“Starter Fluid”

My son and I were trying to get my eight year old push-mower going (self-propelled, so I suppose “push” isn’t exactly right).

I had done a bit of work to it, so we took turns pulling the starter. It wore us both out. Then we remembered the starter fluid in the garage. One small squirt — it starts immediately!

It ran rough for a few minutes, then smoothed out comfortably.

My son suggested that starter fluid might be a good way to think of Jesus.

Philippians 4:13

Dave “Tud” Nance
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November 25, 2021 0

“Spooky Books”

I like reading spooky books.

One author wrote: “Scary stories sell because everyone fears a lot of things that won’t happen. Even things that have no chance of happening.”

I suppose, for myself, my life is so blessed that I enjoy moments of anxiety with the characters of the movie. But if I were mired in anguish and fear for real, I’d not be interested in a scary book.

The spiritual difference is that I have hope. A deep hope because, in Christ, “all things work together for good.” I pray I can maintain this faith.

Romans 8.28

Dave “Tud” Nance
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November 18, 2021 0

“Sleep, a Spiritual Experience”

I enjoy a nice nap every now and then. In fact, I enjoy sleeping late too.

And, I never really thought of sleeping as a spiritual experience, until it occurred to me one night, while I couldn’t get to sleep:

I’ve known some children who were afraid to go to sleep. They were afraid that something bad would happen when they weren’t watching.

When I give in to sleep, I’m giving up control. I’m trusting God. What could be more spiritual? I suppose that’s why Jesus was able to sleep in a boat in the storm!

Matthew 8:23-25

Dave “Tud” Nance
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October 21, 2021 0

“Shared Hope”

I suppose that most of us have had moments, when hope was as scarce as eggs in a hardware store.

But God’s hope somehow manages to creep into my heart!

And, I’ve noticed something— when I keep hope to myself it seems to fade like a whisper of a dream.

My hope is more powerful when I share it with someone. And David too felt the power of shared hope:

Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices
my body also will live in hope! (Psalm 16:9)

Hope, yes! But hopefully, a hope shared!

Psalm 16:9

Dave “Tud” Nance
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September 30, 2021 0

“The Release of Prayer”

I received an email today. She wrote: “I’m at a hard place in my life. Yesterday, I went to a small chapel. It was like I was somehow drawn.”

“I knelt there. Silently I cried hesitant tears. My heart was full, but the words I spoke weren’t the reason for my tears.

“I think that my tears were my prayer – I just couldn’t find the words.”

Romans 8:27—“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:27

Dave “Tud” Nance
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August 27, 2021 0

“My Connection”

My wife went to sit with an elderly Alzheimer’s patient, thinking to make some phone calls while he cat-napped. But she forgot her charger, so naturally it died.

And likewise, I find it too easy to forget my connection with Jesus sometimes.

I forget to pray, or forget to read and meditate about the word. I ignore chances to make someone’s life a little better, getting caught up in petty personal issues.

He said: “I’m the vine. You’re the branches…without me you can’t do anything.” I’ll do well to remember that.

John 15: 5

Dave “Tud” Nance
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August 5, 2021 0

“Disaster!”

I saw a young child very happy, holding an ice cream cone. But, he tilted it and the ice cream plopped out.

You know what happened: he wailed as if he had stepped on a rusty nail.

And what about me? In my disappointments, failures and pains, do I become like that boy? Why shouldn’t I? Everything’s a disaster!

But as a spiritual adult, God’s given me a choice.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God!” (Psalm 43:5)
It makes a difference.

Psalm 43:5

Dave “Tud” Nance
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July 29, 2021 0

“Lunch, Anyone?”

Over the years, I’ve helped with camps. Some were Christian youth camps, some Boy Scout, others band camps.
Every day, the staff announced “Come, lunch is ready,” but there were always stragglers who ignored the call.
When they finally came, they got only the left-overs. They weren’t happy.
Similarly, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come!”
Jesus reminds us to “Let whoever wants to, partake of the waters of life freely!”
So I remind myself daily to heed His invitation to the living waters. I won’t be happy with the left-overs of this world.

Revelation 22:17
Dave “Tud” Nance
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June 24, 2021 0

“Taken For Granted”

I’ve Been Taken for Granted!

I don’t suppose anyone enjoys being taken for granted. I want people to appreciate me.

But, maybe being taken for granted is a compliment!

It means I can be trusted. Counted on. Relied on.

Kids rely on parents. Spouses count on each other. I want to be trusted by my boss. And if I can’t be taken for granted, then I’m not trusted.

I’m glad people can take me for granted, although I wish they wouldn’t.

After all, I trust God. I take Him for granted too.

Dave ‘Tud’ Nance

July 25, 2018 0