-
Little Things Can Be Big Problems
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 6, 2024 (message contributor)
Richard Conniff writes in National Geographic that on January 12, 1997, two Swiss men, Bertrand Piccard and Wim Verstraeten, set out to be the first to CIRCLE THE EARTH in a balloon. Their aircraft was called the Breitling Orbiter, and it was high-tech masterpiece, complete with solar power panels and an airtight capsule for pressurized flight at high altitudes that would enable them to fly the jet stream at two hundred miles and hour. Price tag: $1.5 million.
Shortly after liftoff, however, calamity struck. With the cabin sealed tight and pressurized, the pilots suddenly noticed strong kerosene fumes.
Soon they e-mailed their control center: "Kerosene’s coming through each pipe on both inside tanks and we cannot tighten them anymore. It is a nightmare....answer quickly!"
They were advised to lower their altitude, open the capsule, and hold on until they could reach the coast of Algeria. The fumes proved overwhelming, however, and they were forced to ditch in the Mediterranean and lost the craft.
The cause of the kerosene leak? A clamp, like those used on an automobile radiator hose, had failed. Price tag: $1.16.
It doesn’t take much to undermine a great enterprise.
God intends that the Christian life be a triumphant journey, but often we allow small things like our tongue to scuttle God’s grand plan for us.
- Precept Austin
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Natural Example Of This Point Can Be Found By ...
Contributed by David Schaal on May 20, 2004
A natural example of this point can be found by looking at the two seas in the Holy Land. The Sea of Galilee freely receives and gives out water. It has an abundance of life, nurturing many different kinds of fish and plant life. The water from the Sea of Galilee is carried by way of the Jordan ...read more
-
They Knew That They Had A Serious Problem Before ...
Contributed by Tim Zingale on Jul 7, 2004
"They knew that they had a serious problem before they even pulled over to the side of the highway to check it out. The car shrieked and shuttered. Something was dragging on the pavement- and whatever it was, it sounded expensive. They got out of the car to survey the damage and sure enough it ...read more
-
Building Eternally, Not Eternity PRO
Contributed by Pat Cook on Jun 15, 2003
BUILDING ETERNALLY, NOT ETERNITY Sarah Winchester’s husband had acquired a fortune by manufacturing and selling rifles. After he died of influenza in 1918, she moved to San Jose, California. Sarah was convinced that the dead souls of the many Indians who lost their lives because of Winchester ...read more
-
Sign For The Bathroom Door PRO
Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Jun 17, 2003
SIGN FOR THE BATHROOM DOOR Attention Everyone: The Bathroom Door is Closed! Please do not stand there and talk, whine or ask questions. Wait until I get out. Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. No, it is not broken; I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at ...read more
-
In His Book, Margin: Restoring Emotional, ...
Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005
In his book, Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Live, Dr. Richard Swenson lists 13 physical symptoms of excess stress. I was amazed to find over half of them going on in my own life. Here are the thirteen: Stimulation of the cardiovascular ...read more
Related Sermons
-
I Won't Complain Series
Contributed by Bishop Talbert Swan on May 29, 2010
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The Lord wants us to speak life.
-
I Won't Complain Series
Contributed by Bishop Talbert Swan on May 29, 2010
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The Lord wants us to speak life.
-
Three Kinds Of Tongues Series
Contributed by Edward Hardee on Nov 19, 2012
Message about speaking in tongues and the different kinds of tongues in the Bible,.
-
Think Before You Speak Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Feb 23, 2012
We have the glorious privilege to choose our words. This privilege is one of the main reasons we are to gain wisdom. The righteous speak wise words. Thus they are fitting or appropriate & give life to people & situations.
-
Think Before You Speak Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Feb 23, 2012
We have the glorious privilege to choose our words. This privilege is one of the main reasons we are to gain wisdom. The righteous speak wise words. Thus they are fitting or appropriate & give life to people & situations.