John 21:3-4
3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
(NIV)
One day my daughter, Sahara , came running up to me saying, “Donovan hit me.” I called for Donovan, but he did not come. He knew he was in hot water and was on the run. I went to go look for him. After awhile, I found him hiding in the closet. I asked him, “What in the world are you doing hiding in the closet?” He really did not have anything to say for himself. Justice was administered, and it was only a short while till things were back to normal.
When we blow it or fall into sin, it is in our human nature to go into seclusion and try to avoid facing the consequences of our wrong. Peter had denied Jesus three times. He had broken his promise that he had so confidently made in front of everybody. So now, Peter is going out to go fishing. He is sliding back to his old self. I am sure he wanted to just be alone, but others followed. The last time Peter saw Jesus was when the rooster crowed after his third denial.
Luke 22:61
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."(NIV)
I can imagine that that image of Jesus staring at Peter would forever be burned into his memory. I am sure that every time from then on, when he heard that rooster crow, he would be taken back to that day. Although Peter felt physically distant from Jesus and was probably feeling depressed, Jesus was standing on the shore watching him. Jesus didn’t have to look for Peter. He knew right where Peter was. He knows right where we are today as well. Jesus went to Peter. Jesus does the same for you and me when we sin. He comes to us and waits on our shore, and is waiting for the words to roll off our lips, “Forgive me, Jesus.”
Copyright 2005 Greg Graham
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sing
Rev 19:4-6
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
"Amen, Hallelujah!"
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
(NIV)
I remember when my daughter started singing in the youth choir. Let me tell you I have never been more proud of her in all my life. She is a great athlete, an honor student, and has received all kinds of awards, but seeing her singing praises to our God fills my heart with an inexpressible joy that I can not find the words to describe. As I was reflecting upon how the youth choir led the congregation into worship, I started thinking about how God was feeling at the time. I am sure He had a big smile as He looked down upon His children worshiping him. Just as I was proudly watching my daughter worship, God was looking at me worshiping Him. I was so encouraged!
Sing to make God smile! That is what kept coming to my mind. Sing to make the Lord smile with pleasure. We can sing to make ourselves feel better. We can sing for an audience to receive their praise. Or we can sing to God to please him. When I sing and worship I often close my eyes and imagine Jesus sitting on his throne before me. It is important for us all to have times of devoted worship, free of all distractions and interruptions so we can wholeheartedly worship Jesus. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I really worshiped Jesus?” Imagine yourself witnessing the passage above. It was loud! It was exciting and intense! A “roar of rushing waters,” “loud peals of thunder,” “shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” When the church gathers and starts praise and worship, it should be no different.
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
"Amen, Hallelujah!"
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
(NIV)
I remember when my daughter started singing in the youth choir. Let me tell you I have never been more proud of her in all my life. She is a great athlete, an honor student, and has received all kinds of awards, but seeing her singing praises to our God fills my heart with an inexpressible joy that I can not find the words to describe. As I was reflecting upon how the youth choir led the congregation into worship, I started thinking about how God was feeling at the time. I am sure He had a big smile as He looked down upon His children worshiping him. Just as I was proudly watching my daughter worship, God was looking at me worshiping Him. I was so encouraged!
Sing to make God smile! That is what kept coming to my mind. Sing to make the Lord smile with pleasure. We can sing to make ourselves feel better. We can sing for an audience to receive their praise. Or we can sing to God to please him. When I sing and worship I often close my eyes and imagine Jesus sitting on his throne before me. It is important for us all to have times of devoted worship, free of all distractions and interruptions so we can wholeheartedly worship Jesus. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I really worshiped Jesus?” Imagine yourself witnessing the passage above. It was loud! It was exciting and intense! A “roar of rushing waters,” “loud peals of thunder,” “shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” When the church gathers and starts praise and worship, it should be no different.
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Importune
Luke 11:5-10
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
(NIV)
importune:/ urgent in request, to annoy or trouble with persistent request or demands
Why is it that our children have to say our name twenty times before we answer them? Last night my Pastor taught on this passage of scripture and as I was driving home I was lost in thought about what he had said. Sahara was trying to get my wife’s attention, “Mom put in a different CD, Mom can you please put in a different CD? Mom!” I helped her out, “Kristi, Sahara is trying to get your attention.” A couple of minutes later Austin was trying to get my attention saying, “Dad, hey dad, daddy, Hey dad, dad.” Then my wife decided to help me out, “Greg, Austin is trying to ask you something.” If our children only said our name once we would probably rarely ever answer them. The majority of the time it is because of their importunity that their request are granted.
There are several Christians today that feel as though their prayers are never answered. Jesus said that when we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive. I believe the determining factor is “importunity.” Most people ask and stop there. They say a prayer and cross there fingers hoping it will be answered. Asking is only the first step. We ask with our voice, but then we are to seek with our eyes! When you lose your car keys do you just look in one spot and give up? To seek something is to diligently search until you find it. Then we are to knock. Try going to your neighbors door and just hit the door once. I guarantee you that you will be waiting out there for a long time. When you knock on a door you have to get physically involved, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. Knock until you get an answer.
The fact is most of us Christians today do not pray enough. In the New Testament the word ‘pray’ is mentioned 73 times, ‘prayer’ 33 times, and ‘prayed’ 24 times. There are more then 130 references to prayer in the New Testament alone! When we pray we need to pray with persistence and urgency. To see results to our prayers we have to pray with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our strength, and all of our soul!
Copyright Greg Graham 2005
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
(NIV)
importune:/ urgent in request, to annoy or trouble with persistent request or demands
Why is it that our children have to say our name twenty times before we answer them? Last night my Pastor taught on this passage of scripture and as I was driving home I was lost in thought about what he had said. Sahara was trying to get my wife’s attention, “Mom put in a different CD, Mom can you please put in a different CD? Mom!” I helped her out, “Kristi, Sahara is trying to get your attention.” A couple of minutes later Austin was trying to get my attention saying, “Dad, hey dad, daddy, Hey dad, dad.” Then my wife decided to help me out, “Greg, Austin is trying to ask you something.” If our children only said our name once we would probably rarely ever answer them. The majority of the time it is because of their importunity that their request are granted.
There are several Christians today that feel as though their prayers are never answered. Jesus said that when we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive. I believe the determining factor is “importunity.” Most people ask and stop there. They say a prayer and cross there fingers hoping it will be answered. Asking is only the first step. We ask with our voice, but then we are to seek with our eyes! When you lose your car keys do you just look in one spot and give up? To seek something is to diligently search until you find it. Then we are to knock. Try going to your neighbors door and just hit the door once. I guarantee you that you will be waiting out there for a long time. When you knock on a door you have to get physically involved, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. Knock until you get an answer.
The fact is most of us Christians today do not pray enough. In the New Testament the word ‘pray’ is mentioned 73 times, ‘prayer’ 33 times, and ‘prayed’ 24 times. There are more then 130 references to prayer in the New Testament alone! When we pray we need to pray with persistence and urgency. To see results to our prayers we have to pray with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our strength, and all of our soul!
Copyright Greg Graham 2005
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Interview
2 Cor 5:19-6:2
20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 6
1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
(from New International Version)
Whether we like it or not everyone is going to have to go through a job interview, some of us more times then we would prefer. It is just one of those things that if you want a job you are going to have to go through an interview process. Could you imagine getting a chance to interview for a dream position at the perfect job and sending someone else to represent you at your interview? That would be taking a long shot chance, because there is only one you. What if they don’t know all the right answers to the interview questions and bomb the interview? Then you are left unemployed. It would be hard to find someone that you could trust enough that could represent your attitude, personality, talent, skill, and ability.
The truth is that God has chosen us to represent him as a mirror reflection of who God is and what heaven will be like. We are representatives of God Almighty! When people spend time with a person proclaiming to be a Christian, it is like they are interviewing what God is like. People will judge God by the way they are treated by Christians. That is why it is very important for us who confess Jesus as our Lord to love others the way Jesus loved others. Our actions speak louder then our words. Here is an important question for us to ask ourselves: “If I was sent alone to a foreign country as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ what impression would I portray of Christianity?” Bringing it back to home, now what about the clerk at the grocery store, the bank teller, my co-workers, and my neighbors? When people spend time with us do they feel loved unconditionally and inspired to live a more righteous life? Remember we are Christ’s Ambassadors everyday and everywhere we go.
Coyright Greg Graham 2007
20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 6
1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
(from New International Version)
Whether we like it or not everyone is going to have to go through a job interview, some of us more times then we would prefer. It is just one of those things that if you want a job you are going to have to go through an interview process. Could you imagine getting a chance to interview for a dream position at the perfect job and sending someone else to represent you at your interview? That would be taking a long shot chance, because there is only one you. What if they don’t know all the right answers to the interview questions and bomb the interview? Then you are left unemployed. It would be hard to find someone that you could trust enough that could represent your attitude, personality, talent, skill, and ability.
The truth is that God has chosen us to represent him as a mirror reflection of who God is and what heaven will be like. We are representatives of God Almighty! When people spend time with a person proclaiming to be a Christian, it is like they are interviewing what God is like. People will judge God by the way they are treated by Christians. That is why it is very important for us who confess Jesus as our Lord to love others the way Jesus loved others. Our actions speak louder then our words. Here is an important question for us to ask ourselves: “If I was sent alone to a foreign country as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ what impression would I portray of Christianity?” Bringing it back to home, now what about the clerk at the grocery store, the bank teller, my co-workers, and my neighbors? When people spend time with us do they feel loved unconditionally and inspired to live a more righteous life? Remember we are Christ’s Ambassadors everyday and everywhere we go.
Coyright Greg Graham 2007
Vitamins
Everyone knows the importance of taking a nutritional supplement. If you are taking a multi-vitamin or not I want to encourage you to check out GBG's 10 in 1 liquid vitamin. It is absorbed within 3 minutes compared to 5 to 6 hours for a pill. There is also a 60 day empty bottle money back guarantee! The best thing about the gbg vitamins is that they are ONLY $19.95/month! That is an unbeatable price! It contains 23 vitamins and minerals, Mangosteen, Acai, Wolfberry,Co-Enzyme Q-10, Lutein, Pomegranate, and a lot more.
With the Superior Advantage of Super Age-Delaying Antioxidants; Immune Enhancers; Digestants; Whole Body System Support & A Whole Lot More!10 Formulas in One Bottle!
• Multi-Vitamin/Mineral!• Potent Antioxidant• Immune Enhancer!• Natural Energizer!• Mood & Memory Booster• Stress Reliever!• Healthy Heart Formula!• Bone & Joint Formula!• Digestive Aid!• Vision Support!
If you are looking for something you should watch the video on my site:
http://www.shopgbg.com/gregnkristi
I wish you a Healthy and Prosperous Life,
Kristi
With the Superior Advantage of Super Age-Delaying Antioxidants; Immune Enhancers; Digestants; Whole Body System Support & A Whole Lot More!10 Formulas in One Bottle!
• Multi-Vitamin/Mineral!• Potent Antioxidant• Immune Enhancer!• Natural Energizer!• Mood & Memory Booster• Stress Reliever!• Healthy Heart Formula!• Bone & Joint Formula!• Digestive Aid!• Vision Support!
If you are looking for something you should watch the video on my site:
http://www.shopgbg.com/gregnkristi
I wish you a Healthy and Prosperous Life,
Kristi
Dental Benefits
I just wanted to put a quick note about the discount dental plan that I offer. It is $11.95/month for an individual and $19.95/month for a household(everyone that lives there is covered). This plan also includes vision, prescription, and chiropractic care. I have used the plan for myself and my kids and have saved a significant amount of money. If you would like to find out more about the plan you can click on the dental link on the side or go to http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/kgraham
Ameriplan is the #1 discount plan in America and has been in business for 15 years. Here are a few of the highlights from this plan:
NO WAITING PERIOD
NO LIMIT ON VISITS
ALL ONGOING PROBLEMS COVERED
ORTHODONTICS (braces) INCLUDED FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
CHANGE DENTIST ANYTIME
COSMETIC DENTISTRY COVERED
There is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not happy, so you have nothing to lose!
Ameriplan is the #1 discount plan in America and has been in business for 15 years. Here are a few of the highlights from this plan:
NO WAITING PERIOD
NO LIMIT ON VISITS
ALL ONGOING PROBLEMS COVERED
ORTHODONTICS (braces) INCLUDED FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
CHANGE DENTIST ANYTIME
COSMETIC DENTISTRY COVERED
There is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not happy, so you have nothing to lose!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Fire
Heb 1:7
7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."
(from New International Version)
Remember when you were younger and your parents told you not to play with fire, because you would get burned? Fire is consistent. It consistently affects everything that it comes in contact with. Fire does not adapt to its surroundings. It changes its surroundings by setting everything it comes in contact with ablaze. Stick your finger in a flame and it is going to burn your finger! Fire uncompromisingly demands that everything it touches with its flame will eventually catch on fire, no matter what its value is nor its size. It serves one purpose; to change everything it comes in contact with.
Everywhere Jesus went he impacted people and influenced people to seek God’s will and to live a righteous life. Anyone who follows Jesus is a servant of fire! When we are following Jesus, we will affect everyone we come in contact with as well. There are too many Christians today that are just blending in with the world and practicing what I call “Chameleon Christianity.” As a Christian, we must remember that the Holy Spirit of God resides in us, and that we have the words of eternal life at our fingertips. We have the information that the world needs for their salvation. What keeps us from standing up for Jesus anyhow? What are we afraid of? God himself has given us the charge to: “go and make disciples of all nations….. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”(Matt.28:18 ). Let’s go heat up some things! How can I serve those around me? Who can I encourage and inspire today? Who can I bring to church this Sunday? Who can I share the Gospel with? Who and how can I make a difference in someone’s life today?
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."
(from New International Version)
Remember when you were younger and your parents told you not to play with fire, because you would get burned? Fire is consistent. It consistently affects everything that it comes in contact with. Fire does not adapt to its surroundings. It changes its surroundings by setting everything it comes in contact with ablaze. Stick your finger in a flame and it is going to burn your finger! Fire uncompromisingly demands that everything it touches with its flame will eventually catch on fire, no matter what its value is nor its size. It serves one purpose; to change everything it comes in contact with.
Everywhere Jesus went he impacted people and influenced people to seek God’s will and to live a righteous life. Anyone who follows Jesus is a servant of fire! When we are following Jesus, we will affect everyone we come in contact with as well. There are too many Christians today that are just blending in with the world and practicing what I call “Chameleon Christianity.” As a Christian, we must remember that the Holy Spirit of God resides in us, and that we have the words of eternal life at our fingertips. We have the information that the world needs for their salvation. What keeps us from standing up for Jesus anyhow? What are we afraid of? God himself has given us the charge to: “go and make disciples of all nations….. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”(Matt.28:18 ). Let’s go heat up some things! How can I serve those around me? Who can I encourage and inspire today? Who can I bring to church this Sunday? Who can I share the Gospel with? Who and how can I make a difference in someone’s life today?
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Honor Others
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
(NIV)
honor \: 5092 time (tee-may');from 5099; a value; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: precious, price.
Webster: outward respect, recognition
I recently had to purchase some equipment for our company. I called a vender out of the phone book and was very surprised by this young mans attitude towards me. I was younger them him but every chance he had he addressed me as “sir.” It was amazing! He did not miss one chance: Yes sir, No sir, Thank you for calling sir, It was good meeting you sir.” He was respecting me and making me feel important. I know he was making a sale, and our purchase was a very small purchase compared to the normal amount of business they are accustomed to, but that did not change his attitude towards me. His professional attitude towards me challenged me to be more professional in my own career.
Although this was just a daily business situation it is a biblical principle. To often I find myself so consumed with my life that I can be short with people at church and at work. As I make the decision to be devoted to loving others and honoring them above myself it makes others feel loved and valued. How do people feel after they have had a conversation with me? Do my conversations inspire people or bring people down? Am I discouraging or am I encouraging others? Our words are way more powerful then we take for granted. Not only do we need to encourage others with our words but also with our actions. Think of ways how you can encourage others. What acts service towards others can I provide that would make someone feel honored? Look at how Jesus honored and loved us. He washed the disciple’s feet; he healed the sick; he feed thousands of people; and he even took our sins upon himself so that we could be forgiven. Just as we want others to love and honor us we need to take the time each day to make sure that we are honoring and loving those around us.
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
(NIV)
honor \: 5092 time (tee-may');from 5099; a value; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: precious, price.
Webster: outward respect, recognition
I recently had to purchase some equipment for our company. I called a vender out of the phone book and was very surprised by this young mans attitude towards me. I was younger them him but every chance he had he addressed me as “sir.” It was amazing! He did not miss one chance: Yes sir, No sir, Thank you for calling sir, It was good meeting you sir.” He was respecting me and making me feel important. I know he was making a sale, and our purchase was a very small purchase compared to the normal amount of business they are accustomed to, but that did not change his attitude towards me. His professional attitude towards me challenged me to be more professional in my own career.
Although this was just a daily business situation it is a biblical principle. To often I find myself so consumed with my life that I can be short with people at church and at work. As I make the decision to be devoted to loving others and honoring them above myself it makes others feel loved and valued. How do people feel after they have had a conversation with me? Do my conversations inspire people or bring people down? Am I discouraging or am I encouraging others? Our words are way more powerful then we take for granted. Not only do we need to encourage others with our words but also with our actions. Think of ways how you can encourage others. What acts service towards others can I provide that would make someone feel honored? Look at how Jesus honored and loved us. He washed the disciple’s feet; he healed the sick; he feed thousands of people; and he even took our sins upon himself so that we could be forgiven. Just as we want others to love and honor us we need to take the time each day to make sure that we are honoring and loving those around us.
Copyright 2006 Greg Graham
Friday, May 25, 2007
Remember Me
Watch this video about our troops.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
(from New International Version)
Every day my family enjoys living in an air conditioned house, safe from the rain and bad weather, and we have the luxury of taking a hot shower when ever we want to. As I relax in the comforts of my home, it is easy to forget that there are soldiers with the American flag stitched on their sleeve laying in a foxhole praying to stay alive another day.
I get to work and I am quickly consumed with my task list, phone calls to return, faxes to send, and emails to read. The deadlines are always pressing and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done on time. It is easy to forget that as I am taking my coffee break at work in my leather chair and in my air conditioned office that there is a soldier in a tent in the dessert on watch for enemy combatants that seek to destroy America.
As I get in my air conditioned vehicle and turn on the radio to listen to some music or a talk show on my drive home from work, only to get frustrated as I get stuck in traffic, because someone got in a wreck and now it is going to take me twenty minutes longer to get home; it is easy to forget that there is a soldier that hasn’t seen his family in a year.
My wife and I go out eat for a dinner date at our favorite restaurant. We are enjoying our appetizer and iced tea in the air conditioned restaurant and everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. The waitress brings out my steak and as I take a bite I become greatly disappointed because it is room temperature. I call the waitress over and send it back for a hot off the grill steak. It is easy to forget that there is a soldier using his helmet as a chair and eating his lunch out of a can that he warmed up on the engine of his jeep.
America we are blessed beyond what we can imagine. We have so many freedoms that it is easy to take for granted. If it was not for the soldiers of our country we could be in an entirely different situation in America today. Thank God that we live in a country that we can choose where we want to work. Thank God that we live in a country that we can live where we want to live. Thank God that we live in a country where we can turn on the radio and listen to Christian music. Thank God that we live in a country where we have plenty of food to eat and water to drink! Thank God for the Americans that enlist in the armed forces and lay down their lives.
1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Copyright 2007 Greg Graham
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
(from New International Version)
Every day my family enjoys living in an air conditioned house, safe from the rain and bad weather, and we have the luxury of taking a hot shower when ever we want to. As I relax in the comforts of my home, it is easy to forget that there are soldiers with the American flag stitched on their sleeve laying in a foxhole praying to stay alive another day.
I get to work and I am quickly consumed with my task list, phone calls to return, faxes to send, and emails to read. The deadlines are always pressing and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done on time. It is easy to forget that as I am taking my coffee break at work in my leather chair and in my air conditioned office that there is a soldier in a tent in the dessert on watch for enemy combatants that seek to destroy America.
As I get in my air conditioned vehicle and turn on the radio to listen to some music or a talk show on my drive home from work, only to get frustrated as I get stuck in traffic, because someone got in a wreck and now it is going to take me twenty minutes longer to get home; it is easy to forget that there is a soldier that hasn’t seen his family in a year.
My wife and I go out eat for a dinner date at our favorite restaurant. We are enjoying our appetizer and iced tea in the air conditioned restaurant and everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. The waitress brings out my steak and as I take a bite I become greatly disappointed because it is room temperature. I call the waitress over and send it back for a hot off the grill steak. It is easy to forget that there is a soldier using his helmet as a chair and eating his lunch out of a can that he warmed up on the engine of his jeep.
America we are blessed beyond what we can imagine. We have so many freedoms that it is easy to take for granted. If it was not for the soldiers of our country we could be in an entirely different situation in America today. Thank God that we live in a country that we can choose where we want to work. Thank God that we live in a country that we can live where we want to live. Thank God that we live in a country where we can turn on the radio and listen to Christian music. Thank God that we live in a country where we have plenty of food to eat and water to drink! Thank God for the Americans that enlist in the armed forces and lay down their lives.
1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Copyright 2007 Greg Graham
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
