or a mission trip to Mexico to build church buildings. I’m talking about being aware of someone who has some need and going out of your way to meet it.

There maybe an elderly neighbor that could use your help? Perhaps there is someone who has suffered a loss needing companionship, or a child needing someone to help them learn to read. I know all the reasons we don’t do these things (Unfortunately, I’ve used a few of them myself), but the meaning of Christian love doesn’t bow before our reasons.

Christian love is still defined as putting the needs of others before our own comfort and desires. Those who have believed in God…apply themselves to good deeds, these are excellent and profitable to men.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

"Let no one

look down on you" Titus 2:15b

Most of the problems we see in families, friendships, at work and even in the church are because someone feels under appreciated.

No one likes to be taken for granted and no one likes to feel that their contributions have been ignored. In fact, psychologists tell us that one of the basic desires of all people is the desire to feel appreciated.

This being the case, as Christians we need to be sure that we take the time to appreciate both the big and small things that people do for us or for the church (doing unto others as we would have them do unto us).

But we must also be aware that if we aren’t careful we can create a climate where we will be ignored and unappreciated. Certainly, we’ve all done or said things we’ve regretted, that is called experience.

The important thing is that as we grow in grace and wisdom that we learn how to not only give appreciation but also to be worthy of it.

Robert Hidde

Tues, May 29, 2007

The end of the matter; (after) all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for that is the whole duty of everyone.
Ecclesiastes 12:13

Many years ago, I read a story about a famous theologian who served as a professor at a prestigious university. According to the story, his lectures were deep, his assignments challenging and his expectations of his students were very high. Finally, the last day of class before the final exam arrived and the professor asked if there were any questions. Many questions were fired at him regarding theological questions and theories by students eager to gain a better understanding of the material they had been taught.


Finally, one young man raised his hand and said, “Professor, you’ve taught us so much that is complicated and intellectually challenging. But I was wondering, if you could boil down what you’ve been teaching in a simple sentence?”


The professor thought for a moment then said, “Yes, I can” and began singing “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…”

Our verse for today reminds us that even if we can’t always figure out all the nuances we find in the Bible that it all boils down to trusting God and following his ways.

Memorial Day, May 28, 2007

Before we get to today’s Daily Power Point, let me remind you that this is Memorial Day. A day when we should remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to win our freedoms and even now fight to keep us free. It is also a day to remember our friends and family who have gone before us.

As we remember, let us also reflect on the mantle of responsibility they have passed to us and renew our commitment to their memories, and the future to uphold the standards they stood for, fought for and died for.

For it is God who executes judgment (meaning God ultimately puts things in order), putting down one and lifting up another. Psalm 75:7

A few years back, I was talking with a business acquaintance whose business had fallen on difficult times. I listened patiently to his litany of complaints about the market, business climate and foreign competition. Not knowing much about his business, I sympathized, made a few suggestions and wished him well.

The next day, I had lunch with another business acquaintance whose business was also hitting hard times. In an attempt to offer him more support than I’d been able to give my friend the day before, I began discussing the market, business climate and foreign competition (echoing the sentiments expressed during my previous conversation).

About half way through my attempt to sound knowledgeable my companion held up his hand and said, “I know all about those things that I can’t control but I’m more concerned about the things that I can control, and more important I trust the one who controls it all.” Then he quoted the words of today’s text, "For it is God who executes judgment (meaning God ultimately puts things in order), putting down one and lifting up another."

Robert Hidde

Sunday, May 27, 2007

The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings which are given by one Shepherd. Of anything beyond these, beware. Of making many books there is no end and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Ecclesiastes 12:11,12 (NRSV)

When I was growing up one of my Sunday School teachers cited this verse constantly as a means of cautioning her students against some of the things being taught in the public schools. While there is validity to her point, she carried it to the extreme by saying that we couldn’t trust doctors because much of their research and training was based on the theory of evolution!

I recently heard similar sentiments expressed on so-called Christian radio. But is this really what the writer is getting at in this verse? Is he really saying that we shouldn’t at least have a nodding acquaintance with current theories and trends?

I think what the writer is saying is that we need to realize that while the world around us is changing, we must never lose sight of the fact that certain values and standards are universal and must be accepted on faith.

That’s why he says “beware”, which means to move cautiously when we are dealing with things that seem to move beyond the values and standards contained in this volume. We must always be sure that we never lose sight of the things that serve as the foundation for peace of mind and fulfillment by moving cautiously when we are confronted by ideas and theories that seem to contradict them.

--Robert D. Hidde