According to Charles
Panati, Silly Putty was an accident. James Wright, of General Electric, was
striving to find a synthetic rubber that would be cheaper and more versatile
than the real thing. What he came up with had some interesting qualities, but
had no real practical use. It offered no real advantage to the real thing. People
started calling the invention “Nutty Putty.”

Paul Hodgson, an advertising executive, saw its potential for entertainment
and bought huge amounts to be turned into toys. It became a sensation in the
fifties and sixties and is still available today.

Sometimes success comes from looking at the same circumstances as everyone else,
but seeing something different than what others see. That’s vision!

______________________________

Michael Shannon,
Cincinnati Bible College


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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In one of their
books, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen retell an ancient story. There was
a thief in ancient times who stole a magnificent coat. It was made of the finest
of materials and had buttons of silver and gold. He eventually sold the coat
and a friend in the society of thieves asked him what he got for it. “A
hundred pieces of silver,” was the reply. His friend was astonished. “You
mean you only got 100 pieces of silver for that magnificent coat!” “Is
there a number higher than a hundred?” asked the thief.

 

How often are we
limited by the low expectations of our own conception? We aren’t aware of how
much we might accomplish. We aren’t confident of how much God can accomplish.
We all need to learn to count higher.

_______________________

Michael Shannon,
Preaching July/August 2003


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

Related Posts

In one of their books, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen retell an ancient story. There was a thief in ancient times who stole a magnificent coat. It was made of the finest of materials and had buttons of silver and gold. He eventually sold the coat and a friend in the society of thieves asked him what he got for it. “ A hundred pieces of silver,” was the reply. His friend was astonished. “You mean you only got 100 pieces of silver for that magnificent coat!” “Is there a number higher than a hundred?” asked the thief.

How often are we limited by the low expectation of our own conception? We aren’t aware of how much we might accomplish. We aren’t confident of how much God can accomplish. We all need to learn to count higher.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

Related Posts