No Children Allowed - June 7, 2010

Daily Reading

Proverbs 13-15

Daily Verse

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)

Daily Thought

We had LOTS of kids on New Dawn Drive, the street I grew up on. My brother Drew, Andy and Ronnie, Ricky, Karen, and Alison, Laurie and Craig, Russ and Colleen, Gina, Debbie and Richie, Michael, and Little David. I was Big Dave.

There were old people, too. Chuck and Thelma were a couple of the old people living on my street. They were nice, but none of us kids ever got in their house. And we got into everybody's house. We thought their house was like a museum.

I mowed their lawns, so I was the only kid who ever got inside. They had really nice stuff, beautiful chairs and sofas and tables, and all of it was covered. Their carpet was covered, too. Even their Oldsmobile had seat covers. Remember those plastic seat covers with all the bubbles?

I don't think anybody's feet or rear ends ever touched the actual material of anything.

They died a number of years ago. I was sad, because I liked them. I hear their stuff was still really nice. Almost like new.

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, our Creator. You made this world and You called it good. And it was good. It will be again. But at the moment it's messy, and that's our fault. We decided to do things our way. God, if You hadn't created us, You're world would be a lot more peaceful, maybe. Forgive us for the mess we make.

What amazes me is that You still find joy in us. And pleasure. And you love us. So much that You have done what it takes to bring us back into Your family. God, it amazes me that You create so much delight out of so much trouble. You are a wonderful Father.

Amen

Even When It Hurts - June 6, 2010

Daily Reading

Proverbs 10-12

Daily Verse

The man of integrity walks securely.

Proverbs 10:9

Daily Thought

One more John Wooden story.

It is 1948. John Wooden is from the Midwest, likes the Midwest, and wants to stay in the Midwest. And he will if the University of Minnesota calls him before the deadline.

They didn't. So, John Wooden agreed to go west to Westwood. The UCLA Bruins. A team that had had three winning seasons in the previous 17 years.

Then Minnesota called. Something about a snowstorm knocking out communication. They had tried to call before the deadline. Good honest excuse. It snows a lot in the Midwest. The job is yours. Can you come?

But John Wooden had given his word to UCLA, a team that finished in last place that year.

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?

Who may live on your holy hill?

He who keeps his oath

even when it hurts.

--Psalm 15:1, 4

For the next 27 years, UCLA did not have a losing season. The final twelve seasons under Wooden, UCLA collected 10 NCAA Championships.

How? Coaching, discipline, determination, talent.

But it began with integrity. A man kept his word.

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Creator, by Your Word all things came into existence. You speak and it happens. Your Son is Your Word to this world. When we see "The Word," Jesus, we see You, because You are One: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God, may our word be as true. May we speak without duplicity. May we always keep our word. You said we must walk in Your Word. Your Word is truth. If we are to be like You, God, then our word must be truth, as well.

Amen

John Wooden, The Wisdom of Westwood - June 5, 2010

Daily Reading

Proverbs 7-9

Daily Verse

Listen, for I have worthy things to say;

I open my lips to speak what is right.

Choose my instruction instead of silver,

knowledge rather than choice gold,

for wisdom is more precious than rubies,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 8:6, 10-11

Daily Thought

For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

--Proverbs 8:35

He was nicknamed The Wizard of Westwood - a title he disdained.

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

"What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player."

"Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."

"Pick up your own orange peels."

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For through me your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.

--Proverbs 9:10-12

"I always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly succeeds, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere. Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and what we really can be, and that is all that matters."

--John Wooden (1910-2010), The Wisdom of Westwood

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, Creator of all, Author of good, Wise Judge, Loving Savior, I live this life for an audience of One. You are the crowd, it is Your applause I long to hear, "Well done good and faithful servant." May my life be a reflection of Your grace and goodness. May I at all times be concerned for Your reputation, not my own. If I say I love You with all my heart and soul, mind and strength, may my words be backed up by my life.

Amen

I Recommend

Coach Wooden

One-On-One

by John Wooden

Jay Cardy

I Wasn't Talking Just About Golf - June 4, 2010

Daily Reading

Proverbs 4-6

Daily Verse

My son, pay attention to my wisdom,

listen well to my words of insight,

Proverbs 5:1

Daily Thought

Nike produced a commercial using the voice of Earl Woods speaking to his son, Tiger.

It rang true because Tiger was known to seek and receive wisdom from his dad.

Let your eyes look straight ahead,

fix your gaze directly before you.

Make level paths for your feet

and take only ways that are firm.

Do not swerve to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

--Proverbs 4:25-27

I wasn't talking just about golf, Tiger.

My son, pay attention to my wisdom,

listen well to my words of insight,

Proverbs 5:1

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, You still speak to me. Through Your Word, You instruct me on life and godliness. Through Your Son, You showed the world who You are. Through Your Spirit, You continue to guide me.

God, may I keep Your Word close. Do not let me stray right or left, but keep to the straight path. Adventures in the wild sound exciting, but they never live up to their words. You always live up to Your Word. I choose Your way of life.

Amen

I Hand My Daughter The Keys To The Car - June 3, 2010

Daily Reading

Proverbs 1-3

Daily Verse

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7

Daily Thought

I remember December 1973, when Dad gave me the keys to his brown 1963 Ford Galaxie. I'm not telling you anything else, though. Dad and Mom are still alive and they read these daily thoughts. Let's just say I did not properly appreciate 2 tons traveling fast.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

--Proverbs 3:7-8

July 2004, I hand Abby, my oldest, the keys to the family SUV. I've been driving for 30 years, but at long last, I feel the size, the weight, the speed, and the power. I could say I finally respect the GMC Yukon, but no. It is fear.

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before His presence with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.

Amen

Not Everyone Is Doing It - June 2, 2010

Daily Reading

Song of Songs 1-8

Daily Verse

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!

How much more pleasing is your love than wine,

and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!

Song of Songs 4:10

Daily Thought

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

--Genesis 2:24-25

She said, "C'mon, everyone is doing it."

He said, "Good, then you won't have any trouble finding someone."

He said, "Want to hop into the back seat?"

She said, "No, I'd rather stay up front here with you."

They said, "You are the only one of us who is still a virgin."

She said, "You're right. And anytime I want, I can become what you are. However, you can never again become what I am."

Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:

Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

--Song of Songs 8:4

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Loving Father, Thank You for Your goodness. You looked at Your Creation and saw that it was good. Except one thing. Man was alone. You made woman, brought them together, and it was very good.

God, may my life, my love, my marriage, be an example of all You had in mind. May it, indeed, be very good.

Amen

A Light For My Path - June 1, 2010

Daily Reading

Psalm 119:89-176

Daily Verse

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Daily Thought

"There is a time and a place for everything," instructed my dad.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

--Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Bible said it first.

King David was the apple of your eye --Psalm 17:8, while Job escaped by the skin of his teeth. --Job 19:20

"Can a leopard change his spots?" asked Jeremiah --13:23

"Winners go the extra mile," charged Coach King. Sound familiar? "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

--Matthew 5:41

"Eat, drink and be merry," cheered my Epicurean friend. Oh, but keep reading, This very night your life will be demanded from you. --Luke 12:19-20 "For tomorrow we shall die..."

No rest for the wicked. Got that right. According to the Bible, "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked." --Isaiah 57:21

Not only that, have you heard that "Pride goes before the fall"?

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

--Proverbs 16:18

Your laws endure to this day,

for all things serve you.

--Psalm 119:91

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Word is true, good, and right. It gives light to our feet so we may walk well and upright. Thank You for the truth that sets us free.

God, I will treasure Your Word in my heart that I may not sin against You. May Your Spirit teach me Your Word and Your way, and lead me to all understanding.

Amen