OUR DAILY BREAD                     Tuesday, December 13, 1994
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READ:  1 Peter 5:1-11

                 OLD BEARSKIN

   "God resists the proud, but gives grace
                to the humble."

                 - 1 Peter 5:5

When the legendary Knute Rockne was head coach at
Notre Dame, a column appeared in the school paper with
no clue as to who wrote it, other than the signature
"Old Bearskin."  The column was highly critical of the
football players.  Its author seemed to have inside
information on the strengths and weaknesses of every
man on the team.  And he spared no words in lambasting
each player for his shortcomings and inept performance.

When players complained to Rockne about the severe
criticism they received, he would sympathize with them
and encourage them to get out there and do better next
time.

The writer of that column was never identified -- that
is, until after Rockne died.  And guess what?  The column
"died" with him.  "Old Bearskin" was actually the players'
best friend.  He was aware of what happened to football
heroes whose success on the field went to their heads.
As "Old Bearskin," his criticism helped them to avoid
the pitfalls of pride and to strive continually to do
better.

When the Lord allows someone to cut us down to size,
let's thank Him for it.  He cares about us and wants us
to be the humble recipients of His grace.

    -- Richard W. De Haan

 God uses critics in our lives
   To help us see our pride,
 To teach us true humility,
   To change us from inside.

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          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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     When you think you've arrived,
    you still have a long way to go.
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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Hebrews 8-10

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
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