Ground Hog Day!

0202 Punxsutawney Phil

We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world”

and that “There is no God but one.”

For even if there are so-called gods,

whether in heaven or on earth…

…for us there is but one God,

(1 Corinthians 8 vs. 4 & 5)

            On Groundhog Day every year in Pennsylvania, they forecast the end of winter. Today, Phil’s shadow was not seen, and it was declared that winter will end early! Well, you see Phil is never wrong because somewhere in the world there will be an early spring; probably not here in Minnesota.

           

Phil is a character, not even a legend. He is no Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed or Ichabod Crane. He is just a groundhog being disturbed for a group of people in Pennsylvania to have fun. Frankly, he is not a good idol!

           

Would it be fun if next year if they opened Phil's den and Jesus stepped out? Picture him in a white robe, the sun beating down on him with a heavenly glow leaving the crowd speechless. Imagine Jesus saying something like, “Sorry folks but even I refuse to do a long-range weather forecast. There will be more bad weather here in the north country but do not fear for the Lord will be with you.” He would then give is his blessing and arise toward the heavens.

            Bless you all and may we have an early Spring!

Thought for Today: The Lord blesses us and keeps us 365 days a year.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and father, we pray for those in the north that deal with fire and ice. May they take the time to appreciate the seasons and the beauty of it all.

Our Challenge!

The Lord's servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind 

able to teach and not resentful."

 (2 Timothy 2; 23 & 24)

            Forgiveness is the way of Christian life and It is not always an easy path. We are challenged throughout our lives with anger and resentment. Sometimes we grow vindictive and just want to get even. Wow, what a curse. Is it possible to find peace through revenge? Absolutely not!

            How do we find peace when we feel that someone has done us wrong? How do we keep God at the forefront of our lives when dealing with negativity?

The answer is in good Christian friends, mentors, readings, and prayer.

Thought for Today: Throughout our lives "focusing on the positive" always seems to be a challenge. This week, let us all focus on the great things that we have and deal promptly with the negatives so that we may enjoy life to its fullest.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, our lives are full of the challenges that are placed before us. Sometimes these challenges create fear and hurt that are difficult to deal with and easy to hang on to.  Friendships and relationships become challenged. Please help us keep the many great and positive gifts you have given us at the forefront of our thoughts and give us the power and wisdom to deal swiftly and honestly with the challenges.  Amen

Amazing Grace

Love and Hospitality

 "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears re-lieved;
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 there are people. It can be found anywhere at any time. It is something that we all measure in our own way. As Christians we have the tools and knowledge to reach out and find it.
            However, often we let our everyday tasks and challenges disturb our peace. This weekend winter storm Jacob is in its second day here in Minneapolis; the snow is leaving, and the wind is blowing! In the deep south, Jacob is bringing wind and rain. People with outdoor plans need to be careful.  Jacob is not contributing to our joy and peace!

Several years ago, one of our Good News buddies wrote a book called Finding Grace. He looked back at the first 64 years of his life. He was successful, even famous. An over achiever by any standard.  He did not have “…a life of joy and peace.” He found it through a program of spiritual growth and helping others; made the transition from successful and prosperous to be a great person.

As Christian's when we find our peace and tranquility threatened, we have a tool kit; prayer, meditation a chat with a friend. They all can work. God did not put us here to be frustrated. We can use these tools to experience grace. (Even on a long stormy weekend!)

Thought for Today: This week and always keep grace at the forefront of our daily prayers; expect daily challenges and be ready with our tool kit. This week 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. We need you to help us daily. This week we pray that we may keep you on our minds and in our thoughts as we work through the challenges of our Christian lives.

Happy Landing

Perseverance

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,

having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

(James 1 vs. 12)

            Perseverance is life. We need to persevere in many ways and the easiest is through meditation, prayer and faith that the Lord will bring us through life. We hope for life without illness or discomfort; always having a job; a life partner to share things with; and the list goes on. In other words, we want to be born to live happily ever after! That would not build character.  As I write this in beautiful Minnesota, we are in the in the middle of winter. Some winters we cancel outdoor events because there is no snow, the ice is not safe on the lakes and because it is too warm! This we are having a character-building winter!

            We will get through it and when spring comes it will be later than usual and appreciated more. We will experience growth and appreciation of warmer times. In 1974, when we moved here, our real estate agent talked about our beautiful Minnesota summers and said they were worth the wait. Praise be to God; we need help this year!

            There is a church that I drive by that posts a weekly slogan that describes it very well. I do not know the author, but it said something like “Life is not about having a bumpy flight. It is about having a happy landing!” We need to keep our faith to persevere on our bumpy ride. The best part will be the landing!

Thought for Today: Today will be the first day of the rest of our lives. Let us be spiritual and use it well.

Prayer for Today: Dear Father, we are experiencing a very bumpy ride. We have concerns about money, pollution, terror and more. Today we give thanks for having the spirit and will to get through it all so that we may experience the landing. Amen

Shine Your Light!

010806-Our Task for a New Year

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Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

andglorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5; 16

            Happy New Year! We all say and think that. We do not all live it because there are problems in our lives; illnesses, financial issues, family stress etc. that do not roll over at midnight on December 31^st. We do have control of “Happy New Year” in our heads. If we are the light of the world, then we need to be happy and allow the light to shine.

            When we hear or read the news, there is a lot to be depressed about. Some of the things going on in the world are tragic. As Christians, we do need to care and be concerned. However, we also need to pray and give thanks to the Lord for the good news side of the coin. Our focus needs to be on the positive side; there is always more right than wrong; good than bad.

            In a recent TV sermon, Joel Osteen asked, “The bible says we are the light of the world. Have you got your light shining out?” We need to focus on that with our smiles and our laughter. We need to be the warm glow and the light of the world.

Thought for Today:  Today will be a great day. Yes, the normal things will occur. There will be illness, stress, cranky kids, bad weather, too much to do etc.; so, what? There will also be great friends and family, fresh air, good food and other positives. We need to keep our light shining so others may see it.

Prayer for Today:  Dear God, we give thanks for the warmth and joy that you give us in our hearts and our Christian love for others. We thank you for all the happiness in our lives and the ability to share that joy and laughter with the world.

Amen

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.
(Romans 12:9-10)

        During the Christmas season we all share material gifts. It is a time of great love and caring.  There are a lot of hugs, kisses and tears of joy. It is a truly wonderful time of year. We are blessed with love and the spirit of Christ. 

        Now we are faced with a New Year and all of the resolutions that come with it. In most cases, we 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 and worth thinking about 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 special gifts, given to us by the Lord to use for Him.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we are entering the New Year and we wonder where 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

Song!

There’s a Song I the Air

“There’s a song in the air!

There’s a star in the sky!

There’s a mother’s deep prayer

And a baby’s low cry!

And the star rains its fire

While the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem

 cradles a king.”

(1989 Methodist Hymnal #249)

(Josiah G. Holland 1874)

            There is a lot of joy around the Christmas season. I am somewhat reluctant to use non-carols as a lead-in, but the pop songs do create joy. Songs of Rudolph, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, (My personal favorite for a Christmas laugh) and many more usually do not help increase the spirituality but do certainly add to the happiness of the season.

            Several years ago, at lunch with a pastor the restaurant was playing pop Christmas music. He did not want to hear about Rudolph, Santa or Grandma. I spent a good part of the lunch applying my considerable sales skills trying to manipulate the mood to positive and in the spirit of the season. I could not do it!  I realized later that he was having a bad day and grabbed on to the music as a symbol of his angst.

            My view on Christmas pop music is noncritical; it adds to the joy, the event and maybe even brings someone to Church. It gives people an opportunity to think about what it is all about and adds to the season.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

(Luke 2 vs. 14)

 Thought for Today: For today as we wrap up our last minute preparations for Christmas, let us take a few moments, forget the stresses and enjoy the moment.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we approach the celebration of Jesus birth. It is a wonderful season and we are blessed. We thank you for the Grace guaranteed us through him.

Amen