Busy?

 

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 came to relate closely with the race analogies used by Paul in his letters. They are meaningful today because the events around the world have thrown us into a high state of 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 life 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 23^rd 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.

Trust

 Trust

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me.

Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this because I am in need,

 for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

 (Philippians 4 vs. 10-13) 

            It always amazes me and reinforces my faith when something Paul said 2000 years ago applies directly to today’s world. For several years our free world economy has been flaky. Trust in government has faded as the leaders of America and the world have become polarized. The advent of Ponzi schemes and fraud by high-powered executives have hurt the trust we need in our financial markets for them to be strong. Even at low levels of government, doubts about their ability to perform are stronger than ever. It is scary because our country and the world rely on trust. In America, our money reminds us that “In God We Trust.” 

            I promise to turn this around. I try not to be political, but that seems to be the case today. Paul is pointing out a simple truth, and we must pay attention. In a recent telecast, televangelist Joel Osteen said, “We do not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds our future.”  Hmmm, there is something to think about. 

Thought for Today: Today and always, take time to focus on our savior. Take a few minutes to appreciate and welcome Him into our life. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we give thanks for Paul’s words and encouragement. We pray that we may accept his advice graciously and lean on you to get through our daily stresses.

Amen

 

Start The Day

 Start the Day 

^" The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble."

(Proverbs 4:18& 19)           

            Those who have known me long know I have always been a morning person. I think there is no better time of day than early morning, even sunrise. There is no prettier sight than the sun coming up out of the sea off of Boston, the early light on the first tee waiting for enough daylight to see the ball's flight, or the sun coming up over a mountain when viewed from a canoe while fishing. I am blessed because the first light is a spiritual event to me. 

Each sunrise starts a new beginning, a new opportunity to do better, and a new opportunity to do God's work. Yesterday is gone and can not be changed, and our future is today and beyond. 

These devotionals started as something to do during the early hours. The newscasts on TV were (and still are) depressing. The newspapers are full of bad news. It seems that bad news sells. Tomorrow you will see a "first light." It may be mid-morning if you are a late sleeper or a sunrise. Either way, it is a new beginning, a new opportunity. It will be the first day of the rest of your life. Spend it with hope and joy. 

Thought for Today: There will be seven days this week. Each is a fresh start. Let us feel the spirit in the first light, the blessing of a new day. Let us live the first day of the rest of our lives with faith and the joy of the Lord. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we thank you for the sunrise, the new beginning, new opportunity. We pray we may use this opportunity to do your will here on earth.Amen

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 years later, 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; tides ebb and flow. It is September, and here in the northland, the evenings are cool, school has started, and a few leaves are turning.

           

            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: Let's 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 is meaningful. To others, the fall means hunting and being outdoors. It would be easy amongst 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 everyone's benefit.

Amen

 

Trust

Trust 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your understanding."

(Proverbs 3:5). 

            We often try to make things happen in our lives, driving toward human goals while conforming to modern society's standards. It is easy to get diverted from a solid spiritual track functioning our way rather than the Lord's way. 

            Am I ready and willing to do God's will? If so, how do I know God's will? The ten commandments are a good place to start. What the Lord has in mind for you may take you by surprise. Perhaps it is best expressed by Isaiah 55:8-9: 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

 neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

 'As the heavens are higher than the earth,

 so are my ways higher than your ways

 and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."

 

            Knowing God's will cannot be a power struggle; he wants our will to be submissive to him. The more we value control and power, the more significant battle we will have. To be at peace, He needs to be in charge. 

Thought for Today: Today, let's try to do God's will through our daily activities. He can and will resolve our problems. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we search for clues to help do your will. We pray that we can contribute to making your world a better place.

Amen

 

Somebody

Pray for world peace and all who are living without peace.

 Somebody

“For it was you who formed my inward parts;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

The Lord works in strange ways. When I write these devotions, I do not know what the results will be. Sometimes it is from an outside source placed before me. This is one of those occasions, and it is close to plagiarism.

A pastor, good friend, and retired minister wrote, “Everybody is Somebody-including you and me.” We all know that we are winners because the Lord is with us. Pastor Mike said it in a similar way that reinforces the thought. Below is a crucial paragraph from Mike:

“…My theology and values are centered on the conviction that because we are created in the image of God, each of us is valued and has deep within us the potential to reflect the goodness and beauty of our Creator. Therefore, being of Norwegian or German descent, African or Korean, tall or short, gay or straight, rich or poor is not a determining factor in our worth as human beings. We are valued because we are created in the image of God.”

My thanks to Pastor Mike Miller.

Thought for Today: Today, we will have battles we do not expect. Let us be winners with God’s help, no matter how the battle turns out. Plus: We have the parts and the image to be of value. Enjoy your week.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we give thanks for who and what we are; your image here on earth. Amen

Birthday Special

 

 Birthday Special 

“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 do 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 recognizeit, the family will celebrate it, and I will enjoy it. It is a blessing that we all have and a great day to givethanks 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