Infants

 

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) 

            My confession to you all is that 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.           

That is good because it leaves plenty of room to grow, to keep trying, and a reason to keep writing. There is growth ahead when we do the right things. Our life is a spiritual journey without limits or an end. That’s an excellent thought.           

As a young engineer, my mentor used to quote Aristotle, “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.” It is 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: Recognize the opportunity to grow in the Spirit, that we are in our infancy and have room for exciting growth. 

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

Amen

Patriots Day in Boston

 

Patriots Day

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,

but only one gets the prize?

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last,

but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

(1 Corinthians 9 vs. 24& 25)

            In Massachusetts, April 19^th is Patriots Day. That gave me two choices to write about today; Paul Revere’s ride or the Boston Marathon. There is a similarity, and it is not direction.           

The marathon involves over 30,000 participants; one woman and one man will make a six-figure paycheck and win. As many as twenty others will receive appearance money and have good paydays. Most will receive personal gratification and receive a well-tuned engine for their body from the training and recognition for a great effort. They do it out of the passion that endurance athletes have and the feeling of accomplishment.

           

In 2013 two young terrorists interrupted things a bit at the finish line. That was a sad day for all involved, and it infuriated Americans and the free world. It demonstrated a world war in the process, and we need to function normally through it.

 

In 2020 a virus shut down group events, including spring athletics. There is a new normal in 2021, but 32,000 registrants lined up to run in Massachusetts. It was a scary and sad year for us.

           

In 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Sam Prescott raced out of Boston with a message that the British were moving out. Their message to the people of greater Boston was the call to arms. Unfortunately, Paul did not get very far because he was picked up in west Cambridge by a British patrol. However, he did get the poem named for him. Dawes and Prescott did not rhyme as well. They were on a mission to benefit humanity, were unselfish, and are American heroes.

           

Being fit is a matter of spirit, mind, and body. Life is not a sprint. It is a marathon. We need to race it and live it with our eye on the ultimate prize promised through our faith: “…a crown that will last.”

 

Thought for Today: Let us focus on our race for the prize; take a step closer to perfection.

 

Prayer for Today: We pray for the safety and success of the many runners in Boston. May they be blessed with fitness and great memories.

Amen

Enjoy Your Easter Holiday

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

 

Stress

  Stress

Pray for the citizens of Ukraine and an end to this and all wars. 

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

by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving,

present your requests to God."

(Philippians 4:6 NIV). 

            Stress has become part of our lifestyle. We often go through our week wound up like a rubber band that has been twisted tighter and tighter. However, please recognize that the rubber band eventually breaks when wound too tight or stressed too long; it snaps. We are a higher life form than a rubber band, but we many snap when overstressed.                      

 We all need a way of unwinding during the most stressful times. There are many ways to release stress. Mine is by writing devotions for fellow Christians. Other ways are exercise, meditation, a chat with a friend, or reading. Paul's writings to the Philippians 4: 8 & 9 suggest that Faith is a tool to help us. 

"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." 

Focus for Today: Let's focus selfishly on ourselves and feel God's peace and presence in our lives. When the "stress monster" wants to control our lives, read this passage, and let "the peace of God" control our lives. 

Prayer for Today:  Heavenly Father, the world seems to be a breeding ground for stress. There is always something to worry about; terror, hate, employment troubles, stock market woes- even severe weather. We pray that we may keep you and peace in our thoughts, that we have the presence of mind to make wise choices and release our stresses to find tranquility. Amen 

Spring

“I will send rain on your land in its season,

 both autumn and spring rains,

 so that you may gather in your grain,

 new wine and olive oil.”

“\(Deuteronomy 11:14)

 

            Spring is a beautiful time of the year. Long warmer evenings replace short winter days. Spring bulbs emerge from the ground with green sprouts, and color returns to the woods, parks, and yards. It is a time when the wonders of God bring peaceful thoughts to us all.

       

We also live in a world surrounded by protests, shootings, and fear. Terrorism, anger, illness, and other crises fill our world alongside the wonders of spring. Where is our "peace on earth"? Spring shows us how close it is and that God is trying to bring it to us. What is our best way to participate in having a peaceful world?

 

The message in another hymn,"...let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." gives us a hint. If each of us does our part, we can influence the world.

 

John F. Kennedy put it like this.  "One person can make a difference, and every person must try."

Thought for Today: We encounter negativity, anger, frustrations in the workplace, and frustration in our lives. We can choose to be anxious or at peace. Let peace begin with each of us. This week let's demonstrate Christian love and our quiet side.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we see violent negativity worldwide and seem to have very little control over it all. We pray that we may lead by the example of Christ, that our living example may contribute to a better world.