One God?

“I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.

I must bring them also.

They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

(John 10 vs. 14,15,16) 

            At a meeting recently I expressed my belief that there is one God worshiped around the world in many different ways. Several people in the conversation jumped on me and advise me all the reasons I was wrong. It was one of those uncomfortable moments because we were not going to agree. 

            As many of you know I have been involved with twelve step programs for over thirty years. In that time the mix of people attending has evolved to reflect the mix of people in our society today. In almost any meeting there are Hispanic, east Indian and Asian have been added to what used to be a dominant WASP and Afro American mix. The program works for all of them.

            The real question is how and why? The reason is simple. Although there is a great mix of beliefs, everyone has to recognize that they need a “higher power” to help them out. Twelve step programs always start out with that “higher power” terminology because it works. In today’s world of un-churched and varied beliefs AA and other twelve step programs have not lost their effectiveness. They still serve individuals by creating recovery through spiritual growth. 

Thought for Today: For today let’s set two goals: First, let us find a personal way to have some spiritual growth; increase our personal faith. Second, let us contribute to another person’s spirit and faith; be ecumenical! 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father today we need your help and support. We are weak, tired and too busy. Today we ask for a vision of tour will and the ability to help through prayer. Please lord, make my day!

Let Go and Let God

"I will never fail you nor forsake you."

(Hebrews 13:5)

        What do you do when a problem seems unsolvable? You must let God show you

that there is a solution. If you are uncertain about the future or having difficulty releasing the past, do not be troubled. God is with you now. Let go and let God guide you in this present moment.

        Let go of worries or concerns about how you think something should be done and

let God guide you to the best way to do it. Do not become overwhelmed by the number of tasks before you. Let God's spirit lead you step-by-step to a new life of fulfillment.

        As you let go and let God take charge of your life, you will realize that seeming obstacles can be opportunities in disguise. God will never fail you.  

Thought for Today: Let go of the stress and tasks that seem insurmountable and out of our control. Let us do what we can and pray about the rest. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we give thanks for your presence in our lives and our future. We have confidence that by letting go and turning things over to you and by living by your laws grace will be ours.

Amen

Real Freedom

This is a good follow up to Independence Day! 

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ...
You who are trying to be justified by law
have been alienated from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace.
But by faith we eagerly await through
the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
(Galatians 5:1, 4,-6)

        In our society today we find too many ways to become slaves. Along with our careers we take on the church projects, the youth sports, charity events etc. Then we become aware that we have little time left for meditation and rest. In today's world we tend to create our own brand of slavery, all in the name of lifestyle.

        Often our pastors ask us to put down the morning paper, turn off the TV news and pick up the daily meditation book; start the day with meditation and love!    I think at some time we have all tried it and then backed off. That's how Good News was started. My will power kept going back to the news and sports!

        Certainly we are better people and have a better life when we keep our faith at the forefront; when we recharge our spiritual batteries. When we are charged with faith, large problems seem to have less impact, it is easier to show others we care and tranquility comes to the surface. As Paul said above, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Let's take the advice of my favorite philosopher, NIKE, and "Just Do It."

Thought for Today: Let us keep meditation at the forefront today. Yes, we are too busy and need to get to the lake home, mow the lawn; the kids have three games etc. But no one says we need to be formal in our thoughts regarding our faith. Take a mini-break a day; at a stop light, in the parking lot- a few minutes of charging the batteries goes a long way.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we have become calendar slaves. Our lifestyles and fear of losing our lifestyle has dominated our lifestyle. Today we pray that we can trust in you and recognize that your grace is what we need.

Amen

Independence Day

Good News Independence Day 

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

(Galatians 5:1) 

            Independence is what makes America great and our many freedoms make this a great place to live. Our constitution is based on our ability to self govern. Below is what James Madison, our fourth President, had to say about our system.

"We have staked the whole of all our political Institutions upon the capacity of mankind for Self-Government, the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Pray about where we were then and where we are now.

Thought for Today: Today let’s celebrate our independence by obeying the Lord’s commandments.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, our country celebrates its independence. Our freedoms are based on your laws and our abilities to obey them. Today we pray for spiritual growth, honesty, integrity and ethics.

Amen

Tough Times

“Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
   fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and armor;
   arise and come to my aid.”

(Psalm 35 vs. 1&2) 

            All days are not created equal. Often there are negative forces in our competitive society that seem overwhelming. There are career issues; most people don’t awaken every day with enthusiasm to go to work. Financial issues always need to be dealt with and seem to recreate themselves monthly, weekly or quarterly. The calendar always seems too crowded. All together it is easy to wonder where God is in all of this. Is someone working against us?

            Early Christians had it a lot tougher than we do. In David’s case above the majority of the crowds wanted him dead. That was also the case for Paul and Silas almost everywhere they went; “But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city.” (Acts 17 vs. 5)  Being an early Christian required a strong faith dedication and I personally think they had to be able to run fast and far!

            The early Christians turned things around through their belief system. We can also do that. We do it with prayer and meditation; God is always with us and available to help. 

Thought for Today:  Today let us start out without fear, stress and conflict. If somehow it finds us or interrupts us let’s deal with it in a Godly way. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father today we give thanks for your presence in our lives; for the opportunity you give us when we speak to you. We give thanks for the peace you bring us.

Amen

           

Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect Peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they have trust in you.”

(Isaiah 26 verse 3) 

            Peace is a direct result of faith and trust. When situations are not what we would like we often focus on the bad results that may occur. When we do that we may bring the negative result upon ourselves. We were not steadfast!

            In life we need to keep our eye on the sky, look upward and outward for the positive results. We need to be steadfast and positive. With a positive outlook and a strong faith we will get the most positive results. This outlook can lead us to perfect peace. 

Thought for Today: Today let us all be positive in the face of all challenges. Let’s snatch peace from the grasp of negativity. 

Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, today we give thanks for the opportunity to have peace in our lives. We pray that we may focus on doing your will and that through our steadfast love we will have peace and contribute to the peace of others.

Amen

Always Be Joyful

As a front end comment June and I do not go to England for the weather.

Good News 061312 Always Joyful 

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.”

(John 15:11) 

            Joy is in the heart and our heads seem to want to control it. Does that make sense? What I mean is that the holy spirit is always with us and sometimes we do not recognize its presence. This is being written in the seaside village of Torquay in Devon and the rain is pelting down for the eighth or ninth day of this visit. We just had breakfast with 50-60 other hotel guests; some joyful and others sorrowful.

            One fellow was looking forward to his round of golf wearing his wellington boots and slicker. He loves his golf and was very positive about the day. Another was going to catch up on his reading in the lounge and then take a walk to a restaurant for lunch. I am writing and then walking in the expected rain! We are the positive force in the room! The spirit of joy and peace is with us.

            Several others have long faces and are complaining about the rain. Their heads have taken control and they are missing out on their joy. Yes, there will not be any sunning on the beach, sitting under the palms and the umbrellas will be use to stay dry rather than protect us from the sun. They are missing the point. We are in a beautiful place with great people. The views are magnificent; the food great and there is always tomorrow!

            This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

Thought for Today: Today let’s recognize that we can be full of joy or worry. Let’s choose to be joyful.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we give thanks for people; the individuals that make up humanity. You created them all different but somehow in your image. They come in al sizes and shapes, worship you in many different ways but are overwhelmingly great to know.

Amen