Saturday, December 30, 2006

New Years Revolution


We again find ourselves as a people at the end of another calendar year and as in years past many people will reflect upon their life in 2006, see areas they want to change or improve and then will make "New Years Resolutions" in an attempt to realize those changes over the course of the year. As a follower of Christ I should have that attitude of towards change and improvement every morning when I awake, maybe a "New Days Revolution". This brings to mind a quote I have known for years attributed to Dr W. Heartsill Wilson which is pretty revolutionary if you live it out each day.


"This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important,
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
good, not evil;
success, not failure;
in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.
~
Dr. Heartsill Wilson

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Wisdoms Seven Pillars

"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." Proverbs 9:1

Wisdom - the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action; sagacity, discernment or insight.

This verse from the book of Proverbs has often caused me to pause and reflect on the words "seven pillars". I have contemplated if there are actually 7 defined pillars of wisdom or not. I have read quite a bit on "wisdom" and have searched various sources for an explanation of these "seven pillars" but to no avail. At most I have found a source or two that state the number seven is only used to reflect to Gods completion and prefection but no discreet list.

So what is wisdom? What makes one person wise and another unwise? One action wise another unwise? How does wisdom relate to data, information, knowledge & truth? Proverbs gives me a good starting point.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding" Proverbs 2:6

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Remember the Fallen

The calm of a Sunday morning in Hawaii was broken around 0800 by the sound of aircraft flying, sirens wailing, explosions, cries for help, confusion and dismay. The surprise attack was in full swing and U.S. servicemen would pay the price. 2,388 in fact would make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation that day.

Today is the 65th anniversary of the raid on Pearl Harbor which helped to usher the U.S. into the 2nd World War. I reflect upon the events of that day, the valiant efforts of our servicemen and women and the effectiveness of Japan's surprise attack on U.S. forces. Where will the next "Pearl Harbor" occur? Will it occur? Who will be the agressor? Are we, as a nation, vigilant enough?

I encourage all who read this to take a moment and lift up the nations servicemen women in pray as well as our military and civilian leadership.