Let the Glory Be God's

 Let the Glory Be God’s

“Praise be to the Lord,

for He has heard my cry for Mercy.

The LORD is my strength and shield;

My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”

(Psalm 28 vs 6 & 7)

In America the “Super Bowl” takes place on Sunday the fourth and there are big numbers associated with it. Numbers like 150 million people watching on TV, 3 million dollars for a 30 second add, 250 million added to the area economy- OH yes, a number I do not have but tried to find; there are a number of competitors and coaches from both teams who will attend a prayer meeting and bible study Sunday before the game. They are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

            My sports history goes back to age six as a YMCA swimmer and in my 60 plus years of associating with athletes has convinced me that they are overall not a group to be proud to know. For the most part, their years of competition and “winning is everything” attitude has influenced them in a negative manner. Frankly I don’t like them and avoid them.

            On Super Sunday there will be members of the “Fellowship” who have kept a balance in their life. In sports I find them a pleasing and great minority. They represent what I feel every Christian and person needs to be: The best they can be with an appreciation of the Lord and Jesus Christ. Below is the last paragraph of their competitor’s creed.

“I give my all- all of the time.

I do not give up. I do not give in. I do not give out.

I am the Lord’s warrior- a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination.

I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.

The results of my efforts must result in His glory.

Let the competition begin.

Let the glory be God’s.”

Thought for Today: Let us enjoy today by being the best we can be while keeping the Lord in the forefront.

Prayer for Today: Father, today we pray that we will keep you in our lives; that we will be fair in our dealings and competitions. We pray that through our faith we will be good examples of your commandments.

Amen

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”

(Isaiah 26 vs. 30) 

            Perfect Peace. Is that something we dream about? It is not in my case. Most of my dreams seem to be about troubles, potential troubles and past experiences. I often wonder what negative and scary dreams mean. Am I being punished? Is my faith weak? Are there unwholesome thoughts imbedded in my subconscious? Or simply was it too darn much sugar in that hot fudge Sunday I ate after dinner! It could be all of the above.

            It seems that I have come close to mastering peace in my awake hours. On the golf course the water ball and the fourth putt don’t seem important any more. The red lights and traffic jams do not even seem to bother me when I am driving. When I am awake, my focus on positive feelings and having a great day are at the forefront. Life is good, darn good.

            Recently in the comics there was a cartoon regarding the patience that we develop as we grow older. It mentioned how things that bothered us in our youth don’t seem as important as they once were. I like to think we seniors have matured and have put things in perspective. The punch line in the cartoon was “maybe we just don’t give a darn anymore.” I assure you that is not the case.

            One of Webster’s definitions of “steadfast” is ‘extremely steady and loyal.” The prophet Isaiah is telling us that a strong faith rewards us with peace in our hearts. If you are reading this I suspect that you are blessed with and have a strong faith and are at peace. 

Thought for Today: Today let’s be steadfast and positive in our search for peace. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we pray for a positive attitude as we deal with our activities. We pray that we may contribute to the peace of those around us in your name.

Amen

Perfection

Perfection

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work
and the love you have shown him
            as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
         We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end,
                      in order to make your hope sure.
                    We do not want you to become lazy,
              but to imitate those who through faith and patience
                      inherit what has been promised."
               ( Hebrews 6; 10-12)

       In twelve step programs, there is a reading called "How It works". It recognizes that the program is to develop "spiritual growth not perfection". We all tend to get into that perfect mode; perfect mom, perfect dad, perfect employee and the list goes on. Obviously, each of us falls short of perfection.

        In our daily lives, we make mistakes. We could count them weekly and judge ourselves as failures. The only one of us that does not make mistakes probably does nothing. Many people work their way into depression by counting their failures.

        In our spiritual lives it is not any different. We all have made mistakes and will continue to be less than perfect. We may feel bad or judge ourselves rather severely. However, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown...” We must remember that as we walk the walk.

Thought for Today: Today we will fail again at being perfect. Let us try to focus on the good that we do, the encouragement that we give others and the love we have in our hearts. That will help us have a great week.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, there is scary and awful news every day. Often we forget your love because of worry and concern. Today we pray that we may focus on your understanding and caring love. We pray for the opportunity to demonstrate and share your love with others.
Amen 

Tools for a Happy New Year 2018

Tools for a Happy New Year 2018  

    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

50 hours a week too!! Below are some thoughts and verses to support us this year.

    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 are taking 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 in 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)

    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 over stressed.

"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."

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

"Not that I have already obtained all this,
or have already been made perfect,
but I press on to take hold of that
for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. “
(Phillipiens3:12-14; NIV)

        Happy New Year. For the next few weeks the athletic clubs will be filled with "New Years resolutionists". Diet programs will come and go, self improvement books will be purchased or at least the dust will be blown from last year’s cover! Does that sound familiar? Yes, we all have had a few resolutions fall by the wayside.         I do not know if Paul wrote the above on New Year’s Eve but it is appropriate. Many of us have new goals today: weight, fitness, financial goals etc. Paul is asking us to look at our spiritual goals. "...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize.” Hold that thought as you proceed through the New Year.

Thought for Today: Let us look ahead rather than behind. Let us look ahead at the opportunities in our lives. This year let us practice Christian ethics and life style in all phases of our lives and by all means share our faith with others.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father as this New Year begins please hear our prayer for serenity:

"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."

New Year's Eve

New Year’s Eve

“The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Psalm 46v7

            Today rather than focusing on a new beginning, let’s give thanks for the blessed year that has passed. Certainly as we think back there are both positive and negative memories. We may ask why we did some dumb things? …or why something great happened? Whatever the case, the Lord was with us and we need to be thankful.

Thought for Today: 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 spirit, mind and body. Also when doubt about something remember my favorite philosopher, NIKE and “Just do it!”

Bob’s Note: Thank you for reading these devotions. My prayers are that it helped you in some small way. You are a blessing to me.

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 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. Week we pray we can apply our talents and gifts in the New Year to pursue your will.
Amen