Straight to our Heart

Good News 020512 Straight to our Heart

“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD^[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.”

(Isaiah 40 vs. 3)

            When driving in the UK where the roads are windy and twisty, occasionally we come to a long straight road that goes on for miles. My wife, a Brit, explained to me that those are ancient Roman roads laid out 2000 years ago. I found that impressive.

            In ancient times leaders built roads in the desert for their armies to move. They are long and straight and efficient so they could move quickly. The valleys are filled by pushing the tops of the hills. They facilitated the need. In New England where I grew up there are very few straight roads. They paved the cow paths and horse trails which tended to follow the river beds. It is tough for strangers to find their way.

            The message today is that we need to be sure of our road to the lord; that it needs to straight. There needs to be a straight connection between God and our heart. We need to allow the simplest two way travel possible in our complex world; straight to our heart. 

Thought for Today: Today let’s think about where our road takes us; where are we going. Perhaps we can take a few bends out and travel straight. 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, we live in a complex world and are surrounded by too much activity and we are over committed. Today we thank you for being with us and pray that we may keep our hearts open to you and stay on a straight and holy path.

Amen

Winning

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so

that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have

received from God."

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

    Who in our lives are the winners? Some say the one with the most toys wins. That is a materialistic one liner that gives me goose bumps. However, in our society today, we pursue "things" instead of happiness and peace. So who are the real winners and how do they win?

    God placed us here to be his stewards with our first priority to be sharing the gifts we received from Him with others. That seems to be a very tall order. However, we always feel great when we have reached out and helped a friend or stranger. In fact, is that not when we feel the best?

      God gives us resources in many different forms. We have money that we earn and knowledge that we have learned. We graciously share these things with our families and children and that makes us feel good. Many people also reach out beyond their own family units and share. There are many ways to share and sow the seeds that God has given us to plant, and we are real winners when we reach out and share our gifts.  

Thought for Today: Let us look for an opportunity to help someone; perhaps someone who is sick, someone hurting or someone lonely. If we fail in finding someone, let’s share some extra with our Church. Sharing a bit  will make us feel better.  

Prayer for Today:  Heavenly Father, we are living in a troubled world. Suicide bombings, road rage, families in strife and many other incidences confuse people. Today we pray for an opportunity to help and share with someone, an opportunity to demonstrate your Grace through our actions.

Amen.

One God?

“I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.

I must bring them also.

They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

(John 10 vs. 14,15,16) 

            At a meeting recently I expressed my belief that there is one God worshiped around the world in many different ways. Several people in the conversation jumped on me and advise me all the reasons I was wrong. It was one of those uncomfortable moments because we were not going to agree. 

            As many of you know I have been involved with twelve step programs for over thirty years. In that time the mix of people attending has evolved to reflect the mix of people in our society today. In almost any meeting there are Hispanic, east Indian and Asian have been added to what used to be a dominant WASP and Afro American mix. The program works for all of them.

            The real question is how and why? The reason is simple. Although there is a great mix of beliefs, everyone has to recognize that they need a “higher power” to help them out. Twelve step programs always start out with that “higher power” terminology because it works. In today’s world of un-churched and varied beliefs AA and other twelve step programs have not lost their effectiveness. They still serve individuals by creating recovery through spiritual growth. 

Thought for Today: For today let’s set two goals: First, let us find a personal way to have some spiritual growth; increase our personal faith. Second, let us contribute to another person’s spirit and faith; be ecumenical! 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father today we need your help and support. We are weak, tired and too busy. Today we ask for a vision of tour will and the ability to help through prayer. Please lord, make my day!

Let Go and Let God

"I will never fail you nor forsake you."

(Hebrews 13:5)

        What do you do when a problem seems unsolvable? You must let God show you

that there is a solution. If you are uncertain about the future or having difficulty releasing the past, do not be troubled. God is with you now. Let go and let God guide you in this present moment.

        Let go of worries or concerns about how you think something should be done and

let God guide you to the best way to do it. Do not become overwhelmed by the number of tasks before you. Let God's spirit lead you step-by-step to a new life of fulfillment.

        As you let go and let God take charge of your life, you will realize that seeming obstacles can be opportunities in disguise. God will never fail you.  

Thought for Today: Let go of the stress and tasks that seem insurmountable and out of our control. Let us do what we can and pray about the rest. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we give thanks for your presence in our lives and our future. We have confidence that by letting go and turning things over to you and by living by your laws grace will be ours.

Amen

Real Freedom

This is a good follow up to Independence 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. ...
You who are trying to be justified by law
have been alienated from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace.
But by faith we eagerly await through
the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
(Galatians 5:1, 4,-6)

        In our society today we find too many ways to become slaves. Along with our careers we take on the church projects, the youth sports, charity events etc. Then we become aware that we have little time left for meditation and rest. In today's world we tend to create our own brand of slavery, all in the name of lifestyle.

        Often our pastors ask us to put down the morning paper, turn off the TV news and pick up the daily meditation book; start the day with meditation and love!    I think at some time we have all tried it and then backed off. That's how Good News was started. My will power kept going back to the news and sports!

        Certainly we are better people and have a better life when we keep our faith at the forefront; when we recharge our spiritual batteries. When we are charged with faith, large problems seem to have less impact, it is easier to show others we care and tranquility comes to the surface. As Paul said above, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Let's take the advice of my favorite philosopher, NIKE, and "Just Do It."

Thought for Today: Let us keep meditation at the forefront today. Yes, we are too busy and need to get to the lake home, mow the lawn; the kids have three games etc. But no one says we need to be formal in our thoughts regarding our faith. Take a mini-break a day; at a stop light, in the parking lot- a few minutes of charging the batteries goes a long way.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we have become calendar slaves. Our lifestyles and fear of losing our lifestyle has dominated our lifestyle. Today we pray that we can trust in you and recognize that your grace is what we need.

Amen

Independence Day

Good News Independence 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 5:1) 

            Independence is what makes America great and our many freedoms make this a great place to live. Our constitution is based on our ability to self govern. Below is what James Madison, our fourth President, had to say about our system.

"We have staked the whole of all our political Institutions upon the capacity of mankind for Self-Government, the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Pray about where we were then and where we are now.

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

Tough Times

“Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
   fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and armor;
   arise and come to my aid.”

(Psalm 35 vs. 1&2) 

            All days are not created equal. Often there are negative forces in our competitive society that seem overwhelming. There are career issues; most people don’t awaken every day with enthusiasm to go to work. Financial issues always need to be dealt with and seem to recreate themselves monthly, weekly or quarterly. The calendar always seems too crowded. All together it is easy to wonder where God is in all of this. Is someone working against us?

            Early Christians had it a lot tougher than we do. In David’s case above the majority of the crowds wanted him dead. That was also the case for Paul and Silas almost everywhere they went; “But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city.” (Acts 17 vs. 5)  Being an early Christian required a strong faith dedication and I personally think they had to be able to run fast and far!

            The early Christians turned things around through their belief system. We can also do that. We do it with prayer and meditation; God is always with us and available to help. 

Thought for Today:  Today let us start out without fear, stress and conflict. If somehow it finds us or interrupts us let’s deal with it in a Godly way. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father today we give thanks for your presence in our lives; for the opportunity you give us when we speak to you. We give thanks for the peace you bring us.

Amen