Thoughts From the Diary of a Desperate Man
Jesus said, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for
the food which endures to eternal life……” (John 6:27)
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29)
Hi Men:
I pray this week you have seen the hand of the Lord in your walk ……. even if your walk has been a difficult one. I was reminded by a dear brother what Paul says in Phil 1:6,21…
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Does it get any better than that? Wow!
————
Yes, one set of our grandkids are visiting while their parents are attending a destination wedding. My wife and I are having a blast, but it is non-stop with a 18 month-old and a 3 year old (soon to be 4). If it wasn’t for the sand pile, I’m not sure what I would do🤠. I can keep them busy for a half-a-day on that 25 tons of sand. I even had my older grandson help me reconstruct the pile (check out this YouTube):
Watch Dans grandson on YouTube: (6 seconds)
Some of you may remember my granddaughter a couple years back:
(YouTube 10 seconds)
PHOTO ABOVE
Daniel Janagam of India just sent me that photo. In a previous Friday Letter, we shared the fact that some guys stepped up and funded the printing of 5000 Blue Books (Thoughts From the Diary of a Desperate Man) for the brothers in India and other countries where pastors and laymen are asking for discipleship seminars, so they too can be effective in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) and spiritual reproduction (2 Tim 2:2)
Daniel Janagam is sharing the Blue Book devotional far and wide. It’s now, being introduced in over a dozen countries. Recently in a 1 Timothy Bible Study, Daniel shared the value of this devotional with his men and they each received one as a gift.
Most of the brothers I know that read and re-read the Blue Book annually, would say that next to the Bible, this devotional has impacted their lives in a significant way. Walt Henrichsen had a gift for connecting the dots and driving a man to a deeper understanding the of the Word and how to “apply it” in our everyday lives.
The verse at the top from John 6:27 was a verse that Walt emphasized often. How many guys do you know are working for the food that perishes? Worldly Food?
IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD AND ACROSS THE STREET
Hopefully, in the next Friday letter, I can share with you my conversation last night with one of my neighbors who is now at in-home hospice care – total organ failure. It was quite a visit…!!
In the meantime, meet Ponnie working at an Italian eatery. Backstory: I met a great guy at an indoor playground yesterday – he with his son and me with my grandson – and we really connected and agreed to meet afterwards for lunch. That is a story in itself for a later time.
Upon leaving the restaurant, I went up to this gal (Ponnie) and did my usual thing, “Hey, I have something for you if you would like it.” I gave her the Million Gospel of John, explained Steps to Peace with God and Are You A Good Person? I shared what Jesus had done in my life and that I hated the term, “Born Again” until it happened to me! Everything after that is just a blur…… She started to shed tears. She was raised Mormon, Buddhist and Catholic and was trying to make sense out of her life. She said this was an answer from God, and promised to read all of it and asked for extra ones for her husband. She kept hugging me and wouldn’t let go. I kid you not….. you can’t make this stuff up! MEN, YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU ASK!
A dear brother shared the 2nd verse above from John 6:29. He said, “This is a Good, and Beautiful and True statement, mostly lost on the world.” That is so true, but my prayer is that Ponnie and her husband “BELIEVE”
Astounded by His grace,
Dan
(Gal 2:20)
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Men: Here is a heart you can share with your wife😊
Men: Things we need to ponder…………
Abandoned By God & Applying the Law of the Harvest – Red Book Day 46-47
The purpose of these devotionals is to help you think Biblically
Solomon said, “As a man thinks, so is he”
1 – Matt 11:11
Send A PDF Copy To Your Buddies
Upcoming Men’s Retreats – Please Pray
Feb 28 – Mar 2 – Lost Valley Men’s Retreat (Colorado) [WAIT LIST ONLY]
May 1 – 3 Great Lakes Men’s Retreat (Ohio)
Visualize yourself standing at the threshold of death with nothing but memories to look back upon and nothing but the grave to look forward to, what would you have to see as you look back over your life in order to look God the Father in the face and say, “Oh God I have finished the work You gave me to do, my life has been a success.”
~ Walt Henrichsen ~
[May I suggest you listen once again to this short teaching]
Commitment to Vision
DiscipleshipLibrary.com [Audio, 35 minutes]
I have included this quote by D.A. Carson before, but a brother reminded me it’s time to reflect on it once again. Be careful where you are placing your hope!
“If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, He would have sent an economist. If He had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, He would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, He would have sent us a politician. If He had perceived that our greatest need was health, He would have sent us a doctor. But He perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from Him, our profound rebellion, our death; and He sent us a Savior.”
Movie of the Week
OUT OF EGYPT
Note: My wife and I really enjoyed this documentary [1 hr 47 min]
Follow a group of filmmakers as they attempt the Exodus journey, as God led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness of Jordan, and to the Promised Land of Israel. As they delve deep into the history, culture, and geography of the Exodus account, they consider how God can take each of us on a journey from slavery to salvation.
Even the mother of Jesus knew that she was a slave to her son
And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s handmaid. May it happen to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)
Handmaid: Greek word: doulē = female slave
