“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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“Sagging Between Poles”

I was on a rural road when I noticed the power lines and poles along the road.

The line went up, then down, up, then down, like a cartoon sea serpent cruising the waves.

Of course, the line was lowest when it was farthest from the poles, and at its highest where it was attached.

And that seems a bit like my spiritual life; ups and downs, over and over.

But my life is lowest when I’m farthest from my spiritual supports: James 4:8–“Come near to God and he will draw near to you.”

James 4:8

Dave “Tud” Nance
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“My Crutches”

I was on crutches for six weeks due to a baseball injury.

My 4th grade classmates laughed, especially since the bathroom was a problem. So, the teacher allowed me to go during class to avoid their teasing, but I had to choose one kid to go with me.

I chose the one who hadn’t picked on my weakness. He was an outcast, being the only black kid in our upstate New York school.

We became close friends. All because of my crutches.

This is what redemption is about—bringing a greater good out of something bad.

Genesis 50:20

Dave “Tud” Nance
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“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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“I Don’t Have to Worry About It”

My father-in-law was thinking about buying a new lawnmower.

He said, “Mine is barely enough; I’m always having problems. I need one that’s more than strong enough; then I don’t have to worry about it.” 

His old one had 12 horsepower, but from the beginning he had trouble with belts, gears, bearings, etc. So he spent more to get more.

Similarly, I like to think that my strength is enough. Yet the truth is this: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves…our sufficiency is from God”

2 Corinthians 3:5
Dave “Tud” Nance
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