Looking for an earlier Watchword?
- Thursday, May 28 – Cause and Effect* - Thomas Kelly, in his book A Testament of Devotion, has a chapter entitled “The Light Within” where he writes that deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul. It is a Holy Place, what he calls a Divine Center, where resides a speaking voice. It is that speaking voice that we sometimes call conscience, that we turn to, continuously, whether we are aware of it or not. Kelly goes on to say that the Light Within is what it “illumines the face of God and casts new shadows and new glories upon the face of man”. It is that Light Within that allows us to see the good in others. It is the Light Within that allows us to sense the needs of others and urges us to respond. Continue reading
- Wednesday, May 27 – Invisible People - Good morning. For some cockeyed reason, I got to thinking about the people in our lives that have no faces. Oh, they have faces, alright, but they are invisible people. You rarely see them. They may live next door and yet… Maybe, they lost their job, then, strangely, they disappeared, right there within your knowledge, and your awareness. Maybe, recently, they lost their spouse, and you never see them. The question is, when adversity strike others and we know of their plight, do we have an obligation to act, based on Love? Recently someone sent me a book that was first released in 1946. My copy is 1952, and it is a treasure. The title is Death By Bread Alone. Continue reading
- The Presence of God - It seems to me that we hear a lot of words, many of them, born out of an advanced course in theology, some of which truly do have practical meanings for us if we but understood. The reference to Genesis and Jonah are just two of many instances throughout the Bible of the Presence of God in lives. We practice the Presence of the Lord in our lives through our readings, through our prayer-life and through our ministry. What is the difference between ‘Manifest Presence of God’, and ‘Omni Presence of God’? Does it matter to us who are trying to maintain our understanding of our faith? I think it is helpful and reassuring to know the difference because it reflects the fullness of God’s Presence. Continue reading
- God’s Yard Sale - On this day, I offer a departure from our usual format. A story, a personal story, perhaps your story. As you read this, you are the “ME”, and consider this a prayer conversation with God. ME: Well, Lord, I am really beginning to like most of this New Normal. It’s relaxing, it has opened my eyes to so many of your gifts and graces. It has given me a greater appreciation for my neighbors, my friends and all of my loved ones. It has shown me new ways of relating to others. I really do appreciate almost everything contained in this New Normal of Yours…except, maybe not being able to reach out and shake a hand, or give a person hug, or go to a movie, or worship at my church, or dine out -- Continue reading
- Sunday, May 24 – Made to Worship - We are made to worship. Who is worthy of your worship? Who receives your worship? If we follow the trail of where we spend our money and time, we likely arrive at a few things we worship. Where does this trail lead you? Perhaps things show up like entertainment, achievement, technology, clothing or food. Any of these things can become “the forbidden fruit” of our relationship with God. It is how we use the innovations of our time and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that speaks to whether we are enslaved to them as idols, or a slave to Christ. God is able to use all these tools for his glory, and he has chosen to do it through our hearts that are surrendered to Jesus. The Internet cannot atone for your sins. The credentials you hold do not qualify you for grace. Worship Christ, he alone is worthy. Continue reading
- Saturday, May 23 – Born Again? - “Born Again? What? Not me!” “I was raised in the church.” “No flashing lights of awareness for me, I have always known the Lord”. “Oh, I’ve heard others talk of coming to Jesus, describing their experience on a weekend as being ‘high as a kite’. I say, good for them, not for me, though, I don’t need it.” “Born again? That’s for others who don’t know the Lord.” Recently, a friend asked me about the disciples. When did they become Believers in Jesus? Without thinking too much (a trait of mine) I blurted out, “When they accepted Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me”. Then I said, “is this a trick question?” Two seconds later, another thought, and I blurted: Pentecost! The in-filling of the Holy Spirit. Is that the right answer? Do I get credit? Continue reading
- Friday, May 22 – Spiritual Balance* - In last Tuesday’s Meditation, we spoke of Paul’s admonishment to pray without ceasing, which we concluded was an ongoing conversation with God as our daily life unfolds. Last night, Joyce Meyer, in her Ending Your Day Right devotional, added a perspective on that theme which really struck me as something that we need to consider as we continue to live through this period of change. Meyer wrote that we have to have balance in our life, balance between our spiritual life, which encompasses time that we spend in prayer, in devotional reading, and so forth, and our earthly responsibilities. So how do we get out of balance between our spiritual life and the life that we are living in these hours of darkness? Continue reading
- Thursday, May 21 – Really Good Reads - Really Good Reads: Want a good read? I mean a really good read, one that stretches you, that opens your faith. Oh, I know what some of us read; entertaining, exciting, romantic, racy, sexy, escape, thrillers, etc. Oh, yes, I know, I’m in one of those categories. I’m talking about really good reads, defined as ‘blessed’. The kind you would not even think about taking to the beach, or wherever you used to go for a get-away, back in the era of the old normal. The really good books recommended by your pastor, maybe when you asked “What are the great classics of Christian literature?” I asked my then, pastor, Paul Borg, that question once…Got a really good answer, his “Top 10”. Continue reading
- Wednesday, May 20 – Do you Mutter? - Do you mutter? Does your spouse? Carol and I both mutter. The Hebrew word for meditate means to mutter, to speak to oneself, out loud. After two months of living 120 miles apart during this pandemic, we discovered that we were both mutterers when we finally got together. We both would say that our muttering is born out of our isolation, but also it is born out of our prayer-life, talking to God. Sometimes my muttering comes out as song, hymns of praise. Amazing Grace, or Peace Like a River, and so many others, often start out in the shower and are carried out into my day. A good start. Continue reading
- Tuesday, May 19 – Roads II - Pat 2: This meditation is not about the Jericho Road, or the road we are on, it is about who is journeying on these roads. Let me share with you an imperfect event/time line for Jesus during a month leading up to the Resurrection. As you consider this, imagine you are walking with Jesus, step by step, in sandals, over rough and hilly terrain, through the Jordan River, twice, and the Yarmuk. You have been in Bethsaida, where you witnessed the feeding of the 5,000. He is on a 125-mile journey of ministry through the ten cities of the Decapolis and on south to Jerusalem. As he journeyed, more and more people followed. As you walk along, you watch Jesus. Continue reading
- Monday, May 18 – Roads I - Part 1: Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive, Arizona State Road 89A is one of the most beautiful and scary roads in the US. Approximately 24 miles between Flagstaff and Sedona, a change in elevation of 4,500 feet. That doesn’t quite tell the story. Most of that change in elevation is in the first 19 miles or so. If you do the math, the grade is STEEP! I have driven down that road twice, first as a frightened passenger, white knuckles and all, frequently stifling screams, among my prayers. Then years later, as a driver…much better but I am not sure my passengers then would agree. Yes, it is scary, but, oh, so beautiful, winding through sandstone canyons and rock formations, pine forests everywhere, tight hairpin turns, and steep, brake-burning grades. Continue reading
- Sunday, May 17 – If it’s Not There - My partner had just finished reading her morning devotional, and was pretty thrilled with what the reading had said to her. She commented that she wished her friend would read it. I suggested she get her the book, but her reply was that the friend probably would not read ‘that stuff’ and in fact her eyesight wasn’t all that good. I persisted a bit, saying there are large print devotionals that you like and believe would be helpful to her, so, plant the seed, put the book in her space. She can’t read it if it’s not there. My partner went on to say that this person had been her best friend for more than twenty years and is now so sad over the loss of her son -- she needs a grief counselor. Then she spoke of how valuable such a counselor had been during the period following the loss of her husband. I asked her about that experience and if that counselor was referred by Hospice. Yes, she replied, but she became a friend in my need. Continue reading
- Saturday, May 16 – Feeling Safe - Feeling safe is the doorway to happiness. How can one be happy if you are experiencing anxiety, fear? We long for safe places. Remember yesterday when you were in peaceful safety and did not worry about an unseen evil? Remember? Well, that peace that your felt, that safety you told yourself you rested upon? Those all came from our Lord and Savior and He is right there, still all around you, pouring graces all around, protecting you, providing that safe place. Safety does not depend on our conception of the absence of danger or threat of any kind. Safety is found in God’s presence, in the center of His perfect will. Psalm 91 tells us that He will guard us at all times of the day and night. You can rest in His arms and know that while we sleep, and breath, and work our way through each day, He is watching over us. Years ago, I was hiking in the Collegiate Range of the Rockies in Colorado. Continue reading
- Happiness Is a Bird* - Happiness is a Bird: Happiness? What happened to your happiness when all this isolation and quarantine began? Did you leave it out there, on the parking lot, by your unused, un-driven car? Perhaps you stood at your window looking out to that parking lot and longed for that orphan, your happiness, sitting out there, cold and alone. Or, was it more like this; happiness slowly trickled away when the realization hit that going out to eat was not an option. Maybe you just finished a book, and you were at a loss because the library was closed, and now what are you going to read? That trip to Wisconsin? Forget it. Having the gang over for dinner? Forget that, too. Going to church? Wait a minute. Continue reading
- Thursday, May 14 – Learning Theory* - I have this learning theory that I believe is logical, true and effective. I call it ‘Not by Accident’ and it suggests that what we have experienced or learned in our earlier days, we now pass on to others, intentionally or not, as we live our lives. These influences or lessons could be good or not so much. On the ‘good’ side, how do we teach compassion? How do we teach love, or faith, or trust, or generosity, or something as basic as making and maintaining a friendship? Or, on a more practical side, how to make the world’s greatest potato salad? Continue reading
- Tuesday, May 12 – You and God - My daughter found this conversation with God on a Facebook page. It was written by John Roedel and it is such a good and appropriate message that I wanted to share it with you. Keep in mind, this is You and God having a conversation. A Conversation with God: Me: Hey God. God: Hello... Me: I'm falling apart. Can you put me back together? God: I would rather not. Me: Why? Continue reading
- Monday, May 11 – Time to Clarify - Time to clarify. The Bible isn't interested in making people happy. Instead, the Bible focuses on joy. Happiness is something we feel because of our situation or circumstances. We are happy because something made us happy, but we are joyful because of something within us. Somehow, happiness never seems to cross our minds when adversity knocks on our door, and yet… Have you ever thought about this: Can adversity breed joy? How about mistakes? Errors? No? Let me ask this then, who is your worse critic? Who berates you for things you have done, are doing, and did even years ago? Who sticks its ugly head into the present moment of joy, and sours it? We do it to ourselves! Isn’t that the truth? Continue reading
- Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10 - Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, a perfect day for all of us. A day for joy, a day for the joy of the Lord to be our strength. Yes, a God-blessed happiness to all you mothers! When the psalmist refers to joy, it doesn’t mean the tendency some people have, because of their temperament, to be happier than other people. For one reason or another there appear to be people who are more naturally wired to smile, who can wake up in the morning singing a cheery song, and who look at their breakfast cereal and simply clap their hands with delight. When I was a freshman in college, one of my classmates was an attractive young lady who walked the campus, always smiling, even greeting others with a ‘hello, there’, and the impression was that of a happy person. It was not long before I realized that she was not what she seemed. Continue reading
- Saturday, May 9 – Short Supply - It seems like happiness is in short supply, these days. You and I look for it. Do we always find it? It can be illusive, if you are looking in the distance, you know tomorrow, as opposed to today, to the now. Happiness could be there, just over your left shoulder, in the next room, or at the end of that telephone line, or the face on your Zoom or facetime loved one. Have you noticed the common denominator in our search for happiness? People! Yeah, people. Jesus is a people person who never left a lesson in the singular, always giving us a bonus. Max Lucado puts it this way when Jesus was asked which is the most important command? “The man wanted one answer, but he got two. ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Continue reading
- New Normal* - A New Normal! Too often that phrase seems to apply to things changing in your life from good to bad, like a medical diagnosis or loss of loved one. Or, the change is from good to “gooder”! You know, like marriage or new babies (especially the first one), or a promotion. For us, it is a phrase that most assuredly applies to these past two months and continuing on into the yet-to-be-determined end time. Sometimes that ‘New Normal’ is a choice, a decision that one makes because of something or someone has entered our lives. Take for example this little bit of an essay written several years ago: The surface of the lake was like a mirror. It was cloudy and the sun was behind the man who stood in the boat, still was as if he were a statue. Continue reading
