The Lotto Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray You fill my pockets deep

With MegaMillions, Power Ball,

Scratch Off Tickets, I’ve got them all. 

Dear Lord, You know the dollars spent

(And, yes, I still paid last month’s rent).

You know the minutes stood in line

All for the hope of money-mine!

The checker at the corner station

Will love my winning celebration!

I’ll quit my job!  I’ll sail to France!

I’ll get the latest boob implants!

And now, dear Lord, the news is on

The balls are popping, I might have won!

14, 19, 35, 10

56, 33 I lost again!

My jackpot’s gone!  My hope destroyed.

My joy and glee are null and void.

How dare You say my needs are met

With all this stress and mounting debt!

You saw my faith!  You knew my heart!

I would have given you some part!

I wish I could just hold You libel.

What’s that?  You say to read my Bible? 

Very well then…

(1) You, Lord, are the giver of joy

(2) My selfish desires I must destroy

(3) You have searched me and know my heart

(3) You even created my inmost part

 And even my plans, though lofty they be,

(4) Are nothing compared to what You’ve planned for me.

From Your riches and your glory, from what I read,

(5) You’ll fully, completely, supply all my needs.

So as I lay me down tonight

Knowing my bank account is tight

I know You, Lord, are bigger than

My greedy, selfish lotto plan.

Lord, guide my steps.  Make me content.

From old desires I now repent.

My life is Yours.  Show me the way.

In Your holy, forgiving name I pray.

(1) Psalm 16:11

(2) Matthew 6:33

(3) Psalm 139

(4) Isaiah 55:8-9

(5) Philippians 4:19

The fact is...

Many of you have speculated for years.  Some of you may have heard me say it.  Those close to me have seen me at certain “pro” events which I attend weekly & have for most of my life - willingly.  I’ve even held leadership roles at these events   So, it’s time for me to come out & say it.  The fact is, I’m a Christian and I couldn’t be any more happy.

I know this doesn’t take you by surprise.  You probably noticed I wasn’t attracted to the opposite of Life.  I’m just not “in” to sin.  Some might call me conservative.  I no longer take offense.  

I’m lucky - my parents fully support me.  In fact, they have been Christian for the majority of their lives.  Crazy, huh?  

I don’t fit it with some crowds.  I don’t mesh with the pro-worldly groups.  When others see a rainbow and think of storms – I see a rainbow and think of God’s promises.  

I was bullied in school – called a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) and not invited to certain parties.  But I’ve overcome this.  

I met someone – around 26 year ago, actually.

His name is Jesus.  He loves me for who I am.  He would do anything for me – even take a bullet – or a cross.  He knows all I’ve been through and He’s never left me.  Not once.  I sure can’t say that for everyone else I’ve met in the past.  But Jesus is different.  

I can fully trust Him.  I’ve given Him my life.  I follow Him where He leads me.  And, you know what?  I’m not ashamed.  Romans 1:16-17

The Pathmaker - To Pops on his 80th Birthday

The Pathmaker

God directs the steps of the man.
If he listens, the man will walk
That path.
Rocky through battle
Steep during turmoil
Smooth during joys of life
is that path.
But all the while
God directs his steps.

See, God knows
The faces he'll greet
The souls he'll meet
The children he'll hold
The lives he'll mold
All along the way.

God knows that every step
is purposeful
is planned
is preordained.

God knows that every step
Carves the path
Clears the path
for those following close behind.

And those behind watch.

They watch the pathmaker as
He watches the Director of his steps.

They watch, closely, as he
Leads,
Loves,
Provides,
Protects.

And they are
Led,
Loved,
Provided for and
Protected.

Then,

They rise, filling each footprint
with tiny feet
with growing feet
one
by
one.

Feeling out each crevice
With such determination
In constant emulation
of the pathmaker.

And their lives are forever
Joined to that path -
To that well-worn, God-led path.

All because the pathmaker
Watched the Director of his steps.

Your Newspaper Headline

Congratulations!  You just won $1,000,000 for being

the one-millionth person to shop at Wal-Mart! 

What will the newspaper headline say?

• Mother of 9 wins $1,000,000
• Former Homeless Man wins $1,000,000
• Retired Grandmother wins $1,000,000
• ____________________ wins $1,000,000

What will your spouse, mother or father say?

• Congratulations!  I'm happy for you!
• I know you'll squander it just like your uncle.
• After you pay off all your debt, let's see how much you have and how happy you are!
• You may be excited now, but it won't last.
• _________________________________________.

CNN hears about your winnings and wants to do

a story on you and your life.

Where in your past will you NOT want them to visit?

Who in your past will you NOT want them to interview?

  

Many times in life we are defined by our past, by our family, or by our baggage.  How many times have you read "Former Teacher Arrested for..." or "New Mother earns..."?  Likewise, our family can define us.  "You'll never..." or "I know you'll be just like your grandfather who..."  Sometimes our feelings are dictated by those close to us.  If we expect a spouse to rejoice with us, but instead hear "You may be happy now, but just wait until..." it can be a huge blow.

The power of self image, of others' words, and of carried burdens often paint a portrait of who we are.

Whether we like the portrait or want to cast it aside, that picture is not who we are.  It is not who YOU are.  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord...

• You are a child of God. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12
• You are a friend of God. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
• You were made by God to do great things. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
• And, one of my favorites, you are more than just a winner, more than a victor, you are more than a conqueror. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Places and people often remind us of our past.  Can you imagine if CNN reported from David's rooftop? 

"And this is the exact location where David was tempted by lust and failed."

What if CNN interviewed the girl in the courtyard before Jesus' death?

"Young girl, can you tell us what you heard?" 

"Yes, I heard Peter say he didn't even know Jesus and he cursed about it!"

• But in God's eyes, when you accepted Him, you became a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17
• God does not hold your past against you. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.  Hebrews 8:12
• God does not want us to repeat our past mistakes, but if we do, we can go to Him and ask for forgiveness and help. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  1 John 2:1

Sorry to sound so preachy- but you may need these promises today.  If not today, maybe tomorrow.  Maybe at your next family event, when Aunt So-and-So brings up that story (you know the one).  Maybe the next time you run into that friend from the old days.  Or maybe the next time you just look into the mirror.

If you are "in Christ” (saved) then these blessings and promises are yours.  To be “in Christ” and receive his blessings, you simply must Admit that you have sinned, Believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again, and Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord (A-B-C).  You can pray a prayer just like this: “Jesus, I admit that I have sinned.  I believe that you died on the cross and rose again to forgive me of my sins.  Please forgive me.  I will make you Lord of my life.  Amen.”  (Romans 10:9-10)

The Minivan Christian

What Kind of Vehicle Are You?
Convertibles Usually available as two-door passenger cars and SUVs, these commonly have a fabric top that folds down, but some sporty versions offer a removable or retractable hardtop.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Sporty Appearance	Interior noise is often high, even with top up
Good resale value	Often no rear seats
Open-air driving in warm, dry weather	More expensive & more vulnerable to robbery

Are you like the convertible?

• Christian walk is smooth and great, as long as the climate around you is great as well. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
• Is your resale value high?  Do you buy-in to the latest & greatest ideas in religion? John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
• Is your interior noise high?  Do you often find yourself confused by life when the climate is not great around you? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
• No rear seats?  Do you have little or no room to talk to others about your relationship with Christ? Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 
• Vulnerable to robbery?  Is it easy for Satan to steal your joy and peace that God has given you? John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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Coupes  These two-door models often are the sportier incarnation of a four-door "family" sedan.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Sporty Appearance	Rear seats often cramped
Better Handling	Low roof = low head room in rear
More room than convertible (usually)	Wide doors difficult to open all the way

Are you like the coupe?

• Do you handle yourself pretty well in tough life situations? Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Do you have a bit more room in your life to discuss your Christian walk. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
• Wide doors?  Is it hard for you to open your heart to all God has for you? Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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Hatchbacks These small or medium-sized cars have a trunk lid that's all one piece with the back window.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Practical & versatile	Low roof = low head room in rear
Lots of cargo space	High noise levels
Usually cheaper than cars w/trunk	Cargo area visible to robbers

Are you like the Hatchback?

• Are you versatile?  Can you adapt to life’s changing situations? Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
• Do you have lots of cargo space to carry life’s loads or other’s loads? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
• Is your interior noise high?  Do you often find yourself confused by life when the climate is not great around you? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
• Vulnerable to robbery?  Is it easy for Satan to steal your joy and peace that God has given? John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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Large sedans These are usually long and wide, with powerful engines and fully equipped interiors. They're a good choice as a family sedan.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Roomy & plush	Handling is not very agile
Long wheelbase provides smooth ride	Fuel economy is mediocre to poor
Weight provides safety advantages in wreck	More difficult to park

Are you like the Sedan?

• Does your life have plenty of room for God and others?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
• Does your “base” provide a smooth ride through life, even in bumpy situations? 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
• Are you “weighted” in biblical truths to assist you in the fender benders of life? Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
• Is your fuel economy poor?  Do you quickly run out of the blessings of Sunday during the week? Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
   

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Pickup trucks These vehicles are primarily meant to haul cargo, not people, so it's not surprising that most do not provide a carlike ride or good fuel economy. Newer crew-cab versions with four full-sized doors and two rows of regular-sized seats are addressing the people part of the equation, however. Pickups are sold in far more variations than sedans--with many engine choices, diverse bed lengths, and often several cab and door configurations.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Able to carry bulky & heavy loads	Cargo in bed is general unsecured
Good for towing	Sluggish handling & uncomfortable ride
Extended-cab offers extra seating & cargo	Poor fuel economy

Are you like a truck?

• Do you have plenty of room for the burdens of others, yet their burdens end up burdening you so that you become sluggish and uncomfortable?
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
• Is your fuel economy poor?  Do you quickly run out of the blessings of Sunday during the week?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 

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Minivans These vehicles offer large interiors but are usually no longer than a medium-sized car. They are the most practical, utilitarian choice for moving lots of people or cargo.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Roomy – space for up to 8
Plenty of cargo room
Good fuel economy
Higher off road = better visibility
Not as vulnerable to theft

Are you like a minivan?

• Does your life have plenty of room for God and others?
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
• Do you have plenty of room for the burdens of others?
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
• Is your fuel economy good?  Do you fill up and efficiently use the word of God as needed?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
• Have you reached a “higher” place in your Christian walk so that you can see what God has planned for you and what you have planned for God?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
• Have you committed to not allow Satan to steal your joy and peace?
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Car info from: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-buying-advice/guide-to-used-car-buying/narrow-your-choices/what-kind-of-car-do-you-need/index.htm