Positive Christian I

Positive Christian I

“He gives strength to the weary
       and increases the power of the weak.

(Isaiah 40 vs. 29)

            It is an early morning and I am thinking back to a summer where June and I moved into our seventies and deeper into over 46 years of marriage. It is great to celebrate; it is great to reminisce about the victories and challenges we have worked through over the years. June and I are truly blessed.

            The story is not all that positive however, we are getting older and as my mom who is 98 says, “Growing old is not for the faint of heart”. It comes with its own set of challenges. The last two years we have had several medical challenges. Chronic back issues, atrial- Fibrillation and chronic arthritis; issues that do not go away! Fortunately, June and I set a goal of not being grumpy senior citizens. We want our grandchildren to remember us as fun people. We decided to pray and always try to be positive Christians. It is not always easy.

Thought for Today: Today will be a milestone; things will happen we do not expect. Today let’s recognize the blessings we will have, even if they seem like challenges.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we thank you for our many fond memories. As we face today’s challenges we pray that we accomplish your will, deal with issues Jesus way and generate more fond memories for tomorrow.

Amen

Smile!

This was written in 2006 shortly after the death of my brother. It shows the effect that we have on those around us and is described well in Paul’s letter to the Romans.

 Smile!

“Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

(Romans 12v11)

Thought for Today: Today let us give thanks to those around us that support our lives: even those who do not realize the effect that they have on us. Let’s follow Paul’s advice: “Share with God’s people who are in need” and “Practice hospitality.”

                This is being written in the, food court at Midway Airport in Chicago at 8 am after a 6am flight from Minneapolis. There are smiling faces all around; even the TSA security people seem upbeat today. The smiles are almost infectious. It is not the normal scene that I observe in airports.

                 It seems that most of the people here today read Paul’s advice to the Romans and are being zealous and hospitable. It is infectious. I was not looking forward to this trip because there is a lot of work lying ahead at mom’s in Massachusetts helping reorganize the house after my brother’s passing.

                I awoke in a pensive mood and have dealt with smiling happy people for two hours. First the TSA security people were in good spirits, then a flight attendant greeted me with an exceptional smile, a guy helped me with my carry on when I almost dropped it, the flight out is on time and I had a first class upgrade. It also helps that I am writing Good News and having an omelet between flights!

                Today I had forgotten my own rules about the start of a new day. Up at four, fly at six stop in Chicago and then on to a stressful week! My funky start has been turned around by others. Somehow, the spirit and joy of those around me has affected my mood. It is like I can feel the spirituality around me.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord today I simply give thanks for those around me that have lifted my spirits.

Amen

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

"Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven?

whose sins are covered?

Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

(Romans 4 verse 7)

            When we truly believe, we will be at peace. Not because we have been perfect, but because we will know that we are forgiven through our faith. That is a powerful and moving statement. There are many moments in our lives that we have erred and perhaps are not proud of that memory.

            There are many twelve step programs and clinics full of people that have never let go of their negative memories. They are searching for peace. It will find them when they "...turn their will and their lives over to the care of God...”. That is an interesting thought.

             In our lives, we also have an obligation to turn these memories over to God. I.E. the expression: "Let go and let God". How do we accomplish that? Perhaps through the forgiving of those who have harmed us.

            Colossians 3:13 says "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you".  When we learn to forgive others, we find it easier to accept the forgiveness we receive from God.

Thought for Today: Today, let us focus on the many positive things we accomplish, the people we help and the positive memories that we all appreciate. When a negative or remorseful memory comes to the forefront, let us stop a moment, pray and remember that God is forgiving.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to find grace and live in peace. Today, please help me focus on the positive things in my life and help me see the good in others.

Amen

Acceptance

Acceptance

"Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment."

(Romans 14:1)

"...let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up our minds not

to put an obstacle in our brother’s way."

 (Romans 14:13).

"Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

(Romans 14:19).

            One of my favorite topics is that love leads to peace. However, to love requires acceptance of others. The above are slightly chopped out of context, but their message is clear.

            We all have some associates who are not easy to get along with. Some are opportunistic, angry, selfish etc. Is the best way to deal with them confrontation?  …or by explaining to them the errors of their ways? That usually fails or makes the problem worse.

            I suggest the golden rule: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Treat others well and when the relationship is difficult; pray for them and the relationship.  When all else fails, read Paul’s message to the Romans.

Thought for Today: Let us focus on our trouble relationships and how we may recognize our role in them and how to improve them.

Prayer for Today:  Dear Lord, please help me understand and accept others. Help me understand those who do not practice the principles taught by Jesus in their daily lives. Help me accept them and help me live my life in a loving and caring way.

Amen.

A Good Name!

A Good Name

"A good name is more desirable than great riches."

 (Proverbs 22:1)

In the 60’s when I desired to change careers from engineering to sales I had several interviews that changed my life. On my very first one, I did not have a clue what I was doing and was sliding into a deep hole fast. The fellow conducting the interview let me know quickly and for whatever reason gave me a lecture on selling myself and dressing for success. He pointed out that the most important product that I would ever have to sell would be myself and how important it was to make sure the product was of high quality. Frankly, that was in 1964 and my next sales interview was in 1972, he scared me to death.

In 1972 a gentleman named Warren started my second sales interview with a question, “What have you ever sold?”  That question would have sent me packing in 1964 but not this time. I talked about selling myself to my company to get my job, selling management on budgets and projects and that I believed everyone was a salesman every day whether they knew it or not. The job was mine and it has been all uphill ever since.

During the time from 1964 through 1972, I did a lot of product development; there were college courses, business books, church and of course by my mentor and partner, June. You see, that first interviewer was put in my life to advise me that the Lord gave me two ears to listen and understand.

In a recent Winner’s minute, televangelist Mac Hammond stated that we are all “Brand Managers”. He stated that George Washington said that the one of the most precious things this side of the grave is a good reputation.

Thought for Today: Today let us consider what we are selling in every situation Let us make sure that we are the best possible brand. Also, we will be interacting with a lot of people that may not be as good as they can be. Let’s be sure that they hear the message so that they may benefit from our experience.

Prayer for Today: Dear Father, today we will be working with younger less experienced folks. We pray that we may influence them in a positive Christian way.

Amen

Correcting!

 Correcting

“He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
than he who has a flattering tongue."
(Proverbs 28:23)

        Our faith teaches us to be open and honest with everyone. That is a tall order when it comes to correcting someone. There always seems to be a fear of the negative or the possible confrontation. It is always easier in the short term to be silent.

        Proverbs 28:23 tells it like it is. We will earn more respect and have a better relationship if we express our concerns promptly and honestly. In all of our relationships, the ideal situation is when everyone's feelings are shared. There are justifications for holding back. Fear of disturbing our families or risking our careers is the most common. However, over time, appropriately sharing our feelings always works out better than keeping quiet.

            Proverbs 25:11 tells us that "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." We need to express ourselves and share those feelings under all conditions.

Thought for Today: Today we will be tempted to avoid issues. We need to recognize those feelings and think about them. We need to find a way to deal with the issues that reflect the way our faith teaches us, by being open and honest.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, you teach us to be open and honest with everyone. It seems very unreasonable and at times impossible. Today we pray that we can deal with all of the problems that come our way in an open and honest way. We pray that we may do this in good faith.
Amen

Honor Them

Today’s blog post is from my devotional for May 30^th, the original memorial Day in the United States.

Honor Them

“Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;

…Keep reminding God’s people of these things.”

(2 Corinthians Verses 11 & 14)

Celebrate Memorial Day, pray for all who served; who went before us and all those that we love.

            For several years my son-in-law Rick played in the 451^st Fort Smelling Army band. We went to a lot of parades and concerts and had a lot of fun. At each concert they traditionally played the military anthems of the Coast guard, Army, Marines and Navy while the veterans in the crowd stood and saluted. Each time my eyes teared up with emotion when I thought what these people had done for all of us.

            There are places in the world where my writing these messages would be prohibited and criminal. That is not the case here. What makes America great is our freedom of speech, the ability to express ourselves and to hear from the other side. Abraham Lincoln said it like this:

“I am nothing but truth is everything.

I know I am right because I know that liberty is right,

for Christ teaches it, and Christ is God.”

Thought for Today: Today let us remember all who have gone before us and be thankful.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we give thanks to all of those who have gone before us; those who have contributed to our lives today. First all of those who fought in our military that contributed to our freedom; second to our family ancestors who built or traditions and lifestyle; and last to Jesus who gave us grace. Amen