Weekly Thought – February 12, 2019

Fred wrote and spoke often about the necessity of living in the present. He urged young ones to develop a work ethic, not a wish ethic. He consulted with numerous Christian ministries, pointing out the power of reality. And as he aged he regularly engaged his contemporaries in the need to jettison “used to” thinking.

As the research for the What’s Next book continues, please pray for fruitful interviews and clarity in developing the material. Also, as unpacked boxes of Fred’s material are uncovered, pray for an effective strategy for using the “new gems.”

Ritual Versus Reality

I recently had an interesting discussion of ritual versus reality. We acknowledged that the ritual was originally established to perpetuate the reality. However, we humans have a tendency to keep this ritual, letting the reality slip away. Theologically, this may be a subtle attempt on man’s part to take human control what initially was seen as divine.

When we do this we feel free to augment the ritual to please ourselves. This way we can make the ritual so elaborate it becomes what we would want it we were God. The outcome is often far from the sandals and seamless robe.

I have heard about (but never watched) TV shows that redo houses by tearing down walls, replacing simple design with upscale features. They take basic residences and bring them up to current tastes. Sometimes it seems like we want to do this with the fundamental rituals of the church which had a viable base. As I look at it, I see people who add color, sound, and video to make church more “relevant” and acceptable. We take the ordinary and overlay it with flash, thinking it will attract.

But I was taught a good lesson about other young ones who are serious about the reality. When I served as chair of the national Youth for Christ board why they were trying to dismantle the traditional church. This is what I saw happening with the changes in music and casual dress. To my surprise he replied, “Mr. Smith, we are not trying to destroy the traditions of the faith, but we are not willing to perpetuate them without the experience that created them.” Excellent answer.

How do we capture the initial reality? How do we avoid doing things by rote? Sometimes I hear people repeating the Lord’s Prayer in such a mindless state I wonder if they are even hearing themselves? Think of the disciples as they received the instructions from Christ? This was not a droning sound.

I submit we refill the ritual with the reality that gives it life.

This week think about: 1) Where have I substituted ritual for a vital reality? 2) What can I do to enliven my faith experience? 3) How can I connect with liturgy and form to bring the reality of Jesus into my life?

Words of Wisdom: “We acknowledged that the ritual was originally established to perpetuate the reality.”

Wisdom from the Word: “these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ!” (Colossians 2:17 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 27, 2018

Fred believed in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He stood firmly on the reality of the deity….three in one. He did not spend time arguing with people about God, but he spent much time thinking and speaking about the practical application of the nature of God.

BWFLI boldly stands on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We go to bring glory to God and honor to Fred’s work. We are unashamedly Christian in our approach, but like Fred take our faith into the culture with reason and authenticity.

Evidences of God

I was invited to attend a luncheon of 17 leading pastors including Stephen Olford who influenced teachers and preachers worldwide. His impact was recognized by seminarians, pulpit ministers, and evangelists. During the table conversation he said, “My brothers. I am weary of celebrity religion. You know I have received my share of honors. But if when I die my family does not say, ‘There is something of God in the man,’ I will have failed.”

A holy hush came over this distinguished group. Each attendee considered his own personal situation.

Even though I was invited as a guest and not pastoral participant, I thought then and continually about the evidences of God in a man.

Here are four ideas that come to mind:

1) A quiet center that cannot be panicked is an evidence of God. The Quaker theologian Thomas Kelly called it making a “mental habit of internal orientation.” That is a mouthful! I like to just say those who evidence God have a quiet space that is rooted in Him and immune to permanent disturbance. I think of Christ asleep in the boat when the storm was raging. A physical representation is the eye of the hurricane which is perfectly still while everything around it is reeling and rolling. The very center is quiet.

2) God is evidenced in the way we speak. I think of my friend Bob, raised on the streets of a big metropolitan area. He once said, “When I came to Christ, He cleaned up my dirty mouth and tongue.” Vulgarity gave him a bad taste in his mouth. Profanity turned into prayer. The choice of subjects we talk about reflects our internal base. The things we think about naturally come out in our conversation.

3) Another evidence is the quality and breadth of love in our lives. Unconditional love comes from Christ and is a demonstration of God’s presence. John, the apostle, tells us we can’t be rightly related to God and hate our brothers. Jesus told us our love one for another would let others know we belonged to Him.

4) Another evidence is our attitude toward death. The way we think about dying is crucial to maturity. The assurance of heaven gives us a peaceful acceptance of life with its ups and downs. The fact that this life isn’t the sole experience creates an equilibrium which allows us to reflect an eternal perspective. God in our life reminds us this life is the practice – the real game comes later. I am certainly glad.

This week think about: 1) How do people know I have a relationship with God? 2) What do I want my family to say about me when I die? 3) When do I experience the quiet center?

Words of Wisdom: “The things we think about naturally come out in our conversation.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.” (Psalm 73:28 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 28, 2018

Fred highly regarded discipline. He often used the phrase “paying the price” to indicate self-discipline. He believed in preparation. What people saw as spontaneity and “off the cuff” wisdom or even humor was the result of study, deep thought, and life experience.

Thank you for being faithful supporters of the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute and the What’s Next Roundtable.

The Importance of Discipline

For years I have observed the importance of discipline in a person’s area of expertise. Many, particularly in performance, live undisciplined lives but are very rigorous about their art.

In a documentary about Pavarotti it is interesting to see how much of a perfectionist he is in his music and yet totally unregulated in his eating. A film on Elvis Presley pointed out the discrepancy between his discipline in his personal life and his creative life. An associate told how he would sit at the piano working for hours on his phrasing going over and over until it was exactly right. He was totally disciplined about his singing. Even some geniuses such as Ernest Hemingway who lived a dissolute and destructive life said, “Every morning at 8 I bite the nail.” His professionalism was bounded by strict rules, but his personal habits showed a total lack of disciplined activity —- unless one sees his carousing as a highly developed skill.

Bishop Fulton Sheen when speaking at a retreat for priests said, “People listen when I talk. It is because everyday since I have been a priest I have spent one hour with my Lord. Even when I only had two hours of sleep I walked the floor and prayed for that hour.” His disciplined spiritual life gave him peace and a sense of reality. He believed this time with the Lord as a source of power.

Unfortunately, there are people of superior talent who will not submit to discipline. They are not known or recognized for their abilities. A man asked me to meet with his son to talk about his future opportunities. The young man tried to impress me with all his credentials. He told me of his great giftedness and endless opportunities. He said his biggest problem was dealing with so much potential. He was burdened with his genius. When I asked him about actual accomplishment, he had nothing to report. He clearly lacked personal discipline. He may go through life coasting on potential, but never bringing his talent into tow.

A young man I met was an exceptional runner. His outstanding performance gained the attention of area coaches. He was seen as one with potential for world class speed and Olympian possibilities. He refused discipline, wanting to take the easy way of simply using his natural speed. Eventually he lost his college scholarship. Laziness was his enemy.

Discipline is part of building good habits which result in healthy, effective life reflexes.

This week think about: 1) Where have I paid the price to accomplish a goal? 2) What am I doing to make discipline a key element of my daily life? 3) Who has helped me develop discipline in the important areas of my life?

Words of Wisdom: “Discipline is part of building good habits which result in healthy, effective life reflexes.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything.” (1 Corinthians 25:9a NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 31,2018

Fred’s contribution to Christianity Today, International through board service, mentoring, and author represented a deep stream in his experience. His ability to influence thousands of Christian leaders allowed him to use his giftedness to stretch others.

Thank you for helping Fred’s words continue to impact new generations of leaders. Your financial support enables us to continue this weekly email. We appreciate you.

A Leadership Born of Faith

As I think about spiritual leadership, I become convinced that the key is in the Holy Spirit’s energizing and directing the leader’s uniqueness and gifts by giving him or her a vision that creates a passion. I have never known a lazy or confused leader who had a clear sense of passion.

For twenty years I’ve been writing for Christian leaders. I’ve spoken to many groups, large and small. I realize this is a difficult time to be a Christian leader in an almost totally secular society whose great renewed interest in spirituality is cultish, not Biblical. Christian leaders have lost of the respect they once held. Burnout is common. Depression is almost epidemic. And stress seems to be the norm. Immorality and divorce are increasing. Short tenures become the rules rather than the exception. More and more preachers and teachers are faced with the demand for entertainment in their message and excitement in their programs.

Could a major part of the problem be that leaders have lost their vital identification with the Lord? Have they become convinced they work for the congregants’ acceptance rather than for God? Those who feel they work as employees of the church board surrender their spiritual leadership and authority.

I believe spiritual leadership is based on faith in God’s provision and direction. It is a calling, not a career. I have great respect for a prominent minister who privately told me, “I would be glad to get out of the ministry if God would let me off the hook. In fact, if He doesn’t keep me in it, I want out.” But I know he wouldn’t want out if this is where God has him.

It is possible, even probable, that some in Christian leadership are misplaced. Leaders who are not endowed with gifts energized by the Spirit become easy prey for the human methodology of leadership. This opens them to the temptations of power, prestige, and money. Those who are there by the working of the Spirit have a calling to fulfill, not a profession to pursue. They have a strong feeling of stewardship but little feeling of ownership. They are great by serving. They know joy!

This week think about: 1) How diligently am I praying for my pastor? 2) What am I called to do for the Kingdom? 3) Who needs a word of encouragement from me this week?

Words of Wisdom: “I have never known a lazy or confused leader who had a clear sense of passion.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:35 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 10, 2018

Fred’s influencers included ancient Catholic mystics like Francois Fenelon, early 20th century teachers like Oswald Chambers, and contemporaries like Ray Stedman, Ramesh Richard, and Steve Brown. Their diverse backgrounds were all built with one shared commonality: the grace of God.

Please join us in praying for the What’s Next Roundtable events this fall. As we travel to campuses in order to begin conversations and create connections about values necessary to prepare them for the next steps, stand with us.

Freedom of Grace

Grace was genuine, real, personal, and palpable to the great saints. Examples like Brother Lawrence, Frank Laubach, and Francois Fenelon had no doubt they were the constant recipients of God’s amazing grace. It was a practical part of their everyday lives. For example, Brother Lawrence said that whenever he made a mistake he didn’t spend any time thinking about it – he just confessed it and moved on. He reminded himself that failure is part of the human condition. But he reminded himself that grace is available through Christ. Confession, not consternation, is the acceptable remedy for failure. Before I read that, I lingered over guilt. Immediate grace was too good to be true, I thought. The old saint’s experience and testimony released me.

Ray Stedman told me, “Fred, when I realized God was for me it changed my life.” God’s grace is true.

Nevertheless, legalism appeals to our common sense. I find it necessary to remind myself that the very Scripture that makes me know my guilt lets me know the grace of God. By refusing grace, we play God thinking to punish ourselves. We expect discipline and mistake the natural consequences of bad decisions as divine judgment. Why? Because we feel we deserve judgment rather than grace.

A dear friend who has come out of alcoholism says that she must keep fresh in her mind her guilt and shame as a bulwark against going back to drinking. Another recovering alcoholic remarked, “She is dry, but she is not free.” She told me when she finally overcame drinking it was with the power of Christ who keeps her both dry and free. Grace, not guilt, is her reality and hope. My first friend was addicted to her cure. She simply exchanged one addiction for another; my second friend became free through her relationship to Christ.

Freedom from the addiction was seen in the joy of sobriety, not just the refusal of alcohol.

This week think about: 1) How am I experiencing the grace of God in my life? 2) Where am I holding on to guilt and shame? 3) What difference is freedom in Christ making in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “Grace, not guilty, should be our reality and hope.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ.” (John 1: 17 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 26, 2018

Fred chewed on ideas, deriving more and more enjoyment from the process. When he completed this exercise he molded his thoughts into material which was useful to others. In his pursuit of stretching others he constantly considered how best to use his thinking for the benefit of his friends.

As June draws to an end we ask you to think about the subject of prayer: prayer for our work, but prayer for the work of God’s kingdom. We can all be part of His plan and His purpose.

Four Answers to Prayer

I have been thinking a great deal about the four answers to prayer that Ed Young, Sr. suggests:

1) “I can’t hear you”
2) “No”
3) “Wait”
4) “Yes”

Expanding on these points is a meaningful use of mental energy and time.

Often in scripture (both old and new testaments) God tells an individual, “I won’t hear you because of your sin and disobedience.” Sin blocks our communication and fellowship.

God says “no” to self-indulgent prayers – particularly when what we want is contrary to the way that He wants to develop us. For example, He said “no” to the Apostle Paul when he asked to have the thorn removed. I thought about times in my life when “no” seemed to be the answer. As I considered it more, I realized I had been praying for something that seems to contravene what He is doing in my life.

I have been asking for feelings about things that are in reality facts. Then I remind myself faith comes by hearing, not by feeling. When He tells us “wait” He is talking about an active process in which we exercise faith and obedience. Abraham went for thirteen years without hearing from God and He told him that in his waiting “the promise still holds.”

Sometimes it is impossible for us to accurately identify when the answer is “yes.” It is often wrapped up in circumstances we do not see fitting together. It may be sometime before we can look back and see His “yes.”

The reaction to all these answers must come in acknowledging His sovereignty. We must recognize His love and His involvement in our lives. Christ did this in Gethsemane when He prayed, “Thy will be done – not mine.” This should always be our attitude toward God.

It is dangerous to nag God as we try to get our will, not His. We remember the scripture, “He gave them their desires, but with it leanness of soul.” Prayer is serious business, but it is also one of the great treasures afforded the Christian. We need to mature in our understanding and application.

This week think about: 1) Where is God saying “wait?” 2) How has prayer changed me? 3) What is my current heart condition before God?

Words of Wisdom: “When He tells us “wait” He is talking about an active process in which we exercise faith and obedience.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 19, 2018

Fred spoke to a men’s group and mentioned if his family were aristocratic enough to have a crest it would have Be A Blessing as the motto. A package arrived a few weeks later with a framed, colorful graphic crest bearing symbols representative of Fred’s life and emblazoned with the words Be A Blessing (in English). He always wondered what the Latin would be. If any scholars have the answer I am sure BWF would appreciate adding that to the archives.

Thank you for your continued support. The plans for Asbury University September 21,22 are firming up well. Keep on praying for the team members, the steering committee at Asbury, and the students who will be participating in the What’s Next Roundtable.

Be A Blessing

Our grandson Jeff Horch prepared to leave for Russia to do a video documentary. He said, “Pray for me, Mom.” She answered, “Be a Blessing.” She internalized what Mary Alice and I always wanted for our children – that they find their uniqueness and use it to bless others.

I thought about Dick Halverson’s comment that Jesus didn’t have a day planner, but simply went about doing good. On His way to heal a dead child He stopped for a woman who received healing from a long-term disease simply by touching His garment. We never know how a small blessing will grow. Giant oaks from small acorns grow.

As I remember the story, our friends Cliff and Billie Barrows were stopping in the home of sisters who invited them to go to the church where a young man was preaching. When they got there they needed a song leader and pianist. So, they volunteered to help. The young man preaching was Billy Graham. As association began that night that has influenced the entire world. Those sisters were a blessing.

Again, on a snowy night when the visiting preacher could not get through the storm a layman stood and read scripture to the scant audience. That was the night Charles Haddon Spurgeon made a profession of faith in Christ. A small acorn was planted that night that grew mightily.

If each Christian started the day by praying, “Lord, make me a blessing” what a difference it would make in our world. First, we have to have our lives opened to others; then we have to be looking for opportunities; and finally, we must take action. Good intentions are never enough. Can we be honest enough to ask ourselves every night – have I been a blessing?

(Editor’s note: When the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute developed a mission the purpose became: “Stretching and Blessing the Next Generation of Leaders… to the glory of God.” Fred wanted his epitaph to be “He stretched others” and “Be a Blessing” as a family motto.)

This week think about: 1) Who has been a blessing in my life? 2) When was the last time I said thank you to those who bless me? 3) How have I been intentional in blessing others?

Words of Wisdom: “Giant oaks from small acorns grow.”

Wisdom from the Word: Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 17, 2018

Fred’s “Don’t Duck” story influenced many at a men’s retreat in California. A few weeks later he received an envelope filled with buttons graphically designed to send the message with a bar drawn through a duck. Years later the illustration still lives.

The Influence of Identity

My friend Ray Stedman said he was struck when reading Michael Green’s book, Evangelism in the Early Church that first century Christians influenced their world for Jesus Christ more than believers do today. Their world was more openly hostile to Christianity than ours. They were fewer in number, did not hold powerful positions, did not have our technology or financial holdings, yet in thirty years spread the story of Jesus from Jerusalem to the capital of the Roman Empire. Today in the 1980s Christians have more established rights, are greater in number, and hold some of the most influential business and political positions in the land. Greene stated that their influence seems stifled and anemic by comparison.

Stedman said Greene believed the first century Christians were rooted in their identity. They were sojourners on their way home. The reality of eternity was the filter through which all of their thinking was channeled.

Too often we identify as American Christians (or even as narrowly as Texas Christians). Our focus is not on eternity, but on our piece of earth.

One of the most delightful men I know is Ron Ritchie of the Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, CA. He is one of the least likely people you would pick in a crowd as a preacher. He told me he got tired of being isolated by calling himself a preacher. He finally arrived at a clear answer when asked “what do you do?” “I tell people about Jesus if they want to know.” Then he shuts up and lets the Spirit take over. He has had some fascinating experiences.

I am not one to buttonhole people to “tell them about Jesus.” However, I have found an interesting possibility that the Spirit might use me in some small way on a one-to-one basis. If, each morning, I tell the Lord “today I won’t duck” and that if religion comes up in a natural way in a conversation I will deal with it just as I would any other subject. I have been very surprised how often when I go with a “don’t duck” attitude I end up in significant exchanges.

I have found that if I duck the natural conversations about spiritual matters I can’t make up for it by coming to the church visitation program and calling on three people I wasn’t necessarily led to by the Lord. This won’t make up for ducking the encounters He brought across my path.

I think of this as a stewardship of identity. I can’t get away from the fact that I am a Christian. I believe the Spirit, when we do what we do in the Spirit, has a way of bringing a great deal of light and removing most of the heat.

This week think about: 1) When have I “ducked”? 2) How can I better identify as a Christian? 3) What can I do to steward my Christian identity more effectively?

Words of Wisdom: “I have been very surprised how often when I go with a “don’t duck” attitude I end up in significant exchanges.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 10, 2018

Fred used every opportunity to explore and illustrate principles of life. Their vacation home on Lake Barkley was name “Smiths’ Viewpoint.” He was careful not to foist his opinions on others. However, when asked he articulately shared. Continuing with his thoughts on stewardship, we demonstrate how he loved to see the deeper meaning of every experience.

Please continue to pray for the What’s Next Roundtable sponsored by BWFLI. We are grateful for your support. It is a critical component of our work.

Peace and Encouragement

It is time in the Christian church we start making peace. There is a promise of blessing for the peacemakers, but none for the dividers. We unfortunately take out our hostility on each other and cover it up by saying that we are standing for the faith. Yes, we are called to be firm for the truth, but sometimes there is subterfuge in the way we take that posture. We can hold strong without hostility and hatefulness. When we attack and snarl at each other over points of doctrine we are not moving toward peace.

Understand I am not saying we shouldn’t be faithful to Scripture and call out those who teach heresy, but when we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we should never use our words and actions as heat-seeking missiles.

I think of my visit to the Catacombs in Rome. Our guide was a delightful English priest. As we got out I thought I would shock him by saying, “Father, I am a Southern Baptist.” He brightened up, slapped my hands together and exclaimed, “Good! Pep me up, brother, pep me up!” He heard Baptists were somewhat demonstrative. I am surprised he didn’t ask me to set up a pot luck buffet for the group…we Baptists are definitely renown for our on- the -spot feedings.

“Father, I enjoyed the tour and as I walked through it struck me that early Christians didn’t have the luxury of denominational life.” He shook my shoulders and replied, “My brother, it is not the form that separates us that is important – it is the hope of the Resurrection that unites us.” When I get to heaven I hope this ordinary Baptist will spend time talking with that priest who shared the hope of the Resurrection in the spirit of peacemaking.

As part of our stewardship of relations, we owe each other encouragement. There is enough pressure and tension today without loading an unnecessary guilt and criticism on each other. I once heard the President of the Sloan-Kettering Laboratories speak of his country doctor. He acknowledged that there was little advanced medical technology in his little black leather bag. But he believed many got well because of his father’s kind “You are going to make it.” That encouragement unleashed the magnificent and amazing power of the body to heal itself.

There is so much we are learning about how stress and tension immobilize the healing process and how the positive aspects are capable of mobilizing the body’s defense. I would love to see a study on the relationship between the hope of the Christian experience and the healing process.

This week think carefully about: 1) How am I being an instrument of peace in my home, community, workplace, church? 2) What issues are stumbling blocks to peace with other believers? 3) How can I encourage others this week?

Words of Wisdom: “When we attack and snarl at each other over points of doctrine we are not moving toward peace.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” (Philemon 1:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 27, 2018

Fred and Mary Alice began reading My Utmost for His Highest each day in 1953 after it was given as a gift to them. Over the years they wore out several copies. He was often asked about favorite books. This is one of his answers from 1983.

Continue praying for Jarvis Christian College and the team: Hartzel Black, Kevin Bullard, Gwen Burno, Craig Morgan, and Brenda Smith. March 2,3 are the dates for the What’s Next Roundtable sponsored by BWFLI.

Favorite Books

I find no difficulty in naming my most significant book. It is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This book has influenced my thinking and convictions more than any other book authored by man.

Mary Alice and I received our first copy from Grand and Orean Howard. They began a chain of gifting that continues to this day. My friend and mentor Maxey Jarman wrote in 1979, “I’ll always be grateful for the introduction that you gave me to Oswald Chambers.” We plant seeds when we give vital books. After all these years we are seeing a fruitful and delightful harvest among our friends.

(Editor’s Note: In later years Fred introduced hundreds to “his friend Fenelon” and The Seeking Heart which began similar ripples in the brook.)

The thinking of Chambers has become part of my reflexive thought. I quote him so often as an authority or simply a shared experience he first coagulated for me. As the mind of Christ is in us, so is the mind of our favorite authors. They take up residency.

Let me give you five examples of thoughts which continue to shape my attitude toward life:

1) Sit loose to things: Recently I received a phone call that cost me thousands of dollars. My first thought was “sit loose to things.” Enjoy them, work for them, use them, but sit loose to them. I hear people of affluence say, “this is living,” but it isn’t. It should be I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.

2) Lust is I must have it now: My psychiatrist friends tell me one of the tell-tale signs of immaturity is the inability to delay gratification. We live as spoiled brats. Too many satisfy a want before they can afford it. In our emotional life we refuse to take the long-term view and try to fill up the emotional valleys with alcohol or drugs. We want relief NOW. Lust is refusing the normal rhythm of life and failing to mature in it.

3) The improper use of scripture is a plague. Chambers says “so often we sharpen a verse of scripture and jab another with it.” I see those who pridefully know chapter and verse and use the knowledge to intimidate the less instructed. Scripture is not a weapon. We are to be known by our love for one another.

4) Maturity means standing strong in the small as well as the large. It is so easy to think we would be true and courageous in the weighty matters while waffling in the smaller issues.

5) Experience the “white funeral.” Chambers says before we ever go through the final or black funeral of physical death we must go through the white funeral of dying to self. Out of this comes the resurrection of life, unhampered by the problems of human ego and self-righteousness.

This week think about: 1) Who are the authors who influence me? 2) How can I gift books to others as an invitation to grow? 3) Which of these Chambers thoughts strikes me?

Words of Wisdom: “I hear people of affluence say, ‘This is living’ but it isn’t. I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. “ (Proverbs 2:6 NET Bible)