I have a print in my office that is a rendering of Jesus standing on the street in front of the United Nations building in New York City. It was painted by Swedish artist Harry Anderson who became famous for his dramatic, lifelike religious paintings. His placement of Christ in more contemporary settings clearly gives the message that Jesus is “here and now.” In this rendering entitled the Prince of Peace Jesus is wearing a white robe and from about his waist down His image transcends into an almost transparent look that denotes that He is in spirit form. He stands several hundred feet high and is seen looking in and tapping on a window some fifty stories high. I’ve had this rendering for many decades but still look at it intently most every morning . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/united-nations-has-it-all-wrong/

I was riding a rental car bus at the airport yesterday and the driver was chattering away trying to conduct a conversation. For the life of me I couldn’t understand, (hear), what the driver was saying. Finally, I told him, “I’m sorry I don’t hear all that well,” and pointed to my ear. “That’s all right no need for apologies,” he smiled, “You’ve paid your dues.” . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/you-paid-your-dues/

I was at the airport the other day and got my shoes shined. I normally tip 20%, but I tipped this guy 100% as I could see myself in the mirror finish that he put on my shoes. They literally looked better than they did when they were brand new and I was beaming at the superb shine he put on them. I walked around the corner to the airport security line which was no more than twenty steps away. I was patiently standing in line when a big oaf of an obese woman who was obviously in a hurry rudely barged her way through the security line and stomped right on my foot in the process. Not only did it hurt when her hoof landed on my foot, but I looked down and my shiny shoe was marred, adding insult to injury . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/shine-on-2/

I read an article this morning about a homeless man who found $17,000 in a bag outside a homeless shelter. The shelter hadn’t opened yet, so he waited until it did and then he gave the bag to the volunteer who was opening up for the day telling him that he found the bag full of money outside the door and someone had left it for them . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/17000/

Recently I got into a spat with one of my fishing buddies. He told me he would come over and help me work on a problem on my boat on Sunday afternoon after I got home from church, (he doesn’t go to church.) Well he didn’t show up, so I called him, but there was no answer. I waited for about two hours and then I received a text from him. It was a photo of a sailfish he had just caught. The rat had gone fishing . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/crows-taste-delicious/

A friend of mine recently experienced a terrible injustice. She is a faithful Christian and a wonderful person with a heart as big as the state she lives in – Texas. She has followed me on Words for the Day for many years and has enthusiastically supported the Jesus Alliance. A few years back she began writing and asking for prayers for a man with whom she had fallen in love. At the time he was incarcerated. She faithfully wrote letters to him and supported him for many years as he served his time. She asked me on occasion to pray for him which I did, and we even sent him a copy of my book, Miracle on Luckie Street. She was elated when he finally made the decision to follow Jesus . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/pain-a-great-experience-huh/

I’m playing hooky today and going fishing. Seems like I play hooky and go fishing quite often these days. I know that God doesn’t mind that I take some time off to spend on the ocean that He created and that I love. It’s fragrance, sights, and sounds are so relaxing to me and bring me close to Him especially during times of stress. I love the ocean and am happiest when I am far offshore without another boat in sight. I know He loves it too . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/12/fishing-and-jesus/

I believe in the power of prayer and I agree that prayers are requests, and no one is going to command God to answer affirmatively and grant our request; however, the Bible does state that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. The Bible tells us that God hears each of our prayers provided they are according to His will . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/11/prayers-not-granted/

This morning I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises that I’ve seen in a very long time. It was one of those fiery orange-red sunrises that reflects on clouds making them ten shades of orange and even the river was reflecting orange with beautiful violet-blue layers surrounding it . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/11/untold-beauty/

I was stunned by the large number of birthday wishes I received literally from all over the world. I heard from people who live in Hong Kong China, Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Barbados, Pakistan, and other international locations and of course all over the United States. I don’t personally know all the individuals that wrote, but I wish I did because I would like to thank them face to face. So many told me they were praying for me and that was overwhelming . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2018/11/worldwide-suffering-and-rejoicing/