Heiwa Seijitu (82/08/01)
In the Japanese Church, the first Sunday of August
is observed as Heiwa Seijitsu or "Peace Sunday". It was in this month
in 1945 that the Pacific War ended and peace was restored to this land.
Although every Sunday should be a kind of "peace day" it is fitting to
choose a particular Sunday to emphasize this theme. The Japanese word
for "peace" (heiwa) is made up of two Chinese characters. The first one,
hei, originally pictured a plant floating on the surface of the water and
indicated something flat, and then something quiet and peaceful. The
second character, wa, includes the character for mouth and indicates
bringing different voices together in harmony. On this Peace Sunday,
let us join together in prayers for peace. We should remember, however,
that "No one can possibly be at peace with his fellowmen until he is at
peace with himself. And no man can ever be at peace with himself until
he is at peace with God." The Bible teaches that we may find peace with
God, peace within ourselves and peace with others through the work of
Jesus Christ and our faith in him.
Colorado Day (82/08/02)
This first Monday in August is a legal holiday in the
U.S. state of Colorado. It is called Colorado Day. It was on August 1st,
1876, that this state was admitted to the Union as the 38th state.
Because it was admitted on the hundredth year after the nation was
established, it is also called the Centennial State. "Centennial" comes from a
combination of two Latin words meaning a hundred years. The name Colorado
is the Spanish word for "colored" and the color red in particular. This
name was given to the river that originates in the Rocky Mountains of
Colorado and flows through the beautiful Grand Canyon of northwest Arizona
on its way to the Gulf of California. This great river of the
southwestern United States is over 2,200 kilometers long and the mile deep canyon
through which it flows is one of the natural beauty spots of the country.
The sightseer who views the course of this river from its mountain source
through its amazing gorge to the ocean cannot help but be awed by the
handiwork of God, the Creator.
President Coolidge (82/08/03)
My Tuesday messages over the past six weeks have
included a question or problem regarding which I invited the responses of
listeners. A good number were received and they will be printed in "Daily
Word" Echoes, to be distributed at our next meeting on Sunday afternoon,
August 29th. At that meeting, we will discuss future plans for that
publication. Today's message does not include a problem. Rather, it concerns
the man who became the 30th president of the United States on August 3rd,
1923. Calvin Coolidge, from the state of Vermont, was known for his New
England simplicity, honesty and taciturnity. He was the vice-president
when President Harding died in office. The news of the president's
untimely death reached him while he was visiting his hometown. His father
was a storekeeper and a notary public as well. A notary public is an
official authorized to certify documents and administer oaths, so it was
Coolidge's father who administered the presidential oath to his own son 59
years ago today. Although President Coolidge, nicknamed "Silent Cal", was
famous for his taciturnity, one statement he made is worth remembering
today. He said, "Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity
to be worshipped".
Christening of the son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana (82/08/04)
Today, August 4th, is scheduled to be the
christening day for the infant son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. In Japan,
it is the traditional custom to take a newborn baby boy to the shrine on
the 32nd day of his life. Today also happens to be the 82nd birthday of
his great grandmother, Queen Mother Elizabeth. In the Christian tradition
there is no fixed rule regarding when an infant is to be christened. The
word "christen" refers to the giving of a Christian name to a child at the
time of its baptism. In the New Testament Church, baptism was a ceremony
of initiation into the Christian Church on the basis of a profession of
faith, but later, the infant children of Christian parents were baptized
as a symbol of their Christianization. The Christian name to be given
the future king of England is William Arthur Philip Louis, which includes
the names of both his grandfather Philip and his grandfather's Uncle Louis.
Christening or baptizing a baby, however, does not make him a Christian in
the deeper, spiritual sense, for a Christian is one who makes his own,
personal decision to believe in and follow Christ as the Lord of his life.
Lake Nojiri (82/08/05)
Last night I returned from a few days' vacation at
Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture. While there, I attended a missionary
conference, met many old friends, played tennis and swam in the lake.
This mountain lake, 654 meters above sea level, has a circumference of 17.5
kilometers and an average depth of about 15 meters. At its deepest point,
however, it has a depth of 39 meters. The water of the lake comes almost
entirely from snow and rains flowing down from the surrounding hills, but
the water temperature is pleasant at this time of year. Pre-historic
relics of the so-called "Nojiri man" and remains of pre-historic elephants
have been unearthed in recent years along its shores. Since 1921, a
sloping site along the south side of the lake has been a gathering place for
missionaries from all over Japan and now there are almost 300 cabins in
this international village. In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verse 31,
Jesus invited his tired disciples to go with him to a lonely place to rest
awhile. It is good for us to take a break from our usual schedule and get
some refreshment for body, mind and spirit.
Atomic bombs (82/08/06)
August 6th is the anniversary of the dropping of the
atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. There has been much discussion
about whether or not this bomb should have been developed and, furthermore,
whether or not it should have been exploded over a city while its long
term effects were still uncertain. Now, however, nuclear weapons that are
much more powerful have been developed and are even now ready for use by
the so-called "super powers". "Super" is a prefix meaning "surpassing all
others". It refers to something in an excessive amount. Insofar as
weapons are concerned, the so-called super powers do have an excessive amount
of them. As the only nation that has suffered the effects of an atomic
bomb attack, I sincerely hope that Japan continues to resist outside
pressure to rearm. There should be at least one sensible nation in the world
that refuses to waste money on implements of destruction and that
positively works for peace. The Old Testament prophets looked forward to the time
when nations would change their war tools into peace tools and never again
go to war.
World Trade Center (82/08/07)
When I lived in New York City over 30 years ago, the tallest building in that city and in the entire world was the 381 meter high Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931. In 1973, the World Trade Center, having twin towers, each 412 meters high, was dedicated, making it the tallest building in the city and the world at that time. The following year on August 7th, eight years ago today, a 27 year old Frenchman named Philippe Petit evaded security guards and used a crossbow to shoot a rope from one of the towers to the other. This tightrope acrobat then walked on that rope stretched between the two towers, 412 meters above the busy street below. Following this successful feat, he was immediately arrested--and sentenced to perform his act in Central Park for underprivileged children. I'm not sure if we can call Mr. Petit a "high minded" man or not, but the Bible teaches that we should not be high minded, in the sense of proud or haughty. Rather, we should be humble, which literally refers to something lowly, or near the earth. The book of James, chapter 4, verse 10, states that the Lord will lift up the one who is humble.
Fireworks (82/08/08)
In the compound word, "rice curry", the meaning is the same even if the word order is reversed and we say "curry rice". However, in the case of hanabi, the meaning is different if the order is reversed and we say hibana. In English, hibana, "fire flower", is called a spark, while hanabi, "flower fire", is translated fireworks. Last night I watched the fireworks display along the Yada River in Kita Ward. There were probably over 200,000 other people watching the fireworks also. Maybe you were there too, but if so, I didn't recognize you. Sorry about that! The fireworks, which were made and displayed by six different manufacturers in four different prefectures, were beautiful. They reminded me of the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations in my hometown in the state of Illinois. Just as a tiny spark may set off the fireworks that brighten the whole night sky, so a little act of kindness may brighten the gloomy atmosphere of the world about us. However, the light of a spark and the beauty of fireworks is very short-lived, while the light and beauty of a loving deed will last forever. If you wish to receive a weekly copy of these daily messages, please send your request to: Daily Word, P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Traffic lights (82/08/09)
Yesterday evening I drove back home to Nagoya from Takahama during the electric storm. Most of the traffic signals enroute were not functioning. This made me think how much of our modern life is dependent upon electricity--including lights and electric powered machinery. Without this source of power, our orderly society quickly becomes chaotic. At intersections, traffic no longer flows in orderly fashion, and without street lights the road is dark. Likewise, to maintain a moral order in society, we also need a source of light and of power. What is it in your life that provides the light to make right ethical decisions and the power to carry them out? I also pondered the reason why we often refer to traffic lights in English as "stop lights". It indicates a kind of negative attitude, for these same lights are "go lights" as well as "stop lights". Looking at the same object, we may see it either as a negative or positive influence--depending on our faith or state of mind. A healthy faith provides the light to make moral decisions--about whether to stop or to go--and the power to follow them.
Tomobiki (82/08/10)
Today there are very few, if any, funerals being held throughout Japan and crematories are not in operation. Do you know why? It is because today is a tomobikinichi or "friend pulling day". This "friend pulling day" is considered to be an unlucky day for funerals because of the fear that a friend or relative may then be pulled in to follow the one who has died. Personally, I am surprised that such superstitious traditions continue to be so widely followed in modern Japan with its high level of education. What do you think about the traditional lore regarding lucky and unlucky days? Do you check the calendar when planning certain events to see if the day is an appropriate one? Do you think that a genuine belief in lucky and unlucky days is widespread and will continue in this country? I would like to read your comments about this, which I will correct and edit for inclusion in a future issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. From my Christian perspective, days in themselves are neither lucky nor unlucky. It is the faith, the attitude and the actions of people that make them good or bad. A healthy faith frees us from irrational fears.
Emergency hospitals in Nagoya (82/08/11)
Recently the Statistics Section of Nagoya City Hall reported how Nagoya ranks in comparison with ten other major cities in Japan in regard to 58 specific categories. As befits this central city in the central area of Japan, Nagoya ranks in the center of the list in 40 areas. In 14 areas it scores better than average and in 3 categories it ranks in first place. Those 3 categories are: the number of automobiles in relation to population (Nagoya has 22.8 automobiles per one hundred people), the rate of unemployment (which is 2.43%,) and the number of emergency hospitals (4.36 for each 10,000 people). Could there be a relationship between the high number of emergency hospitals and the high number of automobiles--and also the high rate of unemployment? Possibly so. It's good to know that emergency facilities are available, even though I hope we'll never need them. William James has written: "It is only in the lonely emergencies of life that our creed is tested; then routine maxims fail, and we fall back on our gods." In an emergency, upon whom will you rely?
The number twelve (82/08/12)
Today is August the 12th. In western thought, the number twelve has a number of interesting associations. In legal history, the term Twelve Tables refers to the early code of Roman law, which is dated in the 5th century B.C. In the American legal system, there are usually 12 persons on a jury and the phrase "twelve good men and true" was often used in old legal documents to refer to this decision-making body. Of course, there are 12 months in the year, 12 signs of the zodiac and 12 hours in half a day. In the British system of measurement there were 12 inches in a foot, 12 pence in a shilling and 12 items in a dozen. In the Bible also, there are a number of twelves. The most famous are the 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and, in the New Testament the 12 apostles of Jesus, who are sometimes referred to as "The Twelve". In the church calendar, there are 12 days of Christmas-tide. In John's vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, described in the Apocalyse, there were 12 gates, 12 foundation stones and a tree that bears 12 kinds of fruit. Considering what tomorrow is, I hope this Thursday the 12th is a lucky day for you.
Friday, the thirteenth (82/08/13)
Two people looking at the very same object may describe it quite differently, depending on their particular viewpoints. Also historians, describing the same historical event may use different words to describe it--words like "invasion" or "advance"--depending on their perspectives or ideologies. Likewise, whether today is considered a lucky or unlucky day depends on one's viewpoint. In Japan, it is a taian, or "big peace" day, which means it is a favorable day for all activities. This taian day occurs every 7 days throughout the year. However, among superstitious people in the West, today is the most unlucky day, for it is Friday, the 13th. It is the only day during this whole year that Friday falls on the 13th day of the month. This western superstition is based on the understanding that Jesus was killed on Friday following a meal with his 12 disciples, making 13 present at that last supper. However, Jesus' death on the cross can also be viewed from different perspectives. From the Christian viewpoint, it not only indicates the sinfulness of mankind but shows the unlimited, sacrificial love of God to save all sinners who accept his love.
Origin of bon (82/08/14)
This is the Bon season in Japan. In this case, however, bon has nothing to do with a tray, even though that is the literal meaning of the Chinese character used. Just as some English words, such as apartment house and department store, were shortened and underwent a pronunciation change when they entered the Japanese language, so the Sanscrit term Ullambana, referring to "hanging upside down", was shortened and changed to bon. In a Chinese Buddhist writing is the story of a disciple of Buddha who had a vision of his dead mother suffering in hell, hanging upside down. In order to save her from her suffering, he offered food for her and performed religious services. This custom, which began in China, immediately became popular when introduced into Japan and combined with Japanese respect for the dead. Now it is customary to return to one's hometown during this season and enjoy a reunion with both living and dead relatives. From my Christian perspective, the true way to show gratitude and respect to both living and dead ancestors is not by performing traditional rituals but by living an honorable life in the eyes of both men and God.
Anniversary of the Pacific War (82/08/15)
Today is Sunday, which means that regular services will be held in Christian Churches throughout Japan. Probably many of the sermons preached at those worship services will be related to peace themes for today is the anniversary of the end of the Pacific War. There will also be other meetings of various kinds held on this anniversary day, but it is questionable whether or not all of them will be making a contribution to genuine peace. The Suzuki government has designated this day a "Day for mourning for the war dead and for praying for peace". However, the visit of the Prime Minister and many of his cabinet heads to the Yasukuni Shrine reinforces the concern of many people that the present leadership of the country is moving further to the right--the political right, that is, not right in a moral sense. Personally, I do not think that a return to a nationalistic ideology and a confluence of government and religion, whether in Japan or American is a healthy direction to take. It is better in this modern age to keep religion and government separate. Jesus made a distinction between our responsibility toward government or national tradition and toward God. For the Christian, God must be given first place, but religious coercion is not ethical.
Daimonji fires (82/08/16)
On August 16th the famous Daimonji fires will be lit in Kyoto, Hakone and other places in the country. Daimonji literally means "big letter" or "big character". It also refers to the specific Chinese character meaning "big" and which is pronounced "dai". A large fire on a mountain side in the shape of this Chinese character is burned as a farewell to the spirits of the dead who have returned during this Bon season. In English, bonfire now refers to any outdoor fire, but originally it indicated a "bone fire", that is, a fire for burning corpses or dead bodies. The public burning of heretics and their heretical writings were also called bonfires. These Daimonji fires which are lit during the Bon season may be pronounced bone fires as well as bonfires, using the same spelling. In the New Testament letter of James, the human tongue is compared to a little fire that can ignite a large forest and cause great trouble and destruction by its lies and slander. Just as a bonfire must be controlled, so we must control our speech so that damage is not inflicted upon others.
Steamboat Clermont (82/08/17)
On August 17, 1807, Robert Fulton left New York City on the Clermont, a steamboat he had invented. It took him 32 hours to reach Albany, the state capital on the Hudson River, 150 miles away. Although other men had built steamboats before this, Fulton's boat was the first one to be commercially successful in American waters and he is popularly considered to be the inventor of the steamboat. A steamboat or steamship is a water craft that is powered by a steam engine. A steam engine converts heat energy into mechanical energy. The English word "boat" may refer to water craft in general, but it is usually considered smaller than a "ship", which refers to large, seagoing vessels. Bruce Atkinson has written that "land was created to provide a place for steamers to visit". The power source for boats has changed from man power to wind power to steam power to nuclear power. There are many kinds of power in the world, but the true source of all power is God, the Creator. He provides the power to live a good and satisfying life.
A triple play (82/08/18)
The interest of many people in Japan during this past week has been focused on the activities taking place in the Kōshien Stadium in Osaka, where the semi-annual All Japan High School Baseball Tournament has been taking place. In baseball, a double play occurs when two men are put out on the same play. It is very unusual for a triple play to occur-- which means that three men are put out at the same time. It is especially rare for one player to make a triple play all by himself, that is, unassisted. The first unassisted triple play in baseball is reported to have been performed 80 years ago today, on August 18, 1902, by Harry O'Hagan. In baseball, the bases are places of safety. One cannot be put out if he is standing on a base. Base refers to something basic and may be applied to a center of operations or a source of supply, as in a military base. The basic base of the Christian, which is his source of supply and place of safety or salvation is the Eternal God in whom he trusts. The Psalmist wrote: "God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid." (Psalm 46:1-2) As you watch the baseball game, consider what is the base of your life!
National Aviation Day (82/08/19)
In the United States, August 19 has been designated "National Aviation Day" by a proclamation issued every year since 1939. This is the birthday of Orville Wright, the younger of the two Wright brothers who constructed the first power-driven airplane to be successfully flown. Orville Wright was born on this day in 1871. With his brother, Wilbur, he made the flying machine that flew 36 meters in 12 seconds on its first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. Aeroplane was the term used in England before the Americans coined the term "airplane". Aviation and aviator come from the Latin word avis meaning bird. An aviary is a large cage for keeping many birds. From very early times men have desired to fly in the air like birds and experiments to do so were tried from the 11th century on. It is amazing now that huge aircraft carrying hundreds of people and weighing tens of thousands of kilograms are daily flying in the skies. Such a thing was inconceivable to people only a few decades ago. However, an Old Testament prophet prophesied that "those who trust in the Lord for help will rise on wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31). The spirit of the person with a healthy faith will soar, even to heaven.
Hawaii (82/08/20)
The third Friday in August is a legal holiday in the state of Hawaii. This state was officially admitted to the United States of America on August 21, 1959, so this holiday is called Admission Day in Hawaii. Hawaii is the 50th state of the Union and is made up of a group of 20 islands. The total area of all these islands is about the same as the combined area of Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, so it is one of the smallest states. The name "Hawaii" is thought to come from the native word for "homeland". Until 1893, the Hawaiian Islands were ruled by kings or queens, but in 1894 they became a republic and were annexed by the United States as a territory four years later. These islands are actually the tops of a chain of submerged, volcanic mountains. Two of the volcanoes continue to be active. The principal industry of Hawaii is tourism and the main agricultural products are sugar and pineapples. The most famous Hawaiian word is Aloha, meaning "love", which is used as both a greeting and a farewell. It is good for us to show love to others when meeting and parting--and at all times in between as well. "Aloha!"
Dixieland (82/08/21)
Dixie is a name frequently used to refer to the southern states of the U.S.A. There are different theories regarding its origin, but it was popularized by a song written by Daniel Decatur Emmett in 1859, called "Dixie's Land". This became the unofficial national anthem of the Confederate States during the Civil War and was played at the inauguration of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in 1861. One theory is that Dixie's Land referred to the land of a kind slave holder on Manhattan Island who was named Dixie. Another theory traces the name to the popular term for a $10 bank note issued in Louisiana prior to the Civil War which had a large dix (meaning "ten" in French) printed on one side and called a Dixie. In any event, the land of Dixie now refers to the southern United States. A certain kind of jazz music that originated in New Orleans is also known as Dixie. However, a Dixie Cup is a disposable paper cup used for ice cream or beverages. From the viewpoint of a Dixielander, I would be considered a Yankee, for my hometown is in the North. In the Christian Church family, however, there are no regional distinctions, for all are brothers and sisters through a common faith in Jesus Christ.
The Messiah (82/08/22)
An oratorio is a long, dramatic musical composition, usually on a religious theme, sung to orchestral accompaniment but, unlike an opera, is without stage action, scenery or costumes. The German born composer, George Frederic Handel, wrote both operas and oratorios, but he is best known for his oratorio, The Messiah, which is often presented during the Christmas season. Handel composed the music for the orchestra and the arias, recitatives and choruses for the singers in an amazingly short 24 day period. He began work on this composition 241 years ago today, on August 22nd, 1741. When it was performed two years later in London with King George II in attendance, the king was so moved that he stood during the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. All others in the audience did likewise and the custom of standing when this joyful chorus is sung has continued throughout the years. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 we will hold another meeting of "Daily Word" listeners at the Nagoya YWCA. At that time, we will distribute the first issue of "Daily Word" Echoes to those who attend. I'd like to hear from you any special activities you enjoyed this summer as well as any suggestions you have regarding these messages. I hope to see you there.
Beirut and Lebanon (82/08/23)
The fighting men of the Palestine Liberation Organization are now leaving Lebanon's capital city of Beirut following the devastating assault of the Israeli forces. I wonder, should this assault be termed an "advance" or an "invasion"? In either case, it was effective and the complicated negotiations of the American envoy have finally borne fruit. The name Beirut comes from the Phoenician word for "wells", but during the recent fighting water was in short supply. The name Lebanon comes from the Hebrew word meaning "white", originally referring to the country's mountain range, but at present, black, grey or red seem more characteristic colors of that land. In the Bible, Lebanon is often used as a symbol of luxurious growth and natural beauty. It was famous for its wine and its huge cedar and cypress trees, but the current picture of Lebanon is quite different. Life itself is a series of changes, but with God's help we may change for the better rather than for the worse. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA we will hold another "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting. I hope you can attend, to receive your copy of "Daily Word" Echoes and to share the highlights of your summer activities and your comments regarding these messages.
White House (82/08/24)
Following America's "Declaration of Independence" from Great Britain, relationships between the motherland and her rebellious offspring were often cool, but during the years of 1812 to 1815 they warmed up into a war known as the War of 1812. Both on land and sea American and British forces fought against each other and on this day, August 24th, in the year 1814, the British captured Washington, the American capital, and burned the Capitol and the president's executive mansion. The word "capital" ending in a-l refers to the capital city where the seat of government is located. The word ending in o-l, which is pronounced the same, is the name of the particular building in Washington in which the United States Congress meets. As a proper noun, it begins with a capital C. After the burning of the executive mansion, the smoke stained, grey stone walls were painted white and it became known as the White House. White is a symbol of purity and the Bible teaches that even though our sins be like scarlet, God's cleansing will make them as white as snow. I hope you will be able to attend our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA. Please come if you can!
National anthems of North and South Korea (82/08/25)
The word misu in Japanese, which came from English, has two quite different meanings. On the one hand, it refers to a girl or an unmarried lady. On the other hand, as an abbreviated form of "mistake", it refers to an error of some kind. In English, to refer to an embarrassing social blunder, we often use the French term faux pas spelled f-a-u-x p-a-s, which literally means "false step". The military band of the African country of Gabon made a faux pas last Sunday during the welcoming ceremony for South Korean President Chun at the Gabon airport. Instead of playing the national anthem of South Korea, they played the national anthem of North Korea, its archenemy. While playing this wrong anthem, the mistake was pointed out and the band then switched to the correct anthem, but it was an extremely embarrassing incident for the Gabon government and profuse apologies were made. If such social blunders cause feelings of shame and require apologies to people, how much more should our sins against God make us feel guilty and cause us to confess our sins before him and repent. Please come to our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA and tell us what you have been doing this summer.
Over 600 children of the king (82/08/26)
Every country in the world has its own peculiar problems--including the kingdom of Swaziland, located in southern Africa. The territory of this small kingdom is a little larger than the combined areas of Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. Its royal family traces its history back 400 years and is one of Africa's last ruling dynasties. Its 83 year old king, Sobhuza II, died last Saturday. He had been on the throne for the past 61 years, making him the longest reigning ruler in the world. The problem is to choose a successor, for the king had 130 wives and over 600 children. In order to avoid bloodshed among his children, he refused to publicly designate his successor before his death and now over 200 of his sons are vying for his crown. According to the New Testament, a kingly crown is given, not to those who fight to obtain it, but to those who are faithful--even unto death. At the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA, the first issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will be distributed. I would like to meet you there and give you a copy as well as to hear about your summer activities and your comments regarding these messages.
Tobacco (82/08/27)
When the European explorers either invaded or advanced into the North American continent, they learned from the native Indians as well as teaching them European ways. One of the customs they learned and took back with them to Europe was tobacco smoking and cultivation of the tobacco plant. Tabaco was the Indian word for the tube or pipe in which they smoked that plant, but Europeans used it to refer to the plant itself. Tobacco smoking was introduced into Japan by the Portuguese near the end of the 16th century and was first grown in Nagasaki in 1605. Cigarette smoking has become popular throughout this country, but now that the relationship between smoking and lung cancer has become quite clear, many people are trying to quit the smoking habit. A course sponsored by the Aichi Prefectural Medical Association on "How to Stop Smoking in Five Days" has attracted attention and a 74 year old man testifies that he has finally been able to quit. He takes a drink of water when he feels like smoking. Since our bodies are priceless gifts from God, we should try to keep them in good condition. If I see you at the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA, I'd like to hear what you have been doing this summer.
Number of listeners to the message (82/08/28)
Just two years ago on September 1st, 1980, I began this "Daily Word" telephone service. On that first day, four calls were received. (I believe that one of them was from my wife, who has probably been the most faithful caller over the years.) Nowadays, the average of weekday calls is over 120, but Saturdays and Sundays are always lower. In May of last year, the first "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting was held and, in October, I began sending out typewritten copies of the daily messages each weekend to those who requested them. Tomorrow, we will hold the 7th "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting at the YWCA on Nishiki Dōri east of Sakae at 1:30 PM. At that time, the first issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will be distributed. This organ consists of listeners' responses to problems or questions I have posed in the daily messages which I have corrected before having them printed. I would be happy to meet you at this meeting, to hear your comments regarding these messages and to hear the highlights of your summer activities. Following this meeting, I will be preaching at the English Worship Service of Nagoya Union Church. Jesus compared the word to a seed and I pray that the seeds sown in these messages will bear good fruit.
The Star of David (82/08/29)
The national flag of Israel has a white background with two horizontal blue stripes near the top and bottom. In the middle of the flag is a blue symbol called the Star of David. This star, or shield of David as it is called in Hebrew, consists of two equilateral triangles so arranged as to form six equilateral triangles as the points of a star with a hexagon in the center. This symbol has a long history and in the Middle Ages it was used as a mystic symbol, called Solomon's Seal. On this day, August 29th, 1897, the Star of David was adopted by the First Zionist Congress in Switzerland as their symbol and it is now considered a symbol of both Judaism and the Israeli state. David, of course, was the humble shepherd boy who later became a great king in Jewish history. King David established the royal line from which the Messiah was to be born. Jesus was born in the City of David, called Bethlehem, and was also referred to as the Son of David. One of the famous Psalms that David wrote begins with the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd". Faith in God as our Shepherd brings peace to our hearts.
Colorado Day (82/08/02)
President Coolidge (82/08/03)
Christening of the son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana (82/08/04)
Lake Nojiri (82/08/05)
Atomic bombs (82/08/06)
World Trade Center (82/08/07)
Fireworks (82/08/08)
Traffic lights (82/08/09)
Tomobiki (82/08/10)
Emergency hospitals in Nagoya (82/08/11)
The number twelve (82/08/12)
Friday, the thirteenth (82/08/13)
Origin of bon (82/08/14)
Anniversary of the Pacific War (82/08/15)
Daimonji fires (82/08/16)
Steamboat Clermont (82/08/17)
A triple play (82/08/18)
National Aviation Day (82/08/19)
Hawaii (82/08/20)
Dixieland (82/08/21)
The Messiah (82/08/22)
Beirut and Lebanon (82/08/23)
White House (82/08/24)
National anthems of North and South Korea (82/08/25)
Over 600 children of the king (82/08/26)
Tobacco (82/08/27)
Number of listeners to the message (82/08/28)
The Star of David (82/08/29)
Daily Word" Echoes (82/08/30)
Cyclists (82/08/31)
Heiwa Seijitu (82/08/01)