Election (86/07/01)
Today is the beginning of the seventh month of the year, which was named after Julius Caesar, an ancient Roman general and statesman. There are a couple of quotations from Julius Caesar that are relevant during this election time in Japan. He said: "As a rule, what is out of sight disturbs men's minds more seriously than what they see"; and "All men who reflect on controversial matters should be free from hatred, friendship, anger and pity". The first theme suggested for essays for the 17th issue of "Daily Word" Echoes is related to the present election campaign. What are your views about this particular election? What was the reason for the prime minister calling a double election at this time? What do you consider the basic issues? Do you plan to vote? On what basis do you think most people will decide how to vote--will primary consideration be given to personality, political policy, social ties or some other factor? What are your hopes regarding the outcome? Send your essay for correction and publication to:"Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. In Christian theology, the term "election" refers to God's choosing of certain people or a certain group and giving them a particular mission.
Cups (86/07/02)
In ancient days, the winning army piled up captured weapons of the defeated enemy near the site of a battle as a memorial of their victory. Such a memorial was called a "trophy", from the Greek word to turn, meaning the enemy was turned back, that is, defeated. These days, a trophy often refers to a symbolic prize received to commemorate a victory. The trophy may be just a plaque, but in the case of the world soccer championship, it is a cup. Since 1930, the World Cup soccer tournament has been held every four years, except during the war. This year, it was held in Mexico and the Argentine team has just won the World Cup for the second time. This cup is smaller than that presented to the winner of a Japanese sumo tournament and smaller yet than the huge bowl from which he sips sake. The word "cup" may also be used figuratively to refer to the experiences of life. Sometimes, we may enjoy a cup of pleasure. At other times, we must endure a cup of suffering. According to I Corinthians 11:25, Jesus referred to the cup of wine he offered his disciples at the Last Supper as "God's new covenant, sealed with [his] blood". For Christians around the world, this communion chalice is the real "World Cup".
Ambassador Mansfield (86/07/03)
The word "mission" comes from the Latin word "to send". People sent to a foreign country as representatives of a church on a religious mission are called "missionaries". Those who come as the representative of a government on a political mission are called "ambassadors". The official office of an ambassador is located in an embassy, which may also be called a "mission". Since 1859, when Townsend Harris became the first official representative of the United States, 33 men have served as Chiefs of the U.S. Mission in Japan. The present ambassador, Michael Mansfield, has served for over nine years, the third longest term thus far. Mr. Mansfield had been a congressman and a senator from the state of Montana before he was appointed ambassador by Democratic President Carter in 1977. He has continued to serve under President Reagan, a Republican. President Reagan is the oldest president in United States history, but Ambassador Mansfield is eight years older than the president. The word "venerable" means "worthy of respect by virtue of dignity, position or age". Ambassador Mansfield, who is visiting Nagoya today, deserves the title on all three counts. We welcome him to our city and hope his mission here is successful.
Decladation of America's Independence (86/07/04)
In contrast to the traditional Japanese emphasis on mutual dependence, Americans have a strong tradition of independence. Both of these traditions have deep, historic roots, with their own rationale. These differing historic traditions must be taken into account in order for Japanese and Americans to understand each other's thinking and behavior. The American tradition of independent thinking is seen even in the formulation of the famous Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4,1776, 210 years ago today. A committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, had been appointed to draft the Declaration, but when it was presented to the Congress, many changes were suggested, which Jefferson called "deplorable". Finally, 86 changes were made in the original document, from which 480 words were eliminated. The Declaration affirms that "all Men are created equal, [and] that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." In making the Declaration, the Congress appealed to "the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of [their] Intentions." Thus, along with the American tradition of independence there is an accompanying recognition of dependence upon God, the Creator and Judge of all.
The Statue of Liberty (86/07/05)
A gala celebration is taking place in New York City this weekend. Along with the annual observance of America's Independence Day, there is a special celebration related to the 93-meter-tall Statue of Liberty which stands on an island in New York Harbor. This colossal, bronze statue was formally presented to the United States by France in 1884. It arrived in the U.S. the following year and was erected in 1886. For a hundred years, that statue has been a shining symbol of freedom to the countless immigrants who came to the "Land of Liberty". Over the years, the statue has deteriorated, so, recently, it has been undergoing repairs. Now it is again open to the public and to celebrate its reopening, special events are taking place. The streets of Manhattan are filled with festival tents and colorful stages where the music, songs, dances, arts, crafts, food and folklore of over 50 national cultures are on display and an international parade of more than 265 ships from 17 countries are sailing in New York Harbor. Liberty is a priceless possession. According to Luke 4:18, proclaiming liberty to captives was one of the basic elements in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
John Huss, a religious reformer (86/07/06)
The true character of a person's religious faith or moral conviction is clearly seen when he or she is required to suffer because of it. Christian history includes the stories of many martyrs who were willing, not only to suffer, but to give their lives for their faith. One such man was John Huss, a religious reformer born in Bohemia. As a conscientious priest, he preached against the abuses of the clergy of his day. As a result of his efforts to bring about reform, he was excommunicated and finally burned at the stake as a heretic 571 years ago today, on July 6, 1415. My sermon text for today is taken from the second chapter of the book of Ezekiel. This prophet was also called to preach to people who were stubborn and rebellious. It is a difficult task to continue to faithfully witness to one's faith in a community where there is little or no response. God does not demand immediate results, but he does require faithfulness. Ezekiel was told, "Whether these rebels listen to you or not, they will know that a prophet has been among them." Today also, we should be faithful to our convictions, regardless of the immediate result, in the faith that, finally, God will use our witness for his good purpose.
The number seven (86/07/07)
Today is the seventh day of the seventh month. In old Japan, this was the day of one of the five traditional festivals. Nowadays, some communities celebrate "tanabata" today. Others celebrate it one month later and, still others, continue to observe the lunar calendar. In the Bible, the number seven is the most common symbolic number. It may be considered a sacred number, signifying completeness or perfection. One day, Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, asked Jesus how often he had to keep forgiving a person who sinned against him. Must he forgive him up to seven times? In Matthew 18:22, Jesus gave this answer: "No, not seven times, but seventy times seven". In this way, Jesus taught that his disciples should always have a loving and forgiving spirit, continually forgiving others even as our heavenly Father continually forgives us.
Memorable Trips (86/07/08)
It is our custom to hold meetings of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages on the fifth Sundays of the month. At such meetings, those present say a few words on a suggested theme. The periodical, "Daily Word" Echoes, consisting of corrected essays written by listeners on themes suggested in my Tuesday messages, is also available at that time. The theme for our meeting last week was "Memorable Trips". My wife told of our first trip to Japan, 35 years ago, on a freighter through stormy seas, which took about two weeks. I told of my first trip to a foreign country following my first year in college, when I hitchhiked from Chicago to Mexico City, where I attended summer school at the University of Mexico. You have probably made a number of noteworthy trips also. "A Memorable Trip" is the theme suggested for your essay this week. We would be happy to read of some unforgettable trip you have taken. If you send me your essay, I will correct it for publication in the next issue of the Echoes. Whenever we make a trip, it is well to remember God's promise to Joshua: "Don't be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go." This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Election stories (86/07/09)
Yesterday morning, as I began to read the newspaper to learn what was going on in the world, I was surprised and disappointed. Outwardly, the paper looked the same as usual. It had the same number of pages. On the front page were a number of headlined stories and the back page carried the usual listing of television programs. However, except for the sports page and the family page, the entire paper was devoted to only one subject. The rest of the world seemed to have suddenly passed out of existence. What was happening in Europe and the Americas, Africa and the rest of Asia? Evidently there was nothing going on there worth reporting. There also seemed to be no traffic accidents, domestic crimes or social events to report. Rather, the paper was full of election stories, statistics, graphs, analyses and individual pictures of all 638 winners throughout the country. Personally, I think it was an unbalanced newspaper with a mistaken set of priorities. Yet that newspaper may symbolize many of our individual perspectives. We are so concerned with our own matters that the rest of the world seems unimportant as we concentrate on personal interests. We all need to broaden our vision to include people and problems apart from our personal wellbeing.
Mrs. Gorbachev's sense of style (86/07/10)
Sometimes, before I leave the house, my wife tells me I should change my necktie because its color doesn't go well with the color of my shirt or jacket. My wife has a better sense of color than I do and is more concerned about such matters than I am. In wearing apparel as well as in social contacts and political negotiations, it is better to seek for elements that harmonize rather than those that clash. On Monday, French President Mitterrand arrived at the Kremlin to meet with Soviet leader Gorbachev. They both were accompanied by their wives. The men's suits were harmonious shades of grey, but Mrs. Gorbachev's bright red dress clashed with Mrs. Mitterrand's bright pink suit as they stood together on a deep red carpet. Within a few minutes, Mrs. Gorbachev had excused herself and reappeared later in a green flowered dress that brought harmony to the situation. Mrs. Gorbachev is the most stylish wife of a Soviet leader in recent years and she probably was especially conscious of style in her meeting with the first lady of France. Their husbands, however, must seek for agreement on the deeper matters of substance. As the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, "The hidden harmony is better than the obvious."
Mongolian People's Republic (86/07/11)
Mongolia is located on a high plateau between China and the Soviet Union. In the 13th century, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongols controlled an empire west as Europe. Later, Mongolia came under Chinese domination. The Great Wall of China runs along the border between China and Mongolia. During the Chinese revolution in 1911, Mongolia declared its independence. It is now divided between Inner Mongolia, a part of China, and Outer Mongolia, which has become a separate country. 65 years ago, on July 11,1921, a Communist regime was established there, so today is the national holiday of the Mongolian People's Republic. The area of this country is more than four times that of Japan, but its population is less than that of the city of Nagoya. In the southeast part of the country is the vast Gobi Desert, a barren land with few roads where most transportation is by camel caravans. The Gobi is the world's second largest desert, after the Sahara in North Africa. A desert is a deserted place, but in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 35, is the vision of a future day when the desert will become a fertile land of beauty.
Surfers crossed the Atlantic Ocean (86/07/12)
The word "surf" refers to the waves of the sea that break and foam upon the shore. The water sport called surfing involves riding these waves while standing on a long, narrow surfboard. If a sail is raised on the board to catch the wind, a sportsman may enjoy windsurfing. A couple of adventuresome French windsurfers recently crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a 9-meter sailboard. They set off from Senegal, on the westernmost coast of Africa, and landed in the French West Indies territory of Guadeloupe 24 days later, establishing a new world record for windsurfing. Their 150-kilogram sailboard included a below-deck area for sleeping and getting out of the wind. Encountering 50-meter waves and winds gusting to 80 kilometers an hour, they capsized four times in the rough waters. Stopping at various places in the Caribbean and along the American coast, they arrived in New York Harbor to join in the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty after their 8,600 kilometer journey. Adventurers must prepare well for their ventures, but they must also have a certain kind of faith. So it is with the adventure of life itself. Some kind of faith is needed to inspire us and to sustain us in the face of difficulties.
What is a great person? (86/07/13)
The word "great", when used of a material object, refers to something very large, like a great mountain. When used of a work of art, it refers to something remarkable, like a great painting. When used of a person, it refers to someone eminent or distinguished. How does one measure greatness in people? Many people today would think of famous statesmen, wealthy businessmen or popular personalities as "great", but that was not the view of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, Jesus' disciples were arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. Jesus taught them, in verse 35, that in order to become great, one must become the servant of others. He then put a little child in front of them and told them that the attitude shown toward such a child is, in effect, the attitude shown toward God. God's standard of greatness is quite different than ours. According to Jesus, the great person is the one who humbly serves others from a heart of love. This standard was expressed, not only in the teaching of Jesus, but in the example of his own life. He not only taught with words that the way to greatness is the way of humble service. He demonstrated by his life that the way to eternal life is the way of self-sacrifice, the way of the cross.
Iraq (86/07/14)
One of the oldest cultures in the world developed in the land of Mesopotamia. Since 1918, this land has been called Iraq, from the Arabic word for "cliff". Today is an anniversary day in Iraq, commemorating the overthrow of the Kingdom of Iraq and the assassination of its third and last king on July 14, 1958, 28 years ago today. Although the country is now called a republic, it is actually a one-party socialist-military state. Since 1980, Iraq has been engaged in a war with the neighboring country of Iran. The causes of the war involve racial, nationalistic, political, religious and personal factors. The Middle East has been an unstable area for centuries, but in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 19, the prophet looked forward to the day when the nations of that religion will live together in peace.
The Japanese national flag (86/07/15)
Looking at a chart of 165 national flags, I find that there is one flag that is all one color (the green flag of Libya), 33 flags have two colors, 80 flags have three, 42 flags have four and nine flags have five or six colors. The most popular color is red, followed by white. The hi-no-maru of Japan consists of a red ball in the center of a white field. The Bangladesh flag is similar, except that its red ball is on a green field and a bit off center. I am sure that each of these national emblems has a particular meaning to the citizens of those countries. Although the hi-no-maru has historical significance and is now used as the national flag of Japan, it has never been officially designated as such. What do you think of this Japanese symbol? When you see it, what thoughts, emotions or memories come to your mind? What does it symbolize for you? Some people think a new flag should be created and officially designated. What do you think about this? The hi-no-maru, or Japanese national flag, is the theme for your essay this week. Speaking of the American flag, Woodrow Wilson once said, "The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history." This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Stopping working in July in Sweden (86/07/16)
An alcoholic is a person who suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholics cannot control their desire for alcoholic beverages. Some western countries have referred to Japanese as "workaholics" because they seem unable to control their desire for working. Industriousness has always been considered a virtue in Japan and it is difficult to change long-standing habits. Most Japanese workers do not make use of all the vacation time allotted them. In Sweden, it's quite different. There, virtually the whole country stops working during the month of July. Companies close their doors and shut down their factories for the whole month for they found it to be more economical to close down the factory than to keep it operating while workers took vacations at different times. During this month, any necessary repairs and maintenance work are done. Civil servants are also given holidays and even the military forces continue their activities with minimum personnel. Psychologists say that people cope more easily with the tensions of work after a month away from it all. The Bible teaches that one day in seven should be a day of rest for the restoration of both body and soul. According to I Corinthians 3:16, our bodies are the temple of God's Spirit, so we should take good care of them.
Genes determine whether one is fat or slim (86/07/17)
When you hear the word "genes/jeans", what do you think of? There are different kinds of genes/jeans. Gene, spelled G-e-n-e, is a boy's name and Jean, spelled J-e-a-n, is a girl's name. Jeans, spelled like the girl's name, refer to pants made from a strong cotton fabric. Genes, spelled like the boys name, refer to a biological unit that determines hereditary character. A recent study shows that whether one is fat or slim depends more on one's genes than on one's eating habits. The study, conducted on 540 people in Denmark who were adopted by foster parents soon after birth, showed that most children grew to resemble the physical character of their natural parents despite their diets. Of course, eating habits do have an effect, but the basic factor in determining body size is related to genes rather than to food. Those of us who have one or two slim parents can be thankful. We didn't choose our parents. They were "given" to us along with such other "gifts" as race, intelligence, abilities and social status. God doesn't have the same expectation for all because we all begin with a unique set of "given" factors, but he does expect us all to improve and to use our natural gifts for the benefit of others as well as of ourselves.
Names ending with -sen and -son (86/07/18)
North Americans come in all sizes, shapes, colors and ethnic backgrounds. Sometimes the national origin of a particular person can be guessed by the person's physical appearance, by the characteristic accent of his or her speech or from the person's surname. Many people of northern European extraction have the suffix "son" at the end of their names, such as Peterson, Thompson and Anderson. If this suffix is spelled s-e-n, the person is probably of Danish or Norwegian extraction, while those with the s-o-n suffix probably come from Sweden, England or Scotland. The well-known writer of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen, whose name ends in s-e-n, was Danish, but Robert Anderson, whose name ends in s-o-n, was a famous Scottish editor. The name "Robert" has the meaning of "bright, shining fame" and a Canadian pastor named Robert Anderson, who fits that definition, is now visiting Nagoya. He is accompanied by his wife, Priscilla, whose name means "ancient". In the 18th chapter of Acts is the story of a Priscilla who was the co-worker of her husband, Aqulia, both in tentmaking and in witnessing to their common faith. The team of Robert and Priscilla seem to be following in their footsteps.
Albany, New York (86/07/19)
Albany is an old, literary name for Scotland. That may be a reason why there are so many communities with that name in the United States and Australasia. Albany, New York is situated on the Hudson River, some 230 kilometers north of New York City. Originally a Dutch trading post called Fort Orange, its name was changed to Albany when the English took control in 1664. It is now the sixth largest city in the state and serves as the county seat and as the state capital. It is the oldest city in the United States still operating under its original charter, which was granted 300 years ago. The tricentennial birthday of that city was celebrated last week. During the celebration, an intercontinental telephone conference was held with the mayors of seven other communities named Albany in Australia, New Zealand and five other American states. During the 25 minute conversation, the mayors compared notes about their own communities and offered birthday congratulations to the New York mayor, who was sitting in front of a world map on which 33 communities named Albany were indicated. 300 years is a long time for an earthly city, but the Bible teaches of an eternal city of God, which is the permanent abode of the people of God.
The Providence of God and Fate (86/07/20)
Today, special meetings are being held in the church in Takahama where I am the pastor. Rev. Kiyoshi Nishimura, the principal of Nagoya Gakuin Junior and Senior High Schools, is preaching both this morning and this evening. The title of his morning sermon is: Kami no setsuri to shukumei, "The Providence of God and Fate". The English word "providence", like the word "provide", comes from a Latin verb meaning to foresee. So, literally, providence means "foresight", but in Christian thought, providence implies the purposeful arrangement of circumstances for some beneficial end by Almighty God. The Christian does not believe in meaningless happenings nor in blind chance. The Bible teaches that the events of life are meaningful and directed toward some good purpose according to the overall plan of God. If that is truly the case, then, regardless of outward circumstances, our hearts can be at peace as we commit ourselves into the hands of our loving Father. In his Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verse 28, the Apostle Paul wrote; "We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose."
Ernest Hemingway (86/07/21)
A famous American novelist was born on this day 87 years ago. In 1954, he was awarded the Nobel prize in literature. Among his well-known novels are: A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. Do you know his name? Ernest Hemingway was the son of a country doctor. His mother wanted him to become a cellist, but he chose journalism instead. He was a controversial writer because of his unadorned, direct writing style and his unconventional life style, but he once wrote in a letter: "I want to run as a writer, not as a man who has been to the wars; not a bar-room fighter or a shooter; nor a horseplayer; nor a drinker. I would like to be a straight writer and be judged as such." His war experiences left a lasting impression on him and he wrote, "Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead."
Happiness (86/07/22)
Today is Tuesday, the day I suggest a theme on which listeners may write an essay for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. I make corrections in the essays before they are printed and I would be happy to receive an essay from you! Although there are many differences between people of different nations, races, cultures and social status, I think that all people around the world are seeking for happiness. I wonder how many have found it and are truly happy. The meaning given to the word "happiness" varies with the individual, as the Japanese proverb says, "Ten men, ten colors." "Happiness" is the theme suggested for essays this week. What does this word mean to you?" What do you consider the basic elements in finding happiness? What is the relationship between physical and spiritual happiness? What are your suggestions about how to attain happiness? At the beginning of his "Sermon on the Mount" in the fifth chapter of Matthew, Jesus gave his teaching about what kind of people were happy. According to Jesus, peop1e with a certain inner, spiritual quality are those who are truly happy, and Christians believe these qualities are gained through a healthy faith. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Prince Andrew married to Sarah Ferguson (86/07/23)
Today is the day of a royal wedding in Britain. Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, is to be married to Sarah Ferguson in the Westminster Abbey, a church with a respected tradition in English history. As in Japan, second sons in English royal families are on a lower level than eldest sons, who become crown princes and heirs to the throne. Prince Andrew has frequently been in the news because of his romantic flings, but I am sure his parents are hoping that he will now settle down to an unspectacular married life. Both Andrew and Sarah are well-known Bible names. Andrew, which comes from Greek, means manly, or a strong man. Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Before Jesus called him to be his disciple, he was a fisherman. According to the first chapter of the Gospel of John, it was Andrew who introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. Sarah comes from the Hebrew word for princess. In the Old Testament, Sarah was the wife of Abraham, and thus may be considered the common mother of both Jews and Arabs. We extend our congratulations to this new couple and pray that the manly Prince Andrew and his princess, Sarah, will have a long and happy married life together.
Mormons in Utah (86/07/24)
Today, July the 24th, is a legal holiday in the American state of Utah. It is called Pioneer Day and commemorates the arrival of the Mormon leader, Brigham Young, and a band of his followers in the Great Salt Lake Valley on this day in 1847. The religious community officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in New York State in 1830. The Book of Mormon, published by Smith, is a basic scripture of this Church, so its believers are commonly called Mormons. Because the members of this religious group were persecuted in the east, they began a trek westward, making temporary stops in Ohio, Missouri and Illinois, before deciding to establish a city of their own in the far west. Following the death of their founder, Brigham Young became their leader and led them to the "Promised Land" beside the Great Salt Lake. Federal recognition of the state of Utah was not granted until after the death of Young and the Mormon's formal renunciation of the practice of polygamy. Pioneer Day in Utah is a day of rodeos, parades, dances and speeches honoring the state's pioneer fathers. In the Bible, Abraham is considered the pioneer, who opened a new trail of faith in the One, Almighty God.
Musical instruments (86/07/25)
Musical instruments may be divided into four groups: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Violins and pianos are strings; trumpets, trombones and horns are brass; drums and cymbals are percussion; and the woodwinds are; flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons and saxophones. The flute is simply a tube with holes, one of which is blown into and musical notes are produced by covering or uncovering the other holes. A piccolo, from the Italian word for "small", is a small flute with a higher pitch. A clarinet, which comes from the Latin word for "clear", is also a cylindrical tube with holes, but it has a reed mouthpiece which produces a vibrating sound. An oboe, derived from French words meaning "high wood", looks similar to a clarinet, but it has a double-reed mouthpiece. A bassoon, from the Italian word for "bass", is a double-reed woodwind which produces 1ow-pitched tones from its long, wooden body. Finally, the saxophone gets its name from Adolphe Sax, the man who invented it. Like the clarinet, it has a single-reed mouthpiece, but it has a curved, conical body. 1n the 150th Psalm, seven different instruments are listed to be used in praising the Lord.
New York state in the U.S. (86/07/26)
Do you know where the city of York is? The most famous and oldest city of that name is located in northern England. In the 15th century, the House of York was the ruling family and the Duke of York is one of the most important English peerages. One of the 13 American colonies was named New York after a Duke of York. Before the Constitution of the United States of America was drafted, the states were loosely united under the Articles of Confederation. The governor of the state of New York opposed the strong central government envisioned in the new Constitution, so the state of New York became one of the last to ratify it. On July 26, 1788, 198 years ago today, it gave formal approval of the Constitution and became the 11th state of the Union. New York state is the second largest state in population and the 30th largest in area. The state motto is the Latin word, Excelsior, which is interpreted to mean "Ever Upward". Some merchants considered "excelsior" a synonym for "excellent" and used it as a trademark. It thus became the name of a brand of wood shavings used as packing material, and that is what the word means today. Nevertheless, "Ever Upward" is a good motto for all of us.
The prophet Isaiah (86/07/27)
The English word "prophet" comes from the Greek verb "to say" with the prefix "pro". If the prefix is interpreted to mean "before", then a prophet is one who speaks beforehand, that is, one who foretells the future. However, in the Bible, a prophet is not primarily a foreteller, but a forthteller, God's spokesman who proclaims God's message. Isaiah was one of the major biblical prophets and in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book bearing his name is the account of how he became a prophet. While worshipping in the temple, he had a vision of God. First, he was deeply impressed with God's greatness, glory and holiness. Then, he sensed his own impurity and sinfulness. After receiving the divine assurance of spiritual cleansing, he offered himself for God's service. This chapter provides an example of the experience people should have in Christian churches during the worship service. We shou1d get a new glimpse both of God's character and of our own. We should experience the joy of being forgiven. Finally, we should offer ourselves to God to be used to accomplish his will in the world. When we hear God's call for a worker, we should answer as Isaiah did, "Here am I! Send me!"
Empty vessels (86/07/28)
There is an English proverb that "Empty vessels make the most sound". Do you understand its implication? It is commonly recognized that when metal receptacles, such as cans, buckets and oil drums, are struck, they make more noise when they are empty than when they are full. This proverb implies that empty-headed persons are the most talkative and noisy. The Dutch have a saying that one penny in a money-box makes more noise than all the coins in it when it is full. Other proverbs with similar meanings are: "They brag most who can do least" and "Great talkers, little doers". In the 1st chapter of James, verse 19, we are told to "be quick to listen, but slow to speak". That's good advice for all people, especially for those who wish to be considered wise. A Latin writer of the 1st century wrote, "Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage."
Nuclear power plants (86/07/29)
There are a number of autonomous, specialized agencies related to the United Nations Organization, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was established on July 29, 1957, 29 years ago today. The aim of this agency is to promote the safe and peaceful uses of atomic energy. There are over 30 nuclear power plants in operation in Japan which produce almost 30% of Japan's electricity. Nuclear power is considered reliable and economical, but it is also dangerous. Serious accidents have occurred in such plants in the Soviet Union, the United States and England. What are your thoughts about nuclear power plants? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Are you in favor of their continued use and further expansions? Would you object to having one built in your community? Nuclear power is the topic for your essay this week. I am happy to correct your essay and print it in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. In the Bible, the power of God is seen both in the creation of the world and in the regeneration of human beings who fell into sin.
Cups (86/07/02)
Ambassador Mansfield (86/07/03)
Decladation of America's Independence (86/07/04)
The Statue of Liberty (86/07/05)
John Huss, a religious reformer (86/07/06)
The number seven (86/07/07)
Memorable Trips (86/07/08)
Election stories (86/07/09)
Mrs. Gorbachev's sense of style (86/07/10)
Mongolian People's Republic (86/07/11)
Surfers crossed the Atlantic Ocean (86/07/12)
What is a great person? (86/07/13)
Iraq (86/07/14)
The Japanese national flag (86/07/15)
Stopping working in July in Sweden (86/07/16)
Genes determine whether one is fat or slim (86/07/17)
Names ending with -sen and -son (86/07/18)
Albany, New York (86/07/19)
The Providence of God and Fate (86/07/20)
Ernest Hemingway (86/07/21)
Happiness (86/07/22)
Prince Andrew married to Sarah Ferguson (86/07/23)
Mormons in Utah (86/07/24)
Musical instruments (86/07/25)
New York state in the U.S. (86/07/26)
The prophet Isaiah (86/07/27)
Empty vessels (86/07/28)
Nuclear power plants (86/07/29)
Festivities (86/07/30)
American currencies (86/07/31)
Election (86/07/01)