Dad put it there.

"Always By My Side" is an autobiography by Jim Nantz. In this book he relates a story about a really big decision in his life. ABC had made him an incredible offer to jump from CBS and become part of ABC's GMA show. Jim was struggling with what he should do. He could not consult with his father as he had done so many times before because Alzheimers had attacked his father. In the middle of this monumental decision Jim has to go to Augusta, GA to broadcast the Masters for CBS. It just so happened that this was the last year that the great Arnold Palmer would play in the Masters. As Arnold was preparing to go hit the ceremonial first tee shot he spotted Jim in the crowd and yelled, "Hey, Jimmy walk over here with me to the practice putting green." Jim did as he was asked and Arnold proceeded to tell him that he had heard through the grapevine about the ABC offer. Arnold reached out and began to pat Jim on the chest and said, "I know that you wish you could talk to your father about this decision but Jim (as he continued to pat him on the chest) your father put the answer in you a long time ago . . . follow your heart." By the way Arnold never hit one single practice putt he just wanted to impart some wisdom to a young man.

You know Father's day has come and gone and we all celebrated it as usual. We called our fathers, ate meals, gave cards and gifts. Some how I am not sure that this does justice to all that our fathers have done for us. I know that Arnold was right. My earthly father has put so much in me that if I could be just half the man of character and integrity that he is I would be so much further down the road. THANKS A MILLION DAD!!

Thanks to all my spiritual fathers along the road. Morris Sheats, Jackie White, Bob Godwin. Your impartation is still living in me as your wisdom continually guides me in my heart.

1 Corinthians 4:15 (The Message Bible)
There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.

Our heavenly father has also put the answer inside us.

Romans 8:14,15
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Your spirit connects with His and we know that we have the answer. The answer is in us.

Reflecting,
Ed

STOP AND THINK

"To move man through God by prayer alone" Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China. As stated before I am reading his biography and this statement is in it many times as it is one of the foundational spiritual concepts of this life of faith. It has really made me think. How do we move people today?

MEDIA (print, voice, visual), COERCION, GUILT, SHAME, FEAR . . . we probably could go on and on here.

As a communicator I run the risk every time I stand up to speak that I am crossing that invisible line of manipulation that nobody can see with their naked eye and sometimes cannot even feel it in their heart.

I know that I have to speak and preach that is my calling. Lord, let my words and motives be yours. ALL OF YOU AND NONE OF ME.

I would enjoy some feed back if you feel like you would not be trying to twist my arm. LOL

Ed

Biography Kick

All of the I have had the urge to read biographies. I can remember as an elementary school kid I loved to read true stories about others. Back then I mostly read stories about athletes because I dreamed of being a professional athlete. Those stories were fun and inspiring.

Now I love reading the stories of heroes who are living their dream or have lived their dream. Like right now I am reading "The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor" which is a biography about this great missionary to China. It is really building my faith.

I have also started two other biographies. One is called "Always By My Side" by Jim Nantz the sportscaster and "Red and Me" by Bill Russell. These last two are not very spiritual but they are still inspiring me to go for my dreams.

How about you are you going for your dream? If you are not going for it . . . why not? God has a destiny and purpose for you and it is a good one. Jeremiah 29:11 It is NEVER TOO LATE!! j

1. DO NOT DECIDE EVERYTHING IS OVER. GET SOME HOPE! Hebrews 11:1

2. WALK IN THE PEACE OF GOD.

3. LET GO OF ANY NEED TO GOOD.

4. THANK GOD FOR IT

An Inspired Christ Follower,
Ed