・ Samples below are from the beginning of "Daily Word". For more information and/or the actual messages, please click any of the following links.
| ・ Introduction by Clark Offner |
| ・ "Daily Word", period 1: ( from September 1980 to February 1993 ) |
| ・ "Daily Word", period 2: ( from March 1993 to February 1999. Its scripts appeared on the web. ) |
| ・ "Timely Words" |
| ・ Supplementary items voice on telephone ; "Daily Word" Echoes ; photo album ) |
| ・ Download the messages (under construction) |
Labor Day (80/09/01)
Hello! This is "Daily Word". Thank you for calling. Today is Monday, the first day of September. In the United States and Canada, the first Monday in September is called "Labor Day" and is a national holiday to honor the working men. It was first celebrated by an American labor organization called the Knights of Labor in the year 1882 and was proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S. in 1894. In Japan and many other countries in the world, May Day, the first day of May is celebrated as the workingman's holiday. The word "labor" refers to physical or mental work. Japanese men are known to be good workers. However, it is important to consider the end result of our work. An Old Testament prophet wrote: "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? (Isaiah 55:2). Gaining satisfaction from our labor requires a healthy mental attitude --- a kind of faith that our lives and our labor have meaning.
"In unity there is strength" (80/09/02)
Hello! This is "Daily Word". During the past few weeks, there have been many news stories regarding the striking workers in Poland. Despite the government efforts to cause disunity among the various workers' groups, their unified stand once again made clear that "in unity there is strength." Although we may be weak as individuals, when we are united for a common cause, we become strong. At the signing of the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin stated, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separetely." Whether we are students, or teachers, workers or employers, Japanese or foreigners, we should remember that "in unity there is strength." Through a united effort by weak individuals, great things may be done. The Christian is a person who is spiritually united with Christ and who through this union finds strength to meet and overcome the problems of life. When united with Christ, even a weak person becomes strong.
Jizo-bon (80/09/03)
Hello! This is "Daily Word". According to the solar calendar in general use in our day, today is September the 3rd. However, according to the old lunar calendar, which is still used for certain religious or agricultural rites in Japan, today is the 24th day of the 7th month, known as Jizo-bon, the day to honor the Indian god known in Japan as Jizo. We see stone images of Jizo along the road or at crossroads, especially in country areas. Jizo is believed to be a very gentle, merciful god and especially kind to children. Therefore, a gentle smiling face is sometimes called a Jizo-face. Bibs are sometimes hung around the necks of Jizo statues by expectant mothers with the prayer that they will have a healthy child. The Old Testament psalmist referred to God as "merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love" (Psalm 103:8). In the New Testament, it was Jesus who told his disciples to let the children come to him for blessing. Today whenever you see a Jizo statue, remember that the Living God is a merciful Father, who loves you.