Sincerity

Sincerity

 

"Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
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."
(Romans 12:9-13)

 

        During the Christmas season, we all share material gifts. It is a beautiful time of year. It is a time of love and caring with lots of hugs, kisses, and tears of joy. The love and spirit of Christ are a blessing.

 

        Now we are faced with a New Year and the resolutions that come with it. We tend to go back to the grind of daily life and settle into our routine with very few changes. However, we need to continue to share this love, this zeal, and this joy. When we do, we all benefit and live better lives. Here are two of my favorite quotes for the New Year.

 

John F. Kennedy:  "One person can make a difference, and every person must try."

 

John Wesley:

"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."

 

Thought for Today: As we proceed toward the New Year, let us focus on ourselves and our talents. Let us recognize that we have unique gifts from the Lord to use for Him.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we are entering the New Year and wonder what it will have in store for us. We pray we can apply our talents and gifts in the New Year to pursue your will.
Amen 

 

Universal Hope

 Universal Hope 

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

 Day after day, they pour forth speech;

night after night, they display knowledge.

 There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world."

(Psalm 19v1-4) 

The holiday season is a time of hope. We are encouraged to believe there is hope for universal understanding and world peace. The Psalmist notes that there is one clear message from the heavens, one God with one statement in all tongues to all peoples. 

We live in a troubled world with natural disasters, civil unrest, war, and COVID persists again this year. They capture the headlines. Indeed, people question God's role in all of this. 

We need to remember that "The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The press and news media report on other issues. It is up to each of us to focus on the message. We can infect the world with faith, peace, and hope with our example. 

             John F. Kennedy said, "One person can make a difference, and every person must try." 

Thought for Today: OK, there will be bad news this week. We will hear it, see it, and sometimes feel it. We need to overcome it with the faith and hope of the Lord and show others our hope for future generations. 

Prayer for the Season: Dear Lord, this is the time of year when all faiths celebrate you. We honor your presence in different ways with the common thread of love and peace. We pray for the guidance to share our faith so we may sow a seed in your name.

 

Blue Christmas

 

 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) 

            This week Christian Churches have a particular service for people having a sad time over the Holidays. Often called a Blue Christmas Service after the Elvis Presley song, but it also exists as a Service of Light and Hope. We can always find reasons to be blue over the holidays, and it is good to look at those feelings, put them in perspective and pray to God for the support available to us. 

            Many miss spouses who passed this year. There are too many to list with severe ailments and others with challenging career and financial situations. Also, we need to pray for what seems to be our new pandemic lifestyle.  

            Christmas is a time of celebration. Through it, we remember those who are experiencing loss. June and I pray about aging, living in a new society with COVID, and our growing family's future. We must accept the season's joy as we move toward the holiday. 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, we have special holiday prayers. We pray that 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 your role in our lives and the help you have given us. Thank you for being available for us each day.

Amen

Problems?

Problems? 

“From them will come songs of thanksgiving
and the sound of rejoicing.
I will add to their numbers,
and they will not be decreased;
I will bring them honor,
and they will not be disdained.”

(Jeremiah 30 vs.19) 

            Every day is a day to rejoice. We are between our formal day of Thanksgiving and Christ’s birthday celebration. Most of us are enjoying what we call the holiday season. The message above tells us that God wants us to rejoice and to be happy. We need to pay attention to that.           

Thought for Today: We will be happy as we will work through our busy schedules, deal with holiday stress, and in the end, let us rejoice. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we rejoice in your name and thank you for giving the Grace and spirit of your son, Jesus.

Amen

 

Happiest Season

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 wonderful time of the year when we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth. We are blessed because of His presence in our everyday lives. We have a God-given relief from the daily stresses our society places on us. 

            Interestingly, 30-plus years after his birth, Jesus 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 recharging of our spiritual batteries. It is a great time of the year, the happiest time. We must enjoy the season while recharging our batteries, reinforcing our beliefs, and preparing for the New Year. 

             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!

 

Thanksgiving Prayers

 

Thanksgiving Prayers

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
(Mathew 11:28-30)

 

        The Holiday season has arrived. Thanksgiving just passed, and surely we all spent four days meditating and offering prayers of thanks for our blessings. WHAT?? That's not what we did at my house. In June, our daughter Karen and I were downtown and hosted thousands at a race we created in the early 1980s. We were honored by Twin Cities in Motion, and I got to be the starter and do the race. After that, we had a family gathering at my daughter Claire's. The day's activities were a lot for a couple totaling 167 years of age!

 

        As Christians, we are coming on a very special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Our calendars are full of special events: holiday parties, Winter sports, Christmas pageants and services, shopping, and yearend business meetings. However, our focus is often on gifts, parties, and getting our acts together for the New Year. Is all this activity a bad thing? I think not, especially if we can get through it all by keeping Christ at our side and on our minds. Sometimes it just gets out of control.

 

Christianity and spirituality are beautiful allies during busy times.

Thought for Today: Let us focus on finding more time for ourselves during this busy period. Let's take a few minutes each day to let Christ help us enjoy the season. Let us be selfish once a day and take time out from our obligations to society.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we are overburdened with problems. People are dying at war and on the streets of our cities. We are busy with final-year business activities and planning for Christmas. Many of us will be traveling over the holidays. Please give me the power to be aware of Christ's presence through all of this. Help me find a way to walk through this activity with God as my co-pilot.
Amen
   

Always Friends

We must pray for world peace and an end to the insanity of war.

June and I are planning Thanksgiving dinner with our daughter Claire. We will start in downtown Minneapolis with 5,000 others at the Turkey Day 5K that started at our home in the 1980s. Twin Cities In Motion will be in charge of the event, we will have a four-generation 5K walk with our great-grandsons, and I will be the honorary starter.

 

01111 Always Friends 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,

 clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

 Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

(Colossians 3, 12-14; NIV) 

            Most of us have a problem feeling like one of “God’s chosen people.” The control freak in us wants to believe that we chose to follow Him, which is ego-centric and introspective. We all know that we chase Him until he catches us. In our lives, who are “God’s Chosen,” and what do they do?  

            This month is Thanksgiving, and one of my traditions is to do Christmas greetings. Each card and letter that gets addressed is to someone special. The addressees have all played a role in my life, including friends, advisors, mentors, coaches, etc. It is a wonderful feeling to sit there and think about each of them (you). Are they God’s chosen people?  

            The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Christ’s birth and life. It is also a chance to think of the many people God has placed into our lives that have demonstrated “… compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience...” A priest in the UK included me in his daily prayers during my cancer period, another is a running buddy of over thirty-five years duration, and several former pastors were spiritual advisors… the list goes on. 

Thought for Today: This week, let us think about our friends. Remember why they are, who they are, and what they mean to us. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we have many blessings you have given us. Among them are our friends and contacts, and each of them is a blessing. We offer our prayers for their health and happiness and thank you for presenting them to us so that we may all get through this 2022 holiday season healthy and thankful!

Amen

 

Global Peace

Global Peace 

"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."
(Philippians 4:8,9) 

            There are over 300 million people in America and billions worldwide. As individuals, we are not statistically significant. But we all know that statistics can be manipulated and misrepresented. Indeed, each of us is significant to God within our Christian faith. In many of Paul's letters, he said, "God will be with you." I will add, personally, upfront and close.

            As statistically insignificant as the mathematicians make us, God gives us meaning, power, and faith. We are the power of one. As Christians, we can impact the world one individual at a time through our faith. When we demonstrate that we are at peace, we infect those around us. When we demonstrate good Christian ethics, we lead others to follow us. When we are at peace, others want to join us. 

            Our challenge as people of faith is working our peace so that others join us. We all know of pyramid schemes and chain letters. Through our faith, we can be at the top of a living chain. Each day we are at peace through our faith, and we will positively affect our environment.

Thought for Today: It is challenging but exciting to think that we can affect others with our positive actions. This week let us consider others and, by example, share our hope regarding our future.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we see and hear ugliness in the world. There are wars, revolutions, and a worldwide refugee crisis. Our streets are unsafe, and our institutions have too many negative financial issues. It is hard to understand where you are when we are bombarded daily with these issues. We pray for an understanding of your role and that we may participate in an overall solution.

Amen 

 

He Comes Through

 

He Comes Through 

“Praise the Lord, I tell myself,

“With my whole heart,

I will praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, I tell myself,

And never forget the good things

He does for me.”

(Psalm 103 v 1 & 2) 

            Every day the Lord gives us blessings. It is easy to forget the role He plays in our lives in our busyness. Here are three events that made me think of the Lord this week. 

            Early in the week, a friend and I discussed what we prayed about. They were guidance, support, internal peace, and several others. It was apparent that neither of us prayed for favors or help. We realized that through prayer, good things would happen. 

            Later in the week, a young athlete competing for a chance to compete in a race collapsed and died. Why? That is a big question and certainly something that makes people doubt. When the final reports are in on this, somehow, good will come from his young life. It is too soon for mortals to understand.  

            The third event that brought the Lord to the forefront was a Good News buddy from San Diego correspondence about his return home after a firestorm that ravaged his neighborhood. There were, 15 of 47 houses destroyed on his street, plus the sanctuary of his church. Here are the words he used in closing his correspondence: 

“Truly, God is good. Many lessons are to be learned, and many prayers are answered. To God be the Glory.” 

Thought for Today: Today will be just like many others. Our calendars are crowded, we will have unreasonable demands on our time, and we will need to focus on making it all happen. Let’s take a few minutes and think about the Lord’s role in our lives with that in mind. Let’s let Him into our day.

 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we pray to see the results of your participation in our lives and the ability to accept what we do not understand. We trust that good things will happen.

Amen

Our Rock

Our Rock 

“There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.”

(1 Samuel 2 vs. 2)

             Growing up in New England, we often fished in streams and frequently crossed them by stepping from rock to rock. We got cold and wet when we stepped on a loose one or slipped. The analogy to the passage is that we chose the wrong rock! That is not an option with God.

             The Lord is the rock of our life, our foundation, and always with us. We forget that simple truth; we will not let Him in to help when we feel lonely. During those times, we can feel cold and lonely. (Hopefully not wet.)

             Prayer and devotionals will help that situation. If you are reading this today, you are probably sitting squarely on the rock.

 Thought for Today: Let’s be aware of our foundation, our rock.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, I recognize you and thank you for being my rock and foundation. I pray to identify someone who has slipped from your rock and help them.

Amen

 

Indian Summer

 

Indian Summer

 

"This is the day
that the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24) 

            In Minnesota, we are experiencing a wonderful Autumn. An "Indian Summer." A freeze followed our first heavy frost; now, we have warm temperatures. A day like this is a gift to us by God that we all appreciate.

            During this time, the crabgrass has died; there is color in the leaves; the lawn does not need mowing; the evenings are cool; the garden does not need weeding.

            There are many blessings about Indian Summer that are easily recognized. Our daily lives also have many blessings, but we often do not see and acknowledge them. We try to control our lives and often do not turn enough to God. The more we allow Him to take over, the more blessed our lives become.

 

            The Psalmist says, "...But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you..." As we give thanks for good weather, we also need to give thanks and recognize God's role in our daily lives.

Thought for Today: The fall season is upon us. The busy holidays are approaching us all too swiftly. This week, we can relax and enjoy the dwell-in activities between the end of Summer and the holidays. Let Go and Let God and appreciate the things he will do for us. Let us enjoy by allowing God's will into our daily lives.

Prayer: Father, we pray specifically for those in the world that need food, shelter, and quality of life. There are too many people out of work or threatened by unemployment in our country. In many countries, the Holy season approaches many desperate people. We pray for them and that somehow the prosperous peoples of the world can find a way to do your will. We pray that we may find a way to contribute.

Amen 

Eisenhower

 Eisenhower 

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant

—not of the letter but the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

(2 Corinthians 3 vs. 6)

 

            We are in some way the light, ministers of the gospel, or promoters of the Holy Spirit. That is a part of the covenant we make when we join the Christian church. That is a tremendous responsibility, and I certainly don’t feel like a “spirit” promoter every day.

 

            I have always had a propensity for relaxing through exercise. Workouts are a daily piece of my life, and pursuing it shows my selfish streak. I made a covenant with myself in my late twenties to be as good as possible. I wanted to be a good dad and husband and believed that fitness was a piece of the equation.

 

            Later in life, June and I decided that fitness was more than physical; i.e., it was spirit, mind, and body. We agreed that we would work on the spirit and mind together, but she was not interested in joining me on my swims, bike rides, and runs. (She was always a bit smarter.) OOPS- that decision meant three times as much work.

 

            Our 34^th President, Dwight David Eisenhower, firmly believed in this. He did his morning exercises, and whenever possible, he kept his calendar open for an after-lunch nap. When at the Whitehouse, he would spend time chipping and putting before his afternoon meetings. His colleagues considered him eccentric and selfish, and he felt he needed a scheduled break to be the best he could be for himself and his country.

 

            We all need to be the best we can be for ourselves and our families and serve the Lord. Be a bit selfish so that you can help.

 

Thought for Today: Today, let’s do something for ourselves to help our spirit, mind, and body.

 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we pray to keep our covenant made to you today. We pray that we are shining your light as bright as we can. We pray that we are the light of the world so others may find you through us.

Amen 

 

Brotherly Love

 

 Brotherly Love 

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

 Honor one another above yourselves.”

(Romans 12vs 10) 

            Paul’s message to the Romans says that the person closest to or standing next to you deserves dignity and honor at any moment. In many cases, that is not how it works. We are an overloaded society and rarely give the person near us enough of our thoughts. We are about thinking too far ahead rather than the present. We need to slow down.           

            Christ served everyone; He made time for lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, the “unclean” and needy, and his disciples. We should not forget to consider or care for everyone, even when we do not have time. We are often called or approached by a friend or acquaintance for advice or help at an inconvenient time. When that happens, we often look at our watch while they talk, space out and not listen, and then brush them off as quickly as possible- Wow, WWJD on that one. 

            The above is a real problem faced by all of us almost daily. We have deadlines in our lives and people that matter long term, our families and career colleagues. With that in mind, how do we deal with others who come for help when we do not have time? We need to pray about how we can be considerate and tolerant.   

Thought for Today: Let’s focus on being caring when we are interrupted by a friend. Let us ask how Jesus would deal with the telemarketer. We always need to find ways to share our Christian love.

 Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, I will meet someone in need and won’t have time to listen. Today when that happens, I pray and hear in your name, as Jesus would.

Amen

Busy?

 

BUSYness 

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,

 and the time has come for my departure

I have fought the good fight

 I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

(2 Timothy 4: 6 & 7) 

            Over the years, I came to relate closely with the race analogies used by Paul in his letters. They are meaningful today because the events around the world have thrown us into a high state of BUSYness. (Spell-check hates that word, but I like it!). Paul's message above is not about a marathon, a workweek, or getting to the children's activities; it has nothing to do with our BUSYness. It has to do with keeping our faith peaked during the process of life. 

            BUSYness! I wrote this today because retired old Bob is too busy with retirement stuff; writing, blogging, helping others in need, increasing my exercise program, and generally being Bob. For the second day in a row, my morning meditation did not fit. 

In the early 1990s, my daughter gave me a devotional, "With All My Strength" by H. Norman Wright." Before that, I skimmed the newspaper while watching the morning TV news and drinking my coffee. That would increase my stress and negativity. Reading the devotional improved my attitude, and life improved through spiritual growth 

            Today, I read Paul's message to Timothy before tackling the day's tasks. You see, life is excellent but longer than a marathon. Sometimes called the daily grind. Life is good when the good fight is supported by spiritual growth. Finish your race by keeping the faith. 

Thought for the Day: In a counter to Paul's message about the race, I read the following from the 23^rd Psalm: "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Take a prayer break today and every day. 

Prayer for Today: Dear father, today we pray for personal peace.

Trust

 Trust

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me.

Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this because I am in need,

 for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

 (Philippians 4 vs. 10-13) 

            It always amazes me and reinforces my faith when something Paul said 2000 years ago applies directly to today’s world. For several years our free world economy has been flaky. Trust in government has faded as the leaders of America and the world have become polarized. The advent of Ponzi schemes and fraud by high-powered executives have hurt the trust we need in our financial markets for them to be strong. Even at low levels of government, doubts about their ability to perform are stronger than ever. It is scary because our country and the world rely on trust. In America, our money reminds us that “In God We Trust.” 

            I promise to turn this around. I try not to be political, but that seems to be the case today. Paul is pointing out a simple truth, and we must pay attention. In a recent telecast, televangelist Joel Osteen said, “We do not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds our future.”  Hmmm, there is something to think about. 

Thought for Today: Today and always, take time to focus on our savior. Take a few minutes to appreciate and welcome Him into our life. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we give thanks for Paul’s words and encouragement. We pray that we may accept his advice graciously and lean on you to get through our daily stresses.

Amen

 

Start The Day

 Start the Day 

^" The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble."

(Proverbs 4:18& 19)           

            Those who have known me long know I have always been a morning person. I think there is no better time of day than early morning, even sunrise. There is no prettier sight than the sun coming up out of the sea off of Boston, the early light on the first tee waiting for enough daylight to see the ball's flight, or the sun coming up over a mountain when viewed from a canoe while fishing. I am blessed because the first light is a spiritual event to me. 

Each sunrise starts a new beginning, a new opportunity to do better, and a new opportunity to do God's work. Yesterday is gone and can not be changed, and our future is today and beyond. 

These devotionals started as something to do during the early hours. The newscasts on TV were (and still are) depressing. The newspapers are full of bad news. It seems that bad news sells. Tomorrow you will see a "first light." It may be mid-morning if you are a late sleeper or a sunrise. Either way, it is a new beginning, a new opportunity. It will be the first day of the rest of your life. Spend it with hope and joy. 

Thought for Today: There will be seven days this week. Each is a fresh start. Let us feel the spirit in the first light, the blessing of a new day. Let us live the first day of the rest of our lives with faith and the joy of the Lord. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we thank you for the sunrise, the new beginning, new opportunity. We pray we may use this opportunity to do your will here on earth.Amen

Our World 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.”

(Proverbs 3 vs. 5) 

            As an octogenarian, I constantly wonder about the direction society is going. Remember the good old days? It seems that whatever age you are, they exist. Two of my mom's favorite expressions were "Live and Learn." and "The more you know, the more you don't know." By now, we “Octos” know it all. Hah.

 

            In the 50s, TV was going to ruin us. We spent more time watching it than reading, but we still read books. Then years later, we bought an Apple IIE computer, and a new age began. In our ever-evolving society, the only constant in the human race is “change.”

 

            What has not changed? Nature. We still have four seasons; the sun rises and sets; tides ebb and flow. It is September, and here in the northland, the evenings are cool, school has started, and a few leaves are turning.

           

            Man’s technology changes the way we operate. Our constant is our God-given world. We will read on our phones and tablets and send emails through cyberspace. All the while, God’s world will continue to evolve.

Thought for Today: Let's give thanks for the many fall activities; school begins, kids are excited, and the formal learning process starts. To some, the start of the fall sports season is meaningful. To others, the fall means hunting and being outdoors. It would be easy amongst all the activities to forget God. Remember that all this is God's work, and give thanks for it all.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we thank you for your patient love. We hope and pray that we may use that love to understand this complex world and apply it to everyone's benefit.

Amen

 

Trust

Trust 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your understanding."

(Proverbs 3:5). 

            We often try to make things happen in our lives, driving toward human goals while conforming to modern society's standards. It is easy to get diverted from a solid spiritual track functioning our way rather than the Lord's way. 

            Am I ready and willing to do God's will? If so, how do I know God's will? The ten commandments are a good place to start. What the Lord has in mind for you may take you by surprise. Perhaps it is best expressed by Isaiah 55:8-9: 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

 neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

 'As the heavens are higher than the earth,

 so are my ways higher than your ways

 and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."

 

            Knowing God's will cannot be a power struggle; he wants our will to be submissive to him. The more we value control and power, the more significant battle we will have. To be at peace, He needs to be in charge. 

Thought for Today: Today, let's try to do God's will through our daily activities. He can and will resolve our problems. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we search for clues to help do your will. We pray that we can contribute to making your world a better place.

Amen