I Yam what I Yam

I Yam what I Yam 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,"

(Phillipiama 4-13) 

Was Popeye a philosopher? Cartoonists often are. When Popeye was confronted with difficult situations, he would say, "I yam what I yam?" gulp down his spinach and defend right.

        We are not all Popeyes, and we are expected to conform, often to standards below our Christian faith standards, and may face difficulties if we do not. It is necessary to understand who we are and what we are and keep the Lord in our daily lives. We need our "spinach."

.

         In many ways, we are continually fighting image syndrome. Quite often, we get flack because we don't fit in. Conformity is the word, and clones are the result.

    How did some prophets or John the Baptist fit in with the rest of their society? Probably not too well at times, and they were special. The truth is you are you. You are who God created you to be, and he wants you to know who you are and understand your individual characteristics. No one else is exactly like you. God created you and then broke the mold.

 

        You are unique, and it is all right to be you. Don't let others shape you. That is God's task. He started with you, will finish with you, and will be with you. He is our spinach.

 

He does want you to be you.

Thought for the Day: Let us search for the person that God wants us to be so that we may serve him better.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we travel through our weekly chores, we need to see a way to help You. We often lose track of your plan, and sometimes we are too busy and do not understand it. This week we pray that we may find a better way to serve You and make life better for everyone.

Amen. 

 

Kindness

 

 Kindness 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law."

(Galatians 5:22) 

In his book "Bread for the Journey," Henri Nouwen acknowledged that "… All people, whatever their color, religion, or sex, belong to humankind and are called to be kind to one another, treating one another as brothers and sisters. There is hardly a day in our lives when we are not called to do this." 

It is a great feeling when someone treats us kindly, opens a door when we are carrying something, lets us into a traffic lane, or offers to help in any other way. We get an incredible feeling of gratitude and thankfulness. A few of these feelings each day contribute to a great day.              

A better feeling is when you are on the giving end, the door opener, courteous driver, etc. Contributing to others in such small ways seems to make the day smoother. The warmth of their smiles and the thank you make my day, and it will make yours, also. 

Thought for Today: Today, let us enjoy ourselves by smiling to show appreciation when others show kindness and acknowledge us. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we pray that we can contribute to others in a kind and considerate manner. We pray that when we interact with people, they will be glad and feel Jesus through our actions.

The Serenity Prayer for 2023

Serenity Prayer

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

 the courageto change the things I can 

and the wisdom to know the difference." 

    As we go into the New Year, peace and tranquility always seem to be part of our NewYear's goals. Last year we did too much. One more committee at church. The kids need a coach. How can we get everyone to every game, lesson, class, etc.? Oh, the boss wants us fifty hours a week too.

    It takes faith and courage to let go and let God play a role in our lives.

"I... will have sufficient courage so that now

 as always, Christ will be exalted in my body..."

Philippians (1:20). 

At work and in our daily lives, we often fail to take the risk of allowing God to take control. How often we do not accept the spiritual help available. We will handle it all. Where is our humility when we try to do it all?

"... humbly accept the word planted in you,

which can save you."

 James (2:1).

 

    We tend to forget the basic rules taught to us by our faith. When we take control and add stress to ourselves, do we ask for the help available?

"If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God

...and it will be given to you."

 (James 1:5) 

    We are told to keep God at the forefront of our search for this inner peace.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4:7) 

    The serenity prayer is simple, and that is good. For the new year, let's keep it simple. 

Thought for Today: Let us focus on peace and tranquility in our lives; with our families, neighbors, and coworkers.

Prayer for Today:  Let's use the serenity prayer this week and for the year,especially when overstressed. 

 

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.
 Never be lacking in zeal,
But keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality."
(Romans 12:9-13)

 

        During the Christmas season, we all share material gifts. It is a beautiful time of year. It is a time of love and caring with lots of hugs, kisses, and tears of joy. The love and spirit of Christ are a blessing.

 

        Now we are faced with a New Year and the resolutions that come with it. We tend to 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 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 unique gifts from the Lord to use for Him.

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

 

Universal Hope

 Universal Hope 

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

 Day after day, they pour forth speech;

night after night, they display knowledge.

 There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world."

(Psalm 19v1-4) 

The holiday season is a time of hope. We are encouraged to believe there is hope for universal understanding and world peace. The Psalmist notes that there is one clear message from the heavens, one God with one statement in all tongues to all peoples. 

We live in a troubled world with natural disasters, civil unrest, war, and COVID persists again this year. They capture the headlines. Indeed, people question God's role in all of this. 

We need to remember that "The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The press and news media report on other issues. It is up to each of us to focus on the message. We can infect the world with faith, peace, and hope with our example. 

             John F. Kennedy said, "One person can make a difference, and every person must try." 

Thought for Today: OK, there will be bad news this week. We will hear it, see it, and sometimes feel it. We need to overcome it with the faith and hope of the Lord and show others our hope for future generations. 

Prayer for the Season: Dear Lord, this is the time of year when all faiths celebrate you. We honor your presence in different ways with the common thread of love and peace. We pray for the guidance to share our faith so we may sow a seed in your name.

 

Blue Christmas

 

 Blue Christmas 

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you, my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."

(Psalm 57:1) 

            This week Christian Churches have a particular service for people having a sad time over the Holidays. Often called a Blue Christmas Service after the Elvis Presley song, but it also exists as a Service of Light and Hope. We can always find reasons to be blue over the holidays, and it is good to look at those feelings, put them in perspective and pray to God for the support available to us. 

            Many miss spouses who passed this year. There are too many to list with severe ailments and others with challenging career and financial situations. Also, we need to pray for what seems to be our new pandemic lifestyle.  

            Christmas is a time of celebration. Through it, we remember those who are experiencing loss. June and I pray about aging, living in a new society with COVID, and our growing family's future. We must accept the season's joy as we move toward the holiday. Take refuge in the shadow of God's wings. 

Thought for Today: Let us take note of our sad feelings over the holidays. Let us recognize that they exist. Rather than mask them with joy, let us pray about them and turn them over to God so we can enjoy the celebration of Christ's birth. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we have special holiday prayers. We pray that your presence brings trust and love to the world. We pray for people who have lost loved ones and are spending their first Christmas with an empty place at the table. We give thanks for your role in our lives and the help you have given us. Thank you for being available for us each day.

Amen

Problems?

Problems? 

“From them will come songs of thanksgiving
and the sound of rejoicing.
I will add to their numbers,
and they will not be decreased;
I will bring them honor,
and they will not be disdained.”

(Jeremiah 30 vs.19) 

            Every day is a day to rejoice. We are between our formal day of Thanksgiving and Christ’s birthday celebration. Most of us are enjoying what we call the holiday season. The message above tells us that God wants us to rejoice and to be happy. We need to pay attention to that.           

Thought for Today: We will be happy as we will work through our busy schedules, deal with holiday stress, and in the end, let us rejoice. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we rejoice in your name and thank you for giving the Grace and spirit of your son, Jesus.

Amen