Baggage

Good Morning!! When we carry useless bits of our past, into our future, that's called baggage,...and it will wreck a relationship, fast. We all have some baggage, but when what we carry gets in the way, or takes up so much room, that we can't gather up or keep, anything better,...we have a problem,...we become weighed down.

Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NRSV)

As we make the Christian journey, we may find baggage filling our life, here too. But allotting room for God's Word during our journey is essential. If we can't make room for the scripture in our day,...then we are simply carrying too much.

Excess baggage can be detrimental,
...but God's Word is always an asset!
O God, help us recognize the extra baggage that weighs us down in our Christian journey. Give us the courage to leave behind all that keeps us from healthy relationships,...and from following you. Amen.

"Our trusting in God's care, should never be based on our understanding of His plan."

Wait Quietly

Good Morning!! We can be seeking God,...or we can be surprised by God. Often we pursue a quiet time to draw nearer to God,...but, it's much more likely that God will break into our inattentive busyness, with a moment that causes us to realize His presence.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.—Lamentations 3:25, 26 (NIV)

I believe that learning to wait quietly, is at the heart of our growing faith. Throughout the Bible, the words of this passage from Lamentations are illustrated by the struggling faithful: Noah, Hannah, Elijah, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Mary, and so many others. They challenge us to "wait quietly" in our relationship with God.

God's presence quietly brings sustenance to our soul,
...and that's always worth waiting for!



Dear God, thank you for your invitation to meet quietly with You in this must-do-more-faster world. And thank You for breaking in, went we can't seem to find the time on our own. Amen.

"Our trusting in God's care, should never be based on our understanding of His plan."

Spiritual Lives

Good Morning!! In our spiritual lives it can be both easy and tempting to sit back, waiting for some momentous push into deeper relationship with God. However, in reading Paul's instructions to Timothy, we notice that Paul told Timothy to focus on building a pattern of faithfulness rather than relying on a single event to bring instant change.

Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.—2 Timothy 3:14 (NRSV)

Paul instructed Timothy to continue in what he had learned. In essence Paul was telling him to develop his own life pattern by obeying God in everyday things. We can draw great encouragement from that counsel. It tells us to look at everyday choices and actions,...like loving those close to us, being honest at work, helping someone who is hurting, trusting God for things,...as this is the path to spiritual development.

Learn to see the importance of everyday choices.
God, keep our hearts focused on obedience and service in the daily events of life. Help us to honor You and serve You well in them. Amen.

"Our trusting in God's care, should never be based on our understanding of His plan."

Thinking Of Us

Good Morning!! It would hurt most of us deeply to consider that no one misses us, or thinks about us when we're gone. Often Sheila and I will call one another without any specific reason, other than to check in. It's a pleasant assurance that you matter,...even if it's not said as often as it should be.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,...—John 17:20 (NIV)

As believers in Christ, we are also assured that someone is thinking of us. Before we were born and before our parents were born, Jesus cared about us,...and thought about each one of us, as if we were the only ones he had to care about.

Before our first breath, and long after our last,
...God cared for us.
Thank You, Jesus, for for loving us. Thank You for accepting the cross to save us, and giving us eternal life. Amen.

"Our trusting in God's care, should never be based on our understanding of His plan."

A Great New Beginning

Good Morning, It's A Marvelous Monday,...And A Great New Beginning!! There are times, when we all have a need for some vision correction. Like, when we see only what others can do for us, and not what we can do for them,...or when we overlook signs of pain and suffering, all around us,...or when we fail to see opportunities to tell people the good news. These are indications of a problem with our spiritual vision.

Then Jesus laid His hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.—Mark 8:25 (NRSV)

As we realize that our spiritual vision has gotten blurred,...we need to run back to Jesus, to be touched again, by his healing grace,...so that we can see the world as He wants us to. When we focus on Christ, we see the world around us with new eyes.

Lasik, may help with your physical sight,
...but only Jesus can restore your spiritual sight.
Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of clear sight. Touch us,...and touch us again and again,...so that we may see clearly the way to follow You. In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

"Our trusting in God's care, should never be based on our understanding of His plan."

Forgiveness

Good Morning!! We all know that Christians should forgive,...but, when we've really been hurt or when someone we love has been mistreated,...how do we get to the point of forgiveness? L.I.G. let it go. If you are like me, at times, it can be struggle to forgive, but we start by leting go of the pain and anger.

If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."—Luke 17:4 (NIV)

I've learned that, for me, forgiveness is never a single act, but an ongoing process. I have to forgive the same wrong, again and again, until my hurt and anger are finally subdued. My hope is to be able to forgive more freely,...more completely,...and more quickly. It is an achievable goal.

Just keep practicing forgiveness,...until you get it right.
God, forgive us when we just cannot seem to let it go. Help us to forgive without keeping score. Help us to forgive until it becomes part of our very nature. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Ignoring problems instead of fixing them is tempting and easy,
...but easy never gets the job done."

Do Others Have To Notice

Good Morning!! Is what we do for God?...or man? A fault of some religious leaders today, as in Jesus' day,...is their desire for recognition and glory. They do acts of charity, in order to have others notice. They make an effort to stand out, and pray loudly. They proudly give, if and when, other are looking. Their clothes, robes and elaborate decorations signify that they are religious.

Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.—Matthew 6:1 (NRSV)

In all honesty, we like to get credit for the good things we do,...even to the point that we sometimes need to tell others about them. Many of our everyday acts reflect the desire for self-glorification. Are we after others' acknowledgment when we volunteer for a task? Does the world really need to know who and how, we've helped?

The truth is; if we're doing good for God,
...the only one we'd need to tell,
...already knows.
Dear God, forgive our selfish desire for recognition. Let us do good simply because You ask us to,...and it pleases You. Amen.

"Ignoring problems instead of fixing them is tempting and easy,
...but easy never gets the job done."

Family

Good Morning All!! Most of the times family issues get messy,...and families in the Bible were no exception. But in spite of people's selfishness, scheming, and jealousies, God continues to work with, and through them. Reading the Bible gives us all hope, that God can and will, work through and within, even our messy families, as well.

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.—Romans 12:18 (NRSV)

The Bible tells us to be peacemakers, to stop slander (Col. 3), to control our anger (Rom. 12:19), to pay back evil with good (Rom. 12:17, 21). Working for peace, especially in our families,...is a key to allowing God to work through us.

God calls us to be peacemakers,
...especially with those closest to us,
...like family.
Thank You, God, for the gift of family. Help us see them through Your eyes, seeking and moving towards peace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

"Ignoring problems instead of fixing them is tempting and easy,
...but easy never gets the job done."

Help

Good Morning!! When our grand-daughter, Jakylie, was four-years-old, and was having trouble with the zipper on her jacket, she asked me to help. When I tried, she kept her hands on the zipper so that I couldn't really see, or do anything with it. I'm not sure if she thought I would think less of her, or maybe she was afraid that I would think she had broken the zipper,...and that she'd be in trouble. Maybe she didn't want me to do it for her,...just to help, so she could feel that she was still in control.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.—Psalm 34:17 (NRSV)

"If you want me to help you," I said, "you've got to let go of it." As the words left my mouth, I realized that we often treat God the same way the grand baby was treating me. We ask for help but then refuse to let go of the situation. Maybe we're afraid that God will blame us and be angry, especially if we have made poor decisions that got us into the situation. Or maybe we're just afraid to not be in control.

Sometimes we just need to get our hands off, and out of things,
...and allow God to do what He does.
Dear God, help us to trust You with all our problems. Amen.

"Ignoring problems instead of fixing them is tempting and easy,
...but easy never gets the job done."

Effectiveness Of Giving

Good Morning!! Sometimes I doubt the effectiveness of my giving. Often the gifts seem small in relation to the need,...the church, the community, and politicians require support regularly. In addition to established charities, and needs, new ones pop up needing donations almost daily through mail and other media. Most have worthy aims to help the poor, the victimized, or the traumatized.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, [Jesus] looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.—Luke 9:16 (NRSV)

Most times we don't even see the result of our generosity,...but just as Jesus looked up to heaven,...so should we pray, before giving. Then, giving with God's blessing and guidance, we can trust that God will multiply our gifts, along with those of others, to be more than enough.

In God's hands our little becomes much.
Heavenly Father, increase our faith and free us from doubt. Make us willing, trusting sharers of Your gifts to us. Allow us to be more mindful of the fact; that we are blessed, to be a blessing. Amen.

"Ignoring problems instead of fixing them is tempting and easy,
...but easy never gets the job done."

Speaking The Truth In Love

Good Morning!! My wife, and I married late in life. The amount of baggage you bring into a marriage after fifty, can be mind-blowing. Shortly after our marriage, we moved away from each other emotionally, and spent days in silence,...all the while fuming over the other's stubborn, uncaring behavior.

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.—Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

It is by the grace of God that we stayed together. A concerned councelor, carring friends, loving family, and a flate out refusal to get devorced, has pointed us back in the right direction. Whereas anger creates division, the truth in Christ gives birth to unity,...a valuable commodity in our broken, angry world. As a result, relationships are strengthened, and people learn to see grace, instead of anger.

As we mature, we discover that most disagreements evolve from either poor communication, or selfishness.
Holy and reconciling Spirit, help us to resist all that divides us. Help us instead to build each other up, encouraging one another in love,...as God intended. Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right."

God Offers Us A Place In Heaven

Good Morning!! God offers us a place in heaven for all eternity, and this gift is for everyone who takes the step of accepting Christ Jesus as savior. And when Jesus is a part of our lives, we'll want to do good.

By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God -- not the result of works, so that no one may boast.—Ephesians 2:8-9 (NRSV)

As Christians, we really should feel confident of our place in heaven,...but good deeds isn't what makes this possible. Jesus eliminated the need for good deeds, when he took upon Himself the punishment for all our sins, on Calvary.

We have an eternal home in heaven awaiting us.
Nothing we did got it,...and nothing we do can mess it up.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that brings us joy in this life,...and assurance of spending eternity with You in heaven. In the name of Jesus, our savior and friend. Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right."

Prayer Time Table

Good Morning!! For so many of us, even when we pray, we want what we want, when we want it,...on our timetable, not in God's time. Many of the things we hope and pray for aren't that selfish, or unreasonable,...but we just fail to consider God's larger plan.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.—
Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

As parents, spouses, friends, and colleagues, we can place so much emphasis on the issues of today, that too often, we fail to see the bigger picture. God knows that what we pray for today, may not be what's best for us in the long run. Let Go and Let GOD.

We want success and prosperity all the time, but sometimes God's work can best be accomplished through disappointment and setbacks, in our lives.



Dear God, thank You for our families and friends. Please bless each one today. Help each of us to work to fulfill Your ultimate plan for us, and to focus on how we live our lives, not just on what benefits we reap. Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right."

Trading Places

Good Morning!! No matter how bad you think you have,...there are people that would gladly trade places with you. The best way to move beyond your own issues is to help someone with theirs. When work problems get me down, praying for others lifts me up and out of my funk. So many people are struggling with addictions, diseases, financial problems, and troubled relationships,...some have several at once.

"Join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."—
Romans 15:30 (NIV)

God hears our prayers and understands that we want what is best for those for whom we are praying. Our prayers form a circle of blessing around us and the people for whom we pray,...and we can more easily put our own problems in perspective.

When we pray for others, two people are blessed,
...the person being prayed for, and the person doing praying.



Sweet Spirit of God, help us as we seek to intercede on someone's behafe today. Help them to find resolution to today's problems. Give them appreciation for the natural beauty of your creation around them. Surround them with your healing presence and fill them with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right."

Does Mourning Have a Positive Value?

Good Morning!! FOR most people, mourning is a strongly negative word, with no blessing attached to it. Yet Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Do Jesus' words sound like an insult when grief is overwhelming? Does mourning have any positive value? I now think so.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. —
Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)

Mourning can enrich life and give new dimension to our emotions. Mourning includes elements of missing, longing, and anger. It widens our minds and enlarges our ability to feel and to feel with others.

Mourning and comfort can lead us closer to one another and closer to God,...and that is a blessing.
Thank you, God, for being ready always to take us in Your arms and to comfort us. Holy Spirit, prepare us to give, and to receive comfort. Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right

A Heart of Peace

Good Morning!! "I'm sorry." Most of us, have no real idea of the healing and restorative powers of that simple phrase,...when uttered in sincerity. Acknowledge and apologize, rather than suffered another anxiety-filled day or restless night, because of refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing to others,...and to God.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body"—Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

Though there are consequences for sin,...the physical and psychological pain that comes from silently hiding it is unnecessary. The solution? We can always go to God, confess,...and know the blessing of a forgiven and peaceful heart.

Forgiveness is not automatic,...but we have only to ask.
O God, help us to acknowledge our sins, and teach us to promptly confess them so that we may know the joy of Your forgiveness. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Believers Are Children of God

Good Morning!! Scripture reminds us that all believers are children of God, heirs together according to the promise that we are fellow citizens in God's realm and members of God's household. Jesus was not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.

Jesus said, "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."—Matthew 12:50 (NRSV)

I know we're all made in the image of God. But we gain new insight to that fact, as we identify with each other's struggles like; spiritual hunger, concerns about family and jobs, or in new found joys. And as we witnes God speaking to us and meeting our needs,...we can rest assured we are truly one family in God.

In all our uniqueness,...we are still one family.
God of all, thank You for Your love and grace and salvation that you offer to all who believe in Your Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Reflect Christ

Good Morning, My Friend!! As Christians we are meant to reflect Christ in our lives. When people see us, do they see the love of Christ? When they hear us, do they hear the love of Jesus? Can they tell that we know Him as our Lord and Savior? Because of knowing us,...have they come to believe that they can have their sins washed away and live a new life,...by trusting in God?

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

When others see the light of God's love and righteousness shining in our words and deeds, they will know we are truly followers of Jesus Christ. They should,...because we were called to let our light shine in a world filled with darkness.

Let's be sure our words and actions reflect the love of Jesus Christ.
Lord, show us how to let your light shine in our lives so we may be witnesses for you. Let our lives draw people to You,...and not push them away. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation

God is the Source of Comfort

Good Morning!! God wants you to know that He understood your pain, your grief, and your anger,...and He listens to you in your distress. The Bible assures us that God is the source of comfort in all of our struggles. I have come to know that although we're not promised an easy life,...God intends the best for us.

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.—Romans 8:28 (NIV)

We may never truly understand why we experience the hurts, we do, but I do know that God will use it to work good in our life. And I still believe that; our tests can and will become our testimony.

Know this; even when we cannot see it,
...God is working for good in our lives.
Dear God, You listen to our doubts. You understand our anger and pain. Give us grace to endure struggles and to allow You to use them for Your good and glory. Father our faith is in You. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Just Have Faith

Good Morning!! When all of life feels like a never ending storm, we need to look beyond our problems, and even beyond our unquestioning "God is good " or "just have faith " thoughts. We honestly agonize, and wrestle with God, over our messed-up circumstances.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

After we pour out our feelings, our pain, and even our doubts,...and choose to trust God anyway,..our faith grows deeper than it ever could otherwise.

Deeper faith will lead us to a place of deeper peace.
Lord, help us look beyond the storms of life to the peaceful calm we can have, when we deeply trust in You. Amen.

Peace and Quiet

Good Morning!! Too often we lose sight of our need to seek peace and quiet. The world's noises drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, leaving us restless and on edge. It's no wonder we feel so alone. It's our quiet time with God, that allows us to Re-connect, and Re-charge.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 (NRSV)

Even though I know that the quiet life I want doesn't just mean inactivity, I still find myself, at first, feeling guilty when I take time to calm my soul. Meditating and talking with God brings us back into inner peace,...that enables us to work, share, love and serve more productively.

Take time to allow God to calm your soul.
Lord, help us as we move daily to spend more time with You, seeking and finding that quiet life You promise. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Amen.

"More faith, and less fear,...this is the key to worshiping in Spirit and in Truth."