Sibling Rivalry

Abraham’s descendants who fathered nations:

1. Jackob was the second son of Isaac and Rebekah and he was the Father of the nation of Israel through his 12 sons.

2. Esau was the first son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Jacob. He was the ancestor to the tribe called Edomites, well he had six wives so he had lots of children. King Herod the Great was from the tribe of Edom.

3. Ishhmael was the first son of Abraham by the Egyptian slave Hagar and he became the father of nation of Midian the ancestors of the Arabs.

Sibling rivalry among the children of Abraham is still going strong today. Now you know!

The Word for Advent 2012

 The Living Word

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his Glory … Full of Grace and Truth.” from the Gospel of John chapter one.

Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent 2012 I love this scripture and the idea that “The Word Became Flesh.” It has been very interesting and challenging for me to take a different word for that phrase each week to use as the focus for my devotions. This week I will focus on “Flesh” as the direction of my thoughts.

From the very beginning the “Word” was there alive and creating all things and then it became flesh and dwelt among us. The “Word” is still dwelling among us as the living Word of God in our lives. Once Christmas has come and the baby boy is safely delivered we then must deal with the “Word” being with us. Now what do we do?

As we are also busy getting ready for the year 2013 perhaps we need to think about how the “Word” lives in us through out the coming year. How does the “Word of God” come alive in our living in the here and now? How will those around us be affected by the “Word” living in us? What difference will it make in 2013 that we accepted Jesus the Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior?

The real challenge is for each of us to have more than words on pages in our bibles but have “The Word” alive in our hearts.

The Old Boy Scout

Be Prepared

The old Boy Scout in me remembers the motto: “Be Prepared.”

There were never any limits for that motto we were trained to be prepared for anything and everything. We are to be physically prepared, mentally prepared and spiritually prepared for all of our life.

I was thinking about that for my worship and devoting experience and about how that motto would apply for me today. In my prayers I need to focus my thoughts and center my spirit and make it ready to accept God’s Holy Spirit.

As part of my preparations I open my heart to feel the love of God for me and all humankind. In my open heart I share that love and express my love for all of God’s children.

With my centered spirit and open heart I then can open my mind and clear it of all the noise of my life. Now I can be ready to listen to God.

Being prepared is something this old boy scout does every day in my walk of faith.

Uniform of the Day

Before my darling and I were married I did not own a pair of sweats. My clothes consisted of suits, lots of white shirts and a variety of casual clothes. Not long after our wedding she began to have an influence on what clothing I owned and that included clothing to relax in after hours.

I just looked at the sweats and wondered what on earth. It took some encouragement for me to wear them and then only in the house. Over time I was won over to their comfort and utility. Once they came with pockets I was happy with wearing them a lot more often.

After I retired my sweats have become my Uniform of the Day every day. Going out to church or meetings I don the street clothes or a suit for Sunday but once back home I make the switch as fast as I can. My darling began calling them my uniform and so it is. Sweat shirts, pants, shorts and even jackets are my favorite style of clothing now.

I know it is hard for a husband to admit but 34 years ago my wife was right.

Are You A Player or Spectator?

Is our experience with God and His church a blessing? Worshiping God is an important part of our faith experience that suffers if we only watch it. To get more out of our worship experience we must become more personally involved in it.

When I was a soccer referee I noticed a correlation between church and the soccer field.  Both boys and girls play the game equally well and all the players are in constant motion. Everyone has an opportunity to touch or kick the ball, as soccer is a team effort. There are great rewards for team cooperation in the results of the game. Coaches and referees also get a lot of pleasure from sharing the experience. Spectators who have little knowledge about the game can easily bored as the ball goes back and forth with little scoring.  Spectators who take the time to be involved with players and coaches learn about the game and enjoy it more.

I find worship has some of the same qualities. Spectators who do not involve them selves in the actions of worship can be board by the experience. But one who participates in the singing, praying, and devotions are never board. Those who focus their minds on the prayers, and scripture participate in the actions of worship. Singing out with gusto during the hymns or feeling the emotions of the choir’s anthem lifts the spirit to a new level. Even adding an amen as affirmation to the pastors sermon engages the worshiper in the actions of worship. Natural blessing flow from being actively involved in worship.

I encourage you to participate and worship with new energy to both share and receive. 

Three Little Words

For some people those three little words “I Love You” roll off their lips with such ease that they seem insincere. Those words said too much or to everyone can lose their meaning. Yet they remain some of the most important words we can speak.

On the other side of that coin is not saying those words at all. I have talked to many wives who have not heard their husbands say I love you in a long time. It can be a brutal existence to live with someone and never hear those precious words of endearment.

The in-between place is where the words are said and actions back them up. We all need to feel loved and express our love for another. If you love some one let them know. You can love a lot of people while you are in love and committed to one person. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Take it to heart.

A THANKSGIVING

What can we be thankful for on this Thanksgiving? Well I for one can be thankful that I am not a turkey.

As the pilgrims gave thanks that they made it through a hard winter followed by good crops, so we too can give thanks. We can be very thankful that we have made it this far in life and that through the Grace of God we are followers of Jesus the Christ. It is our faithful service to Jesus that has helped us to see the need to celebrate Thanksgiving.

We can be thankful that we live in a country that still celebrates a day of thanksgiving and created a holiday for us to be with family and friends to be with in our gratitude. We can be thankful that even with all of our problems and challenges God has given us what ever we need to overcome each one. We can be thankful that every day God gives us new opportunities to bless other people.

In what ever way you plan to spend Thanksgiving Day please also remember those people both here and around the world who find themselves in such great need and be willing to share part of your blessing with them.