Serenity Prayer

Serenity Prayer "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to 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 New Year'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 do we 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, adding 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 with our families, neighbors, and coworkers. Prayer for Today: Let's use the serenity prayer this week and for the year, especially when overstressed.

Persistence

Persistence "Then Jesus told his disciples... that they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1) Bob Dylan's lyrics said, "Times, they are a-changing…" and maybe not for the better. One of life's constants is change. It is like an endurance event or marathon. There will be ups and downs along the way that necessitates keeping our eyes on the prize. It takes persistence to get to the end. We need to "…always pray and not give up." There is a long year ahead, and there will be changes and some stresses: careers, finances, health, to name a few. The holiday season is a period of stressful joy due to all the activities. In January, reality comes to the forefront, starting an annual endurance event called the Year. Dr. Benjamin Mays wrote the poem "God's Minute." I have only just a minute. Only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can't refuse it. Didn't seek it, didn't choose it. But it’s up to me to use it, I must suffer if I lose it, Give account if I abuse it, Just a tiny little minute, But eternity is in it! Mays had it correct, but we must consider a whole year. Thought for Today: Today, let us pray for people in need who are dealing with challenging life issues such as COVID-19, family stress, financial stress, or others. As charity begins at home, it is a given that prayer also does. Have a great day. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we pray for smooth sailing through the rough seas of life. We pray for ourselves and others who are in need. We pray that we will do better and seek a way to do your will here on earth.

New Year's Eve

New Year’s Eve “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7 Today, rather than focusing on a new beginning, let’s give thanks for the blessed year that has passed. There are both positive and negative memories, and we may ask why we did some dumb things. Or why something great happened? Whatever the case, the Lord was with us, and we must be thankful. Thought for Today: Let us be thankful for last year and prayerful about our future. As we move forward, let’s remember two of my favorite themes. Keep healthy in your spirit, mind, and body. Also, when in doubt, “Just do it!”

2024!

Gifts "For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, In accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, And these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6) Christmas has passed, and we were all involved in its materialism at some level. The advertising, the gift-giving, and the holiday cards all lead us away from its meaning. It is not about the gifts that were given and received by people. Earlier this year, we read about the gifts that God gave us. Paul's letter to the Romans has a special meaning. Verse nine of Romaans twelve lists seven of God's gifts. It is essential to understand God's blessings and recognize our gifts. We need to know where we fit in God's world and how to apply His gifts in our lives. These gifts matter- They are not advertised on TV or in the newspaper. They are given to us by Him to use. Thought for Today: As we approach the New Year, let us think about who we are and what gifts God has given us. Let us learn to use these gifts to make our lives and the lives of others better. Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, self-improvement always seems to be an objective at this time of the year. Each year I focus on "my improvement" and sometimes do not recognize the tasks you may have set forth for me. I pray that this will be the year that "my improvement" is accomplished by identifying your gifts to me and finding a way to do your work with them. Amen

Merry Christmas

"Joy to the World, the Lord has come" There are many one-liners in Christmas carols. The opening of "Joy to the World" says it all. It summarizes our Christian lives, lives of joy through the forgiveness of our faith and our Christian peers. Let us all feel the joy of the season and the love for each other, and keep our faith strong throughout the season. With blessings, have a great Christm

Universal Hope

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) Many churches have a special service for people having a sad time over the Holidays. Our pastor must have been an Elvis fan once because he called it a Blue Christmas Service. 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. It was one worth attending whether you were sad or not. Our friends Bob, Carl, and Dave miss their wives who passed away this year. There are too many to list with severe ailments and others with challenging career and financial situations. Several years ago, we met a young gentleman, John, who had visited during the summer. He was in tears during the service. He was despondent because his parents were having a problem with his sexual preference. I ask you all for prayers. Celebrating Christmas is for all of us. Through it all, we remember those who are experiencing loss. June and I pray about aging and life in a new society with COVID and war. It is important to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Thought for Today: Let us take note of our sad feelings over the holidays. We need to recognize that they exist rather than masking them with joy. Pray about them, turn them over to God, and 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 while giving thanks for your role in our lives and the help you give us. Thank you for being available for us each day. Amen