Quips, quotes, and zingers

With the presidential and vice-presidential nominee debates recently televised, all the news reporters and political pundit types waited for the one-liners and zingers from the candidates that would become the sound bites they played over and over and over.

So far, I think they have been a little disappointed. I don’t think there have been as many quotable quotes from any of the candidates in these debates.

That is OK with me. I’m already weary of the campaign trail and frankly, don’t want to hear any quip over and over from either one of the candidates. Only twenty-seven more days and we will have a new national leader.

In Gripped by the Greatness of God (I read the book a while back, now I’m currently working through the study) on the discussion of sovereignty, James MacDonald quotes Thomas à Kempis, “Man proposes, but God disposes.” Ah, how true. That’s a one-liner that hits right on the mark, especially in light of political leaders.

James MacDonald goes on to say that no political leader anywhere will ever be elected or put into power without God’s permission. God will allow it because He can use it for His good. Even non-Christian leaders. Even the president of the United States. Even a republican. Even a democrat. God can use him/her to bring about His purposes. For me, that is a very reassuring thought in all these uncertain times.

And speaking of one-liners, a friend of mine sent me an email this week that had some interesting ones about the Christian life. I thought they were worth sharing:

Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

A lot of church members who are singing ‘Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises.

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

The best mathematical equation: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. Isaiah 45:5