Two before one ?

There was a time when a 8086 PC with a 10 Meg. Hard drive, 5” floppy disk and a monochrome display were state of the art. In those days I seemed to know my way around computers. Back then I could sign onto “Prodigy” through my dial up modem, which by the way I had skillfully set to temporarily disable the call waiting feature on my phone. After sitting through a cacophony of the strange noises, that I didn’t understand but knew were good. My PC mystically connected, I could open a book and relax for half an hour or so waiting for the sign on screen to appear.

Back then I was considered somewhat of a wiz, in fact I played a big part of bringing an entire school system on line and constructing the hardware backbone for that system. Technology gained speed and it did so exponentially. I was focused elsewhere and quickly fell behind.

Turn me loose at an AARP meeting and to some I still seem to know a thing or two. Sit me down with those who really know the world of computers and I am just slightly better then computer illiterate.

Relationships are like that. In the beginning we are eager to work on them and continue to learn. For some the interest grows, the learning continues and the relationship deepens. Then there are others who are content with just knowing the basics. They loose interest, stop trying and coast along. The relationship still exists, it just has no depth.

Basically, because I didn’t stay interested and learn all that is needed to master today’s PCs and internet languages. I am now internet/blog “challenged”. You might notice the title below is listed as Part Two. Please scroll down, Part One is posted just below Part Two.

It's who you know, Part 2

“It’s good to be seen”. That was Bobby G’s usual response to me saying, “Bobby, good to see you” as he walked into my office trailer. Bobby G was and still is one of the most well known personalities in the new home construction business in NJ. There was hardly a new home development company or project anywhere in NJ, and many outside NJ as well, where he needed to be introduced.

Bobby is retired now and the new home construction business is in the pits. From sometime around 1960 up to 2005 Bobby, among other things sold lumber, being that well known was great for him. Bobby could walk into offices unannounced that other salesmen could never get through. Everyone also knew that Bobby could open doors for those he liked and trusted. In an industry where, if you’re successful, you work yourself out of a job having a friend like Bobby can be priceless. Everyone knew Bobby but when your project was finishing up and it was time to find a new job, it was more important to be known by Bobby.

The scriptures teach us that God knows us each as individuals. Jesus said in Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV.)

Among the masses God sees each of us individually and loves us each infinitely. He knows our needs, wants, weaknesses, strengths, victories and defeats. He knew us before we breathed our first breath and he has invited us all to know him.

Bill

Its not what you know, its who you know, Part 1

“Do you know me?” There used to be an American Express commercial that started with that question. Some celebrity would pop onto your TV screen and ask if you knew who they were and hold up their American Express card.

Mel would never have been selected to star in those old Amex commercials, his face is just to well known. It’s safe to say that Mel never needs to pull out his Amex card to get special attention, wherever he goes people would know him.

The truth is I don’t know Mel. As a matter of fact if he came and knocked on my door the polite thing to do would be to address him as Mr. Gibson because we have never been introduced. Odds are you don’t actually know Mel any more then I do. We just think we do because we recognize his face.

So the question isn’t do you recognize Mel or know some things about him, the question is “do you actually know him?”.

Over this past week I interacted with an assortment of people who, if asked, would say they know God. I could be mistaken, they may know Him, it’s not my place to judge or be critical but I expect many of them know God in much the same way people will say they know Mel.

So today I’ll ask you. Do you know God?