Daily Word (88/11/01)
On Sunday afternoon, the 32nd meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages was held here in Nagoya, at which we talked about the computerized society. My wife and I always enjoy meeting listeners at these meetings and, as usual, my wife served some homemade refreshments. At that meeting, the 24th issue of "Daily Word" Echoes was on sale. This periodical consists of essays written by listeners on some subject treated in the daily messages or about this telephone service in general. I correct the essays before they are published. If you wish to receive a copy of the current issue, please make a deposit of ¥300 in the yūbin furikae kōza of Deiri Wa-do, Nagoya 3-37078 and make your request in the tsūshinran on the reverse side of the form. I would be happy to receive an essay from you for publication in the next issue to be published on January 29th. Those who wish to receive printed copies of the daily messages to read, either before or after listening to them on the telephone may receive them by sending me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2732)
Diamond (88/11/02)
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "diamond"? One meaning of diamond is a geometric figure having four equal sides forming two equal obtuse angles and two equal acute angles. In former days, the home plate and three bases of a baseball playing field were laid out in the shape of a diamond, so the infield or the entire field is called a baseball diamond. This may come to the mind of a baseball fan. A card player may think of playing cards which have the symbol of a diamond on them and are also called diamonds. Another meaning of diamond is a very hard stone, a gemstone that is used in engagement rings, so this may come to the mind of a romantic young lady. Diamonds are considered very beautiful because they reflect light rays as a brilliant rainbow-colored band. However, diamonds are simply a form of carbon and may be produced artificially by extracting carbon from other substances. A chemist in Washington, D. C. has been growing diamond crystals using sewer gas from the city's sewage system. This is one example of the conversion of something dirty into something beautiful. Another example is the conversion of a sinner into a saint by the power of God's Holy Spirit, who purifies the hearts of those who put their faith in God. (2733)
William Cullen Bryant (88/11/03)
At the beginning of the Meiji Era, this 3rd day of November was designated Tenchō setsu, to commemorate the birthday of Emperor Meiji. At the beginning of the Shōwa Era, the name was changed to Meiji-setsu and after the end of the Pacific War, this day became Culture Day. Today is also the birthday of a famous American poet, William Cullen Bryant, who was born on November 3, 1794. Bryant began writing poetry as a youth and continued after becoming a lawyer and, later, one of the most influential newspaper editors of that time. His newspaper, the New York Evening Post became famous for its literary correctness and its advocacy of free trade, the abolition of slavery and other reforms. Bryant also translated ancient Greek poetry into English. One of his famous poems, "To a Waterfowl", expresses his faith in the eternal God who oversees both the flight of birds and the steps of human beings. That poem, which was written before he was 21, contains these significant lines, "He who, from zone to zone, / Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, / In the long way that I must tread alone, / Will lead my steps aright." (2734)
Orlando (88/11/04)
Orange County, located in the central area of the U. S. state of Florida, is named for the fruit grown in that region. The largest city in that county is Orlando, named for a soldier who was killed there by Indians 150 years ago. The shipping center for produce grown in the area, Orlando is also a resort city, just 25 kilometers from the famous Walt Disney World. Thus, this city of 128,000 people has much traffic on its highways. Last summer, a new, sophisticated traffic light synchronizing system was put into effect. Recently, when additional equipment was being connected, a worker forgot to plug in a certain cable which resulted in traffic signals at 34 intersections along the busiest highways being frozen during the noon hour. Although the freeze lasted for only six minutes, traffic immediately became clogged as drivers waited and waited for red lights to change. Policemen on horseback were called out to get the flow of traffic back to normal. Even very sophisticated equipment needs human attention to function correctly and a simple oversight can have disastrous consequences. In a world with nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons, the possible results of a simple human error are especially fearful. That is one reason many people oppose the use of any kind of nuclear power. (2735)
Spread eagle (88/11/05)
An eagle is one of the symbols of the U. S. A. On the Great Seal of the United States is the figure of a spread eagle, which is an eagle with its wings and legs spread out. "Spread eagle" may also refer to a person with arms and legs stretched out. A couple of weeks ago, people in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saw the strange sight of a man clinging to the top of a speeding car in spread-eagle fashion. The man was 20-year-old Mike Fitzgerald, who was standing nearby when he saw a car smash into the fender of his own parked car and begin speeding away. To keep the hit-and-run driver from escaping, Mike leaped atop that car and clamped his fingers onto the small rain gutters on each side of the roof. For the next 15 minutes at speeds up to 88 kilometers an hour, Mike clung to the top of the car until police spotted the vehicle with the spread-eagled man on top, stopped it and arrested the 18-year-old driver for drunken driving, underage drinking and leaving the scene of an accident. According to Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 1, "Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It's stupid to get drunk." Furthermore, to drive a car while drunk is not only stupid, it's dangerous. (2736)
Testament (88/11/06)
In modern English, the word "testament" signifies a document designating how one's personal property is to be disposed of after one's death. It may also be called a will, or a yuigon, in Japanese. An older meaning of the word is "covenant", which is a binding agreement between two parties, a kind of compact, or keiyaku, in Japanese. In the Bible, the Old and New Testaments actually refer to old and new covenants between God and his people. In the Old Testament prophecy of Jeremiah, chapter 31, verses 31-34, these old and new covenants are contrasted. The old covenant, which was given through Moses, required obedience to a law which included many commandments related to ceremonial observances as well as to social customs and moral obligations. Because this covenant was broken by the people, Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a new covenant that would be of a spiritual nature and that would result in the forgiveness of sins. At his last supper with his disciples, Jesus spoke of this new covenant which would be sealed with his blood. Thus, the Old Testament is centered in the law of Moses while the crux of the New Testament is the cross of Christ. (2737)
Bolshevik Revolution (88/11/07)
Today is an important holiday in the Soviet Union commemorating the Socialist Revolution in 1917 which established the first Socialist state. It is also known as the Bolshevik Revolution because it was the Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Lenin, who fostered the revolution. Bolsheviki is a Russian word meaning "larger" or "majority". In the old Russian Social-Democratic Workers' Party, the group supporting Lenin's position favoring a small party of professional revolutionaries was in the majority. The minority faction was called Mensheviki. The Bolshevik Party became the Communist Party, which still controls the U.S.S.R. In his first inaugural address as the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson stated that, in a democracy, the will of the majority must prevail but that the rights of the minority must also be protected. (2738)
General Election Day (88/11/08)
In Japan, elections are held on Sundays, which are considered holidays but not holy days. In the United States, this Tuesday after the first Monday of November is General Election Day. In some states, it is a legal holiday and in those where it is not, some businesses give employees time off to let them vote. My wife and I both voted by absentee ballot over three weeks ago. In our home state of Illinois, the ballots are simply computer cards with about 300 tiny numbered squares which can be punched out. The ballot booklet included the names of five candidates for president and vice-president, two for congressional representative, 35 others for various state and county offices along with six proposals for which voter approval is required. Each candidate and proposal was identified with a number. We voted by punching out numbers on the computer card ballot with the wire punch on the foam backing sheet which was also enclosed. We then signed our names, affirming that we were registered voters who would be absent from our hometown on election day, and mailed them to the county clerk. President Roosevelt once said, "The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President . . . and government officials, but the voters of this country." Do you think this holds true for Japan? (2739)
Toadstools (88/11/09)
There are two kinds of plants called take in Japanese. The written character for one of them resembles two bamboo shoots and means "bamboo", which actually is a kind of grass. The character for the other one consists of the symbol for grass over an ear and means "mushroom" or "toadstool". Mushrooms and toadstools are a kind of fungus that closely resemble each other. However, there is an important difference between them. The latter, which may look like stools for toads, are poisonous. Therefore, when gathering mushrooms in the woods, one must be very careful not to gather toadstools instead. Recently, a number of incidents of toadstool poisoning have been reported in Gifu Prefecture resulting in the death of one person and the hospitalization of others. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between what is healthful and helpful and what is poisonous and dangerous in the world of ideas also. In business, politics and religion, there are spokesmen for theories that sound good but are actually wrong and dangerous. Jesus warned against such false prophets in Matthew, chapter 7, verses 15-20. He called them wild wolves who are dressed up to resemble sheep and warned people to be on their guard against them. (2740)
Urouro (88/11/10)
A local newspaper reported that the police recently received a call from a lady about a man on the roof of an apartment building. She thought he was acting strangely and was worried that he was contemplating suicide because he was urouro shite iru. To make sure of the exact meaning of this expression, I checked the dictionary and found out that it can refer to loitering, being confused or simply being restless. The police who rushed to the building found a 21-year-old foreigner who was merely thinking while looking out over the city. Reading the article, I wondered why the lady thought his actions were strange. Is it so unusual for a person to be alone on the roof quietly looking around? It may be so in Japan, but I doubt that this would prompt a call to the police in the United States. I wonder if the young man was grateful for the concern of this lady for his welfare or upset that she needlessly troubled both the police and him. I would be happy to read any comment you might have regarding this incident. In Philippians 2:4, we are taught to be concerned about others, but in I Thessalonians 4:11, we are cautioned to mind our own business. Although it may be difficult to decide which teaching to apply to a particular situation, all our actions should be motivated by a selfless love. (2741)
Veterans Day (88/11/11)
The word "vet", spelled v-e-t, is a shortened form of two very different words. Vet may denote a veterinarian, which is an animal doctor. If your dog becomes sick, you may take it to a vet to be treated. The other vet is a veteran, meaning a person who has a long record of service in some capacity. More specifically, it signifies a former member of the armed forces. Today is a holiday in the United States called Veterans Day. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the signing of the armistice which ended World War I on November 11, 1918 and the soldiers who died in battle. Later, Congress changed its name to Veterans Day and broadened its scope to recognize not only those who died for their country, but all who had served in the nation's armed forces. On this day, ceremonies are held in many public places and some communities have parades and other activities. Although there is value in remembering the past, we should be more concerned about working for peace in the present, with the faith expressed in chapter 4 of the Old Testament book of Micah that the day will come when weapons will be changed into useful tools, nations will not go to war and everyone will live in peace. (2742)
Pop tops (88/11/12)
A pop is a short, sharp, explosive sound. If you stick a pin into a balloon, it will pop. As a shortened form of papa, pop is also the name some children call their fathers. Another meaning of pop is a soft drink which, unlike a hard drink, contains no alcohol. In this case, pop is the shortened form of soda pop. As a child, I used to collect pop bottle caps from the many different kinds of pop which were popular back then. These days, pop comes in cans with a pull ring on top. When the ring is pulled, there is a pop as the can is opened. Then the pull ring is thrown away. On international plane flights, soft drinks are served to passengers from such cans, so there are many pop tops to dispose of. Flight attendants on Japan Air Lines are now saving them to sell to a recycling center in order to purchase a wheel chair to donate to a facility for the disabled near Tokyo International Airport. To purchase one wheelchair will require about 2.5 million rings so they are asking flight attendants on other airlines to join the project. According to a Japanese proverb, "Dust amassed will make a mountain". Likewise, many little deeds of kindness can have a great effect upon society. (2743)
Paul (88/11/13)
The New Testament consists of 27 different books. Thirteen of them are letters written by a man named Paul. Previously, this man was a fervent persecutor of Christians, but after his conversion he became an enthusiastic promoter of the Christian faith. The word "enthusiasm", meaning intense feeling, comes from a Greek word meaning "inspired by a god". Paul was an enthusiastic person both before and after he became a Christian. However, the content and character of his enthusiasm was changed by his faith. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 9, he writes about the character of his enthusiastic proclamation of the Gospel. He did not do it to make money nor because of any external pressure. It was because of an internal conviction. He was inspired by God to preach the Good News of salvation. In order to lead others to faith in Christ, he tried to adapt himself to the conditions of those to whom he preached. While working with Jews, he lived like a Jew and when working with Gentiles he became like a Gentile in order to effectively witness to them. This was not simply a clever technique. In this way, Paul was following the example of Christ himself who entered human history in order to save us human beings.(2744)
Nehru (88/11/14)
The present prime minister of India is Rajiv Gandhi. He has held this position for the past four years. For most of the previous 18 years, his mother served as prime minister. And for the 17 years before that, his grandfather was India's prime minister from the time it became independent in 1947, His grandfather's name was Jawaharlal Nehru and he was born 99 years ago today, on November 14, 1889. Educated in England, he practiced law. He later became a close associate of Mohandas Gandhi and a leader in the Congress Party which has governed India since its independence. Mr. Nehru has said: "Our chief defect is that we are more given to talking about things than to doing them." "It is not what you say that matters, but what you do. Think of the vast opportunities the world offers to those who are keen of mind, strong of character and fleet of foot," (2745)
Traditions (88/11/15)
As nations in the European Community move toward greater unity, they must overcome national traditions having deep roots. Even changes that are obviously reasonable and beneficial provoke opposition by diehard traditionalists. It was recently reported that the United Kingdom will take a step toward adopting the metric system but it is not ready to go all the way. While discarding such measurements as fathom, gill and gallon, it will continue measuring beer and milk in pints and indicating distances in miles. The United States also continues to use the traditional system of measurements, but I had to consult the dictionary to learn both the meaning and the pronunciation of "gill". It is spelled g-i-l-l, the same as another word meaning the respiratory organ of a fish and pronounced gill. A gill is equal to 1/4 of a pint, or 5 fluid ounces in Britain and 4 fluid ounces in the United States. Speaking of traditions, today is the traditional day for children 7, 5 and 3 years old to visit the shrine for odd numbers are considered to be lucky In China and Japan. While observing meaningful traditions, we should be willing to discard those that have become outmoded and lifeless, (2746)
Blues (88/11/16)
Certain colors have particular meanings or emotions related to them. For example, "blue", when used as an adjective, may mean gloomy or depressed, dismal or dreary, puritanical or strict, aristocratic or patrician, indecent or risque. And "blues" signifies a particular kind of music, a style of jazz that evolved from southern American Negro songs that is distinguished by its slow tempo and melancholy words. The man who popularized the blues and became known as "the father of the blues" was born in Alabama on November 16, 1873, 115 years ago today, William Christopher Handy was the son of a Negro minister. He began his musical career singing in his father's church. He later travelled with a minstrel group in which he played the cornet. Eventually, Handy organized his own band, for which he composed the music, including many blues, such as the Memphis Blues, St. Louis Blues and others. The lyrics and melodies of the blues communicate the lonely, gloomy feeling of a black worker in an unhappy environment. Probably everyone feels somewhat blue at times, but the solution to that feeling suggested by the poet who wrote the 130th Psalm was to put one's faith and hope in God. (2747)
The sole passenger (88/11/17)
Mrs. Yamamoto had a ticket from Tokyo to London on a British Airways flight. She planned to join her husband who is studying in England. When she arrived at Narita Airport early a couple of weeks ago, she was surprised to be invited to leave earlier and have an entire jumbo jet all to herself. That plane had arrived in Tokyo late and all of its scheduled passengers had been transferred to other flights. However, the plane had to return to London to resume its schedule. Mrs. Yamamoto was given her choice of 353 seats and which of six movies she wanted to see during the 11-hour trip. Although holding an economy class ticket, she sat in the business class section and enjoyed the gourmet menu. Fifteen cabin attendants were at her service. The estimated cost of that flight was $23,000, but the sole passenger was Mrs. Yamamoto who paid $3,000 for her ticket. I presume she felt a bit lonely. One of the blessings of a healthy faith in God is the sense of God's presence with us wherever we go. Even when we are separated from other people, God is still with us. God's promise in Joshua, chapter 1, verse 5, is: "I will always be with you; I will never abandon you". (2748)
Oman (88/11/18)
In the United Nations Organization there are ten countries whose names have only four letters in them when written in English. How many of them can you name? One is located in North America. One is in South America. Three of them are in Africa and the other five are in Asia. Today is a national holiday in the one that is called a sultanate. Just as an empire is ruled by an emperor or empress and a kingdom is ruled by a king or queen, so a sultanate is ruled by a sultan, the name given to monarchs of certain Arabic countries. The Sultanate of Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian peninsula. In the early 19th century, Oman was the most powerful country in the region but it lost its influence and became a poor nation until it began producing oil in 1967. The present ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, overthrew his father in a palace coup in 1970 and launched a domestic development program. Today is that sultan's 46th birthday. The Sultanate of Oman is an absolute monarchy, which means that its ruler, theoretically, has absolute power. According to the Bible, however, it is only God, the creator and ruler of the world, who is the true absolute monarch.(2749)
Gettysburg address (88/11/19)
One meaning of the word "score" is the number of points made in a game or contest. Another meaning is a group of twenty items. One of the most famous speeches in American history begins with the words, "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." That Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln was delivered at the dedication of a national cemetery on the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania six score and five years ago today. It ends with these words: "It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." What do you think of this speech and why do you think it is so famous? (2750)
Prophet, priest, king (88/11/20)
In all organized groups of people, certain persons hold positions of authority or special responsibility toward the group as a whole. In the Old Testament nation of Israel, there were three major posts which were considered to link the people with their God. They were the offices of prophet, priest and king. The primary responsibility of people holding these offices was toward God, but their official duties were for the benefit of the nation. The king was the representative of God in the political area. He ruled with a kind of divine authority. The priest was the representative of the people before God in the religious sphere. It was to the priest that people brought their sacrifices to be offered to God as expressions of their thanksgiving or to seek forgiveness of their sins. The prophet was God's spokesman to the nation. He was the one who proclaimed God's word to the people--including the king and others in positions of authority. The prophet served as the conscience of the nation, speaking God's word of judgment and forgiveness, comfort and hope. According to the New Testament teaching, Jesus, the Christ, combined all three of these offices in himself. For Christians, he is the true Prophet, who reveals God, the great Priest, who gave himself as the sacrifice for our sins, and the supreme King, who rules our lives. (2751)
Voltaire (88/11/21)
To "enlighten" is to give intellectual or spiritual light or understanding to others. Enlightenment was the name given to a philosophical movement in 18th century Europe which criticized traditional doctrines from the standpoint of rationalism. One of the major proponents of the Enlightenment was Francois Marie Arouet, a Frenchman who was born 294 years ago today, on November 21,1694. While imprisoned in Paris when 23 years old, he began writing under the name of Voltaire. He was a prolific writer and his works have had a great influence on Western thought. Voltaire's critical, straightforward words often caused him trouble so he sympathized with all victims of persecution, even when he disagreed with their views. His commitment to freedom of speech for all people is evident in this quotation: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." (2752)
Charles de Gaulle (88/11/22)
Today is the birthday of a man who has had a decisive influence upon modern France. French general and statesman Charles de Gaulle was born 98 years ago today, on November 22, 1890. During the Second World War, he organized the free French forces to oppose the German occupation of his homeland. After the war, he was elected provisional president of France, but resigned because the constitution did not give the president sufficient authority. Thirteen years later, he again assumed the presidency under a new constitution which gave him the power he desired. The following quotations of de Gaulle's indicate his view of politicians and of men of action: "Since a politician never believes what he says, he is surprised when others believe him." "Every man of action has a strong dose of egotism, pride, hardness and cunning." Do you agree with his view that politicians are not trustworthy and his implication that a humble, kind and honest person cannot become a strong leader? I would like to read your opinion about the character of politicians and political leaders. I will correct essays sent to me and publish them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2753)
Franklin Pierce (88/11/23)
Today is the birthday of a dark horse who became the 14th president of the United States. A "dark horse" may refer to a relatively unknown entrant in a horse race or other contest and, in particular, to a person who receives unexpected support at a political convention. At the Democratic Convention of 1852, delegates' votes were divided among four active candidates, causing a deadlock. Franklin Pierce, who was born on November 23, 1804, was put forth as a compromise dark horse and was chosen on the 49th ballot. In the subsequent presidential election, he easily defeated his opponent, the candidate of the Whig Party. In Japan, this 23rd day of November is Kinrō Kansha no Hi; or Labor Thanksgiving Day. Until the end of the war, it was called Ninamesai; in reference to the special ceremony performed by the emperor when he offers new rice to the tenjin-chigi; or kami of heaven and earth and is said to dine with them. Now it is a day for common people to give thanks for work and for the fruit of their labor. To whom should we express our thanks for the harvest or other good things in our lives? Christians follow the advice of the 107th Psalm which begins with these words: "Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal!" (2754)
Yasuhiro Kono (88/11/24)
This fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Originally celebrated as a harvest festival, it is now a time to humbly give thanks for all of God's gifts. One such gift is the gift of sight. It is a great blessing to be able to see--to see people and animals, mountains and trees, sky and sea. Those of us who can see may enjoy beautiful scenery and beautiful people both directly and by means of pictures. Recently, a unique photography exhibit was held in Tokyo. Photographs taken by 42-year-old Yasuhiro Kono were on display. When he was 17 years old, Mr. Kono became blind, but he determined not to let his blindness enslave him. When he was 25, he left his hometown for Tokyo to become independent. Now engaged in a movie production business, he has traveled around the country to capture the excitement of festivals and special events on film. Not being able to see with his eyes, his photographs display his "feeling" of the scenes as perceived through smell, touch and sound. Reading of this exhibit, I again thanked God for the gift of sight and recalled Bible passages about people with eyes who do not perceive the deeper truth that underlies natural and historical events. (2755)
Suriname (88/11/25)
A treaty signed in 1667 formally recognized British control of the former Dutch colony of New Netherlands in North America. The name of that colony was then changed to New York. In exchange, the Netherlands gained the South American colony of Dutch Guiana. Thirteen years ago today, on November 25, 1975, Dutch Guiana gained its independence from the Netherlands and changed its name to Suriname. Since its independence, Suriname has had a difficult time due to racial and economic problems. If I am asked how many countries in the world I have set foot in, speaking very literally, I can include Suriname in that list. Years ago, I made a visit to churches in Suriname's neighboring country of Guyana. A river which flows into the Atlantic Ocean forms the dividing line between the two countries. I was informed that the legal extent of Dutch Guiana's territory extended to the west bank of that river at high tide. So, on one occasion, I got out of the car in which I was riding near that river and descended to a point a little lower than the high tide mark. Thus, I literally had set foot in that country even though I had no visa nor official permission to do so. Literally, I was a trespasser, but I am happy for the biblical assurance that God will forgive our trespasses. (2756)
Feet, Feat, Fit (88/11/26)
After reading an article that noted that the left and right feet of many people are different sizes, making it difficult to get a pair of shoes that fit, I wondered how many listeners to these messages could distinguish between the words "feet" and "fit". When spelled f-e-e-t, feet is the plural of foot which can refer to the lower part of our leg, upon which we walk or run, or to a measurement of length equal to 12 inches. It is said that this measurement was established because it was the length of the foot of King John of England. When spelled f-e-a-t, feat refers to a courageous deed or to an act that requires special skill or strength. For some people, running for a thousand feet on their own two feet is quite a feat. One kind of "fit", spelled f-i-t is a sudden attack of some disease or a convulsion. A person with epilepsy sometimes has fits. Other people may experience fits of coughing. Another word having the same spelling and same pronunciation means appropriate or suitable. Shoes that fit our feet are neither too tight nor too loose. According to II Timothy, chapter 2, verse 21, Christians who cleanse themselves from evil are fit for God's service. (2757)
Taste and see (88/11/27)
By means of the senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste, human beings have contact with the world around them. Knowledge of the physical world comes through these five organs of sense. Although the true and living God is spirit and cannot be known through our physical senses, Biblical writers often use figurative language, teaching that we can see God and hear God's voice by use of the eyes and ears of our inner, spiritual selves. In fact, there is one Bible verse, in Psalm 34:8, that tells us to "Taste and see that the Lord is good". Biologically speaking, our taste buds can distinguish between the four basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty and bitter. But another meaning of taste is to experience in a general sense. When travelling to a foreign land we should not only taste the food, we should also taste its culture. To "taste the Lord" means to experience for oneself the character of God, to know God's love and power, goodness and truth, not from the words of others but from personal experience. It is by means of faith that we can taste the Lord. At times, that faith may result in bitter, salty or sour experiences, but the basic taste of God is sweet, because the true God is a God of love. (2758)
Henry Bacon (88/11/28)
One of the impressive sights in the United States capital is the Lincoln Memorial. Located in a parklike mall, it contains a huge, seated figure of Abraham Lincoln. This building may be called a shrine because of its association with a highly respected man. Although it is not a place of worship, it may also be called a temple because it is built in the form of an ancient Greek temple, with a colonnade of 36 Doric columns. Its architect, Henry Bacon, was born 122 years ago today, on November 28, 1866, in my homestate of Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois, he spent two years studying in Europe. Specializing in the classic Greek style, he designed a number of important buildings and memorials. In I Corinthians, chapter 3, people's lives are compared to buildings. Building materials and styles may vary, but the most important part is the foundation. (2759)
Diamond (88/11/02)
William Cullen Bryant (88/11/03)
Orlando (88/11/04)
Spread eagle (88/11/05)
Testament (88/11/06)
Bolshevik Revolution (88/11/07)
General Election Day (88/11/08)
Toadstools (88/11/09)
Urouro (88/11/10)
Veterans Day (88/11/11)
Pop tops (88/11/12)
Paul (88/11/13)
Nehru (88/11/14)
Traditions (88/11/15)
Blues (88/11/16)
The sole passenger (88/11/17)
Oman (88/11/18)
Gettysburg address (88/11/19)
Prophet, priest, king (88/11/20)
Voltaire (88/11/21)
Charles de Gaulle (88/11/22)
Franklin Pierce (88/11/23)
Yasuhiro Kono (88/11/24)
Suriname (88/11/25)
Feet, Feat, Fit (88/11/26)
Taste and see (88/11/27)
Henry Bacon (88/11/28)
Liberal (88/11/29)
St. Andrew (88/11/30)
Daily Word (88/11/01)