Busyness

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 have come to relate closely to the race analogies used by Paul in his letters. They are meaningful today because the events around the world have thrown us into a state of high 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 as a result, my life has 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 23rd 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.

Peace

Peace “Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. …they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide….” (Jeremiah 33 vs. 6 & 9) Today is a great day here in Minnesota. The sky is blue, the temperature is in the mid-seventies (That’s the twenties for my Euro-friends), and I have had a swim, a jog, and nine holes of golf. I am tired and at peace as I write this. I hope that world peace (which includes family, city, county, national, and any other peace!) is like the weather. It will come someday. After World war two there was the famous picture of the soldier kissing the nurse in Times Square. After all, that was the war to end all wars. In the fifties, a friend from New Hampshire received the Silver Star for his contributions to “keeping the peace” in Korea. At my fiftieth high school reunion, the list of deceased was overwhelmingly male. It had a lot to do with Vietnam and agent orange. These people contributed to peace and protected our country, and I greatly appreciate their efforts. The prophet Jeremiah talked about peace 2600 years ago. We are hopeful and pray for it to come, and most of us are willing to help it along. For all of us reading this today, let us contribute a bit of love to the situation. Let us enjoy our peace and hope that it spreads. Thought for Today: Think about how peaceful life is and appreciate it. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we pray for world peace and peace in our families, communities, cities, and nations. We recognize that is a lot to ask, but we ask you for help. Please show us how we can apply your will toward this lofty goal in our lives. We pray for the safety of the world’s soldiers through the end of hatred and war. Amen

Share Your Spirit

Share Your Spirit "And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but tablets of human hearts." (2 Corinthians 3:3) In the early 1990s, the pastor at our small church introduced the concept that we were all ministers, and his function was facilitator or spiritual leader. He encouraged us to speak our faith, demonstrate our spirituality daily, and reach out to people. He used to say that the average Methodist invited a guest to church every 22 years. In our wildest dreams, we may someday achieve world peace, resolve world hunger, and become an ethnically and racially blended society. When that happens, it will not happen through our politics today. It will be a Godly event that we cannot perceive. We are all ministers and have the opportunity to work every day towards an improved society. Language and color divide us into nations and social groups. However, there is a common language,".., not on tablets of stone, but tablets of human hearts." We all have a job to do. Thought for Today: We can easily get caught up in our activities. Families have sports programs, school issues, and business issues, while singles have their way of filling the week. Yes, most people in the world keep busy. Today, let us seek the opportunity to demonstrate and share our spirit with someone. Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, today we thank you for the people you placed in our lives who have supported and led us to grace. Today, we pray for the opportunity to contribute to your will here on earth. Amen

Our World

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, in the 1980s, 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, and tides ebb and flow. It is September, and here in the Northland, the evenings are cool, school has started, and a few leaves are beginning to turn. 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: 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 holds significant meaning. To others, the fall means hunting and being outdoors. It would be easy, amidst 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 the benefit of everyone. Amen

Hitch Hiking

Hitch Hiking "No Servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16 vs. 13 and Matthew 6 vs. 24) In the 1950s, hitchhiking was a primary means of transportation for teenagers. We hitched to the ball field, the next town, the beach; we hitched wherever busses did not go. We have fond memories of the people we met and the rides shared. When mom would give me a nickel for the bus, I would stand there with my thumb out, hoping to save the nickel to buy candy. H. Norman Wright, in his book All My Strength, writes about hitchhikers. Below are his thoughts: "But consider the hitchhiker for a moment. He wants a free ride. He has no responsibility at all for the vehicle. He doesn't have to buy a car, pay insurance, upkeep or gas. Have you ever had a hitchhiker who volunteered to pay for gas? Not likely. He wants a free ride, a comfortable ride, a safe ride, and sometimes imposes upon you to take him out of your way. It's as though he expects you to do this for him. There are a lot of spiritual hitchhikers today. They know the Lord, but they want a free ride. They want all the benefits of being a Christian but none of the responsibilities or the costs. They bail out without accountability, commitment, willingness to serve, and if it begins to cost. The decision to serve God or serve ONES self is a big one. We can't do both. We can hitchhike in our faith, or we can serve our God. The ride is better with Him. Thought for Today: Let's think about the hitchhiker and the driver. The hitchhiker has a need and thus is a taker. The driver is a willing giver. That describes Christians well, and it is OK to be a taker. We must decide who we are and who we will be rather than what we want to be. This season let us take a step forward and up. Let us pursue a better ride. Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, today we offer prayers of thanks for the opportunity to serve and contribute to peace on earth. Amen

Birthday Party

As leaders and teachers, we must recognize that those around us often need encouragement. Romans 12 lists one of God’s gifts as “encouraging.” In the 1950s, parenting seemed critical. Slogans included: walk softly and carry a big stick; I’m taking you out behind the woodshed; switches and wooden spoons were commonplace. I had two coaches to compare. My football coach was a very successful negative motivator. I left football in my senior year and went to a private school to swim for a great coach. The newspaper published an article quoting the coach saying thet my leaving left a big hole in the program. That was the first positive thing I had ever heard from him. The swim coach was a positive motivator and sent several swimmers to national championships and Olympics. Our small prep school defeated high-ranking first-year college teams with several future 1960 Olympians. When one of us lost, we were surprised- Coach Al was a positive motivator and teacher that had us believing in ourselves. Today’s teachers use positive reinforcement, and most parents also do. Future generations will benefit significantly from enlightened parenting and teaching. People with the gift of encouragement are blessed, and I pray all of you have it. Thought for Today: We will all have an opportunity to “encourage” someone. It will be a natural “gift” to some, but it will be a chore to many. Let’s recognize where we fit and utilize God’s gifts in our lives to make God’s world a better place. Prayer for Today: We pray that we may use ou God given skills and knowledge to encourage as we lead our families and others. Amen.

86th Birthday Today

“Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Each year on my birthday, I give thanks for something learned as a YMCA brat in my youth. The symbol for the Y is a triangle, and each side has a meaning, “spirit, mind, and body.” Each year I give thanks for my role as a father, son, and place in society. But let’s talk a bit about what it takes to be in a good place with ourselves. It is being selfish, yes, being selfish in pursuit of a healthy self: mentally, physically, and spiritually. In each of our lives, we must fit into niches in society; a family, a workplace, and a social setting. We fit best when the three sides of our triangle are in a healthy balance. In all areas of our lives, it is essential to demonstrate the forgiveness and love that comes from spirituality. We need to be physically fit enough to deal with the long days without being fatigued and run down. Also, we need to be mentally sharp when making life decisions. That is a lot to ask of mortals and not an easy task. So be a bit selfish. Take care of yourself so that you may be all that God wants you to be and be capable of doing His work when the opportunity presents itself to you. Take care of yourself to be all that your family needs you to be. Remember the logo of the YMCA, spirit, mind, and body. Keep fit and enjoy life. Birthday Thought: Today is the day the Lord has made, a day for me to enjoy. Friends will recognize it, the family will celebrate it, and I will enjoy it. It is a blessing that we all have and a great day to give thanks to the Lord for all of our many blessings. Birthday Prayer: Heavenly Father, today is a special day, the day that you brought me into your service. Throughout this day, I thank you for all the opportunities you have provided me and the chance to have a healthy relationship with family and friends. Today I will often hear the words “happy birthday.” To those words, I say, “Thanks be to God.” Amen

Importance

Importance "I saw that there is nothing better than that all should enjoy their work, for that is their lot; who can bring them to see what will be after them? " (Ecclesiastes 3:22) A job can provide great satisfaction. As Christians, we must guard against the temptation to live for our careers instead of God. Our relationship with the Lord and the people around us will outlast our jobs. Luke 12:15 speaks to us about greed and our attitude toward possessions: "Take care! Be on guard against all kinds of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Christ tells us to remember what is crucial as we approach our work and the people we encounter daily. We will no longer have a job at some point in our lives. That does not mean we will not have a career. There will be service to humanity, family, friends, and the Lord. It is not that lifestyle is not important because it is. However, a lifestyle can be empty and unrewarding without good health and strong faith. Thought for Today: Today, let us make every part of our lives an arena for deepening our faithfulness to God. and our fellow man. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, please help me have a healthy attitude toward my daily activities and relationships. Please show me how to put money and possessions aside and the people around me upfront. Amen

Always Be Joyful

Always Be Joyful "Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:15-16) Writing during a summer sunrise is cool and clear, and the view from our balcony is beautiful and serene. There is no difficulty being joyful and praying. It is a great moment, but. This month has been a challenge in our world- Racial and financial inequities are troublesome, the pandemic and its variants are still present, and severe weather was rampant last evening. But today is the first day of the rest of our lives, and we need to rejoice in it. Out of adversity comes greatness. Today, hundreds of beautiful people volunteer to help in the cities that lost buildings in tornadoes; more are collecting and distributing food for the victims; many are simply praying for love to prevail and bring joy. In summary, life is not always great, and it is sometimes difficult to "Always be joyful," but we can always "Keep on praying." Bless you, all. Thought for Today: Let's find a way to enjoy life despite the challenges and recognize the challenges that will strengthen us. The Lord will see us through. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we thank you for the joy in our lives and the ability to sustain it in hard times through prayer. Amen

Being Humble

Being Humble "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3). Is there a meek person in your life? What do you think of the meek or humble person at work, in the family, or at church? Would you like to avoid him? We tend to equate humble or meek with being a wimp. In the case of Moses, he was not passive. He took on an Egyptian overseer, stood up to Pharaoh, and hiked the desert for forty years. It is hard to see him as a wimp. Humble is a choice. It is being humble before God and deliberately harnessing your strength, and tempering it to use in a controlled way. Humble is not weak. It is believing and obeying God when you don't particularly want to when it is not the path of least resistance. Moses was not always enthusiastic about what God wanted. He did not feel capable when God called him to lead the people out of bondage. He didn't exactly say, "right on." It was more like, "Me, you have got to be kidding. Try someone else." (see Exodus 4:10-13). God's response "I will be with you." When you feel 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." Like Moses, you may be a bit reluctant. But he obeyed God. Moses believed him and did what he said. We can, too, when we humble ourselves. Thought for Today: Let's be humble before the Lord today! Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we pray that we can do your will in our everyday actions. We pray for guidance and humility to accomplish that. Amen

Differences

Differences "...let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up our minds not to put an obstacle in our brothers' way." (Romans 14:13) Growing up in Boston in the 1940s and 1950s, my family was strict about who was acceptable and who was not; prejudiced to the max. I believe that the feelings existed from the fear of competition within our society. Fear that the Italian and Irish immigrants would become equals to the old-time New Englanders; the blacks, Catholics, and the WASPish list went on. (I made up that word WASPish.) There was a definite trend to block the social development of certain sections of society. At the end of the era, some factories' help-wanted signs stated, "Irish need not apply." It was a sad time. The good news is that I was blessed to be a YMCA brat growing up, and they were leaders in treating people as equals. I mixed with all factions and never saw any difference, so it was hard for me to buy into my family's ideas. My grandmother advised me that my Italian friends were not welcome at her house. At the YMCA, our director, Jim Goodwin, was a leader in educating us on equality (in the 1950s). Jim was exceptional and well before his time. His daughter tells me he spent time reaching out to the JCC (Jewish Community Center) and scheduling joint events. My senior year of high school was at Huntington Prep in downtown Boston. It was my first exposure to a truly diverse community of mixed nationality and race. It was confusing because they were great guys, and my family had a true WASPish background. We studied together, trained together, and were fond of each other. We all shared a common goal: to get into a good college. My story has a point. Somehow, I was blessed by being exposed to worldly people and was blind to the differences. My friends were varied. The moral is clear: love your neighbor and do not be afraid to show it. Thought for Today: Today, we will interact with people of all kinds, recognizing them as equals and embracing the blessings of our differences. Love them all unconditionally. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, somehow, America, home of the free, still harbors prejudices within our society. Today, we pray that we can learn to accept others as St. Paul suggested. Amen

Mile Markers!

Mile Markers "Teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 40 vs. 12) Each day of our life is a present and special in some way. Each has a memory, some fade, but the great ones stay forever. We often catalog them, and many hide in our subconscious. Numbering our days is an excellent thought. The major ones do not take rocket science to remember. I am an elder and remember where I was for Pearl Harbor (27 months old), JFK's assassination, the twin tower assault, and Ted Williams' last at-bat (a home run at age 41). The unconscious ones are often more fun when brought to the forefront. Recently, an old friend from 1955 and I reconnected and reviewed our memories together, sharing high school football experiences, school days, former teachers, and cheerleaders. He brought back so many memories that he called me one evening while online. We talked for two hours. The Lord has been good to us. We are not wealthy but rich in memories, full of love, happiness, and wisdom. The numbering of our days has paid off in a worthy life. It will also work for you. Thought for Today: Today, we will create a memory. Whether it is a major or minor event remains to be seen. Either way, let us recognize its contribution to who we will be. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we thank you for all the great memories and blessings you have given us. Today, we pray that we serve your will here on earth as we go through our day. Amen

Independence Day

Independence makes America great, and our many freedoms make this a great place to live. Our constitution relies on our ability to self-govern. Below is a quote from Abraham Lincoln about our system. “This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.” Pray for the future of America. Thought for Today: Today, let’s celebrate our independence by obeying the Lord’s commandments. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, our country celebrates its independence. Our freedoms are based on your laws and our abilities to obey them. Today we pray for spiritual growth, honesty, integrity, and ethics. Amen

Listen!

Listen “Listen, accept what I say; and the years of your life will be many.” (Proverbs 4 vs. 10) Driving to the trail to do my morning walk, a father and son were in the car behind me. The son was wearing a headset and probably listening or viewing something on his phone. The dad had his phone up to his ear. There are parents with their children in our apartment complex but on their screens. Screens and blue tooth are an integral part of society today; we are together but separated by technology. So, not to sound too much like an old fogey, I must admit that most of my communications today are with text, email, or social media. It is a great way to stay in touch with people and twenty-two family members. My question is, “Are we missing out on closeness…or increasing our contact? In the ancient 1950s, my folks and I rode together a lot, and they would not turn on the radio. It was our time to talk. Often, I was getting grilled, but it was my turn to ask and question once in a while. I especially liked to quiz my mom when we were riding to school. She was a teacher and always had the inside scoop. My dad was a talker; with him was my time to listen and learn. I do not remember much about what I learned, but we sure talked. There is a closeness to a personal conversation that we may be missing. I saw no conversation between the boy and his dad in my mirror. They were in different worlds. Sometimes my grandkids do that when I pick them up from school. Alone time is essential. Use it. With that said, the increased communication through technology makes keeping in touch easier. My conclusion for today is nothing. Times are changing, and people change with the times. We are parents charged with raising and mentoring the next generation. Prayerfully our love and Christian values will be passed on. Thought for Today: Today, let us be communicators with those around us. Let us share our love and faith and some hints on life. Prayer for Today: Today, we pray for future generations. We pray that the technology that makes their lives simpler enhances their understanding of Jesus and his grace.

Walk With The Lord

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. We are humble before God. Many of us are leaders in the community, at work, and church, often in roles that require strength while remaining humble. However, we need to perform tasks that require an assertive posture in our lives. That is a challenging task. God's response to Moses was, "...I will be with you." He will always be with us. When you feel hesitant and inferior, God says, "I will be with you." When you wonder 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 must remember that God is always with us as we go through life. Thought for Today: We need to remember that we are not alone. Through our faith, we have help meeting our obligations. So, we should take control of situations humbly and allow ourselves to lead through the tasks ahead. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, thank you for being with us. We are often confused in a world of activity. Usually, we feel that we control the situation when things go well. We pray that we can recognize your involvement in our everyday lives and have the forethought to give you thanks through our actions and prayers. Amen

Walk with the Lord

Walk with the Lord "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live; not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..." (Ephesians 5:13-17) Wow, we are sure busy. When saying, "Hi, how are you?" the reply is often followed by a calendar review. When Paul wrote this passage, he was advising an active lifestyle. It is OK to slow down and smell roses! Many retirees comment that they do not know when they ever had time to work. A good goal for the retirement phase of life is not to feel that way. As "qualified" retirees, June and I often reminisce about our frantic past lifestyle. Many times, the craziest and most out-of-control moments have generated the fondest memories, the blessings. In verses 17 and 18, Paul says, "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thought for Today: It seems that being busy is a good thing. As we move through our schedules this week, take time to thank God for the opportunity to be involved or engaged; stop, appreciate, and feel good about our contributions. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we live in a world of hate and fear. We pray that it will end, but it seems it is just beginning. We pray this week for some a love attack to break out. Somehow, the world needs to recognize the advantages of Godly love. Amen

Love and Hospitality

Love and Hospitality "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour that I first believed. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace." (Amazing Grace, Vs. 4 & 5) (Words by John Newton, 1779) There are almost as many ways to find joy and peace as people. We can find it anywhere, anytime, because we each measure it individually. Christians have the tools and knowledge to reach out and find it. However, we often let our everyday tasks and challenges disturb our peace. This past week, it seemed that the traffic threatened many people's tranquility. The construction season and heavy rains slowed things down to a crawl. Frustration seemed to replace grace on the highways. Regarding traffic, a dear friend and author wrote, "...leave early, take the pretty route, and listen to good music." He is right on. As Christians, when we find our tranquility threatened, we need to use our tool kit: prayer, meditation, and even chatting with a friend. They all will work. God did not put us here to be frustrated. Experience grace as He wants you to. Thought for Today: This week, let us all keep grace at the forefront of our daily prayers. Let us expect the daily challenges and be ready with our tool kit. This week, let's experience grace and joy every day. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we recognize that your joy and tranquility are always available, and you are always with us. This week, we pray that we may keep you on our minds and thoughts as we work through the challenges of our Christian lives. This week,

New Beginning

New Beginnings "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) Today is the first day of the rest of your life; believe it. Every day is a new day, a chance to start over. Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, and today is a gift from God. It is up to us how we use it. We can choose to carry around our old baggage or harvest new joys. It is our choice. We can turn bad into good. Using a golf analogy, life is match play, hole by hole versus day by day. A bad golf hole-in-match play does not cost you the match; it counts as one of eighteen. A bad day is painful and certainly not wanted in life and may contribute to a bad week. However, it can be a bottom, and life can be all uphill. If you are reading this today, you are on the right track, giving yourself the opportunity for a better day. Meditation and prayer will jump-start your day and open the window to the light of our faith. Thought for Today: Today, let us start a new beginning. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we thank you for our many blessings, especially for a new day. We pray that we capture the joys of life you lead us to and help someone else find them. Amen

Looking Forward

Looking Forward Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me." (Philippians 3:12-14) Keeping your eye on the prize, the good life, and focusing on the positive events and memories is life's biggest challenge. In my mind, a long-term marriage, career, or presence in any group (specifically a church family) is the most formidable challenge placed before us by the Lord. However, what He asks is to stick it out, focus on the positive experiences, and learn from the negatives. No one is perfect. All the greats of history made errors and remember them, as do all of us. The other side is that everyone has had successes and done good deeds. A life focused on success feeds upon itself, leading to more success and happiness. The reverse is also true. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," Thought for Today: Let's become more open in our relationships- with our significant others, family, and friends. Let us look at our resentments, possibly share them, and resolve them so that we may "…press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…." Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we pray for the courage to be open and honest in our daily lives and relationships. We pray we may become closer and press on toward the prize together. Amen

Play Christ's Way

Play Christ's Way "Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) We are faced with decisions every day regarding our relationship with others. Sometimes, there is aggressive behavior. In business, there is competition to get to the top; in school, there is competition to be the head of the class; in sports, there is competition to be number one, etc. It is the way it is. When growing up, I was taught that winning is not everything. It was how you played the game that mattered. In the seventies, I attended a business management seminar sponsored by Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi. The emphasis was on detail, being service-oriented, and planning. Over the years, the operating principles learned at that seminar have made my life very successful. They taught us to have a game plan and work it, but alter it as needed. To play by the rules takes faith in yourself and God and love and caring for people. Weekly recipients of my messages vary greatly from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. Two are very successful Christian CEOs, and their companies' behavior matters to them. Christian ethics take strong faith. No matter where or who we are, fairness and love of others are crucial to success. Then how do we deal with the aggressive ones, such as the inconsiderate neighbor? Cut-throat businessman? The ones that bend the rules? We need to pray for and love our competitors in life. John quotes Jesus in chapter 15:17, "This is my command, Love each other." Thought for Today: This week, let us practice unconditional love. If confronted with opportunistic or aggressive behavior, let us find a way to positively and lovingly navigate the situation. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, let me reach out to people this week. Please help me understand them and care about them. We pray that we can improve ourselves and our surrounding world through our faith in your ways. Amen

Peace

Peace! Pray for world peace. I pray that you may find personal peace and joy in life. Young at Heart "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..." (Ecclesiastes 11:9) Some people seem at peace. They avoided the rat race of life and found the happiness most sought. The interesting fact is they cross all socioeconomic boundaries. The common thread is always their faith. They believe things will work out. The strong message here is that the things that bring peace, serenity, and happiness to our lives are found in spiritual growth and can be found in yours. Thought for Today: Today, avoid the rat race by praying for serenity and doing what we need to obtain peace. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities before us. We pray for serenity, love, and the chance to promote peace in our community. Amen

Pride and Humility

00501 Pride and Humility "Before his downfall, a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12) My mom used to use some interesting terms and expressions when describing humanity. One of her favorites was "foolhardy" when someone did something out of line. Another was, "It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Somehow, when we are proud in the context of today's text, we are not paying attention. When we exhibit false pride, it helps us grow to appreciate the realities of life. We are often overconfident, especially when we are young. Somehow, that is God's way of teaching us. We constantly have to monitor our pride and confidence. The elders of society have knowledge and experience but are not always correct. Technology and culture are changing faster than fifty years ago. Therefore, many of the rules of life have changed. In our spiritual lives, the rules have not and will not change. The ethics, love, and traditions Christ taught us will endure regardless of technology changes and cash flows. We need to take inventory of our pride and be honest. We must uphold our values to serve the Lord in an ever-changing world. Thought for Today: Every day is the first day of the rest of our lives. The mistakes and experiences of our past are nothing more than learning experiences and enable us to move forward with confidence. Today, let us focus on being humble and dealing with the realities of our worlds. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the lessons we have learned and our loves. Thank you for putting it before us through all that Jesus taught us and what we learned from the past. Amen

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) I confess to you that I cannot quote a lot of scripture; I do not know a lot of biblical history; I have never visited the holy land; sometimes, I 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

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 19th 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 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. 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 a British patrol picked him up in West Cambridge. However, he got the poem named after 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 must 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

Joyful

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; Come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100 vs. 2) The Psalmist who wrote this knew what Christianity was all about. We must be happy, enjoy our love, and sing it aloud! Can we do that every day? Each day is unique, and some are awful. Our day was bright under the clouds. We had not seen the sun in four days and had drizzle, hoar frost, and ice. Bah, humbug to a joyful noise. However, it was Sunday morning, so we went to an early church service and communed with friends in the chapel with our pastor. It was a joyous time. Then, we had breakfast together and discussed our weekly plan, including a pool party with the youth and several visits with old friends. Gloomy is a mindset. Keeping the Lord in your life can turn a day bright and make it easy to make a joyful noise. Thought for Today: When you are feeling down and out, think about the joy of your faith. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we pray that we can keep our focus on the joys of our faith and that we may share those joys with those around us. Amen

Style Change

Style Change? “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:32/33) The more we change, the more we seem to stay the same (adapted from Alfonse Karr). When we focus on our spirituality, we can live “…without fear of harm.” Negatives build when we lose focus and create a slippery slide. Putting oneself first part of each day is critical to maintaining sanity and personal growth. It is essential to take time to grow every day to be a good parent, employee, and friend. How do we do all we need to do to meet our obligations? The answer is priorities and including the Lord on the list. When we do not have time for God, it is a sign of over-commitment, reacting to our “to-do” lists rather than planning our day. Pat McNamara, a former Olympian from Minneapolis, once advised me that if I was going to stay in shape, I had to give fitness a priority part of every day. Make it a calendar item and follow Nike’s advice, “Just Do It.” The same applies to faith. Schedule a time to listen to the Lord’s message so we “…will live safely and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Thought for Today: Recognize the internal conflict between our over-committed “to-do” lists and the time required for personal growth. The concept is simple: we all want to be better in spirit, mind, and body but lack time. Let’s try placing the Lord first for a few minutes and feel the difference. Prayer for Today: Father, you are at the top of my list today. I look forward to the piece that you will bring. Amen

A Still Place

It is easy to go through a busy day without acknowledging the presence of God in our lives. Sometimes when we get to the end of a day and look back, the day seems un-Godly. We have not done the best job of caring for ourselves when that happens. That is our fault. Confusion and stress seem to find their way into our lives. We will have busy and stressful days, and bad things will happen to us. It is advisable to put ourselves first for a part of each day, which requires a bit of selfishness. Alone time shared with God will make us better workers, parents, and people. There is nothing selfish about that. Henri Nouwen called it a still place “…This still place is where God can dwell and speak to us. It also is the place from which we can speak in a healing way to all the people we meet in our busy days.” We all need to think about that. Thought for Today: Let us remember to be selfish, take a break, and allow God to support us. Prayer for Today: Let us pray that God will be present in our lives as we pursue the opportunities before us. Amen

Becoming Like Him

Becoming Like Him “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him.” (Philippians 3 vs. 10 & 11) “Becoming like Him” is a great goal, and it speaks of faith, hope, and charity, three beautiful assets. Fortunately, we all have and experience them, Just not all of the time. Sometimes, we are not faithful and occasionally let our minds drift away. There are times when disappointment or depression leads us to lose sight of the hope we need. And charity often takes a back seat to perceived necessity. Ok, this is not Sunday, and I do not do sermons. None of us are perfect, and we will probably never attain anything like perfection. However, if you are reading this, you are doing the right thing now: meditating, enjoying a quiet moment, hopefully drinking your favorite beverage, and thinking about “What Would Jesus Do Today?” As Christians, our lot in life is striving for perfection, working daily on our spiritual growth, and being comfortable through Jesus. Thought for Today: Let’s look at our calendars for the next 24 hours and ask ourselves: What would Jesus do today? Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we want to thank you for resurrection today. It is spring, and the message is all around us; holy week speaks about the roots of our faith, and the coming of spring reminds us of the wonder of your powers. We are blessed and give thanks.

Worst Enemy

Worst Enemy “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51 vs. 2 & 3) Self-forgiveness is always a challenge. My worst characteristic is holding on to my transgressions and errors, feeling bad about things that happened 50 years ago! I believe most people are that way, but I pray they are not. In twelve-step recovery programs making amends to people you may have harmed is part of the process. Working with people over the years has shown me that at least half of those contacted do not remember the offense! That has always intrigued me. If my first statement is a fact, at least half of our internal remorse is unnecessary. We hang on to things that do not matter; we are our own worst enemy. That is not the case written by the Psalmist above. David talks about his affair with Bathsheba, and his conscience is bothering him deeply. He is praying for cleansing and forgiveness and will receive it. The question is, can he accept it? We are very hard on ourselves in our human world and need to develop more robust spiritual growth to find acceptance. Thought for Today: Today, let’s move on with our activities unencumbered by our internal memories. Let’s leave remorse behind and generate some positive memories! Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, like David, we have been holding on to past transgressions. Today, we pray that we may let them go and escape so that they do not affect the work we can do for you in the future. We know you will forgive us, and that is not our issue. Amen

Saint Patrick's Day!

00317 St Patrick’s Day “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5 vs. 1) Growing up in Boston, there was always a large St Patrick’s Day parade and celebration. It was great, mythical fun without a grain of truth. There were stories about a saint who drove the snakes out of Ireland, green beer, and buttons that said everyone was Irish today. Wikipedia does not mention green beer or parades but describes a great man who converted a country. St Patrick was an Irish saint who lived from 387 to 461. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He allowed the Irish to become free of their demons (maybe snakes?) and experience the grace of Christ. We need to honor him for that today. Thought for Today: Today, let us honor a person who spread our faith and the grace of Jesus to the heathen population. Ok, let’s do it by drinking a toast with green beer. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we thank Saint Patrick and the many saints of the first millennium. They brought the grace of Christ to the world and made our lives special. We pray that, in some way, we carry on their work. Amen

Hope Through Prayer

 

Hope Through Prayer 

“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, choices are hard, and stress builds, pray about it; turn it over to God. Paul’s letters repeat that repeatedly, and we often do not hear it. Our faith is not always strong, and we can be confused.           

In his message above, he talks about a great way to get through a day, week, or month. He is preaching a way of life through faith 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 thank you for the day you made for us. We thank you for the opportunity to do your will and contribute to each other’s peace.

Amen

A Still Place

 

 A Still Place 

"Be still and acknowledge that I am God."

 (Psalm 46:10)           

The world is a busy place. Americans are overbooked; families are tied up daily with career and children's activities; empty-nesters seem to have filled the time with commitments; often, retirees do not know how they ever had time to work. That leads to stress, tension, and frequent family failures. That's correct; the family that plays too much together may not have enough quality time to survive. They do not have time to call for help.           

Henry Nouwen says in his book Bread for the Table, "These are words to take with us in our busy lives. We may think about stillness in contrast to our noisy world. But perhaps we can go further and keep an inner stillness even while we carry on. It is important to keep a still place in the "marketplace." This still place is where God can dwell and speak to us. With that stillness, God can be our gentle guide in everything we think and do." 

Do you have a still place? How do you keep your sanity? 

Thought for Today: Influenza, COVID-19, and other conditions in our world are causing many of our friends and neighbors to undergo unplanned life changes. Let us pray that God will be present in their lives as they pursue peace through new opportunities. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, the world around us is confusing, sometimes cruel, and always challenging to understand. Please allow us time to step aside and dwell upon "your will" rather than "our wants and needs." Let us find the peace or stillness to allow "thy will to be done on earth as it is in heaven."

 

Share Your Spirit

 Share Your Spirit

"And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us,

written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God,

not on tablets of stone but tablets of human hearts."

(2 Corinthians 3:3)

 

        In the early 1990s, the pastor at our small church introduced the concept that we were all ministers, and his function was facilitator or spiritual leader. He encouraged us to speak our faith, demonstrate our spirituality daily, and reach out to people. He used to say that the average Methodist invited a guest to church every 22 years.

       

In our wildest dreams, we may someday achieve world peace, resolve world hunger, and become an ethnically and racially blended society. When that happens, it will not happen through our politics today. It will be a Godly event that we cannot perceive.

 

        We are all ministers and have the opportunity to work every day towards an improved society. Language and color divide us into nations and social groups. However, there is a common language,".., not on tablets of stone, but tablets of human hearts." We all have a job to do.

Thought for Today: We can easily get caught up in our activities. Families have sports programs, school issues, and business issues, while singles have their way of filling the week. Yes, most people in the world keep busy. Today, let us seek the opportunity to demonstrate and share our spirit with someone.

 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, today we thank you for the people you placed in our lives who have supported and led us to grace. Today, we pray for the opportunity to contribute to your will here on earth.

Amen

 

Respect

00213 Respect 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers, they succeed."

(Proverbs 15:22) 

        Earning respect is an ongoing challenge throughout our lives. According to the book of Proverbs, communication will make other people want to connect with us. Proverbs 15vs22 talks about the benefits of good counseling and sound advice.

       

"Two people working together are four times better than the best of the two alone.

Also, three heads are nine times better than the best of the three working alone."  There are no scientific studies to confirm this, but it is true at some level. Sharing our thoughts and advice makes us all stronger.

       

To earn respect, be a willing advisor. Share your experiences, your knowledge, and goodwill with those in need. Share that precious intellectual property that God has allowed you to accumulate. Earn respect through sharing.

Thought for Today: Today, let us think about helping others through our experienced advice. Try hard to let others help us. Listen and share as Proverbs advises us and observe how much better we feel when we practice sharing.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we pray for peace and tranquility for those around us and throughout the world. We pray that somehow our life's experiences may be shared and used as an example of your will.

Amen

 

  

 

Excellence

Excellence 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

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

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

 (Colossus 3:23-27, NIV) 

            One of my expressions or a “Pickeringism” is  that all days are not created equal. Here is an example. There are days that we are full of boundless energy and others when we are as flat as pancakes. However, these feelings are mental, physical, and emotional states, and they do not affect our hearts, just our performance or output.           

As a long-term weekend athlete, there have been too many days when only the heart showed up for the workout; the arms, legs, and head wanted to go back to bed. There were many days when that’s how the day started, but the performance was in the excellent range when it ended.           

One of my best friends and a four-time Olympic athlete relates to this. Pat has trained every day of his life, and he can relate to the fact that the heart and head often lead the body, “ …  work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” and you will be rewarded with excellence. Excellence starts with believing in yourself and the Lord; the rest will follow. 

Thought for Today: Remember that “All days are not created equal.” On the day we want to go back to bed, let us trust our hearts and move out, take the leap of faith, and give ourselves the chance to exhibit the excellence God wants us to share.  

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we thank you for your ongoing presence in our lives. When we are physically worn, you help us recover; when emotionally drained, you recharge our spirits. We thank you for always being with us. Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help Wanted

 Help Wanted

     When reading the newspaper, do you ever take a quick look at the help wanted section? Many of us do for a variety of reasons; searching for an improvement in a career position; a new career, salesmen sometimes spot new prospects; there are many reasons. The selection grows thinner than usual in hard times and slow economies.

    When we attend church, we hear a message. Sometimes we listen and absorb and come away enthusiastic about the subject. We are pleasantly soothed and calmed at other times, and occasionally we are disinterested. It is OK to be in any one of those moods after hearing a message. We are all different, and even God can’t send us a message on Sunday that affects all of us uniformly.

    What does it mean when we are enthusiastic about a message? When it inspires us to think about action? Perhaps there is an opportunity to serve, help, increase our time or cash commitments. Whatever it may be, we have heard God’s “HELP WANTED,” and it is our choice to apply for the job. It is our opportunity to allow God’s will to be done through us here on earth.

Thought for Today: Today, let us focus on our daily activities. Search our planners and calendars for Godly reasons to be busy. Allow some time to do God’s will as we move through our busy schedules.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, wars and conflict abound, hunger and poverty seem excessive in the world. This seem inconsistent with your will. We pray that we find a way to contribute, to serve society in your name, and respond to your “HELP WANTED.” Amen

 

A Place to Hide

 A Place to Hide. 

"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

(Psalm 16 Vs. 6, 11 & 12) 

            In the eighties, Ty Boyd, a speaker on the business circuit, was a Christian, businessman, and TV adman who introduced me to the National Speakers Association. Ty taught me that to be successful, you had to be happy. Also, to be happy, you had to have a "life plan" that included all phases of life. It is early in the New Year, and we all have our resolutions and goals; that is good. However, what is our plan to accomplish those goals?           

Frankly, I do not care about the plan to lose weight or get fit, the resolution to be a better employee, etc. Let us recognize what has been given to us through Jesus to be successful and happy. This year, we must use the Lord as a refuge, a place to seek peace.           

The expression "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is sporty and cute. I think that when the going gets tough, spiritual people will recognize the pleasant boundaries given to them by the Lord and be at peace. They will see the path of life made available to them through faith and experience, the joy of following the way, the will of God. The closer we stay to the Lord and His plan, the happier and more successful we will become. 

Thought Today Day (Week or Year!): Let's focus on staying close to God. If we have not put this closeness in our life plan, let's do it now. Let's set ourselves up for success and happiness. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we are scared and concerned as we move forward through a changing world. We pray that we may hear your call, find refuge in your love, and follow a plan to be close to you throughout life and do your will here on earth.