Notice the pennies

A column recently ran in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin about the metaphor of pennies. Many of us, when we see pennies on the ground, ignore them -- after all, doesn't it cost more to make a penny than it's worth?

The author of the column related a story about how his mentor heard from God while waiting at a Taco Bell drive-through window:

'Steve,' it said. 'Open your door. I have a present for you.' Feeling a little silly, he stopped the car and opened his door. Ground into the pavement below was a scarred and tarnished penny. 'Gee . . . thanks .' was the sarcastic thought that went through his head as he dug the practically worthless coin from the soft asphalt. But then God's quiet voice spoke again.

'In the world's eyes, a lot of people in the community you're trying to reach are like this penny. They're flawed, imperfect, and forgotten. Even churches don't see much value in wasting time on them. Through some eyes, they may look shabby and worthless, but to me, they are just like you. They're precious beyond measure!'

This story reminds us how everyone has worth in God's eyes. . .think of that the next time you find a penny on the ground.

We are loved and accepted

Today's society continually is telling us that we're not good enough.

Advertisements compare us to some idealized look, or tell us that we're not complete without the latest gadget. Well, I'm tired of trying to measure up. And I believe that a majority of society feels that way -- look at the popularity of the award-winning Dove Campaign for Real Beauty.

What it all comes down to is that we cannot feel good about ourselves if we constantly are comparing ourselves to others. Our self-esteem comes from God, who loves and accepts us unconditionally -- just look at Romans 8:38-39.

God wants us to need Him

Sometimes I feel so needy in my prayers, and I feel guilty for telling God about all of my desires. But as I think about it, I am His son -- and I of course would want my own son to tell me his wants.

A friend was telling me this weekend that God designed us with faults, and that God wants us to need Him. After all, if we did not have faults, needs and things in our lives that we wanted to change, we would not be as reliant on God. And that's what He wants -- us to need Him and rely on Him.

It's time to open our ears

Many people wonder where God is and why they only hear silence when they try to search for him. The Rev. Gary Bonebrake of Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta, N.Y., offered an excellent suggestion in The Daily Star -- read the Bible.

God is not gone; he is not unconcerned; he is not silent. He has never been silent. God is speaking in the book he inspired and gave to us. As you read the Bible, you are not reading dead words on a page. Listen. If you listen with an open heart, you hear the voice of God -- the voice of God seeking you, calling you. God is not silent; he has never been silent. We have just not been listening.

Let's take time today to focus on the words of the Bible. The Bible points us to the best way to live -- the way of Jesus.

Understanding the California wildfires and other natural disasters

The California wildfires already have caused more than $1 billion in damage and consumed 1,500 homes. An editorial ran in The Christian Science Monitor yesterday from a resident's perspective on how to deal with the wildfires and other natural disasters: prayer.

Perhaps the best answer any of us can come up with is: We can pray! I don't pretend that my prayers alone are going to stop the fires in their tracks. As the brave firefighters and rescue teams work to contain the blazes, many individuals are praying in their churches, mosques, and synagogues – or, like me, at home – affirming the presence and wisdom of one universal God. And I've learned through a long study of the Bible and of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' written by Mary Baker Eddy, the woman who founded this newspaper, that prayer is truly 'doing something.' Prayer can lead to practical solutions.

I hope that God helps the affected residents through this time and that they hear his "still small voice".

I'm glad that I'm not super rich!

It's so easy in our American society to get wrapped up in having the most expensive this and the most expensive that. Madison Avenue would have us believe that our self-worth is based upon the number and quality of toys that we have. Jonathan Clements of The Wall Street Journal wrote an excellent column on why "great wealth is overrated":

We all tend to sit up and take notice when we come across people with fancy titles, hefty incomes and immense riches. Yet these aren't signs of genius or virtue. Want proof? All it takes is two words: Paris Hilton.

As I get older, I'm getting less impressed with material goods. Clements also notes that all is not as it seems when it comes to wealth:

Displays of wealth can also be misleading. Folks can appear wealthy -- but the mansion may be fully mortgaged, the cars might be leased and the landscaper may still be awaiting payment. Even if you come across somebody who can easily afford the trappings of wealth, the trappings themselves are not a sign of wealth, but of wealth that has been spent. The money lavished on the cars, homes and jewelry is now gone.

I know that my self-worth does not come from earthly possessions, but from the treasures of God and heaven, and that God loves me just the way that I am. I just need to continually focus on that in the face of all the advertising.

Slow down and focus, part II

Tom Henderson shared an interesting tip on how to study scripture in response to yesterday's post:

I listened to a two-part series last week from the program Grace to You about how to study scripture. One recommendation that John MacArthur had was to find a short book of the Bible (he suggested 1 John) and read it in one sitting. The next day, read it again. Read it every day for a month. Feel free to make notes or marks in the margin. As your eyes see it again and again on a consistent basis, especially if you read it in the same Bible, your recall and absorption will improve.

He then suggested following it up with a longer book, broken up in to parts of a few chapters each month. Then, alternate longer books with shorter books.

I think as soon as I get my primary Bible back (I left it at my mother's church over vacation), I'm going to try this.

Thanks, Tom. It's really exciting when the words of the Bible come alive in our hearts, and tips on getting there are very appreciated!