Running on empty

Running on empty
By John Fischer

Our second child was born prematurely, away from home. As you can imagine, it was a major crisis situation. There was much to do: find a temporary place to live, restructure our calendars, look after the needs of our one year-old in a new environment with all the attention going to his new baby sister, and be big enough to take on everybody’s emotions.

I could say I rose to the occasion but what I would really mean is my faith rose to the occasion. For the five weeks surrounding the time we waited for our new daughter until she could survive outside an incubator, I was on a spiritual high. In heightened emotional situations, I always find my faith more palpable. I not only believe God, I run on faith. Makes me think of Jackson Brown’s song “Running On Empty” because that’s what it feels like. I’m empty, but I’m still running, because I’m on faith alone. There’s no doubt about it. It can be exhilarating.

Then something happens when life returns to “normal” (which isn’t really normal, it’s just that the immediate pressure is off), it becomes harder to actually run on faith because I have so many other support systems I’m used to running on—things other than the Lord. It’s too easy to fall back on old ways of coping. In other words, it’s harder for me to live by faith when things are going well than when I am in crisis.

But here’s what I think the truth is: what I might call “normal” is an illusion. Life is in just as much of a crisis when I’m not feeling it as when I am. In fact, it is probably worse because my guard is down; I’m not on the lookout. I’m taking my ease.

Don’t be lulled to sleep by the “normal.” “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 LNT).

If we could really see the truth, we would see that we are empty all the time. In a spiritual way, we are perpetually in need of the Spirit in order to do the simplest of things. Be careful not to let your guard down.

Pray Everyday

"Pray always." (1 Thes. 5,17) What else does this simple scriptural sentence mean except that all our lives God calls us to prayer?

Praying is not easy. Every day so many other things call for attention. And the world around us puts little value on prayer; it tells us to put our minds to more important matters. It is not easy to pray today.

Yet God tells us to pray.

Beginning and ending the day are privileged moments for prayer. These morning and evening prayers drawn from the psalms and the scriptures also include selections from the word of God. During the Advent, Christmas, and Lenten seasons, which are the great seasons of prayer for the church, you will find special resources at this web site.

As you use this site, may the Holy Spirit within you come to your aid and guide you gently to the God who loves you.

The beginning of wisdom

The beginning of wisdom
By Tom Holladay

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

Because Proverbs is all about wisdom, many consider Proverbs 9:10 to be the most important verse in the book.

It's hard to disagree. This verse tells me where the starting line is - to even begin to have wisdom I have to have something called "the fear of the Lord."

That phrase is difficult for many of us to understand. These words come with a lot of emotional baggage attached. The first picture most of us see is not at all what the verse is talking about. For most of us, the "fear of God" conjures up images of anger and punishment, of a God who is both distant and threatening.

What do these words really mean? If I had to sum up this phrase in one word, the word would be "AWE.”

The best way I know to picture this is our attitude towards electrical power. I love what electricity does and the benefits that it brings, but would be very careful about sticking my finger into a light socket. I have a healthy respect for electrical power.

Take that attitude, add in the fact that God is ALL powerful and multiply it by the truth that he PERSONALLY cares for us each moment of each day, and you begin to approach what this phrase "the fear of the Lord" really means.

The more respect I develop for God's power and God's person, the more I open the door to wisdom in my life.

So where do you start? It's hard to just tell yourself "I have to feel awe today.” One of the best ways I know to invite an attitude of awe into your life is to focus on what God has created. When I give him full credit for what he has made it gives me a fuller appreciation for how great he really is.

Give it a try. Tell him, "thanks - really thanks," for a part of his creation right now!

Point to ponder: Wisdom comes from having a healthy respect toward God.

Verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

What will you do about it: You can’t just conjure up awe, but you can begin to cultivate it by putting your mind on God’s creative power. Look at the clouds overhead and the grass underfoot. Smell the rain. Eat a peach. Be amazed at God’s inventiveness – and praise him for it!

Prayer: Ask God for wisdom. Tell him you want to be more in awe of him. Start your prayer by thanking him for something he created.

The armor of God

The armor of God
By Jon Walker

“Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephes. 6:14-17, NLT)

I know some people who won’t get out of bed in the morning without praying a prayer based on Ephesians 6. Here’s one version you can use today:

Father, today, in Jesus’ name, I put on the girdle of truth. I thank you for I know who I am and that I have the power of the Holy Spirit within me. God is in control of my life.

Thank you that I can put on the breastplate of righteousness. In all situations, help me to respond from the truth and not from my emotions. I can refuse to receive lies from the enemy.

Today I strap on the sandals of the gospel of peace. Wherever I go, I can be a peacemaker, helping others make peace with you. Help me to remember that there’s a difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker and that mercy triumphs over judgment.

You, my shield of faith, are sufficient to protect me from any arrows and slings the enemy throws my way; and I recognize that my faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

Thank you that you are giving me the mind of Christ. Because I wear the helmet of salvation, I can receive the truth; and I don’t have to think in old, fleshly patterns. My mind is being renewed by the power of God. I can take thoughts captive for Christ.

The sword of the Spirit is your Word, the Bible. I can use your Word to deflate any slings and arrows from the enemy, knowing I do not battle flesh and blood; rather the fight is against the father of all lies. Help me also to use your Word to spread your gospel across the world.

Lord, I set my mind and heart on you today. I dedicate this whole day to you. I only want your will for my life. Through the name and blood of Jesus, I ask you to bind the enemy in my home, at my children’s school and at my job.

Point to ponder: God has provided all the armor you need to face today’s battles.

Verse: “Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephes. 6:14-17, NLT)

What will you do about it: Write Ephesians 6:14-17 on an index card and keep it close by today. When you feel a battle brewing, whether that be a temptation or a conflict, remind yourself again of the armor God has given you.

Prayer: Tell God you need him to be your shield today. Thank him for his protection

A soldier's point of view

A soldier's point of view
By John Fischer

On Memorial Day, my wife and I watched the 15^th annual memorial service from Washington, honoring men and women who had died and been wounded serving their country from World War II to the present war in Iraq. It was extremely well done and very moving. We wiped our tears away often as we watched soldiers tell their stories and actors speak for those who could not speak for themselves.

What made it especially poignant was the current controversy over our involvement in Iraq and the scandal of the treatment of prisoners that has dominated the news recently. Regardless of ones position on the current occupation in Iraq, the soldiers who serve don’t get to have an opinion, or if they do, it doesn’t really matter—they just take orders and do what they have to do. So much depends on your perspective. Seeing through the eyes of a common citizen at home and seeing through the eyes of a soldier in combat are two entirely different things.

When it comes to our mission here as followers of Christ, we can see things through the eyes of a regular guy going to work and trying to make it in the world, or we can see things from the perspective of the Holy Spirit and God’s work in bringing people into his kingdom. In light of spiritual truth, we are all soldiers in combat. No matter how people debate the issues of life, religion and politics, we know the ultimate question is a person’s eternal state. We must keep focused on the central issue: do the people in my neighborhood and my circle of friends know Christ? Do they know God is not counting their sins against them any longer and is welcoming them through his forgiveness, no questions asked? (2 Corinthians 5:19)

We are ambassadors of the greatest news the world has ever known. Regardless of the reasons that keep us functioning and busy in society, the real issue is on the spiritual front lines. We can have all sorts of points of view when it comes to the way our country is operating, but when it comes to the big issue of the souls of men and women—and why we are here—we need to ask God for a soldier’s point of view.

Always and Forever

What would you do if every time you wanted someone they would never be there?

What would you do if for every moment you were truly happy there would be 10 moments of sadness?

What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt?

So, I just wanted to say, even if I talk to you rarely since I know You.

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you.

Remember, everyone needs a friend, someday you might feel like you have NO FRIENDS at all.
Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will.

I'll Always Be There; In times of trouble, In times of need.

If you are feeling sad; You can count on me.

I will give you a wink; Until you smile.

Give you a hug and stand by your side.

I'll be there for you till the end.

I'll always and forever, be your friend!

5 simple rules to be happy

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return. So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook the excuses.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.