Good News
from Bob Pickering
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A resource you may want to try is Search the Bible at Crosswalk.com.
Good News
from Bob Pickering
Subscribe to Good News
The world is experiencing a global crises in many ways. Our loss of confidence in our basic systems of life, finance, business, education and others are a distraction to our faith.
It is hard to focus and meditate when we are busy fighting for our success. Feeding the family, pleasing the boss (if you still have one) and maintaining life’s necessities take up our days. We are under stress and confused. We need to continue to keep practicing our faith.
Arthur Rubinstein, the great pianist, once said, “If I neglect practicing one day, I notice; two days, my friends notice; three days, the public notices.” It is the old principle “practice makes perfect.” We must continue believing, praying and doing His will. In any of the arts, when the artist ceases to practice, we know the result. If we would only use the same level of common sense in our faith that we use in our everyday life, we would be moving toward perfection.
David Livingston’s motto was, “I resolved never to stop until I had come to the goal and achieve my purpose.” He was victorious through unwavering persistence and faith in God.
Thought for the week: Practice leaning on God with more confidence. Life will be good.
Prayer For The Week: Dear Lord, we are all having busy times. Help us take the time to pray for confidence in understanding your will; help in letting go of things out of our control, to reduce our stress; help in finding the time to be with and help the sick; and of course help in sharing our love of you with our families. Let us find the confidence to work with you in all areas of our lives. Amen
March 22, 2009, Friend, spouse, self?
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers (people) live together in unity!”
—(Psalm 133:1, NIV)
Years ago in a Methodist Youth Fellowship meeting, we were asked to write out what characteristics we valued in a friend. The discussion that followed demonstrated that we all had similar values. The characteristics of honesty, integrity, sense of humor and spirituality were most commonly mentioned. The differences were mostly activity based. The card players wanted a partner, runners a training partner, travelers a travel partner etc. I wanted to meet an Olympic swimmer.
The point or the exercise was to lead into a discussion on marriage. The facilitator pointed out that the same characteristics would be desirable in a future spouse. At that age most of us had not thought much about potential spouses. We were still in the Charlie Brown era, dreaming about the cute little red head girl. (I do not know who the girls thought about.)
The facilitator then had us look in a mirror. You see, the goal of the meeting was not about finding a perfect friend or spouse. It got turned around. We had to ask ourselves if we fit our own model. In the weeks that followed we had discussions about growth; about becoming the person we specified. For most of us at that age, it was the first time we thought about what others saw in us. It was scary and enlightening.
I am not sure if the Psalmist was thinking about blood brothers, sisters, spouses or whatever. However, we need to live in harmony with each other and focusing on being a good friend will make that happen.
Thought for the Week: This week let us focus on working on being a good friend; in the work place, the neighborhood, at church and at home. Let us focus on sharing our space with others in unity.
March 15, 2009, Persistence
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
—(Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
In the 40’s and 50’s there was a Boston announcer that used to say “A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.” Today we live in a fast paced society that seems to demand instant gratification. In the business world everyone is looking for the proverbial “low hanging fruit”; the diet fads are advertising fast weight reduction; if a trip is more than 400 yards we drive to save time. We want what we want when we want it and often fail to be diligent, persistent and patient.
In the 80’s at a sales meeting Ty Boyd did a presentation called “The Life Plan” in which he talked about making a plan for life like we do for business. He preached that we needed to set goals for life and keep our focus on attaining those goals. We all start out with a plan, but many let it go and start reacting to life’s situations rather than implementing their plan. A strong factor in keeping a life plan in order is spirituality. Spirituality gives us the ability to focus on the good rather than reacting to the negative. Having the ability to forgive and to pray helps get through the tough days and keep our focus on the plan.
In Romans 12 verse 11 Paul wrote, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We need that to be a part of our life plan.
Thought for the Week: This week let us remember where we want to go. There will be both positive and negative distractions. This week let us focus on our spirituality in both celebration and under stress. Let us give thanks when things go as planned and pray when they do not.
March 8, 2009, Endurance and Life
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV)
In our seemingly endless search for tranquility, we always seem to “want what we want, when we want it.” Waiting seems like an impossible task. We seem to want our victories to come via the easy route. That is rarely a reality of life. Life is not a sprint; it is an endurance event, a marathon. When we are born we are signed up automatically for the ultimate endurance event. Life.
As many of you know, I am an endurance athlete and train more than the average person. That is for the races and triathlons. It is a blessing for me when involved with these fitness events. Training relieves stress, physical fitness is one third of life (Spirit, Mind and Body) and to get through life’s low points, persistence with an eye on the goal is important, Training for life is much more complex. The physical part is only a small piece. The best preparation and training for the rest of life is faith through Jesus Christ and the bible. The Christian faith brings to life the patience, persistence and growth required to be happy, satisfied and truly successful. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)
Focus for the Week: We are all living through very trying times. There is too much to do, too much work, not enough playtime. However, we have God and through Him we have our Christian friends. This week, let’s look toward the future knowing that patience and perseverance will bring us tranquility and happiness.
Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, as Christians we are not perfect. We seem to want immediate gratification throughout our lives. This week we pray for patience to discover your will, the courage to implement it and the knowledge to recognize your presence in our lives. Amen
February 22, 2009, Raising Expectations
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians3, 1&2; NIV)
We have talked a bit about how the head and heart lead our bodies. How often our thoughts may be negative and they can lead us into having a negative attitude. Let’s face it, when we read or listen to the news, they talk mostly about negative events. However, most of what goes on in the world is positive. We need to focus on that! Remember the words to the old song. “When you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout, It’s going to be a great day.” We are often confronted with the local curmudgeon, the person who finds fault with everything. Let’s face it, they are right, it is always too hot or too cold! Too rainy or their lawn needs watering! Things are too expensive! Coffee is too weak or strong! Pray for them, they need us. We will have negative influences in our lives. As we move through our daily lives, we are blessed with the tools to deal with the negative side. I read this on a sign in front of a local church recently, “The Lord does not guarantee us smooth passage, just a safe landing.” It is up to use our Christian tools to stay positive and be happy.
Thought for the Week: This week we will have to deal with negative issues. Let us turn them into a positive experience by dealing with them promptly. When we encounter some that seem to linger and not go away, let us remember to turn those over to God through prayer.
February 16, 2009, Intimacy
“Intimacy is the foundation for both love and friendship. It is a close emotional bond that involves sharing and understanding. Each person in an intimate relationship wants to know the other's deepest dreams, wishes, concerns hopes and fears; while at the same time, being an open book. Intimacy leads to deep feelings of closeness, warmth and trust. Intimacy eliminates the pain of loneliness and the pain of being strangers with one another. If you are going to have intimacy in your relationship, you must have the confidence to expose the private vulnerable portion of your life. You cannot remain isolated from each other.” (H. Norman Wright).
From Bob:
Intimacy is not only a marriage or “significant other” issue. It is also a friend issue. On Fridays a group of us meet, talk about the bible and many other issues. We are from many different walks of life, different faiths and cover a wide range of ages. It is a motley crew but has an intimacy to it that is great. We share our thoughts, sometimes our challenges and there is very little held back. With that however there is support, advise and caring. There is an intimacy to the group that makes it worth waking up early to attend. It is a bible study but goes way beyond that—it is a group of caring men.
In another context, those of you that know me are aware of my insane Saturday runs during the 1980s.They were up to three hours long and up to 20 miles. There was a group of us that met every Saturday in the early hours and off we would go. During these hours we would talk and share. We got to know and understand each other very well. We did not solve all the problems of the world—but we tried! We always helped, consoled advised and cared about each other. The group had an intimacy to it that was similar to the bible study.
Love, caring, intimacy is what Christians are all about. We learned that from Christ.
Thought For The Week: Let us think about sharing ourselves with others and allowing others to share with us. Sharing not only our joy's but our concerns and accepting the same.
Prayer For The Week: Heavenly father, we crave intimacy and are afraid to share. We crave intimacy and are too proud to show our flaws to others. Please help us share ourselves with others so that we may enjoy the fruits of deepened relationships. Amen.
February 8, 2009, Share God’s Glory
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (Psalm 20 v 4 & 5)
In follow up to last week, “Let the competition begin, Let the glory be God’s” I feel a need to share some stories about Christian athletes. Today’s passage is one that is used by Olympic runner Ryan Hall when people ask him about his passion for running. He credits Psalm 20 as the motivating force that reinforced his passion for training and competing. He will often recite it on long training runs and in marathons when things are tough. Ryan says, “It is not about the medals, the records, the times; it is about pouring yourself out.” That is a great attitude.
Jim Ryan was the world record holder in the mile. After running a 4:21 at age 14 his coach asked him how fast he thought he could be. Jim’s answer was somewhere around 4:15. Ryan credits his coach with giving him the vision to break the four minute mark in high school! He went on to hold the world record and was favored in the 1500 in the 1972 Olympics. In his very first heat he stumbled in the last 500 meters and was disqualified. Jim is a fine gentleman and Christian and he summarizes that experience by saying, “God allowed me to be disqualified from the world’s most prestigious athletic competition to show me how to be a real winner.”
Both Ryan and Jim are athletes to be proud of because they have the passion to be the best they can be. They have kept balance in their lives and give thanks to God for their abilities.
“For we are God’s workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Thought for the Week: This week let us recognize the gifts that the Lord has given us and put them to good use in Jesus name.
January 30, 2009, Let the Glory Be God’s
“Praise be to the Lord,
for He has heard my cry for Mercy.
The LORD is my strength and shield;
My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.” (Psalm 28 vs. 6 & 7)
The Super Bowl takes place this weekend and there are big numbers associated with it. Numbers like 150 million people watching on TV, 3 million dollars for a 30 second add, 250 million added to the Miami area economy—Oh yes, a number I do not have but tried to find; there are a number of competitors and coaches from both teams who will attend a prayer meeting and bible study Sunday before the game. They are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
My sports history goes back to age six as a YMCA swimmer and my 60 plus years of associating with world class athletes has convinced me that they are, overall, not a group to be proud to know. For the most part, their years of competition and “winning is everything” attitude has influenced them in a negative manner. Frankly I don’t like them and avoid them.
The athletes that surprise me the most are the Olympians that I have been blessed to know. My brother Wayne and I competed against several that swam in 1956 and 1960. My conclusion in regard to them is that they focused so much on their game that they did not develop very good social skills. For the record, that’s being very kind.
On Super Sunday there will be members of the “Fellowship” who have kept a balance in their life. In sports I find them a pleasing and great minority. They represent what I feel every Christian and person needs to be: The best they can be with an appreciation of the Lord and Jesus Christ. Below is the last paragraph of their competitors creed and a link to it on the internet.
“I give my all—all of the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in. I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior—a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination. I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ. The results of my efforts must result in His glory.
“Let the competition begin. Let the glory be God’s.”
Thought for the Week: Let us enjoy the week by being the best we can be while keeping the Lord in the forefront.
Here is a link to the creed of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Stress is becoming an American, if not a Worldwide tradition; part of our life style. We often go through our week wound up like a rubber band that has been twisted tighter and tighter. However, we all recognize that the rubber band eventually breaks. When it is wound too tight or stressed too long, it snaps! We are certainly a higher life form that a rubber band, however are we similar when stressed. We have a way of unwinding during the most stressed of times. Mine is by writing “Good News” to people that I love. Yours may be different— exercise, meditation, a chat with a friend, reading. There are many ways to release stress. In Paul's writings in Philippians 4: 8 & 9 he suggests that Faith is a tool to help us. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Focus for the Week: This week let us focus selfishly on ourselves. Let’s feel the peace and presence of God in our lives. When the “stress monster” wants to control our lives, let’s read this passage and let "the peace of God" into our lives. As Christians we deserve peace.
Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, the world seems to be a breeding ground for stress. Everywhere we look there is something to worry about. Terror, hate, employment troubles, stock market woes— even severe weather. This week we pray that we may keep you and peace in our thoughts, that we have the presence of mind to make wise choices and release our stresses to find tranquility. Amen
January 17, 2009, A place to hide
“Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge…
5 …LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure…
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; …You have made known to me the path of life; …you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16 Vs 1, 5, 6, 11 & 12)
In the 80’s there was a speaker, Ty Boyd, on the business circuit that was a very good Christian, business man and TV ad man who introduced me to the National Speakers Association. Ty taught that to be successful you had to be happy. Also, to be happy you had to have a “life plan” that included all phases of life. It is early in the New Year and we all have our resolutions and goals; that is a good thing in my mind. However, what is our plan to accomplish those goals?
Frankly, I do not really care about the plan to lose weight or get fit, the resolution to be a better employee etc. My reason for writing this is to share some thoughts on using what has been given to us through Jesus to be successful and happy. This will be a year of change and we all will need to use the Lord as a refuge, a place to seek peace.
The expression “When the going gets tough the tough get going” is sportsy and cute. My thoughts are that when the going gets tough spiritual people will recognize the pleasant boundaries given them by the Lord and be at peace. They will see the path of life made available to them through faith and experience the joy of following the path, the will of God.
Yes, we are always challenged in life. The closer we stay to the Lord and His plan, the happier and more successful we will become.
Thought for the Week (Year!): There are many challenges as we move forward. This week let us focus on staying close to God. If we have not put this closeness in out life plan, let’s do it now. Let’s set ourselves up for success and happiness.
Prayer for the Week: Dear heavenly father we are scared and concerned as we move forward through a changing world. We pray that we may hear your call and find refuge in your love. We pray that throughout life we may follow a plan to be close to you and do your will here on earth.
January 5, 2009, Serenity Prayer
This week’s "Good News" is based on the serenity prayer. It is used by most 12 step programs and I believe was originally drafted by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. Along with it are several relevant passages to help us attain tranquility in 2009.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
As we go into the New Year, peace and tranquility always seem to be part of our new year’s goals. Last year we did too much. One more committee at church, the kids need a coach, how can we get everyone to every game, lesson class etc? Oh, the boss wants us 50 hours a week too!!
It takes faith and courage to let go and let God play a role in our lives. "I... will have sufficient courage so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body..." Philippians (1:20).
At work and in our daily lives, we often fail to take the risk of allowing God to take control. How often we do not accept the spiritual help available. We will handle it all. Where is our humility when we try to do it all? "... humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."
James (2:1).
We tend to forget the basic rules taught to us by our faith. When we are taking control, adding stress to ourselves, do we ask for the help available? “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God
...and it will be given to you."
(James 1:5)
We are told to keep God at the forefront in our search for this inner peace. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
The serenity prayer is simple. We all know that simple is good Let us start the new year with this thought in mind.
Thought for the Week: Let us focus on peace and tranquility in our lives; with our families, neighbors and coworkers.
Prayer for the Week: Let's use the serenity prayer, this week and for the year, especially when over stressed.
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