“Popcorn From God”

Notes On My Church Bulletin

When an important idea enters my mind, I hurry to capture it before it vanishes.

I was born a note taker and a list maker. I’ve always written down stuff to help me remember. But at midlife my memory isn’t what it used to be, so I rely on notes and lists more than ever.

Each week I fill my bulletin with notes, sermon and personal. On Sunday during the offering I scribbled a thought: “The Lord’s prayer says, ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ Like manna, each day God will give me what I need for my book.”

Who knew God would use my scribal tendencies to give me a surprise?

Write Now

Sunday afternoon I finished reading the August issue of Christian Communicator. Erin Taylor Young wrote an article titled “My Complaint” (p. 18). In a letter to God, Young complains her writing career is going nowhere, but God just says, “Keep writing.”

I sat up straight when I neared the ending.

Don’t you see how much imagination those other writers have? They spew ideas like a popcorn factory on fire. And what do you give me? One kernel at a time.

I admit, You’ve never left me empty-handed, but must I daily reenact this dependency? I feel like an Israelite collecting manna.

  

Thank you, God. Message confirmed.

What’s Next?

I’m back to work on the manuscript I laid aside six months ago. In 2012 God called me to write this book, so I need to finish it.

I have no idea what the Lord will do with it when I’m done. My assignment is to write this book. His job is to handle the results.

On I press, one kernel at a time. Maybe someday I’ll be asked to submit a proposal or even sign a contract. For now, I will live like an Israelite collecting manna for my daily bread.

The Israelites didn’t get rich this way, but they never went hungry.

How is God leading you into greater dependence on Him?

David