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June 25, 2001
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4) Several of our “Good News” group have experienced life threatening illnesses in recent years. The next few weeks I plan to focus on their stories.

Recovery from surgery is a tough mental and physical battle that frequently ends in the deepening of spirituality. Healing physically is something we all are used to; our bumps and bruises over the years, minor cuts, all go away in time. It is easy not to recognize the miracle of God with the minor problems.

However, when a big one comes, it is equally easy to ask “Where are you God?” or “Why are you doing this to me?” It is easy to lose sight of what matters when facing a life threatening event. Often, we are caught up in the analysis of the doctors skills and the various treatment options. Yes, let’s get technical and analytical to make darn sure that the doctor can take care of us. Let’s make sure we go to a hospital with the latest equipment. But somehow, let’s not forget God in the process.

In my case with the cancer, my impatience and outright fear chased me into the hospital in only three weeks, no analysis or wait and see. Just my typical impulsive, “Just do it.” (Thanks Nike.) As many of you know, somehow, I threw it over to Him with reckless abandon. That brings to mind the last line of the Psalm 23,”Surely goodness and love will follow, all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Thought for the Week: Let us focus on the unfortunates around us that are ill and keep the 23rd Psalm in mind. Let us see if we can contribute to helping in some way.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, many of our friends have health issues. Some are minor, some serious and some fatal. We pray that we may find a way to assist, help and calm their fears as they walk through their valley. May we help by following your guidance through prayer.

Amen

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June 20
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

When we truly believe, we will be at peace. Not because we have been perfect, but because we will know that we are forgiven through our faith. That is a powerful and moving statement. There are many moments in our lives that we have erred and perhaps are not proud of that memory.

There are many twelve step programs and clinics full of people that have never let go of these memories. They are searching for peace. It will find them when they “...turn their will and their lives over to the care of God....” That is an interesting thought.

In our lives, we also have an obligation to turn these memories over to God. I.E. the expression: “Let go and let God”. How do we accomplish that? Perhaps through the forgiving of those who have harmed us.

Colossians 3:13 says “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When we learn to forgive others, we find it easier to accept the forgiveness we receive from God.

Thought for the Week: As we go through this week, let us focus on the many positive things we accomplish, the people we help and the positive memories that we all appreciate. When a negative or remorseful memory comes to the forefront, let us stop a moment, pray and remember that God is forgiving.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to find grace and live in peace. This week, please help me focus on the positive things in my life and help me see the good in others.

Amen

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June 16
“Therefore since you have been justified through faith, we have peace with God... we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance brings character; and character brings hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

The key word this week is perseverance. Somehow in our lives we search for serenity or peace. Where does it hide, or do we hide it on our selves? Certainly we all go through phases when we are not at peace. Careers get in the way, illness occurs and the general business of our lifestyle disturbs tranquility.

When we are not at peace, who is in control? About three years ago, my daughter gave me a daily meditation book. Two years ago I gave up reading the morning newspaper and began reading a meditation. It helped me have a better day. I no longer knew the baseball scores, how Tiger did or, better yet, how many negative things occurred in the world the day before. Meditating gave me a level of peace at the start of the day.

So where does persistence fit in? Well, peace is illusive and hard to grasp, or even to define. The search may be everlasting. The message in Romans is fairly clear. Through out the ups, downs and general activity of our lives, we must be persistent in our faith and keep God in our lives. Through the grace of God, we will find the hope, peace and tranquility we desire.

My favorite poster hangs on my office wall, it states that “The race is not won only by the swift, but also by those who keep on running.” Somehow persistence will carry us through to the end.

Thought for the Week: As we go through this week, let us review our long standing frustrations. The demanding boss, the developing teenager, the morning commute, whatever it is in our lives. Let us pray for God’s guidance on how we should help Him deal with the frustration. If He is involved, we will be less frustrated.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, this week I give thanks for the many blessings that are present in my life: The good friends, the lifestyle, the rain and flowers of Spring. There still are many issues that need attention. I pray for your guidance so that as I work through the issues, you are with me and I somehow am doing your work.

Amen

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June 1
Flee the evil desires of youth,
and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace...
...The Lord’s servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind, able to teach and not resentful.”
(2 Timothy 22:24)

Forgiveness is the way of Christian life. It is not always an easy path. We Christians are challenged throughout our lives with anger and resentment. Sometimes we grow vindictive and just want to get even. Wow, what a curse. Is it possible to find peace through revenge? Absolutely not.

As many of you know, for a year my life has been saturated with lawyers, claims and counter claims, arbitration and mediation. It demonstrates a serious challenge that we Christians need to deal with. How do we find peace when someone has done us wrong? How do we keep God at the forefront of our lives when our livelihood is being attacked?
The answer is in good Christian friends, mentors, readings and prayer.

Many of us today are challenged with issues. Some have lost jobs, some have divorced, others have significant others who are terminally ill; anger, fear and resentment are fostered in this way. In my case it was theft. How do we deal with the issues without destroying the peace in our lives. Psalm 34: 12-14 says: “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” The Christian message is clear; we will find peace only when we have a strong enough faith to forgive and keep God through Jesus Christ at the forefront of our lives.

Thought (Focus) for the Week: This week we are asked to wear red to our church because the bright color will help us focus. Through out our lives “focusing on the positive” always seems to be a challenge. This week, let us all focus on the great things that we have and are (friends, Spring, children, etc.) and deal promptly with the negatives so that we may enjoy life to its fullest.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, our lives are full of the challenges that are placed before us. Sometimes these challenges create fear and hurts that are difficult to deal with and easy to hang on to. Friendships and relationships become challenged. Please help us keep the many great and positive gifts you have given us at the forefront of our thoughts and give us the power and wisdom to deal swiftly and honestly with the challenges.

Amen

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May 20
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Money is a tough subject to grasp in today’s life. How do we fit the pursuit of money and a good life into our Christian values? I received several replies regarding last week’s Good News and feel the need to comment about the pursuit of wealth.

Surely, the competition for wealth is a God given right and necessity that goes back to the beginning of time. The operating style in which we pursue wealth and what we do with our wealth can be totally compatible with God’s will. Working with others, servicing others, meeting others’ needs generates money and wealth. What we do with that money and wealth makes the difference. Do we pursue wealth in a manner that helps society, or do we take advantage of others to obtain wealth? That is always a gray area that we must have clear in our own minds. If, in your heart, you are competing in this society with the Lord first in your mind, you are on the right track.

There are two examples that I want to mention. First is a relatively small example of a fellow I worked with that would not accept earned commissions from selling to breweries because he did not believe that alcohol belonged in the world. He did do his job, and very well. He was a good example for me and I learned from him.

Another example on a grand scale was Charles M. Schultz of Snoopy fame. Throughout his life, he brought pleasure to millions. In his community, he contributed generously, also to the benefit of millions. He used his God-given vision and talent to help the world and was rewarded with his “barns overflowing.”

In summary, it is not bad to pursue wealth and it is a necessity. Pursuing wealth by contributing to society and the art of giving back first, rather than last, makes the difference.

Thought for the Week: As we go through the week, let us ask if we are contributors to society and others. Let’s also think about how much of our efforts and time we contribute to God’s work.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, please help me understand this complex life we live. Within our society it seems that people that give are happy and at peace. The Bible says give it all away and trust in the Lord while our social system seems to demand accruing wealth. I pray that this week I can understand your place and keep you in the forefront of my heart.

Amen

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May 11
“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment. To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, power and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth...” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Recently my grand daughter was picked up at 6pm and taken past McDonald’s for a Happy Meal on the way to buy a Mother’s Day gift for Mom.

How many of us rush our way through the drive-through, cursing the length of the line and the fact that we would be held up ten minutes waiting for lunch? I certainly have done that.

What is the hustle and bustle all about? The pursuit of “things” and “stuff”?

We are all working our hearts out, many have too little time to look at their lives and what really matters.

Yes, I realize that it is easier at my age (61) to say slow down and smell the roses, but I pray that you do.

“Be happy, young person, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart...” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Throughout our lifetime, June and I have met people that seem at peace, people that have never quite joined the “rat race” of life, people that had something that we were looking for. Well, through the last 25 years of spiritual growth, we have come close.

There seems to be a strong message here that the things that bring peace, serenity and happiness to our lives are found in our spirituality and it will be found in yours.

Thought for the Week: This week, let us look at our pursuits and find the time to meditate and understand where God fits into the puzzles that are our lives. Let us be sure that our puzzle does not have a piece missing.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, please help me locate what you want from me this week. There are many options in my life: The celebration of a “Hallmark Holiday”, the celebration of my Christian Family, a round of golf, opening of fishing and many others. Somehow help me keep you in this puzzle so that there are no pieces missing. With love for you and Jesus,

Amen

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May 5
“The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7)

Is there joy in our lives? Let us face it, most of us have a lot more joy (positives) than negatives. Our family, friends and associates are sources of great joy. It is Spring, the grass is green; the trees are budding with leaves and Spring flowers are showing their colors. It is easy to see this kind of joy.

Many people today have a problem seeing the joys in their lives. Several of my good friends have recently lost their jobs. Two others have a fatal illness. There are always two sides to our lives. When we are down, it is important to remember the Lord and his place in our lives. As stated in Romans 15:13; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Yes, in our lives there are physical and emotional joys. Our surroundings and life styles generate them. The real joy, however, comes through our Christian beliefs. It is this belief that gives us the “strength” and “shield” mentioned in Psalm 28:7.

Thought For the Week: Let us keep joy at the forefront of our thoughts. When challenged with life, let’s use our shield—the Lord.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, many of our friends are fighting battles. Illness, unemployment, unwanted career changes and many others. We pray for them to understand your strength and love. We pray that they may find the joy that is only available through trust in you.

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April 29
This week’s Good News is from “the Upper Room” from March 31, 2000.

“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7

Quite often when a crime occurs in “our neighborhood,” we ask, “How could this happen here?” The truth is that tragedy and violence can happen anywhere. None of us is immune to them. Real security can not come from walls and fences; real security comes from having a relationship with God.

The author of the 23rd Psalm realized this centuries ago when he wrote these familiar words, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” The psalmist does not say that we will not have to walk through the darkest valley or that evil does not exist. Rather, the psalmist reminds us that we need not fear or be overwhelmed because God is present with us at all times and in all places. God will see us through. The ground and content of our hope is the promise that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love.

Thought for the Week: Let us remember this week that we do not walk alone and that God is present with us always.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, when the foundations of our lives are shaken, hold us close to you and remind us that you will never leave or forsake us. You alone are our hope and security. Amen.

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April 21
This week’s subject is about leadership. What does a person, boss, parent, pastor or whatever, have that makes a great leader. “...He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” (Isaiah 49:10)
In the 60s, the International Shoe Machine Co. had an engineering manager who ruled the roost by fear. Three or four times each year he would lay off someone and then the next week warn a few that they could be next. The department output would increase for a while. He kept control of all projects, decisions and empowered no one. There was no compassion in the department or the company. It no longer exists. Great things did not happen for them.

Henri Nouwen says “It is compassionate authority that empowers, encourages, calls forth hidden gifts and enables great things to happen.” It seems that leaders that have great accomplishments have compassion.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Yes, it is clear that compassion, forgiveness and caring are strong components of success.

Thought For The Week: This week we will all have opportunities to be compassionate. We may be tired, short tempered or busy. However, let us focus on being compassionate.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, we are caught up in a busy world. There is too little time and too many things to do. Pressures to make the fast decision, reaction or remark sometimes lead to a lack of compassion. Please, help us concentrate on your place in our lives. Help us be compassionate and forgiving in all of our activities.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

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April 13
“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel, whose power is in the skies” (Psalms 68:34-35).

Power— what a word. What a feeling. We come into the world looking for power. We equate power with security and control. We hear about power brokers. Books are written in the leadership arena telling you how to gain power, retain power and use power. The feeling of power can be addictive. It gives us an adrenaline rush.

In relationships, power usually manifests itself as domination. How sad, when a significant other demands submission, partnership is lost. The relationship can not reach it’s full potential. Power sometimes negates God’s will. It can become a power brokers God.

I have always said that two heads are four times better than either one on it’s own. My definition of partnership is when two become one in objectives, dreams and goals. In a good relationship, power is not a problem. Power is only a problem when it is misused.

In relationships (spousal, parent child and others)sacrifice and caring (love) will generate a better relationship than power and control. Often power and control are masks for insecurity and a low self image. It blocks bonding and growing in a caring relationship. “Love one another, Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

Thought For The Week: In all of our interactions this week, let us keep caring, consideration and love at the forefront of our decision making.

Prayer For The Week: Dear Lord, during this special week of remembrance, let us find time to think through the story of Easter and life ever after. Help us put the trials of every day life on earth in perspective. Guide us to the inner peace that can be found in the love of Jesus.

Amen

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April 7
This week’s good news is from H. norman Wright’s “With All My Strength” dated March 21.

“The fruit of the Spirit is... peace (Galatians 5:22); And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)

J.L. Glass has written a humorous article, titled “Five Ways to Have a Nervous Breakdown.” He lists the ways as follows:

1. Try to figure out the answer before the problem arises. “Most of the bridges we cross are never built, because they are unnecessary.” Matthew 6:34 says: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
2. Try to relive the past. As we trust Him for the future, we must trust him with the past. And He can use the most checkered past imaginable for His good. (See Romans 8:28)
3. Try to avoid making decisions. Doing this is like deciding whether to let weeds grow in our garden. While we are deciding, they are growing. Decisions will be made in our delay. Choice is a man’s most godlike Characteristic.
4. Demand more of yourself than you can produce. Unrealistic demands result in “beating our heads against stone walls. We do not change the walls. We just damage ourselves.” Romans 12:3 says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.”
5. Believe everything Satan tells you. Jesus described Satan as the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44). But our Lord declared that his sheep follow Him because they “know his voice” (Jn 10:4). They have listened to it in His word.

Focus for the Week: During this Holy Week, let us focus on keeping the lessons Jesus taught us in our thoughts. Let us feel his presence in our daily lives.

Prayer for the week: Dear Lord, there are challenges everywhere we look. Captives in China, Spring floods, irritate financial conditions, unrest in the mid-East and in other places around the world. Many of us face personal issues. We pray this week to make sense of it all and find peace through the memory of Jesus.

Amen.

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April 1
This weeks Good News is a repeat from L.B. Cowman’s “Streams In the Desert.” January 19th.

“Then Jesus told his deciples... that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1)

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 every day 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 achieved my purpose.” He was victorious through unwavering persistence and faith in God.

Thought for the week: Practice leaning on God with more confidence.

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