Start The Day

 00914 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 of you that have known me a long time are aware that I have always been a morning person. In my mind, 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 flight of the ball or the sun coming up over a mountain when viewed from a canoe while fishing. I am blessed because to me first light is a spiritual event. 

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. 

The 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 in mid-morning if you are a late sleeper. It could be 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 hope 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, today we thank you for the sunrise; the new beginning; the new opportunity. We pray that we may use this wonderful opportunity to do your will here on earth.

Amen

Share Your Spirit!

  Share Your Spirit

"Teach us to utter living words
of truth which all may hear;
the language all may understand
when love speaks loud and clear;
till every age and race and clime
shall blend their creeds in one;
and earth shall form one family
by whom thy will is done."
(Hymn: O Spirit of the Living God; Words Henry Tweedy, 1935)

        In the early 1990s, the pastor at our small church introduced the concept that we were all the ministers and his function was facilitator or spiritual leader. He used to say that the average Methodist invited a guest to church every 22 years!! He encouraged us to speak our faith, demonstrate our spirituality in our daily lives, and reach out to people.

 

        In our wildest dreams, we may at some time achieve world peace, resolve world hunger, and become an ethnically and racially blended society. When that happens, it will not happen through the politics that we have today. It will be a Godly event that we cannot perceive.

 

        We are all ministers and have the opportunity to work every day towards an improved society. Language and color divide us into nations and social groups. However there is a common language,"... living words of truth which all may hear; the language all may understand when love speaks loud and clear;" We all have a job to do.

Thought for Today: We can find it easy to get caught up in our activities. Families have sports programs, school issues, and their business stuff while singles have their way of filling the week. Yes, most of the world’s people keep busy. Today let us seek the opportunity to demonstrate and share our spirit with someone.

Amen

 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, today we thank you for the people you placed in our lives that have supported and led us to grace. Today we pray for the opportunity to contribute to your will here on earth.

Amen

Peace Together

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”

(John 15 vs. 4) 

            Often people say they are no longer interested in organized religion The ritual, rules, money, and hard work did not do it for them; shame on them and shame on their church. There are others that change churches often searching for something they never quite find. We need to pray that they locate it. (It may be in their hearts!) 

In general, those described above are less than happy. 

            Jesus message is clear, He is with us always. When we are searching and restless the ball is in our court; we are the problem. These are the times that we are out of touch with the Holy Spirit; not taking the time to open our hearts. When we are spiritually down and out, we need to look at ourselves first. 

            In 1954, Stuart Hamblin published the song “Open Uo Your Heart” (and let the sunshine in.). Google shows that it was a big hit by the Maguire Sisters that year! It has since been used hundreds of times in cartoons, children's messages, and TV shows.  Jesus is our Lord and sunshine; we the people need to allow the sunshine in so that we may find peace together. 

Thought for Today: Today let us open our hearts to the Lord. Let’s find peace with Him. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we thank you for being with us; on our walks, at work, in our cars, and all phases of our day. Today we pray that we may stay in touch with you under all conditions.

Amen

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 and dreams while conforming to modern society's standards. It is easy to get diverted from a solid spiritual track when we track ours way rather than the Lord’s way; when we pursue possessions rather than peace of mind. 

            The question "how do I know God's will?" has been asked many times. But before this question can be answered, another question should be asked; "Am I ready and willing to do God's will?" If the answer is yes, then the other question can be asked. Remember what he 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 higher than your thoughts." 

            To know God's will there cannot be any power struggle; he wants our will to be submissive to him. The more we value control and power, the greater a struggle 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. 

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

Birthday Special- Be Healthy!

 

August 21- 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 5:15-15) 

Each year on my birthday, I give thanks to something learned in my youth as a YMCA brat. The symbol for the Y is a triangle, 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 some basic places in society; a family, a workplace, and a social setting. We fit best when the three sides of our triangle are in a healthy balance. That is to say, we focus on each a little every day so that we minimize life’s problems. 

In all areas of our lives, it is important to demonstrate the forgiveness and love that comes from a strong 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 enough to make the decisions that are expected of us. 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 so that you can 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 recognize it, the family will celebrate it and I will enjoy it. It is a blessing that we all have and a great day to give

thanks to the Lord for all of our many blessings.

 Birthday Prayer: Heavenly Father, today is a very special day, the day that you brought me into your service. Throughout this day, I give thanks for all the opportunities that you have given to me; the opportunity 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

 

 

Straight to our Heart

 

Straight to our Heart

“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD^[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.”

(Isaiah 40 vs. 3) 

            When driving in the UK where the roads are windy and twisty, occasionally we come to a long straight road that goes on for miles. My wife, a Brit, explained to me that those are ancient Roman roads laid out 2000 years ago. I found that impressive. 

            In ancient times leaders built roads for their armies to move. They are long and straight and efficient so they could move quickly. The valleys are filled by pushing the tops of the hills. They facilitated the need. In New England where I grew up, there are very few straight roads. They paved the cow paths and horse trails which tended to follow the river beds. It is tough for strangers to find their way.

            The message today is that we need to be sure of our road to the lord; that it needs to straight. There needs to be a straight connection between God and our hearts. We need to allow the simplest two way travel possible in our complex world; straight to our heart. 

Thought for Today: Today let’s think about where our road takes us; where are we going. Perhaps we can take a few bends out and travel straight. 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, we live in a complex world and are surrounded by too much activity and are overcommitted. Today we thank you for being with us and pray that we may keep our hearts open to you and stay on a straight and holy path.

Amen

Priorities!

 

Priorities 

“After I go through Macedonia, I will come to youfor I will be going through Macedonia.  

Perhaps I will stay with you a while, or even spend the winter,

so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.  

 I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit;

I hope to spend some time with you if the Lord permits.”

(1 Corinthians 16, 5-7) 

            When reading about Paul’s work for the Lord, his accomplishments seem awesome. It is hard to understand how it all happened. Today’s letter gives us a hint that his life had similarities to ours. He was not without stress, he had to set priorities. Today’s verse can be paraphrased as “I am too busy right now to …, I will get to you later.” In today’s society that is said way too often. Here are some questions for us that are over fifty:

            Did you carry a calendar when you were twelve?

            Were there sports, scouts, or other activities on Wednesday or Sunday evening?

            Did anyone bring a phone to the dinner table or a meeting? 

            Once upon a time, Wednesday and Sunday night were reserved for Church and the kids did not carry calendars. Today is the era of cell phones functioning as personal assistants. They are part of life; great training for the future, teaching them to make choices and setting priorities. High school kids take college classes, college students are helping in the high schools, and some internships need to be fitted in. Things have changed. 

            When reading bible stories, it is always great to recognize that the issues then are different than now, but they are also very similar. Disciples were expected to support the church and spread the word. Paul recognized his responsibilities and set his priorities for the Lord. We have similar responsibilities and need to keep our discipleship high on our priority list. 

Thought for Today: Tomorrow let’s wake up and think about where we can work for God. How can we be a good disciple? He will present opportunities if we are willing and alert. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we live in the land of plenty. We often forget you in our daily and busy lives. We give you thanks for your gifts. We also pray that we recognize the opportunities to do your work and that we can help others in your name. Amen