Rick Malm

Thoughts on the Word and the world

Rick Malm

Just call me “pilgrim.”

Posted on by

Pilgrims. That’s what they chose to call themselves. But why such a strange name?

The black hats, big buckles and grey whiskers we associate with the Thanksgiving day pilgrims was actually the attire of a later group, the Puritans. The Pilgrims wore bright clothing and were mostly young adults and young families in their 20s and early 30s. They called themselves “Pilgrims” because of this passage:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13

“Having not received the promises but having seen them afar off”. These folks knew the dangers they faced and the sacrifices they made were not primarily for them but for future generations. Even today, we enjoy the benefits their sacrifices purchased. The Mayflower Compact, signed by them before going ashore, for example, was the first example of a self-governing people – government “of the people, by the people and for the people”.

Half of the original “pilgrims” who came on the Mayflower died the first winter yet they gave thanks to God for His goodness toward them. Such people are not living for today or what they can gain in this life. They are obviously living for eternity – embracing the promises of God that are ahead. Continue reading →

Is this pathetically self-promoting …?

Posted on by
At the risk of being pathetically self-promoting, I am re-posting the last edition of my oldest son’s blog. But the real reason I’m posting it is to let you know about a new project he and I are working on. He mentions it in the last paragraph here – The Malm Blog.
It’s basically your chance to listen in on our Father / Son chats about all sorts of life issues. I guarantee that some of the challenges we discuss are things you have faced. Here is what I would tell you if you were my kid – because it’s exactly what I did tell them. We’ve gotten fantastic reviews from a few samples we sent out.
So I hope you’ll check it out – CLICK HERE TO GO NOW – and while you’re there why not sign up to get all the upcoming releases.
4 Secrets I Learned From a Rich Dad

4 SECRETS I LEARNED FROM A RICH DAD

  • POSTED BY JOELMALM

My dad turned sixty-five yesterday. My dad is my hero. He is also the wisest person I know. I have had access to that wisdom throughout my life. I know that many don’t get the benefit of having such a good example.

Which got me thinking.

A few years ago a guy named Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book called Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The book talks about how kids with wealthy parents learn things about money by watching their parents that poorer families don’t learn. You just don’t know what you don’t know. If you didn’t have a good example growing up, you have to seek out wisdom if you want to live a different life.

My dad is no millionaire, but when it comes to godly wisdom he’s loaded. Here’s some stuff I learned by watching him that I think many people never get a chance to learn from their parents:

1. God-honoring risk is good – My dad moved his young family to a third-world country ravaged by civil war to be missionaries. Lots of people who love Jesus would say that was irresponsible. In my mind it was the best decision he ever made for our family. Dad showed me what being brave looks like. Being courageous never gets easier, but I always think back to his example of courage.

2. Being different is good – Dad always used this line: Others can, we must not. He reminded us we were called to live at a whole other level. Sure I missed out on lots of pop culture. But quoting movies never has much power when you are facing the weightier things of life. Quoting scripture that you were forced to memorize does.

3. You will be held accountable before God for every decision you make – Sound like lots of pressure to live under?  It was. But from what I’ve seen, most people could use a little more pressure. Too many people are living their lives without thinking about the consequences. Every road has a destination. You need to think about where the road you are on is leading you.Too many Christians live for the most part just like the world when it comes to what they buy, watch, listen to and how they react to challenges. Dad taught us that how we spend our time, talent and treasure has eternal ramifications. Sure, it makes it difficult to live like a hippie – you have to be responsible. But we are only on this planet for a few years. We need to make the most of the time God has given us.

4. God is your provider and your generosity is evidence of your trust in that truth – It’s one thing to say it, it’s another live it. Unfortunately, too many people live trying to create a situation where they can remove all financial insecurity. You need to be a good steward, but how often do you really give to the point where you actually have to trust God. Giving until it hurts makes you vulnerable. It’s scary.

So there it is, a snippet of the many things I learned from my rich dad.

Happy Birthday Dad!

______

P.S. In just a few weeks I’ll be launching a podcast with my dad. The format is him and me talking about all the things he taught me through his wisdom and example. Lots of stories and practical advice about money, parenting, and relationships. I sent some samples of the podcast to a test group and the reviews have been stellar. I’ll keep you posted 🙂 

 

Does anyone even miss me when I’m gone?

Posted on by

Some centuries ago a nobleman decided to build a church for the people of the surrounding area. On the day of the dedication everyone was awed by the splendor of the architecture and design. But then someone noticed that an important element had been overlooked. There were no lampstands to light the interior of the church. “What will light the church?” they asked. Continue reading →

The crazy old couple

Posted on by

A young couple brought their newborn child to church for the first time and hardly anybody noticed. Except for an old man and an old widow who got very excited. The old man believed he wouldn’t die until he had a very unusual experience. Today was the day!

The old woman lived at the church since the passing of her husband. When these two saw Joseph and Mary bringing the infant Jesus into the temple they did some crazy things. They excitedly took the baby, blessed the couple, prophesied and gave Mary some sad news. You can read all about it in Luke 2:25-38 but here is what is amazing and something I need to regularly remember.  Continue reading →

30 Days To A Happier You

Posted on by

I recently ran across the most amazing book. And, let me just say up front, this post is NOT selling a book. In fact, I only have one copy of the book and there is no way you are getting mine from me. But, I can tell you where you can get a copy and it’s not expensive – but it will change your life.

If you want to develop a more positive outlook on life and just be overall happier every day, you must get this book. I guarantee … did you hear that … guarantee this book will change your life in just 30 days – or less. And, it’s not a big book, an expensive book nor hard to read. And, it is NOT the Bible, though I highly recommend that one for a changed life, too. Continue reading →

Getting your prayers answered.

Posted on by

The Messiah had finally come. He was going to deliver Israel from their oppressors. But then this happened.

When he got to Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. (Mark 11:15)

He walked past the Roman soldiers in the streets. He didn’t address the corrupt, anti-god government that ruled the city. He went straight to the temple and cleansed it.

He didn’t seem nearly as bothered by the sin around him as he was with the sin in the lives of his own people. I have to admit, I don’t like that. I wish he would deal with “them” and leave me alone.

“Look at all the bad stuff ‘they’ are doing Lord. Sure, there are things in my heart that could use a little polishing up but I’m not nearly as bad as ‘them.’ Why don’t you start with ‘them’ and once ‘they’ are all straight, then we can work on the things in my life.” Continue reading →

Holy Pie Plate, Batman!

Posted on by

Jana and I have a special pie plate that looks like a pumpkin pie. So, naturally, you can only use it to hold a pumpkin pie. As great as a cherry or apple pie might be, it just wouldn’t be right to put one in this plate.

Imagine, and we’re going to get a little gross here so stop reading aloud if there are children in the room. Imagine if I handed you this nice warm pie plate, your taste buds got all set for pumpkin pie and you opened it to find … brussels sprouts. What an abomination! Continue reading →

Getting to third base

Posted on by

I know a fellow who was considering asking a girl to marry him. At the church he attended they closed each service by calling everyone forward to kneel and spend some time in prayer. As he was diligently seeking direction about asking his girlfriend to marry him, he decided to ask God to specifically guide him.

“Lord, if you want me to ask her to marry me, have her come and kneel by me to pray. If you don’t want me to ask her, then don’t let her come pray beside me.”  A few moments later he sensed a person kneel beside him. By the sweet smell of perfume, he could tell it was her. Excitedly he opened his eyes knowing for sure he had heard from God. But there, beside him, knelt another girl he barely knew. What was he to do? He tapped her on the shoulder and proposed.

The first part of that story is true but obviously, he didn’t propose. Instead, he got up totally confused. Can you relate? Do you ever have a hard time finding specific direction from the Lord? Am I supposed to do this or do that or none of the above? In my last post, I shared a time Paul the apostle seemed to bounce from option to option trying to find God’s direction. After a couple of false starts, he got what seemed to be clear direction in a vision. But wait… Continue reading →

Ever have a hard time finding God’s will?

Posted on by

Onward through the fog!

Sometimes I feel like that summarizes my spiritual walk – moving forward toward a foggy, uncertain destination.

Like me, do you ever have a hard time receiving specific direction from the Lord?

Obviously, there are many things we are clearly directed to do in Scripture – summed up in, “love and serve others.” But do I go here, do this, do that, when do I move, when do I stay, when do I wait, when do I act? All those specifics are often hard for me to discern.

If you have the same problem, it might encourage you to know, we are in good company. Continue reading →

He found what he’d been looking for

Posted on by

A rancher decided he was tired of always fixing and mending things on his property, It was finally time to sell the old place and move to the ranch he had always dreamed about. After he gave a real estate agent the grand tour she wrote up a description and suggest a price. But, after reading her description of the ranch the old fellow announced he wasn’t going to sell it after all. “I can’t sell it.” he explained. “I’ve been looking for a place like this all my life.”

Most of us live in a place – location, home, situation – that most of the world would be envious of. We routinely enjoy comforts and privileges that even the richest could only dream of just a few generations ago. Yet, it is easy, far too easy, to be discontent. Instead of seeing what we do have, it’s natural to focus on what we don’t have, what we don’t like, how we wish things were different.

It’s great to aim for a better tomorrow. It’s good to want to accomplish more, make a bigger difference in our world, see our influence reach even further and do more good for others. But, while aiming for the “stars,” don’t forget to be grateful for the “planet” where you are now.

Don’t forget to be grateful for the people in your life, for the opportunities you do have, for the blessings that are so easily overlooked as we look down the road toward a bigger dream. And, don’t forget to express that gratitude because love unexpressed is powerless.

Gratitude, like love, like forgiveness, is a choice we make. We can choose to be grateful even if we don’t feel grateful. And, often, once we set gratitude as our course, our feelings jump on board the train and come along for the ride.
_________________________
Colossians 3:15
….always be thankful.

Here is some of the SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE from Harvard Health.