Renewal

Renewal 

“but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

(Isaiah 40 vs. 31) 

            We are in the Holiday recovery mode and are weary. From time to time it is necessary to take a break. It is important to prevent burnout and refresh ourselves. If we are to be the best we can be, do our jobs as parents, employees and citizens, we need to have rest.          

            Along with rest we need meditation. Ok, if you are reading this I am preaching to the choir again. However, there are some of my friends that rest and renew their minds and bodies without thinking of renewing their spirit. They forget to pray or recognize the Lord’s role in their lives.

            Others neglect their bodies. It is easy to overeat during the holidays and also easy to skip a workout! That’s a double edged sword that I personally am guilty of more years than not! That’s what New Year’s resolutions are all about. The message from Isaiah above is to keep hope in the Lord, keep him in your life and he will help you soar like an eagle. We will do fine next year!           

Thought for Today: Let us think about keeping God in the forefront of our minds. 

Prayer for Today: Father, today we ask that you fill us with your spirit; we ask for strength and guidance.

Amen

Joy to the World!

Joy to the World

“Joy to the World, the Lord has come"

        There are a lot of one liners that can be taken from Christmas carols. The opening of "Joy to the World" says it all to me. It summarizes our Christian lives; lives of joy through the forgiveness of our faith and our Christian peers. Let us all feel the joy of the season, the love for each other and keep our faith strong throughout the season.

With blessings, have a great Christmas eve.

Christmas Week

Christmas Week

“There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens”

(Ecclesiastes 3 v1)

Today we awaken with and it is the  Christmas week. We are tired, weary and excited. Our hearts are full of the joy and spirit that this wonderful season creates. It would be great if we could bottle it all up so we could drink it year round.    

Down in a lowly manger

The humble Crist was born

And God sent us salvation

That blessed Christmas morn

(verse 3, Go Tell It on the Mountain)

(John W. Work Jr. 1907)

Thought for Today:  The celebration of the birth of Christ is fast approaching. Today let’s focus on the excitement, blessings and spiritual meaning of it all. Also let us remember that this spirit can be with us all year long- we do not need a bottle, it is in our hearts!

Prayer for Today: Today we pray for peace and give thanks for our friends. Amen

Blue Christmas

Good News111705 Blue Christmas

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.”

(Psalm 57:1)

            At Spirit of Hope, we have special service for people having a sad time over the Holidays. At one time our pastor must have been an Elvis fan because he called it a Blue Christmas Service. It was one worth attending whether you were sad or not. We can always find reasons to be blue over the holidays and it is good to take a look at those feelings, put them in perspective and pray to God for the support that is available to us.

            This year our friend Craig and Steve miss their wives who passed, there are too many to list with serious ailments and others in severe career and financial crises. I ask you all for prayers. Several years ago we met a young gentleman there, John, who had visited during the summer. He was in tears during the service. He was despondent because his parents were having a problem with his sexual preference and he was not being welcomed at the family celebration.  

            Our service Of Light and Hope (sorry Elvis!) is this Wednesday.  We will be praying for all those who are in need. It is important to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.

Thought for Today: Let us take note of our sad feelings over the holidays. Let us recognize that they exist. Rather than mask them with joy, let us pray about them, and turn them over to God so we can enjoy the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father today we have special prayers for the holidays. We pray that the reminder of your presence brings trust and love to the world. We pray for people who have lost loved ones and are spending their first Christmas with an empty place at the table. We give thanks for the role that you play in our lives and the help you give us. Thank you for being available for us each and every day.

Amen

Special Days!

Special Days

 

“He who regards one day as special,

 does so to the Lord”

(Romans 14 vs. 6) 

                There are 365 days every year. Our goal and challenge is to enjoy them all. We cannot allow our finances; boss or other outside influences to steal the pleasure from any day. God put us here to be happy and we need to do that for Him.

OK, let’s get real, some days are just a drag, things go terribly wrong, God rains on our parade, our back goes out again etc. When negative things get in the way we can choose to have a bad day or chose to trust our faith and give thanks for what went right. Some days it seems that the only thing to give thanks for is that it is over. Well, that’s enough to make it a good day.

Yes, every day will not be a great day. We all have problems and challenges that will take longer than one day to resolve. We need to remember when we live one day at a time, we simplify our solutions. If we do not get it today, we can work on it tomorrow. When an issue is unsolvable, the Lord is with us and He can change the rules. We need to pray and turn unsolvable issues over to the Lord.

Thought for Today: This will be a great day for all of us. We will walk through the challenges and bless the Lord for the experiences and lessons that we learn one day at a time. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we give thanks for the many things that go well and the blessings that we have. We give thanks and pray that we may contribute to your plan in a cheerful and blessed way.

Joy!

Good News121105 Joy

“Be joyful always;

 pray continually;

 give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5 vs. 16-18

            The Christmas is a joyful time. The joy of the celebration generally pushes the stress and negativity into the background. A friend recently commented that he wanted to bottle up the holiday spirit for later use.  He needs to learn that the bottle he needs is the bible on his bookcase. The bible is more than a bottle; it is a large jug of joy. A drink a day will keep miseries away and you can take as many drinks as you want!  

            Ok, so that’s enough analogy for today! If you are reading this devotional you know where to go when in you are in need. You know to seek out a spiritual mentor, a sponsor or even to grab your favorite prayer guide and pray. That is truly what spirituality is all about; having the faith to snatch joy from the heat of the moment rather than getting bogged down in negativity.

Thought or Today: Today and throughout the holiday season, let us shed the stress, pray for the moment and find the joy.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we ask that we may find the joy and spirit of the holiday season. We ask so that we may share it with others.

Amen

Yule Fire

121105 Yule Fire

^“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;

  do not treat prophecies with contempt.

 Test everything.

Hold on to the good.”

(1 Thessalonians 5 vs. 19-21)

            In Minnesota where I live, the holiday season is cold. In fact there is a cable TV station that stops programming and runs a Yule log burning as a symbol and backs it up with Christmas music. It is very peaceful and meaningful.

            The symbol of the spirit’s fire warms our hearts during this season and up here in the northland it is very welcome. This is a blessed season and we all need to focus on the spiritual blessings as we work our way toward the year end.

 Thought for Today: Let us think about our spiritual goals. Let us carry the joy of Christ’s birth with us and the materialistic pieces of the season will fall into place.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we give thanks to you for the love that we feel when you are in our hearts. Today we pray for a chance to help serve you after the season. We pray that we find  opportunities to do your will here on earth; a chance to contribute to a loving peaceful world.

Amen

The Happiest Season!

The Happiest Season

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi.

On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist;

others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

(Mark 8 vs 27-29)

            It is a great time of the year when we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth. We are blessed because we believe and are warmed by His presence in our everyday lives. Amongst the daily stresses that our society places on us we have a God given relief.

            I find it interesting that 30 plus years after his birth he was asking who they believed he was. My thoughts are that the Christmas story would be enough. But then, nothing in this world is ever easy; not then and certainly not now.

            So what is Christmas really about? Gifts, material giving and a recharging of our spiritual batteries. It is a great time of the year, the happiest time of the year. We need to enjoy the season while we recharge our batteries, reinforce our beliefs and prepare for the New Year ahead.

             Katharine McPhee said in her song:

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles
Will be out of sight”

Blessings to you all for a great season of Joy!

Thought for Today: The Christmas season is not all joys. We will encounter stress, financial hardships, bad weather and all the events of winter life. They are all blessings that are part of our lives. We need to keep Christ as our focus and our stresses will be overcome.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father we give thanks for Christmas and all the festivities. We give thanks that “our troubles will be out of sight” through prayer.

Amen

            

Thank You!

Thanksgiving in America is a holiday that starts the official beginning to the holiday season. It coincides with the start of the new church year, Advent. This post is a thank you to all my Christian friends and readers.

"As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so live in him, rooted and built up
in him and established in the faith,
just as you were taught,
abounding in Thanksgiving"
(Colossians 2:6-7)

 
            This is just a short prayer of Thanksgiving today for all of you. The best part of this blog and my nook is the many of you who contact me that I have never met. Our list of friends includes four CEO's (at least two take time to share the devotions with staff), many salesmen (because that is my world), several clergy in several countries, many retirees and all sorts of others. Thanks to you all because you each enhance my life at some level.

        Several years ago my pastor spoke of "returning thanks" to God this week rather than "Giving Thanks". It was something his grand father used to do three times a day. His basis was that God gave us the things we are thankful for and he wanted to hear from us but that we were really giving back or returning thanks.
 
        This week I return thanks you all, as well as to God, and share my love of people and life with you.

Prayer for Thanksgiving: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, we return blessings and thanks to you today for the many wonderful experiences we have, the love that we feel from our friends and acquaintances and for the guidance that you give us in our daily lives. We pray that through out the world people learn to appreciate your blessings and to live the life that you desire for us; one of peace and good will for all.
Amen
 
 
 

Winter Thoughts

(Matthew 5:14-16)

“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Thought for Today: Today let us be thankful for those around us. Be at peace and demonstrate our passion and love to others. We are facing a long winter with short days and long nights. Let us be the light that people are searching for!

 From "Strength To Love," Martin Luther King, Jr.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.  

Prosperity

Prosperity 

“After Job had prayed for his friends,

the LORD made him prosperous again

and gave him twice as much as he had before.”

(Job 42:10)

            Prosperity is generally the result of good work; some are prosperous and some are not. The world economy works that way. It is competitive and some people end up with more than others.

            Today ask yourself where you are in this regard and become a guaranteed winner. You see, real winning is not a financial thing at all. In our competitive business world growth has been difficult. Regarding our physical selves, growth in fitness, weight loss, and staying healthy are challenges that few actually change from year to year. That is why New Year’s resolutions go by the board.

            One area where we can always grow healthier and have plenty of help is spiritual growth. If you are reading this devotional you are on the right track. You see, there is no limit to God’s love and the benefits of being a spiritual being. Spiritual growth is always available, unlimited and beneficial. That is where true prosperity is found.

Thought for Today: Today let us ask if we have had spiritual growth this year? …and why?

Prayer for Today: Lord and Father today help me grow in you, grow in my faith so that I may be a better servant. Amen

God of Hope!

Romans 15verse 13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

 as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Thought for the Week: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice! We will experience ups and downs but with the hope of God in our hearts, the downs can be short, the ups can be high it can be a week of joy. It is our choice.

Aristotle said it this way: “Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.” 

Win Win!

Win-Win

"...what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor."
(Psalm 8:4,5)

           In America there seems to be a win lose philosophy running rampant through out our society. There is a lot of hero worship devoted to overpaid athletes. We seem to have adopted Vince Lombardi's attitude "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing". Well, that may be our world, but it is not God's world.

        The Psalmist above clearly demonstrates that we were created a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory. There is plenty of God's love for each of us. There are world wide resources that when shared in God's way will do for all. We live in a great world with great people and somehow we taint it with our own un-Godly behaviors.

        As a young athlete in the 40's, I remember the expression "It's not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game that counts". Somehow that has stuck with me through out my life. It is an expression of a win-win philosophy. I think that is what God had in mind.

Thought for Today: Today let us focus on creating win-win situations in our lives. Observe our surroundings and lighten them up a bit. Slow for the other drivers, merge rather than block. Open a door and allow a few people through. Sit forward in church and leave some room in the back for late comers. Let's show everyone that we all can win.
Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we are celebrating the veterans who have fought for our freedom and ideals. Still here is war and hate virtually everywhere. There are no safe havens where your love dominates. Today we pray that we may contribute to world peace; to a place where love dominates over anger!

Maturity!

 Maturity

“until we all reach unity in the faith

and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,

attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

(Ephesians 4 verse 13) 

            The piece of twelve step programs that I like best is the part where it is explained that our goal is spiritual growth rather than spiritual perfection. That lets us off the hook regarding being perfect which we cannot attain. It removes a lot of guilt!

            Yes we always need to grow in spirit, we need to work on it daily and we need to measure our progress. The question we have is what do we measure ourselves against? Recently I read that I must measure against “…nothing less than the character of Christ.”      

            Hmmm, that is a problem because I cannot attain perfection! That does not diminish the dream of being Christ like. So what seems to be a cunumdrum is actually a gift. When we are faced with options and choices we need to ask; What would Jesus Do? Then we need to do it to insure our growth.

Thought for Today: Today let’s do things the way Jesus would by being loving and forgiving in all of our activities.

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord we are blessed with your presence, Today, we pray for guidance and the ability to be more like Jesus; the ability to do your will.

Amen

Home Care!

Home Care

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes,
is ever ready to believe the best of every person,
it's hopes are fadeless under all circumstances."
(1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP)

            We are all adjusting our lives to worldly conditions. We have wars and sickness that give us concern regarding our safety. Travel is more difficult, we are more tense and restless, we are changing our style of operation and the way we live our lives. I personally have a deep seeded resentment regarding the changes because they hinder my travel and other retirement activities.

           One of the reasons that my messages exists is exactly the above. We cannot change the world but we can change our feelings through meditation. Meditation works and helps bring us back to reality. One of our friends has a wife chronic, degenerative back disease. She is tired of pain killers and muscle relaxants after fifteen years. She started meditation classes and learned to meditate almost to the point of self hypnosis and reduced her drugs to one quarter of her previous dosage. Her symptoms have been minimized.

          One of the things they teach us in sales is to always be ready for the "sales call" or meeting. Sit in the car before entering the building and review in your mind why you are there and what you hope to accomplish; meditate! It works in sales and in life.

           Many of us bring our daily problems into the home at night and let our frustrations affect our family life. The children bring home their frustrations from school, mom and dad from their jobs (or from a bad round of golf) or from the evening traffic. What for? Tonight when you go home, try sitting in the driveway and read this weeks’ passage and leave the stress behind. Pray that you can go into the house in a loving and caring mood and contribute to the peaceful and loving environment called home.

Thought for Today: Someone once said that at times we are all salesmen. My example of preparing for a meeting is a serious part of business life and success. This week, let us all focus on "preparing for the meeting" with our families and with God. Let us contribute to peace and tranquility rather than helping increase stress.

Prayer: Heavenly father, in our world today there is war, fear of attack, theft and many negative forces. Somehow please guide us to contribute to the peace and friendship, somehow show me how to act when stressed, somehow give me the good judgment to stop and pray rather than to react. Help us do your will through our presence here on Earth.
Amen.

Protect our Hearts!

Protect Our Hearts

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes...
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that
comes from the gospel of peace...
 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying ..."
(Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)

        Today we need to protect ourselves from our own self induced stress as well as the negativity in the World that we cannot control. As Mac Hammond from the Living Word Christian Center puts it, "We need to protect our hearts". The question is how?

        Over the years I have often heard the expression "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". In sports this meant to me that when the pain sets in, push harder; in business when the order is being lost, dig deeper. In each instance, "I" assumed the full responsibility for correcting "my" problem. My male ego would come into the issue and apply pressure to the situation. This has worked very well over the years, but it is not how I have acted since the mid 80's.

        Like many parents, when my two youngest were in private colleges, my ego driven logic failed me. The financial pressure combined with the desire to service the educational needs was too much to get through. This tough guy needed help and it came through the simple saying, "Let go and let God". Funny how that works, everything turned out OK.

        When we are deeply involved with our loved ones, we need to protect our hearts. We need to keep our feet on the ground and make caring decisions through love. If we allow the Lord to help protect our hearts, if we listen to Him and accept His part in our lives, our lives will be better and simpler. Keep on asking for support through prayer.

Thought for Today: Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. It offers each of us a chance to renew ourselves, forgive others and move forward with positive thoughts. This week let us move forward through daily prayer and let the Lord help us over the bumps.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly father, here in America life is good. The kids have food and shoes, there are two cars in the garage, and TV sets in every home- we are truly "fat cats" living under your domain. Today we pray that we keep in mind that the world is not all like we are experiencing it. While giving thanks for our abundance we need to pray that we are doing your will throughout the world for peace and prosperity to spread in a Godly way.

Amen

Hallowed Eve! (Halloween in America!)

Halloween 1991

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. …which transcends all understanding…?”

(Philippians 4 verse 6)

            Halloween, October 31st in 1991 was a significant event in the northern part of the United States. In our family we had two significant events to prepare for; children trick or treating and June’s departure to the UK for a family visit on November 1^st. Mother nature also had a plan that she had not consulted with me on; the great Halloween three day blizzard in Minnesota which was a piece of what is now known as “The Perfect Storm.”

            Paul told the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything…” but millions of Americans were anxious that weekend! People died on lost ships on the Grand Banks and Minneapolis had 30 inches of snow. But it was not all bad on our end. Let me explain.

            In the early afternoon we had a temperature drop and a snow squall started. That is not unusual in Minnesota in the fall and we did not expect it to be anything but a fun Halloween! You see, I had already decorated the outside of the house with Christmas lights so we turned them on. The lights drew a large group of Halloween revelers. We met them with a special greeting, “Ho Ho Ho, Happy Halloween.” There was six inches of snow on the ground and we did pray for the safety of the children.

            In the morning there was 15 inches of snow and the visibility was near zero. A trip to the airport seemed impossible. Prayers were needed. We decided to depart after lunch for a 6:30 flight and the 20 minute trip took over two hours and was very dangerous. June’s flight departed 3 hours late and I had a three hour ride home. Happy Halloween.

            I assume you all know about the perfect storm and sinking of the Andrea Gail from Gloucester. Our trials are minor when compared with the loss of a ship and lives. When we heard the story, it put our events into perspective. We were stressed and blessed at the same time.

            Friday is Halloween, enjoy it with your neighborhood goblins!

Thought for Today: This Friday is a special day and we should enjoy it with the revelers. We should also think back to 1991 and be prayerful.

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, this week we pray for children on a day they look forward to each year. We pray that they be safe and have a great evening. We give thanks for their presence in our lives.

Amen

           

            

Strength to Love!

(Matthew 5:14-16)

“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

From "Strength To Love," Martin Luther King, Jr.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.
Thought for Today: Today let us be thankful for those around us. Be at peace and demonstrate our passion and love to others. We are facing a long winter with short days and long nights. Let us be the light that people are searching for!

God's LOve and Grace! (Including Allah!)

Gods Love and Grace

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God;

He is the faithful God,..

 (Deuteronomy 7 v 9)

           

In the last decade June and I have been blessed by being close to people of varied faiths. Through our association with each, we have come to a strong belief that we all worship the same God in different ways and we all experience God’s grace.

Recently a Jewish friend that I have known and liked for years shared with me that he does bible studies so he can learn about the Christian perspective. His strong family values, general positive personality and strong ethical standards make him someone I am glad to know.

This last year we have spent several Sundays in Unitarian Meeting Houses when we return to Massachusetts with my family. We are learning more about my mom’s grand parents who were Unitarian ministers. Involvement with my brother’s memorial service at a Unitarian meeting house was a bit different for us.

To avoid making this a 10,000 word essay, let me summarize some of our other relationships: A son in law who is a southern Baptist, a brother in law who is a Catholic priest, a Mormon best friend who lost touch with his faith, a Native American friend who has involved us in some spiritual activities.

In each instance mentioned, June and I have experienced good friendships and observed strong Godly values in our friends. In most instances, we have observed God working in our friends’ lives and seen God’s grace at work in many ways. Most, importantly, we have experienced God’s grace through our friends.

Thought for Today:Today let us recognize those around us that are different and try to befriend someone new. Let us seek out someone that looks at God in a different way. The Lord blesses them also.

Prayer for Today: Dear  Lord, the world is a great and wonderful creation. There are many peoples of all colors and beliefs. There are generation gaps, social differences, and economic separations. Often the differences get in the way of social graces. Today we pray that we can learn from differences to have peace in our own lives and that we can contribute to the understanding of your will and  your Grace.

Amen

Spiritual Gifts

Good News 111202 Spiritual Gifts

"Now about spiritual gifts, brothers,
...There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working,
but the same God works all of them in all men."
(1 Corinthians 12:1-6 NIV)

        Often the bible mentions the gifts given to us by the Lord. However, in every case the same spirit is mentioned. Think about what that means to all of us. Think about us as a team, a Christian body, placed on earth to do God's work. Not alone but as a team.

        I have always preferred working with a partner. My belief is that two people working as a team is four times better than the best of the two working alone. If that is true, then how powerful is a small congregation working together doing God's work?

       In the 2004 super bowl the New England Patriots came out to play without the TV Network’s usual fanfare of individual introductions. They came and won as a team. Last week in the paper there was a page dedicated to the state girls’ soccer championship. It listed the rosters of the two finalists as well as the state all star team. There were no all stars listed on the rosters of the two teams playing in the finals. The championship teams won as a team without any all stars!

        So we all "have different kinds of gifts but the same spirit". We can all participate and use these gifts to do God's work but we do not have the gifts to do it all alone. We need each other; we need our Christian family to get the job done.

Thought for Today: Let us focus on our talents, God's gifts to us. Let us recognize our gifts and use them to do God's work.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we ask, "what is it all about?” We pray to you for the ability to better understand it all. We pray for the ability to recognize our gifts and the knowledge on how to utilize them to help.
Amen

Raising Expectations

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,

set your hearts on things above,

where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above,

not on earthly things.”

(Colossians3, 1&2; NIV) 

            We have talked a bit about how the head and heart lead our bodies. How often our thoughts may be negative and they can lead us into depression. Let’s face it, when we read or listen to the news, they talk mostly about negative events. However, most of what goes on in the world is positive. We need to focus on that!

            Remember the words to the old song. “When you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout, It’s going to be a great day.” We are often confronted with the local curmudgeon, the person who finds fault with everything. Let’s face it, they are right, it is always too hot or too cold! Too rainy or their lawn needs watering! Things are too expensive! Coffee is too weak or strong! Pray for them, they need us.

            We will have negative influences in our lives. As we move through our daily lives, we are blessed with the tools to deal with the negative side.  I read this on a sign in front of a local church recently, “The Lord does not guarantee us smooth passage, just a safe landing.” It is up to use our Christian tools to stay positive and be happy. 

Thought for Today: Today we will have to deal with negative issues. Let us turn them into a positive experience by dealing with them promptly. When we encounter some that seem to linger and not go away, let us remember to turn those over to God through prayer.

Prayer for Today: Today is the day you have made for us. Unfortunately the roads have bumps and there are unknown troubles out there awaiting us. Today we pray that your presence will guide us through the tough moments and that we may accomplish our goals in Your name.

Amen

Don't Fake It!

Good News100605- Don't Fake IT

“Woe to you …you hypocrites!

 … on the outside you appear to people as righteous

 but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

(Matthew 23v27)

            One of my favorite themes is been being true to our faith by being open and honest. It is something that we all desire, but it also comes with some social consequences. There are way too many people in the world that have a different reality than Christians.

            In America and throughout most of the world, life is competitive. It is as if the resources are limited. As Christians, we are taught that the world has an abundance supplied by God and I believe that is true. But there is a major distribution problem in the world.

            Dealing with the wealth of Western civilization and how it relates to Christianity is scary. Recently when talking about a stewardship campaign at our church it was mentioned that if all Christians would tithe we would not need the government to run social programs. That would be “way cool”.

            Each of us needs to be as good as we can be to contribute to the positive factor in society.  We need to take the social risks to reach our real rewards.

“He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an idol

or swear by what is false.

 He will receive blessing from the LORD

and vindication from God his Savior.”

(Psalm 24v4,5)

Thought for Today: We will have to make a choice this week; to be straight and true or hold back a bit. We need to make the tough choices that improve the world around us. We need to keep a pure heart.

Prayer for Today: Dear heavenly Father, we give thanks for the many blessings and opportunities you bring to us. This week we pray for the chance to demonstrate our faith to others; to help. We pray to be able to do your will here on earth.

Amen

Tradition!

“Now, brothers and sisters,

I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you,

which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

By this gospel you are saved,

if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.”

(1 Corinthians 15 vs. 1&2) 

            As a sales and marketing person over thirty years I saw markets change in many ways. In the old days we drove a lot of miles selling trinkets and gadgets that met customer needs. We often brought new technology and served as an educational force and consultant.

            Through technology the products evolved as did the communication. The advent of email and the internet minimized personal visits. In today’s world, the customer has reviewed my products and others on line and our challenge is to assist in his selection process. Rather than driving around all day, I sit on line with the customer reviewing our products on line and applying them. Our style is totally different but our message is the same. We can meet your needs.

            We have a project in our church trying to adjust to 2000 years of a changing market. We need to TWEET, POST, E-mail and use the latest technology to give out a 2000 year old message to an ever changing population. Our services are overhauled so we refer to them as traditional, combined and contemporary. We are challenged.

            However, even though our communication has changed, the message has not and cannot. Over these new mediums and through the different styles we must hold firmly to the word. The new market will find the help they need in a very old message. 

Thought for Today: For today let’s marvel at the message; never changing, always true. The lord is with us. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly father today we are in a hurry. Our calendars are full and technology gives us very little time to meditate. Today we pray for your guidance through it all. We pray for grace and solitude through Jesus. Amen