Raising Children

Most people raise their children one day at a time not really thinking very far ahead. Parents we need to think about the future when those children leave the nest.

Keep your perspective. Babies come into the world and they are the focus of attention everything has to be done for them but that doesn’t last long. Our goal as parents is to raise them to be independent adults. Then we are surprised when that is what they want to be, how-be-it about five years before we are ready for it.

Early on set the example for what you dream for them in their adult future. They will copy you. If you are a loving devoted married couple treating one another with respect, the will copy you. If you hold the law in high regard so will they. If you words are civil and positive theirs will be too.

Natural Disasters

I have been thinking about the earthquake in Haiti and other natural disasters around the world. Several religious and radio personalities, whom I shall not name, have stated that Haiti is being punished by God for their sins. These kinds of statements are nothing new with these people who are just being cruel. These same people said the same thing about New Orleans and Katrina. What about all the good people who live in the same areas?

All through history every religion has had to deal with the issue of terrible things happening either by nature or by other humans. The whole book of Job deals with why do bad things happen to good people. Earthquakes happen for natural reasons and so do typhoons and tornadoes. I believe it is wrong to blame God or the sins of some of the people who live in those places.

 What do you think?

Argue With God???

I thought I must be a terrible person. I had clearly heard God’s call to preach the Gospel and I was arguing with God about why I was the wrong man for the job. I talked to my pastor about it and he referred me to the book of Exodus where God called to Moses out of a burning bush.

To my shock Moses had also argued with God giving God all kinds of excuses for why he was the wrong man to send. I guess people never change. Like Moses I knew that I was not a perfect person, not good enough to be a servant of God. I had some bad habits thought that no one would want to hear me speak. I was wrong I forgot that God would supply His power for my weakness if I turned them over to Him.

God was not asking me to be a perfect servant. God was asking me to be a willing servant. When I finally said yes to God the Holy Spirit came upon me and gave me all that I would ever need for ministry. That was over 40 years ago. God is still calling people who are not perfect to be holy servants in spite of our weaknesses and failures. Be willing and available.

Spiritual Nourishment

Spiritual Nourishment

I was working on a sermon and doing the scripture study for the message and my stomach growled with hunger. I was almost finished but was being torn between completing the study or stopping and getting something to eat.

The scripture happened to be first Peter second chapter. The second and third verses read, “Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

I remember when my darling daughters were infants and would cry loudly to be fed. The wanted milk and they knew it and were not about to miss a meal. Growing up they consumed hundreds of gallons of milk and grew strong.

This is a lesson for us to keep growing strong in our relationship with God we need to consume spiritual food on a daily basis. That day I decided that my lunch could wait until I finished my spiritual food in first Peter. I decided to savor the word of God in my life and be nourished. Then I enjoyed a lunch of physical food even more.

The Leader of My Church

General Minister and President Sharon Watkins has been named as one of U.S. President

Barack Obama’s 10 most important faith leaders, according to U.S. News and 

GMP WATKINS NAMED AS ONE OF  PRESIDENT OBAMA’S  10 MOST IMPORTANT FAITH LEADERS World Report. Watkins joins a number of well-known religious leaders on the list, including Jim Wallis, president and executive director of Sojourners. Watkins is described as the first woman leader  of a mainline Protestant denomination, and the person who was asked by Obama to become the first woman to preach at the National Prayer  Service during his inauguration. The President also appointed Watkins to be a member of the Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. To read more see: www.usnews.com/listings/obama-faith-leaders/1-introduction

Cures For Aging

A middle aged woman was furious with her doctor who said he could do nothing for her condition. She decided to find another doctor to help her. During the interview she said, “My last doctor refused to treat my condition which is unacceptable. So I decided to change and see if you can help me.

Her new doctor asked what condition she had. The woman pointed to wrinkles at the sides of her eyes and said, “I watched my mother get old and I won’t have it. What can I do to avoid aging?”

The new doctor looked at her for a long time and then she said, “There is only one thing that is a sure cure. Which terminal disease would you like to have?”

Many people cringe at the thought of wrinkles, hair loss, creaking bones and other nasty problems that come with aging bodies. They spend a huge amount of money on creams, pills and equipment that usually does not work. But few would exchange those inconveniences for a terminal illness.

Each stage of life is a gift and the goal should be to grow old gracefully seeking love and blessings in each stage of our lives. Spiritual strength, peace of mind and prayer is the path for that grace in aging. One of the positive ways to face life changes is to develop a good sense of humor as you make your way along life’s path. Enjoy your day that God has given you.

Seven Acts of Christian Charity

You may have heard of the seven deadly sins and the seven virtues but have you heard of the seven acts of Christian Charity?

1. Feed the hungry

2. Give drink to the thirsty

3. Clothe the naked

4. Shelter the stranger

5 Visit the sick

6. Bury the dead

7. Minister to the prisoner

Work on it.