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Journal |
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AN
ONGOING SPIRITUAL WEBLOG
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September
5, 2008
A reminder that this year's See You At the
Pole event
is Wednesday, September 24. We've tried to bring
attention to it each year. It continues to grow and
is a great witness of faith by young people at their
schools before class starts as they silently pray
together around the flagpole.
More at the offical site - www.syatp.com
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September
3, 2008
September is a very busy time for me. Do you find
when you are dealing with multiple projects and advancing
deadlines that you get stressed out or overwhelmed?
I admit that I sometimes still do. However, the faith
that we should live by encourages us to live each
day fully, regardless of what is going on.
The entry for September 3 in Max Lucado’s Grace
for the Moment book of inspirational daily
thoughts speaks about being busy. He makes the point
that it is not a sin. Jesus was busy. Paul was busy.
Peter was busy. But being busy in pursuit of things
that leave us empty or hollow is not what God intends
for us.
Life happens. Challenges, busy schedules, unexpected
events and unforeseen circumstances are all part
of that. Keep seeing the “big” picture.
God is in all things and in your life if you let
Him.
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September
1, 2008
It could have been worse. Still, the powerful destructive
power of Hurricane Gustav along the Gulf Coast is
a reminder once again of how nature's storms can
wreak havoc. Many had evacuated New Orleans nad
close by areas and they were bracing for what was
feared could be a repeat of Hurricane Katrina. Fortunately
Gustav was not as damaging, but it still has caused
plenty of damage.
We need to continue to pray for the safety of those
in harm's ways and for effective relief efforts.
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August 29,
2008
The Democratic National Convention wrapped up in
Denver yesterday. The Republic National Convention
gets underway next week in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis
and St. Paul), Minnesota.
Both parties are now set with their candidates for
President and Vice President as John McCaine announced
today that he has selected Sarah Palin, current governor
of Alaska, as his running mate. She seems to be getting
a strong buzz from evangelicals - see
this post from GetReligion.org.
Both parties and their candidates will woo voters
in various ways. The faith voting bloc is important,
but there can be a wide difference in positions on
various issues among such believers. I'm reminded
again of how we must consider all the pro-life issues
- not just abortion, but war, euthanasia, poverty
and so on.
I hope you take your responsibility to vote seriously.
And it is good to remind everyone that God is not
a Republican or a Democrat.
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August 27,
2008
We have such a big challenge as Christians. If we
truly believe in Jesus Christ and the teachings He
gave us ( the divine path he reveals for us), then
we are in an ongoing daily challenge to live an actively
loving life of ALL people.
I don't know about you, but I find it very difficult.
Sure, in my head, it all sounds great. But whenever
I'm dealing with life and it rubs me the wrong way
I easily get defensive. This attitude makes it harder
for me to put others first.
I know I'm not alone in this struggle. Paul frequently
wrote about it and his valuable and inspired teaching
is in the New Testament to help us, just as it was
intended to help the early communities he was writing
his letters to. It is also just as true that today
there are many inspired people sharing their faith
with us. We must be willing to open our minds and
our hearts, let go of our preconceived ideas, and
love others enough to hear what God is saying through
them.
God is speaking to us through other people. How do
we know when that is true? Because the Holy Spirit
living and dwelling in us confirms it. That's also
part of the challenge for Christians. Having the
faith that the Spirit of God does indeed dwell within
us, teaching us and transforming us. It is God within
us that loves God and all of Creation.
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August 25,
2008
The Democratic National Convention is underway in
Denver and the Republican Natinal Convention will
take place next week in St. Paul. We've known for
a while who the presumptive candidates will be so
the main focus of both conventions will be for party
members to rally support for their candidates. In
10 weeks we will elect a new president, either John
McCain of Barack Obama.
The campaigning will get more intense and undoubtably
we will see more negative ads. However, we have
a responsibility to go past 30-60 secondvignettes
to
inform our conscience and vote our values. There
are many important issues for us to consider.
Sojourners is making available for free a 2008
Voter Issues
Guide. |
August 22,
2008
Our purpose in life is a daily union - and communion
- with God. The Christian life is not just about
reading books and singing songs and hanging out with
fellow believers. That's all important, but each
day must begin with our relationship with God. "Walking
with God" means that God is in our life each day
and guiding and leading us.
It's hard to do that with the huge concept of "God"
- which is why I so love that Jesus comes to us -
God as human - to give us that intimate relationship.
I was surfing the Internet for an idea of what to
write about this morning and found
something from
Randy Peck (yourdailyblessing.com). He related that
his company has begun daily morning devotionals where
each person
takes
turn sharing about their walk with God. One of the
workers, Amy, found a book that has inspired them
all, When
God Writes Your Life Story by Eric and
Leslie Ludy. The idea is to have God take you on
the daily breathtaking journey of your life.
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August 20,
2008
This morning I was getting frustrated working with
my computer. For whatever reason, things were moving
much slower than normal. I found myself getting very
impatient. This reveals something important about
my attitude. I want what I want when I want it -
and usually right now!
Sometimes it is necessary for us to work fast. Time
demands on a project, or the importance of quick
decisions and action that could make the difference
between life and death - that's serious stuff. To
hesitate or delay could be dangerous. However, most
of the time we need to be more deliverate and considerate.
The result of my computer slowness is the opportunity
to stop and reflect on my need to let things unfold
with patience and gracefulness.
It really helped to turn to the Bible and read again
Paul's great insight and instruction in Romans
12:2-3.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect
will. For by the grace given me I say to every one
of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than
you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober
judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith
God has given you. (New International Version)
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August 18,
2008
Political analysts, bloggers, evangelicals and other
pundits (religious and otherwise) are all chipping
in with their comments about presidential candidates
John McCain and Barack Obama following their appearances
at the Rick Warren hosted forum
on Saturday night. | more
info here |
These types of events can be helpful for voters to
learn more about the candidates and there was a lot
of interest among Christians given the site and the
host. Warren is the author of the immensely popular
Purpose Driven Life and a highly
visible Evangelical pastor of Saddleback
Church.
But one event should not define either candidate.
It takes time and diligience on the part of informed
voters to decide who to cast their vote for.
I've always felt strongly that we should be guided
by our moral compass and our beliefs when it comes
to voting, but we must resist deciding solely because
our church, denomination, religion or belief system
"tells us so". In other words, don't oversimplify
and be responsible to make up your mind thoughtfully
and prayerfully.
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August 13,
2008
The amazing American swimmer Michael Phelps has become
the winningest Olympic athlete ever. He's now won
5 gold medals in the games in Beijing (all world
records, including some relays) and the swimmer has
three more events so he could potentially win 8 gold
medals. For his Olympic career he's gathered in 11
gold medals. That's impressive. | story |
Another news story this morning at HealthNews.com states that running may help yo live longer and healthier.
That shouldn't be so surprising. A new study from
the Stanford University School of Medicine says it's
never too late to start. This is something I've personally
discovered as I began distance running a couple of
years ago at the age of 50. It requires some discipline
and dedication, but I am enjoying running in half
and full marathons. It also can be quite spiritual.
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August 11,
2008
The money crunch is tougher than ever for most of
us. The economy is shaky, prices are rising, but
not our paychecks, and it is easy to get stressed
out over how to make ends meet.
Sometimes you just need a little perspective, a plan
and common sense when it comes to money matters.
Joleah Stiles wrote a good article for RELEVANTmagazine.com
and you can read Everyday Ways to Stay Afloat here.
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August 7,
2008
The Olympics are about to get underway in Beijing.
China is using this opportunity to showcase their
country and the many technological and social changes
that have been taking place there. This is true of
any country that hosts the Olympiad. It’s a
world stage.
There are concerns about the track record of human
rights violations in China. Also, there has been
media coverage about the amount of air pollution
in Beijing and how it might affect the athletes.
It will be interesting to watch this event unfold.
Pray for a peaceful gathering. Pray for this opportunity
to learn more about China and for us to better understand
our global community.
I pray that God will move in and through the Olympics
to help us better appreciate how we are one family
and all children of God and how we can each do our
part to promote peace and understanding. This requires
something of each of us. We cannot be blind to injustice.
But we also cannot be a partner in it.
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August 4,
2008
So many people are searching for meaning and purpose
in life. I think all of us are seeking, consciously
or unconsciously, for answers that are spiritual
in nature.
A lot of people have problems with others who come
on too strong, too certain, righteous and fundamental
with their views and beliefs. We must always respect
each person's journey to faith. I believe Jesus
modeled this and it is evident in the Gospels. Jesus
respected those who came to Him with their troubles
and he would help them and then send them on their
way with a peace blessing. If they weren't practicing
Jews he didn't try to convert them to Judaism. God
knows that if if our hearts are open and seeking
He will draw near.
The Power to Change website has several personal
stories of people who were resistant to Christianity
or God or spiritual answers until something happened
that change them, often dramatically. Such as the
story titled, Rebel with a Cause.
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Scripture taken from
the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission
of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the
offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent
of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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PSALM
118:24
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"This
is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and
be glad in it."
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(NIV)
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