Deacon's Diary

Deacon's Diary for Sunday-June 15th

deaconlwg | June 14, 2008 05:07

Deacon's Diary is a weekly feature that appears on the back side of the bulletin at the First Baptist Church of Avalon, Texas.

Because He Said so.

We've all heard it growing up. "Because I said so." I know I heard it. Loud and clear. And then that was that. End of the discussion. Period.

 I am talking about how dad would some time settle things around the house. His final word, although lacking any detail, was never lacking any of the authority behind it. "Because I said so", had meaning.

It wasn't that Dad was being blunt and abrupt just because he could. When he used that phrase it had meaning because all of us kids knew that he had already spoken on the issue at hand. "Because I said so" was just a reminder. It was his way of saying that we should already know where he stood. It was his way of making us think about it.

I can remember that even back then I would find some comfort in those four simple words. "Because I said so' meant that what ever the disagreement or struggle was about, it was now settled. The rules were defined and there would be no more speculation. No more wondering. There is a good deal of comfort to be gained when doubt is removed. I'm thankful for my Dad for many things. But maybe mostly for that.

The same can be said about our Heavenly Father. No matter what problems might come along in our lives, God has the right answer. He has already spoken on the issue at hand no matter what it might be. For the most part, we already know where He stands. We just forget.

 God isn't in the habit of sending  us a booming voice from above with a loud "Because I said so". But He has given us the Bible. In times of disagreement or struggle, reading the Bible can settle it. All doubt can be removed. Be thankful to God for all things. Maybe mostly for that.

 

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Deacon's Diary for Sunday-June, 8th

deaconlwg | June 14, 2008 05:03

Deacon's Diary is a weekly feature that appears on the back side of the bulletin at the First Baptist Church of Avalon, Texas.

Handy prayer guide.

The following, called the Five Finger prayer guide, was sent to me via e-mail by Meg Lyon. I felt it was worth sharing. Thanks Meg!


1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, our "sweet duty."


2. The next finger is the pointing finger. It reminds us to pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes our teachers, our doctors, and our ministers. They need God's support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.


3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It should remind us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These are the people that shape our nation and effectively guide public opinion. They surely need God's guidance.


4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher or piano player will readily testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, or sick, or in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.


5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be humbled enough to be able to pray for yourself more effectively.              --Author Unknown

 

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