Opinion. Observation. Application.
Today we are headed to a funeral of a man we have known for 25 years. He died suddenly at 63 years old. His wife takes comfort (and should) in the fact he had recently rededicated his life to Christ at a Sunday Church Service. She faces the future (potentially many years) on her own. The shock is set in, but not quite the reality of it all. It is so important for each of us to live up to date with God and each other. Jesus taught us–“If anyone is in worship offering his gift and remembers someone has something against him….LEAVE YOUR GIFT….and go be reconciled.” Jesus also said–“Settle matters quickly with your adversary or things may spin out of control.” Always be ready…..
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
We are preparing for a trip to the Holy Land starting in a couple of days. As I think about being able to visit the Holy Land again on Bonus Days it gives me a fresh vigor toward the things of God. There are 21 pilgrims going together to the Holy Land this time. I would appreciate your prayers for God’s presence every step along the way, even as these people prepare their suitcases for the journey.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
Today, June 12, 2018 is my spiritual anniversary–my spiritual GOLDEN anniversary…..50 years ago today I invited Jesus into my heart. I am so grateful to my Grandparents who made sure my brothers and I were able to go to Vacation Bible School. Grandma packed our lunches and ran us back and forth all week long. On the Thursday morning of VBS my brothers and I went forward to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. A little Church down a dirt road in rural Henry County, Iowa. Very grateful on this 89th Bonus Day!
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
Listening, learning, and following the Holy Spirit is a full-time, full-focus, full-energy proposition. When Jesus ascended into Heaven He expressly instructed His disciples to go to the Upper Room and wait. After 40 days of unity and prayer the winds “filled the house” where they were sitting. “Wind” is Scripture constitutes “change.” Things were about to change in them and through them. As the “cloven tongues like as of fire separated and came to rest on each of them” their inner lives would never be the same. The same Holy Spirit that infilled the 120 in the Upper Room, is the same Holy Spirit that infills us still today. May we each take the time to be intentional with the Holy Spirit today.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
Sentimentality has always been an issue with me. I can be/get sentimental over the smallest thing. I had a BIG one today. We came upon an old time Cream Separator at a neighborhood garage sale. It so reminded me of some of my favorite memories of my childhood, back on the family farm in Henry County, Iowa. The Cream Separator was a central piece of equipment in milking cows on a family farm. There it was before me and the owner with his own stories of pouring the milk into it. Marceil was the one who actually mentioned the idea of re-purposing it. NOT–as a flower pot, but as a light in the living room! This Bonus Day has had a very special bonus in it–being able to bring a symbol of the favorite parts of my childhood home–into our home–and to enjoy as a special memory of my favorite memories.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Across the email today came a notification that a Land Development Company I have worked with in the past was selling a group of lots they purchased from a Bank that foreclosed on a developer who went bankrupt. Looking into the situation further got us interested in looking into it deeper. How does a person know if God wants you to build a home 30 miles to the East of Yellowstone National Park? How many of these Bonus Days do I have left? These are all question with answers we don’t know. We don’t know because we are not supposed to know. Faith and trust combined with praying for wisdom is all that God requires…PLUS….love your neighbor.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
News came of a 63 year old friend passing away during a business trip. We had a discussion in the Foyer at Church the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend about he and his wife coming to the Holy Land with us. Today he is in the ultimate Holy Land, the presence of the Lord. These Bonus Days I am living reminds me constantly that we ought to always be ready for the Lord. My life is God’s. Our lives belong to Him.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
After two days we saw some friends off who were staying with us. It was a great time of fellowship, sharing and prayer. They are veterans of ministry and published almost 9000 pages of resources over the years. We discussed a great variety of issues and subjects. It was such a reminder to me that we truly need each other. We need the input, the fellowship, and the prayers–and even the truth we can speak into each other’s lives.
Every day is a Bonus Day.
Much Love,
Marc
Meeting with some friends who have given their lives in ministry to others, it reminded me of the importance of finishing well. We can’t do ANYTHING about others–attitude or treatment, but we can do something about our own attitude, understanding and treatment/reaction. The Bible is our model of character after character and story after story of people and situations that either finished strong or finished weak. FINISH STRONG.
Every day is a Bonus Day!
Much Love,
Marc
Today was the last day of school for some the grandchildren, and we were delighted to be able to spend a little time with them this evening. We took them to the Albaneese Candy Factory. They were literally “kids in a candy store.” They were kids and it was a candy store! It was a great time. We loved every minute. Thank you, Lord, for those extra special, extra fun moments.
Every day is a Bonus Day!
Much Love,
Marc
