Will Rogers on “Nothing Left but Government!”

Will RogersWhen you get used to something, it’s kind of hard to give it up. Can you remember the day your were born? One minute you are nice and warm, perfectly content and at peace. All of a sudden you are painfully squeezed through an opening so small it’s a wonder anyone could survive. Next thing you know it’s freezing cold, with lights so bright tears come to your eyes. To top it off, some one grabs you  upside down by the heels and slaps your behind. Now if that don’t wake you up in the morning, nothing will!

A quick “jobs protest” internet search shows that all over the world, people are upset about salary and job cuts from union and government jobs. They thought all those wonderful benefits would last for ever. They were very comfortable, until recently, when someone slapped them on the behind.

Then we hear stories about government workers that watch porn for 8 hours a day, workers that make exorbitant salaries, and my personal favorite, union workers that get paid not to work.

Normal businesses have the ability to cut salaries and jobs during a downturn, but try to cut a government or union job and you would think the world was coming to an end. Normal businesses strive for higher efficiency to save money, but everybody knows “government efficiency” is an oxymoron.

So where will all that money come from to make up for the government’s inability to pay for workers and benefits in an economic downturn? More taxes, of course! More borrowing and more printing of money to be sure.

It seems that these measures will only put off the day of reckoning. Like Will Rogers says, one day we will end up with a government “where there is nothing to left to divide.” What then? How about a minimal size, pro business government. It’s either that, or “slap me again!”

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers

Will Rogers says: “Congress Wants Everybody to go Broke!”

Will RogersThere’s a lot of “Oinking” going on in the halls of Congress. It takes a big hog waller to handle all the pork, so big in fact, that it’s impossible to manage all the hogs. They’re running here and there, squealing and oinking, as Congressmen and aids try to gather them up and ship them back to the home district. Some crooks have been caught stealing hogs by the trainload, but nobody knows how many trainloads are unaccounted for.

Many Congressmen are in the middle of the hog waller, covered in mud, yelling “More Pork! I demand more Pork!” Even the Vice President surfaced from under the mud saying “The first porkulus wasn’t enough! We need more pork to finish the job!”

A massive protest is forming called the “Wild Hog Party.” Folks are concerned that so many hogs have been taken in taxes, that in a few years there won’t be any hogs left at all on the farms. Protest signs are saying: “I gave my hog to the government, and all I got back was two lousy pieces of bacon!”

Someone asked the “Boss Hog” what was in upcoming hog-care legislation. She said: “We need to pass the bill before we can find out what’s in the bill.” “But what if we run out of hogs and go broke trying to pay for everything?” The Boss Hog said, “It’s no problem, we can always print more hogs! Oink, Oink!”

Image Information: The image is of Will Rogers, his wife Betty and their three children.

The image was taken directly from movie stills at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers

Spurgeon on “Remember the Sparrow” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

It makes you feel good when someone remembers you. My wife is great about that! She remembers what foods I like and don’t like. She knows the right words to say to encourage me. It’s a great blessing and I try to remember to say “thank you” often.

Spurgeon reminds us that if God remembers the sparrow, can he forget about us. God remembers to  care about the big and small things in our lives – even things we don’t know about. The most important thing is that Jesus remembered us when he went to the cross for our salvation.

If God remembers us then he knows about our burdens, and he can sustain us. For all these remembrances we should try to remember to say “thank you” often!

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

There is no God – Psalm 14 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

I saw an interesting quote the other day:
Nietzsche is dead. – God

Of course Nietzsche is the 19th century philosopher who famously proclaimed that “God is dead.” His life was a sad life, and those who embraced his philosophy left hope behind. Those who lose hope will be “overwhelmed by dread,” as the Psalmist says.

If I ever saw an arrogant look, it is Mr. Seal in the picture! Nose in the air, looking down on everyone else as less than himself. He believes his ideas are superior, but in fact, he is a fool.

Sometimes I am a fool, when I become proud and feel superior to others around me. As the song says: “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” A former pastor would remind me: “But for the grace of God, go I.”

It is God’s grace that saves us from corruption. Grace leaves no room for pride, because it is God’s work, not mine.

Dear Lord, If I have said in my heart: “There is no God,” help me to lay aside these foolish thoughts and turn to you with my whole heart. I need your saving grace, and I need Christ as my Savior. Amen.

If you were blessed by Psalm 14 and the image of Mr. Seal, look below for an extra treat. The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 14 to music. Listen to the sample and get your own copy at the iTunes store.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 14 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

EXTRA!

The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 14 to music. Listen to a sample below and purchase your own copy at the iTunes store by clicking on the button.

Psalm 14a – Rain Album

Spurgeon on “Light Without Darkness” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

This world is stained with sin. We can’t get away from it, no matter how hard we try, or how far we go. It manifests itself personally in our lives, and in nature.

In our personal lives and relationships, we see pride, envy, lust, hatefulness, and all sorts of sin that manifests itself in our lives each day. We might be able to overcome some sins through the sheer force of will, but sin itself is so deeply embedded in our being that it can never be overcome completely.

In nature we see imperfections and decay everywhere. Our own bodies wear out after a period of time, even though the average lifespan has increased in recent years. Natural phenomena such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and many other events indicate that this earth is unstable. Pain and suffering are all around us.

But Spurgeon (and the Bible) talk of beauty and perfection that doesn’t exist on this earth. In a place called heaven we will find it.

When Jesus came to this earth, he showed us that He could reverse the effects of sin in this world. Jesus healed many people reversing the effect of disease in their bodies. He controlled the weather by calming a storm, and he controlled evil spirits by casting them out of the people they tormented. He also preached the gospel, which by faith, can cleanse sin from our lives.

Dear Lord, Only with your grace can we reverse the effect of sin in our life. Only by faith can we prepare for heaven, where sin shall be no more, and we will see your “glory without cloud.” Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

The Lord Reigns – Psalm 99 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

There’s a lot of gloom these days. Uncertainty over the future of our country in a dangerous world. We are concerned about crime. Leaders don’t seems to have common sense answers.

Psalm 99 helps us to put things in perspective: “The Lord reigns!” It seems so simple – but it’s true. All through the Scriptures we see God is in control of the nations and He is always glorified.

Recall that the Lord reigns even when it may not seem like it from our point of view. To be honest, people have survived worse times than we are faced with today. Recall Vietnam, the Cold War, WWII, WWI and the Civil War to name a few. Many suffered and some paid with their lives, yet we must understand that the Lord reigns.

The nation of Israel survived the Egyptian captivity, and later exile in Babylon. Even in those dark days God had His purpose and plan. If there was ever a clear picture of this it is in Daniel, chapter 3, where Daniel is given the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the golden statue. In the dream, God reveals His plan for the course of nations.

In Daniel 4:26 we find out why these things happen. It is so that we may understand that “heaven rules.” As we understand this truth our hearts should turn to praise. As the Psalmist says: “Let them praise your great and awesome name.”

Dear Lord, When the nations are in turmoil, let me understand that you reign over all things. Let me learn to praise your great and awesome name, for you are holy. Amen.

Look below for an extra blessing! The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 99 to music. You can listen to the sample and then purchase your own copy at the iTunes store.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 99 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

EXTRA!

Below is an extra treat! The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 99 to music. Listen to a sample below and purchase your own copy at the iTunes store by clicking on the button.

Psalm 99 – Rain Album

I Remember Your Name – Psalm 119 NIV Devotional

I can’t sing very well, or keep a rhythm. It’s even hard for me to clap and sing at the same time. But there’s just something about worshiping together in the congregation. As I lift my feeble voice with others, perhaps I sense a little glimpse of heaven.

Many of the hymns we sing, especially the “traditional” hymns are filled with scripture. It helps us remember God’s statutes. If you’ve ever gotten a “tune stuck in your head,” let it be a “hymn tune” and not a “sin tune.”

Perhaps that is what helped the Psalmist to “remember Your name in the night.” The bird in the image on the left seems to be peacefully standing watch in the night. Perhaps if God’s “statutes have been my songs” it will help bring me remember God’s name in the night and keep God’s law as the Psalmist says.

Dear Lord, help me to sing, and serve, and remember your word day and night.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 119 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Acceptable in thy Sight – Psalm 19 ASV 2 Minute Devotional

I love peaceful scenes like the one in the picture. A glassy lake, the ocean in the morning, fog settling over the mountaintops, a quiet evening at sunset are the times I remember.

With the busyness of life we enjoy the peaceful times that God gives us. As I have time to relax and enjoy a quiet moment I try to remember and be thankful to God for his blessings and provision.

In the peaceful times, and even in the hectic ones, may the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in God’s sight. I am so thankful he is my rock and my redeemer.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 19 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes ASV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

May All Who Seek You Rejoice – Psalm 40 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Watching various posts, tweets and other social media messages, I see quite a few motivational quotes. They come in the form of “follow your dreams,” “strive to be the best,” “never give up,” “achieve your goals,” “be a winner” and so on.

These pieces of advice can be helpful, but take quite a bit of energy and determination. I have to ask myself, “Do I put as much energy into seeking the Lord as I do other things?”

The Psalmist speaks of rejoicing and praise coming from those who seek Him. The Psalmist also says that God takes thought for the poor and needy.

I admit, it’s easy to quit seeking God and pour my energy into something else. But I need to learn to love His salvation and praise the Lord more and more.

Dear Lord, Please honor my feeble attempts to seek you, and take thought for me. Give me strength and determination to seek you, rejoice and be glad in you, and love your salvation. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 40 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers on Who’s in Charge?

In 1933 the country was in crisis as the Great Depression took its toll. The elections were over and FDR was waiting to take office when Will Rogers wrote this Daily Telegram on January 19, 1933.

From this Will Rogers quote, it seems that nobody was in charge, and nobody wanted to tackle the problems facing the country in early 1933. Would they dare try to balance the budget? Could they bring in debts owed? Would they spend money that we didn’t have?

Are we in the same situation today? Congress has been spending money like a drunken sailor. It’s worse that that! Drunken sailors eventually run out of money. Congress can print more.

Maybe this is just too simple, but suppose that I sign up for every credit card application that comes in the mail, with the thought that I can use them to spend my way out of debt and on to prosperity. Not to worry, when I die, my kids will pay for the debt.

Can we really spend our way out of debt? They couldn’t do it in the 1930s. Why does this administration think it can be done today. Let’s hope and pray that sanity will prevail with the new congress and bring some balance back into the budget.

This image is from a Will Rogers’ silent movie called An Unwilling Hero, released in 1921. Rogers plays Whistling Dick, a hobo who loves life and classical music. He loves just about everything except work.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

When I am Afraid, I WIll Put My Trust in You – Psalm 56 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

I’ve been through some uneasy work situations where it seemed that people were against me and there was no recourse, no where to take my complaint. I felt alone, like the penguin in the picture.

My situation is pretty insignificant compared to Christian martyrs of the past, believers who suffered because of their faith in Christ. The New Testament, particularly the book of Acts gives several examples of persecution against Christians and how God gave them a fearlessness as they put their trust in Him.

The trial and crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most extreme examples of enemies proudly attacking a person because of their faith. On the cross, we see the most horrible picture of “what flesh can do” to a person. With complete trust in God and confidence in the Word, Jesus was not afraid, and because of that we have salvation through his sacrifice.

Dear Lord, Help me to not be afraid of circumstances, but to put my trust in you and your Word. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 56 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

President Reagan, Will Rogers Shared Common Gifts, Careers

President Reagan, Will Rogers Shared Common Gifts, Careers
By Joe Carter

Ronald Reagan was a 24-year-old aspiring actor when Will Rogers was Hollywood’s towering star. While the two icons were never personally acquainted, their lives spiraled similarly.

In 1941, six years following Rogers’ death, an unsigned memorandum at Warner Brother Pictures in California read: “Why not try to test Ronald Reagan for the part of Will Rogers? He is droll homely humorous and an all around good actor.” That memo prefaces the definitive 1993 Ben Yagoda book now sold by the University of Oklahoma Press entitled: “Will Rogers: A Biography.” Yagoda opined: “Ronald Reagan didn’t get to play Will Rogers in the movie biography (Will Rogers Jr., got the part) but who with his “well” ’s and shrugs, his just-folks bonhomie, managed a pretty impressive Rogers impersonation in the White House.”

In 1990, Oklahoma’s Will Rogers Memorial Commission awarded its first “Will Rogers Communicator Award” to the former President. The late Jim Rogers, Will Rogers’ son, presented the plaque designed by Paul Lefebvre of Oklahoma City. During the private exchange in Beverly Hills, Reagan told Jim Rogers: “Will Rogers always was my hero.” I was present and heard the warm exchange. Ronald Reagan’s retirement home was near the sprawling Will Rogers Historical Park with its glamorous polo field at Pacific Palisades, California. Before he was stricken ten years ago by Alzheimer ’s disease, the former President often would casually attend polo matches at the park cheering the horsemen.

Like Will Rogers, Ronald Reagan rode. Both were proud to be called a “cowboy.” There was a quarter century difference in their ages. Will Rogers was born on an Oklahoma ranch in 1879 and Reagan was born in Illinois in 1911. At age 55, Will Rogers was killed in a 1935 air crash in Alaska. Ronald Reagan died at 93.

Intensely interested in politics, both boasted careers in radio, movies and public speaking. Will Rogers became a major newspaper columnist, author and stage actor.
Both men scored in cinema. Reagan debuted in “Love in on the Air” in 1937. Will Rogers, beginning in 1918, starred in 71 features. Neither actor won an Oscar.
Both were actively outspoken in collective bargaining for actors’ wages and working conditions. Rogers was more behind the scenes. Reagan in 1947 was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild.

Reagan was a Democrat who switched parties in 1962. Will Rogers said: “I’m not a member of any organized party, I’m a Democrat.” Will Rogers was playfully nominated by Life Magazine in 1928 as a prank candidate for President of the United States and declared “if elected I’ll resign.” “Another big reason I should be nominated is I am not a Democrat,” Will Rogers wrote. “Another bigger reason why I should be nominated is I am not a Republican. I am just progressive enough to suit the dissatisfied. And lazy enough to be a Stand Patter.”

Ronald Reagan was more earnest in politics. After supporting Eisenhower and Nixon for president as a Democrat, he became a Republican who twice won the governorship of California and the American presidency.

(Note: Joe Carter is a Will Rogers biographer and former director of the Will Rogers Memorial Commission of Claremore, Oklahoma.)

Click for original post: President Reagan, Will Rogers Shared Common Gifts, Careers

Will Rogers

iPhone Psalm Daily Quote NIV for today

Nothing to us seems as permanent as a mountain. This verse reminds us that God is everlasting, from before the mountains were born.

This screen shot comes from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app.

Spurgeon on “Giant Walls” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

The image matched with this quote certainly shows what look like “giant walls” which fits nicely with Spurgeon’s quote. The word munitions normally implies materials used in war, but a second more general meaning is “material or equipment for carrying on any undertaking.” Lord, help us to be secure in whatever task you have planned for us.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.