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

 Breaking Rules

“Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands."
(Psalm78:7)

            Is the Law the Law? Do we always obey the Law?  Man's common law and the Ten Commandments are broken every day all around us. Just try driving the speed limit on a busy road, someone will pass you. Around 56 percent of people surveyed answered that it was OK to cheat on their taxes.  Have you broken a rule in the last 24 hours?

            In the seventies, there was a radar detecting device designed to warn drivers there was a police radar in the area; slangy called a fuzz buster. Millions were sold and parents got a chance to demonstrate to their children that some rules were to be ignored! Think about that! We teach by example.

The Psalmist talks about "...commanding our forefathers to teach their children." The facts are simple, we must teach our children and the best way to do that is to live a Godly example for them to follow. That is a tough order.

Thought for Today:  Let us focus this week on our habits regarding both God's and common laws. Let's think about them regarding honesty and integrity. Let's observe where we may do a better job- and patch up a few holes. 

Live the Life!

Live the Life

“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”

(Mark 10 vs. 43&44)

Spiritual growth is an important part of living a peaceful and rewarding life. Defining it is sometimes difficult. It is more than reading a passage, it is living the life. It is climbing the Christian ladder of success. Not running around preaching, it is demonstrating the lifestyle.  In the above passage Mark mentions greatness and to be great, one must be at peace. This peace can be found by walking the walk; Serving others as a lifestyle.

            Television Evangelist Mac Hammond defined serving others as "...meeting another person's needs when they do not believe you are serving them".

Thought for Today: Today let’s reach out and help someone in need. Let’s serve their every need.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we feel the need to help. We pray that we recognize those in need that you have placed before us. We thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Amen

Always Be Joyful

Always Be Joyful

"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 5:15-16)

            When writing during a summer sunrise, it is cool, clear and the view from our balcony is beautiful and serene. There is no difficulty being joyful and praying. It is a great moment, but.

            This month has been a challenge in our world- Racial and financial inequities are being protested, the pandemic seems to be accelerating and last evening severe weather was rampant! But today is the first day of the rest of our lives and we need to rejoice in it.

            Out of adversity comes greatness. Today there are hundreds of beautiful people volunteering to help in the cities that lost buildings in riots; more are collecting and distributing food for the unemployed due to the pandemic; many are simply praying for love to prevail and bring joy!

            In summary life is not always great and it is sometimes difficult to “Always be joyful” but we can always “Keep on praying”.

Bless you, all.

Thought for Today: Let’s find a way to enjoy life despite the challenges. Let us recognize the challenges will make us stronger and that the Lord will see us through.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord today we thank you for the joy in our lives and the ability to sustain it in hard times through prayer. Amen

Consequences

00719 Consequences

"Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification."

(Romans 14:19)

            Yes, we are beating on the same drum. That is because it is an important drum to beat; not for those we call “Them” but for us. The term “network” became popular in the 1980s and generally referred to business relationships and started as a business terminology. It has grown.

            The internet has created more formal systems of business and social networks. In a social network people are called friends and I like that. In my Friends list of over 200 or so people, my grandparents would exclude over half my friends. That is half the opportunities to learn, enjoy, assist, and help. It would be sad!

            We each have a right to form our groups and decide what to say and who to share it with. An example, Christian Friends and God is my Spinach have been viewed in over 160 countries around the world and supports people; not just Christians. It is a humble effort for “peace and edification”. 

            My point is that the exclusionary attitudes taught in the 1950s are a deep-rooted problem. When we exclude others we are the losers! Paul closed with the term “…mutual edification." And we lose that when we exclude.

Thought for Today: Today extend our Christian love to everyone we meet and not exclude anyone!

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the Grace of Jesus and the forgiveness of or faith. We have not been perfect in our treatment of others. Today I pray for the gift of love and that I may accept and love everyone.  Amen

Independence, Freedom!

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 a quote from Abraham Lincoln about our system.

“This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.”

Pray for the future of America!

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