Hope Through Prayer!

Folks, This is from my book for March 7^th. Since October 7^th I have been undergoing treatment for two blocked arteries in my heart. The stents have been installed and are working great. But, I developed a significant blood clot in my leg that will be scary and bothersome for weeks or months. This is one that I read often during the process.

Blessings,

Bob

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”

(Romans 12 vs. 11 & 12) 

            Hold on to your faith, keep holding on. When the going gets tough, when choices are hard, when the stress builds, pray about it; turn it over to God. Paul’s letters repeat that time and time again and often we are not hearing it. Our faith is not always strong and we can be confused.

            In his message above, he is talking about a great way to get through a day, week or month. He is preaching a way of life through faith that leads to confidence and peace.

            Memorize this one, try it and you will like it! 

Thought for Today: Let’s attack today with “fervor”, being “joyful” and by all means prayerfully. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord we give thanks for the day you have made for us to have. We thank you for the opportunity to do your will and contribute to each other’s peace.

Amen

 

We are Important!

Thought for the Week: In our Lord’s world we are one of billions; a very small dot on the world’s pie chart. In no way are we insignificant. Each of us every day and in every activity has the opportunity to affect those around us in a positive way. We need to be diligent in our pursuit of happiness, love and peace in God’s world.

This week let us remember who our real boss is, our Lord. Let us make every effort to represent him by having a positive influence on those around us. 

Lincoln said it this way, “The leading rule is diligence. Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”

 (Colossians 3 vs. 23, 24)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

 as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Following the Way!

Good News 050504 Following the Way 

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is...
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
(Romans 12; 1-4) 

    Society does not fit the biblical model that we are taught and often desire. Truth, honesty, integrity, love and many other virtues seem rare at times. Often in our human desire to "fit", we join in and need correction. It is normal to err and join in. It is also forgivable.

    In a discussion last week in a business environment, we were discussing several long term successful business men. We were comparing the successful men with some that were sinking fast or already out of business. It seems that the ones that have long term success may have read Paul’s message to the Romans. Fairness was their trademark and perpetual growth seemed to be a trait. They were not always right, but always seemed to be growing and striving for excellence.

    They earned the respect and trust of those around them. They were not "sharks" but win-win business men. Somehow, they incorporated their Christian beliefs into the tough world of doing business. That is truly doing God's will.

Thought for Today: Today we will all have a chance to stand up and be counted. We will have opportunities to demonstrate our faith in circumstances where we would not normally do so. Let us demonstrate that we are considerate and Godly in our daily activities.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, the world we live in is distracting and volatile. We all have too much to do, too many commitments and too many fears. Throughout all of this we pray for peace. Peace in our own lives, peace around the world and an end to hate and prejudice. We pray that we end anger and hate in ourselves and can demonstrate the value of peace to others through our example.
Amen

 

 

Practice Hospitality!

Thought for the Week: Let us focus on ourselves and our talents. Let us recognize that we have special gifts given to us by the Lord to use for Him. 

John Wesley said it this way: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.

 

St. Paul told the Romans:

Romans 12 verses 10-13

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and

faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality

God is with US!

Good News 062904 God is with Us 

"Now Moses was a very humble man,
more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth"
(Numbers 12:3) 

         Like Moses, we are not always enthusiastic about what God wants. We are a humble lot, conservative and considerate of others views and feelings. Almost to a fault. We are humble before God.
        However, in our lives we are often asked to perform tasks that require an assertive posture. Many of us are leaders in the community, at work and at church. We are often leaders that require strength while still being humble. That is a great leader.

   God's response to Moses was "...I will be with you." and he will be with us always.
        When you are feeling hesitant and inferior, God says, "I will be with you."

        When you are wondering if you can make it another day with the job stress, He says, "I will be with you."

        When you're faced with a tough decision and wondering what to do, He says, "I will be with you."

        When you are experiencing great joy, God is with you.

        You may be a bit reluctant, as was Moses, but we need to remember that as we go through life, God is with us always.

Thought for Today: Today we need to remember that we are not alone. Through our faith we have help meeting our obligations. Let us take control of situations in a humble manner and allow ourselves to be led through the tasks ahead.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father we thank you for being with us. We are often confused in a world of activity. Often when things go well, we feel that we controlled the situation. We pray that we can recognize your involvement in our every day lives and have the forethought to give you thanks through our actions and prayers.
Amen
 

 

Prayer Brings Happiness

Thought for the Week: The things that bring peace, serenity and happiness to our lives are found in our spiritual growth. This week let us avoid the rat race by praying for serenity and doing what we need to obtain peace and be happy.

Eleanor Roosevelt said it like this:

“I hope your dreams take you... to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.”

(from www.worldofquotes.com) 

(Ecclesiastes 11:9)

 

"Be happy, young person, while you are young,

and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.

Follow the ways of your heart..."

Infants

Good News 030111 Infants

 

“Brothers and sisters,

I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit

but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 3 vs. 1)

 

            This is my confession to you all, I cannot quote a lot of scripture; do not know a lot of biblical history; have never visited the holy land; sometimes skip my Friday bible study to play golf or work out. At best I am an infant in Christ.

            In fact, I like that because it gives me plenty of room to grow, a reason to keep trying and even a reason to keep writing. There is always hope in knowing that there is growth ahead when we do the right things. Our lives are spiritual journeys without limits or even an end. That’s a great thought.

            As a young engineer my mentor used to quote “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.” It apparently is an old Confucius quote that I have not confirmed. It is certainly true with our faith. The more we learn the more the mystery and the higher our thirst becomes. That may be the best part of it all!

 

Thought for Today: Today let us recognize the opportunity to grow in the spirit. Let us recognize we are in our infancy and have room for exciting growth!

 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we give thanks for your presence in our lives and the peace brought to us through our faith. WE will face challenges today and we go forth with the knowledge that you will be with us.

Amen

Peace be with you!

Thought for the Week: This week let us focus selfishly on ourselves. Let's feel the peace and presence of God in our lives. When the "stress monster" wants to control our lives let "the peace of God" into our lives. As Christians we deserve peace.

From ― Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
”

 

Paul said it like this to the Philippians.

Philippians 4 verses 6-8

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving,present your requests to God"
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—
put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Fitness II- More about fit Christians!

Fitness II 

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex…

Your workmanship is marvelous.”

(Psalm 139, Vs 13 & 14) 

            More on Fitness from Monday the following three people have been my mentors in spirit, mind and body. Yes, we may all have a compulsive disorder, but we are strong in our faith as well as our bodies.

            Bob D is a friend in Christ that I met in my years of excessive training for triathlons and running. He once had a business career but that went away and became a personal trainer. There was a very difficult transition from a commercial cash flow to that of a club trainer. His strength and faith have kept him a positive role model and he has contributed to people as both a social and physical example. In the challenging financial times we are experiencing today people who can emulate his example will be better for it in spirit, mind and body. Winning the battle has a lot to do with having a strong faith and keeping it in focus.

            George is a church associate who impressed me when we started attending church here in Minnesota. Early on I can remember sitting in an annual meeting when he was talking and thinking that I hoped that someday I could contribute as much to the church. He was a leader that I wanted to emulate. He is a blessing in my Friday bible studies as well as a positive example of both fitness and spirituality.

            Paulette, a Good News associate, is at the Grand Canyon in Arizona as we read this. She and several friends just finished the R2R2R! That is a trail walk/run from Rim to Rim to Rim. She is a great Christian friend and fitness example.           

            In Summary, we are what we are; born in a state of near perfection, we spend a lifetime trying to mess it up. The Lord gave us some marvelous equipment and a marvelous opportunity and he supplies ongoing help. It is a wonderful life and we need to take care of our spirit, mind and bodies in His name. 

Thought for Today: Today let us focus on our physical selves. Let’s park a bit further from the door, say no thanks to the desert tray, walk the stairs as we are able. Let us be as good as we can be. 

Prayer for Today: Father, today we give thanks for who and what we are and the many helpers that you have sent us along the way.

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness 1

Fitness 1

 

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex…

Your workmanship is marvelous.”

(Psalm 139, Vs 13 & 14) 

            We are a wonderful machine/animal, born with feelings, the intellect to apply logic to our lives and without sin. For most of us it is all downhill from there. Society gives us the opportunity to pursue pleasure through wealth, eating great foods and entertaining ourselves while sitting down. The pure hearts that we were born with become hidden by our pursuit of worldly materials and the “…the delicate, inner parts…” become hidden with excess weight. Today I want to address the body rather than the mind.

            There are three people that have meant a lot to me in my life that have taken care of what God gave them better than most. One is my dad’s sister, the others are personal friends that I met when I relocated to Minnesota. They have contributed subliminally and outwardly to who I am today, they have a high level of faith following very different theologies and are similar in other ways.

            The aunt I have written about before. She was a yoga instructor and in the 60’s and she started talking about changing our diets to decrease fat content.  Our family was a roast beef every Sunday type of family that trended toward obesity. She broke the family trend started a life of both physical and mental fitness. She passed this year at age 88 and to the end she was a teacher and role model in her community. 

            We will talk about the other two tomorrow! 

Thought for Today: Today let us focus on our physical selves. Let’s park a bit further from the door, say no thanks to the desert tray, walk the stairs as we are able. Let us be as good as we can be. 

Prayer for Today: Father, today we give thanks for who and what we are and the many helpers that you have sent us along the way.

Amen