Joy Filled Lives
“I have told you this, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John in the gospels, chapter 15, verse 11
There is so much happening that can rob us of joy. In a hospital we treat sickness and disease in people who are experiencing joyless times. In this global village, we continue to hear the sad stories of the Middle East, a saga that is not just decades old, but actually centuries old.
Then there is this gospel word saying to us that complete joy, ecstasy if you will, is a possibility that is not just something for the mystic but a possibility for all who listen to the teachings of Jesus. Trying to picture that is almost unfathomable.
Henri Nouwen writes, “Somehow joy is much harder to express than sadness. It seems that we have more words for sickness than for health, more for abnormal conditions than for normal conditions.”
He continues, “those who live joy-filled lives are always moving away from rigidly fixed situations and exploring new, unmapped dimensions of reality. In other words, joy is always new. Whereas there can be old pain, old grief, and old sorrow, there can be no old joy. Old joy is not joy! Joy is always connected with movement, renewal, rebirth, change—in short, with life.” (Quotes are from Lifesigns, Henri Nouwen, pp. 85-88)
It’s mid-week!! I wish for you a day that has many moments of joy! May springtime be alive within you, filling you with joy, complete joy and contentment.
A prayer for today: God of joy, may I find you in new ways—small or great. Be before me, beneath me, over me, behind me, within me. In your name, Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.30.08
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 29
The Way of Peace
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Our Native American brothers and sisters—Miami, Sioux, Navajo, and Potawatomi, to name a few—were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
A prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.29.08
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Our Native American brothers and sisters—Miami, Sioux, Navajo, and Potawatomi, to name a few—were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
A prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.29.08
Monday, April 28, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, April 28
God Found In Breadcrumbs?
Have you ever experienced an ache in your inner self? A sort of longing that is calling out to you….. a restlessness that isn’t satisfied when you “treat yourself” to a meal, a new outfit or a new gadget.
It is time to introduce another writer to you. Her name is Macrina Wiederkehr; one of her books is A Tree Full of Angels. She suggests that the longing or ache is for the reality of God awareness. She challenges us to look for “The Holy One” in the ordinary, not just the extraordinary. The Creator of all surrounds us more frequently than we acknowledge. Macrina would suggest that we sweep up too many breadcrumbs before stopping to realize the presence of God in what we are throwing away.
“The more I embrace the little one that I am, the more I have an inkling of some mysterious greatness, something infinite stirring within and yearning to be found. I feel it within me more each day. It is like dynamite waiting to be ignited, like a treasure waiting to be found, like a gift waiting to be given and received.”
Be alert to the times you feel that aching inside. Assess the things around you and you will discover that God is a lot closer than you realized. Have a blessed day as you find trees filled with angels.
A prayer for today: Teach me to be more aware, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.28.08
Have you ever experienced an ache in your inner self? A sort of longing that is calling out to you….. a restlessness that isn’t satisfied when you “treat yourself” to a meal, a new outfit or a new gadget.
It is time to introduce another writer to you. Her name is Macrina Wiederkehr; one of her books is A Tree Full of Angels. She suggests that the longing or ache is for the reality of God awareness. She challenges us to look for “The Holy One” in the ordinary, not just the extraordinary. The Creator of all surrounds us more frequently than we acknowledge. Macrina would suggest that we sweep up too many breadcrumbs before stopping to realize the presence of God in what we are throwing away.
“The more I embrace the little one that I am, the more I have an inkling of some mysterious greatness, something infinite stirring within and yearning to be found. I feel it within me more each day. It is like dynamite waiting to be ignited, like a treasure waiting to be found, like a gift waiting to be given and received.”
Be alert to the times you feel that aching inside. Assess the things around you and you will discover that God is a lot closer than you realized. Have a blessed day as you find trees filled with angels.
A prayer for today: Teach me to be more aware, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.28.08
Friday, April 25, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, April 25
A Hospital Experience
“When God gives anyone wealth and possessions
and enables that person to enjoy them,
to accept their lot and be happy in their work—
this is a gift of God.”
--A wisdom saying (Ecc. 5:19)
Thirty-three years ago on April 26 at about 7 AM we arrived at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our household was about to have a memorable hospital experience. For the next 15 hours I sat with my wife as she went through the pains of birthing our 5 pound, 13 ounce baby boy. The hospital stay was extended a few more days than anticipated due to some complications that, in the scope of things, were significant but minor. Today Kevin is a healthy young man, married and enjoying life. He is happy in his work, happy in his role as a volunteer firefighter and is able to enjoy the wealth and possessions that have come his way. He too has had a “hospital experience” with his wife and their daughter is one of those special treasures in my life. I agree with the wisdom writer. Kevin is truly a gift of God experiencing God’s gifts for him.
I still remember the work of the child birth team. We had a good hospital experience over three decades ago. The people who helped us through that important moment in life impressed me. Today, those of us who work in a hospital will have opportunities to help people as they experience a hospital. May your compassionate touches bless the lives of patients and families as they have their hospital experience.
A prayer: God be with us today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.25.08
“When God gives anyone wealth and possessions
and enables that person to enjoy them,
to accept their lot and be happy in their work—
this is a gift of God.”
--A wisdom saying (Ecc. 5:19)
Thirty-three years ago on April 26 at about 7 AM we arrived at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our household was about to have a memorable hospital experience. For the next 15 hours I sat with my wife as she went through the pains of birthing our 5 pound, 13 ounce baby boy. The hospital stay was extended a few more days than anticipated due to some complications that, in the scope of things, were significant but minor. Today Kevin is a healthy young man, married and enjoying life. He is happy in his work, happy in his role as a volunteer firefighter and is able to enjoy the wealth and possessions that have come his way. He too has had a “hospital experience” with his wife and their daughter is one of those special treasures in my life. I agree with the wisdom writer. Kevin is truly a gift of God experiencing God’s gifts for him.
I still remember the work of the child birth team. We had a good hospital experience over three decades ago. The people who helped us through that important moment in life impressed me. Today, those of us who work in a hospital will have opportunities to help people as they experience a hospital. May your compassionate touches bless the lives of patients and families as they have their hospital experience.
A prayer: God be with us today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.25.08
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, April 24
Wonder of Silence
“For God alone my soul waits in silence.
Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before the Lord,
God is a refuge for us.”
--Psalm 62: 5, 8
One of the wonders of taking time with a person in the midst of their pain is the wonder of silence. The deepest cries of the soul are not the ones we can verbalize. They are the ones that are buried beneath piles of “stuff.” Today we receive a call to silence, a call to simply listen.
Often in a pastoral visitation, there is a request for prayer. It feels like a call to offer words, a call to engage the mind to form phrases for verbal expression. The temptation is to move quickly to words. This kind of prayer may only get us to the “piles of stuff,” causing us to miss the soul of the person who asks us to pray. Sometimes, as the Psalm writer reminds us, it is good to just stop all the noise and pour out our inner self in silence. Tough stuff to do!
Take time with your heart today. Take time being attentive to the hearts of those around you in whatever workspace you find as your “home away from home.” All of us may find many surprises if we dedicate today as a day when we listen and respond soul to soul.
A prayer: God…………………………………………….Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.24.08
“For God alone my soul waits in silence.
Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before the Lord,
God is a refuge for us.”
--Psalm 62: 5, 8
One of the wonders of taking time with a person in the midst of their pain is the wonder of silence. The deepest cries of the soul are not the ones we can verbalize. They are the ones that are buried beneath piles of “stuff.” Today we receive a call to silence, a call to simply listen.
Often in a pastoral visitation, there is a request for prayer. It feels like a call to offer words, a call to engage the mind to form phrases for verbal expression. The temptation is to move quickly to words. This kind of prayer may only get us to the “piles of stuff,” causing us to miss the soul of the person who asks us to pray. Sometimes, as the Psalm writer reminds us, it is good to just stop all the noise and pour out our inner self in silence. Tough stuff to do!
Take time with your heart today. Take time being attentive to the hearts of those around you in whatever workspace you find as your “home away from home.” All of us may find many surprises if we dedicate today as a day when we listen and respond soul to soul.
A prayer: God…………………………………………….Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.24.08
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, April 23
Expressing our Gratitude
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--Psalm 89:1
The Psalmist is filled with gratitude, expressing it freely and artistically. It is good to bring out the artist that is within us, to learn how to express the gratitude we feel in our souls. The more we offer praise and thanksgiving, the better we feel.
Sometimes it is difficult to feel and believe that there is artistic ability within us. Frequently (like when playing Pictionary) people express their insecurity about artistic gifts. With all the great works of art that surround us these emotions are quite understandable. Personally, I still remember the name of my junior high art teacher, the “D” she gave me on a drawing I’d done, her comments about my work and the feeling of inadequacy that was created. In case you ever battle with similar challenges as you try to express what is on the “inside,” these quotes may be helpful:
“Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once the child grows up.”
--Pablo Picasso
“I do believe it is possible to create,
even without writing a word or painting a picture,
by simply molding one’s inner life.
And that too is a deed.”
--Etty Hillesum
Have an artistic day, living the thanks and praise you have within.
Ben Keckler
04.23.08
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--Psalm 89:1
The Psalmist is filled with gratitude, expressing it freely and artistically. It is good to bring out the artist that is within us, to learn how to express the gratitude we feel in our souls. The more we offer praise and thanksgiving, the better we feel.
Sometimes it is difficult to feel and believe that there is artistic ability within us. Frequently (like when playing Pictionary) people express their insecurity about artistic gifts. With all the great works of art that surround us these emotions are quite understandable. Personally, I still remember the name of my junior high art teacher, the “D” she gave me on a drawing I’d done, her comments about my work and the feeling of inadequacy that was created. In case you ever battle with similar challenges as you try to express what is on the “inside,” these quotes may be helpful:
“Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once the child grows up.”
--Pablo Picasso
“I do believe it is possible to create,
even without writing a word or painting a picture,
by simply molding one’s inner life.
And that too is a deed.”
--Etty Hillesum
Have an artistic day, living the thanks and praise you have within.
Ben Keckler
04.23.08
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 22
An Awareness Within
“Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.”
--Psalm 25: 5
This is an interesting verse. Are we to wait around all day for God to lead us? How does God lead us into truth? How can we be taught without the voice of a teacher?
Spiritual directors across all lines of faith remind us that every individual needs to cultivate a sense of awareness within. It is possible to be “waiting” while we are working on a given task. It is possible to be taught without a voice speaking audible tones. It is possible to be led even when you are “on task” with something that needs to be done.
Today provides each of us with another time to develop awareness of the still small voice that prompts us in ways that are rather difficult to explain. John A. Shedd once said, “Opportunities are seldom labeled.” Enjoy your day of work and be attentive. There is no need to just “sit around and wait;" the cries of those needing care surround us. Have a blessed day!
A prayer: Bless the work of my hands this day as I continue to develop a deeper awareness of your truth, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.22.08
“Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.”
--Psalm 25: 5
This is an interesting verse. Are we to wait around all day for God to lead us? How does God lead us into truth? How can we be taught without the voice of a teacher?
Spiritual directors across all lines of faith remind us that every individual needs to cultivate a sense of awareness within. It is possible to be “waiting” while we are working on a given task. It is possible to be taught without a voice speaking audible tones. It is possible to be led even when you are “on task” with something that needs to be done.
Today provides each of us with another time to develop awareness of the still small voice that prompts us in ways that are rather difficult to explain. John A. Shedd once said, “Opportunities are seldom labeled.” Enjoy your day of work and be attentive. There is no need to just “sit around and wait;" the cries of those needing care surround us. Have a blessed day!
A prayer: Bless the work of my hands this day as I continue to develop a deeper awareness of your truth, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.22.08
Monday, April 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, April 21
The Story of Your Life
“But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
to tell of all God’s works.”
--Psalm 73: 28
How do you describe the story of your life? A variety of images are available: a tapestry, a song, a narrative, a poem… Whatever description you use, it can be helpful to view or review the story of your life. Within our “life-song” we can find that we are experiencing various seasons all the time. For example, examine the theme of loss. Can you identify a loss? If so what season are you in as you process that loss? Or examine the theme of relationships (either human or divine). What season are you experiencing in relationships that are significant to you?
What season do you think the Psalm writer was in when the opening words were penned? There is energy in this verse, a vibrant feeling in the tone of the words. What is going on in your life-song? Are you listening to your life?
“And time remembered is grief forgotten
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in the green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.”
--Algernon Charles Swinburne
A prayer: Draw me near to you O God, as I look at my life and discover your presence.
Ben Keckler
04.21.08
“But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
to tell of all God’s works.”
--Psalm 73: 28
How do you describe the story of your life? A variety of images are available: a tapestry, a song, a narrative, a poem… Whatever description you use, it can be helpful to view or review the story of your life. Within our “life-song” we can find that we are experiencing various seasons all the time. For example, examine the theme of loss. Can you identify a loss? If so what season are you in as you process that loss? Or examine the theme of relationships (either human or divine). What season are you experiencing in relationships that are significant to you?
What season do you think the Psalm writer was in when the opening words were penned? There is energy in this verse, a vibrant feeling in the tone of the words. What is going on in your life-song? Are you listening to your life?
“And time remembered is grief forgotten
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in the green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.”
--Algernon Charles Swinburne
A prayer: Draw me near to you O God, as I look at my life and discover your presence.
Ben Keckler
04.21.08
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, April 18
Soul Searching
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Today is a day for soul searching. Actually every day is a good day to look within and allow new insights to help us in the transformation process.
This concept of soul searching isn’t reserved for those in the Christian community. Obviously the Psalm writer longed for renewal and transformation within. Clearly in the year 2008, the world is at yet another “cross-road.” Actually we don’t need to say a whole lot today. While the grandiose desire for a world of soul-searching folk seems impossible, there is a possible way to make it happen. The verse of the day states it one way and more contemporary lyricists, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, state it this way:
“Let there be peace on earth, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my parting vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
May today be a Good Friday for you.
Ben Keckler
04.18.08
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Today is a day for soul searching. Actually every day is a good day to look within and allow new insights to help us in the transformation process.
This concept of soul searching isn’t reserved for those in the Christian community. Obviously the Psalm writer longed for renewal and transformation within. Clearly in the year 2008, the world is at yet another “cross-road.” Actually we don’t need to say a whole lot today. While the grandiose desire for a world of soul-searching folk seems impossible, there is a possible way to make it happen. The verse of the day states it one way and more contemporary lyricists, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, state it this way:
“Let there be peace on earth, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my parting vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
May today be a Good Friday for you.
Ben Keckler
04.18.08
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, April 18
The Creator Watches Over Creation
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world are taking time to commemorate the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges—the Creator watches over creation and creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
My Father, thank you for the gift of this life…
full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake.
Thank you that I am surrounded above and below,
behind and before, by you.
Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you…
So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!
As you take time to commemorate the Holy Days that are important to you in your spiritual journey, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
Ben Keckler
04.17.08
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world are taking time to commemorate the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges—the Creator watches over creation and creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
My Father, thank you for the gift of this life…
full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake.
Thank you that I am surrounded above and below,
behind and before, by you.
Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you…
So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!
As you take time to commemorate the Holy Days that are important to you in your spiritual journey, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
Ben Keckler
04.17.08
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, April 16
Having Hope
“Hope does not disappoint us,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Spirit that has been given to us. ”
--from a Letter to believers in Rome
What happens when difficult news comes our way? How do we respond? It seems fair to say that life is not as easy as we would like, that challenges are more the standard, that pain is more frequent than we desire. When these times come our way try spending some moments in quiet reflection, allowing hope to infuse the uncomfortable feelings that are growing in our souls. A number of helpful observations have been preserved over the years about hope. Maybe some of these could be helpful as well:
“If you do not hope, you will not find what lies beyond your hopes.”
--Clement of Alexandria
“Hope is the physician of every misery.”
--An Irish Proverb
“There never was night that had no morn.”
--Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
“My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky.”--William Wordsworth
“We must never despair; our situation has been compromised before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again.”
--George Washington
A prayer: Infuse me with hope today, especially in the things that feel so hopeless.
Ben Keckler
04.16.08
“Hope does not disappoint us,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Spirit that has been given to us. ”
--from a Letter to believers in Rome
What happens when difficult news comes our way? How do we respond? It seems fair to say that life is not as easy as we would like, that challenges are more the standard, that pain is more frequent than we desire. When these times come our way try spending some moments in quiet reflection, allowing hope to infuse the uncomfortable feelings that are growing in our souls. A number of helpful observations have been preserved over the years about hope. Maybe some of these could be helpful as well:
“If you do not hope, you will not find what lies beyond your hopes.”
--Clement of Alexandria
“Hope is the physician of every misery.”
--An Irish Proverb
“There never was night that had no morn.”
--Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
“My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky.”--William Wordsworth
“We must never despair; our situation has been compromised before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again.”
--George Washington
A prayer: Infuse me with hope today, especially in the things that feel so hopeless.
Ben Keckler
04.16.08
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 15
Mending a Fractured World
“They will build houses and dwell in them,
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.”
--from the Prophecies of Isaiah
Five years ago today I wrote the following devotions based on the headlines of the day.
The headlines this morning said that the war is winding down and it would be easy to think that this will mean that the troops will soon be back home. As the war winds down, the vast work of mending begins. Many will not be able to return quickly because a war torn area needs to create a new direction. Many others will have to pack their bags here and go to Iraq to help in the building of houses and the planting of vineyards.
Lester Brown in his book Building A Sustainable Society writes, “We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.” This is a statement that deserves some attention as we continue to do our part as responsible partners with a fractured world. I personally would say, “We have inherited the earth AND we are also borrowing from our children.”
Some promises made are actually quite deceiving, aren't they?
A prayer: God of the new heavens and new earth, empower me to do my part in mending a fractured world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.15.08
“They will build houses and dwell in them,
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.”
--from the Prophecies of Isaiah
Five years ago today I wrote the following devotions based on the headlines of the day.
The headlines this morning said that the war is winding down and it would be easy to think that this will mean that the troops will soon be back home. As the war winds down, the vast work of mending begins. Many will not be able to return quickly because a war torn area needs to create a new direction. Many others will have to pack their bags here and go to Iraq to help in the building of houses and the planting of vineyards.
Lester Brown in his book Building A Sustainable Society writes, “We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.” This is a statement that deserves some attention as we continue to do our part as responsible partners with a fractured world. I personally would say, “We have inherited the earth AND we are also borrowing from our children.”
Some promises made are actually quite deceiving, aren't they?
A prayer: God of the new heavens and new earth, empower me to do my part in mending a fractured world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.15.08
Monday, April 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, April 14
Garden Spots
“The Lord God took the man
and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it. ”
--from the Creation stories of Genesis
The weekend was filled with natural beauty and natural challenges. Plant life is starting to peek out and see if the feeling of springtime is genuine; those with allergies used up more Kleenex than they wanted to! It is good to get out in the yard and experience the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. How wonderful it is to have our little “Gardens of Eden” to work them and care for them!
I trust you are finding meaningful ways to enjoy springtime!
It’s Monday and now the rhythm of life moves to the work week where we will be challenged in our work of caregiving. The workplace is another garden spot, a place where we have opportunities to commit ourselves day after day to bring people and our surroundings to a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless your caregiving.
A prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden.
Ben Keckler
04.14.08
“The Lord God took the man
and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it. ”
--from the Creation stories of Genesis
The weekend was filled with natural beauty and natural challenges. Plant life is starting to peek out and see if the feeling of springtime is genuine; those with allergies used up more Kleenex than they wanted to! It is good to get out in the yard and experience the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. How wonderful it is to have our little “Gardens of Eden” to work them and care for them!
I trust you are finding meaningful ways to enjoy springtime!
It’s Monday and now the rhythm of life moves to the work week where we will be challenged in our work of caregiving. The workplace is another garden spot, a place where we have opportunities to commit ourselves day after day to bring people and our surroundings to a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless your caregiving.
A prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden.
Ben Keckler
04.14.08
Friday, April 11, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, April 11
Becoming a Better Listener
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken Phifer's prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to family, friends, everyone!
Ben Keckler
04.11.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken Phifer's prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to family, friends, everyone!
Ben Keckler
04.11.08
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, April 10
Our Listening Creator Helps
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thanks to Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this insightful prayer.
Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
Ben Keckler
04.10.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thanks to Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this insightful prayer.
Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
Ben Keckler
04.10.08
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, April 9
To Be a Better Listener
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to be better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thanks to the Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this prayer.
Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.
Listen closely today. God bless you.
Ben Keckler
04.09.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to be better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thanks to the Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this prayer.
Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.
Listen closely today. God bless you.
Ben Keckler
04.09.08
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 8
The Great Listener
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to be better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thank you Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this prayer.
Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.
Have a blessed day as you listen.
Ben Keckler
04.08.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we seek to be better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener. Thank you Rev. Kenneth Phifer for this prayer.
Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.
Have a blessed day as you listen.
Ben Keckler
04.08.08
Monday, April 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, April 7
Listening
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen.” The verses of the Psalm introduce us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes can be drawn together.
How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.
Ben Keckler
04.07.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry O my God, for to you I pray. ”
--from Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen.” The verses of the Psalm introduce us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes can be drawn together.
How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.
Ben Keckler
04.07.08
Friday, April 4, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, April 4
What is Life Teaching You?
One enjoyable writer is Frederick Buechner; Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is very rich and full of meaning. In one meditation he suggests that life is trying to tell us something.
“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing. The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”
The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:
“How do I happen to believe in God? I will give one more answer which can be stated briefly. Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots. After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot. And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”
Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t a new insight. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ben Keckler
04.04.08
One enjoyable writer is Frederick Buechner; Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is very rich and full of meaning. In one meditation he suggests that life is trying to tell us something.
“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing. The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”
The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:
“How do I happen to believe in God? I will give one more answer which can be stated briefly. Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots. After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot. And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”
Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t a new insight. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ben Keckler
04.04.08
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, April 3
A Prayer from Mother Teresa
The prayer is entitled Jesus My Patient:
Dearest Lord,
May I see you today and every day in the person of your sick,
and while nursing them, minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise
of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you,
and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’
Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be monotonous.
I will ever find joy in humoring the fancies
and gratifying the wishes of all poor sufferers.
O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me,
when you personify Christ;
and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity
of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities.
Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience.
And, O God, while you are Jesus, my patient,
deign also to be to me a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults,
looking only to my intention,
which is to love and serve you in the person of each of your sick.
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.03.08
The prayer is entitled Jesus My Patient:
Dearest Lord,
May I see you today and every day in the person of your sick,
and while nursing them, minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise
of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you,
and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’
Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be monotonous.
I will ever find joy in humoring the fancies
and gratifying the wishes of all poor sufferers.
O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me,
when you personify Christ;
and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity
of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities.
Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience.
And, O God, while you are Jesus, my patient,
deign also to be to me a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults,
looking only to my intention,
which is to love and serve you in the person of each of your sick.
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.03.08
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, April 2
Transformations
Have you ever read any of the works of C. S. Lewis? He is a most enjoyable, creative writer. He tells stories that really help people understand ways of viewing life. One of his tales, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is about a young lad who discovers that he really isn’t the person he visualizes himself to be.
Eustace Clarence Scrubb is his name. He is a self-absorbed, always right, “better-than-you-are,” rude, haughty person. During a wonderfully imaginative trip in the Land of Narnia, a time comes when Eustace realizes himself as others see him. He really wants to be a changed, transformed person. He meets Aslan who helps Eustace to understand that transformation would only happen as Eustace allows Aslan to care for him. To tell more of the story is to take away the wonder of experiencing C. S. Lewis’ writings.
It is sufficient enough for this moment to share this line, “It would be nice, and nearly fairly true, to say that ‘from that time on Eustace was a different boy.’ To be strictly accurate, he began to be a different boy. He had relapses. But….. the cure had begun.”
The work of personal transformation is not easy. Each of us needs to allow that to happen as Aslan works within us. Enjoy a book from the Narnia tales of C. S. Lewis — you won’t be disappointed.
A prayer for today: God, bring your stern yet tender love to me and heal my pain-filled parts. Take me and use me in your service today. In your name, Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.02.08
Have you ever read any of the works of C. S. Lewis? He is a most enjoyable, creative writer. He tells stories that really help people understand ways of viewing life. One of his tales, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is about a young lad who discovers that he really isn’t the person he visualizes himself to be.
Eustace Clarence Scrubb is his name. He is a self-absorbed, always right, “better-than-you-are,” rude, haughty person. During a wonderfully imaginative trip in the Land of Narnia, a time comes when Eustace realizes himself as others see him. He really wants to be a changed, transformed person. He meets Aslan who helps Eustace to understand that transformation would only happen as Eustace allows Aslan to care for him. To tell more of the story is to take away the wonder of experiencing C. S. Lewis’ writings.
It is sufficient enough for this moment to share this line, “It would be nice, and nearly fairly true, to say that ‘from that time on Eustace was a different boy.’ To be strictly accurate, he began to be a different boy. He had relapses. But….. the cure had begun.”
The work of personal transformation is not easy. Each of us needs to allow that to happen as Aslan works within us. Enjoy a book from the Narnia tales of C. S. Lewis — you won’t be disappointed.
A prayer for today: God, bring your stern yet tender love to me and heal my pain-filled parts. Take me and use me in your service today. In your name, Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.02.08
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 1
Transformation-- What Happens?
Certainly one of these warm-up weeks will bring the transformation people long for annually, the transformation of winter into spring. This is a life-giving transformation—barren trees bud; brown grass becomes green; cocoons yield butterflies….the list could go on and on! In addition to the visible transformation observed in nature, we often can sense or feel that inner push for change, for finding the new normal for life.
Transformation is more than just changing. “Trans,” from Latin, means “to move across.” Therefore, I’m suggesting that transformation is a moving of our “formation.” This may make resurrection, that Easter term, a bit more understandable. Here are a couple of ways to meditate further on the theme of transformation.
An exercise for understanding: Find a tree that is starting to bud and observe the transformation of those buds in the next 6 weeks.
A prayer for today: God of transformation, walk beside me on the roads that lie ahead. Bless my life again by your empowering spirit that makes all things new. In your Holy name, Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.01.08
Certainly one of these warm-up weeks will bring the transformation people long for annually, the transformation of winter into spring. This is a life-giving transformation—barren trees bud; brown grass becomes green; cocoons yield butterflies….the list could go on and on! In addition to the visible transformation observed in nature, we often can sense or feel that inner push for change, for finding the new normal for life.
Transformation is more than just changing. “Trans,” from Latin, means “to move across.” Therefore, I’m suggesting that transformation is a moving of our “formation.” This may make resurrection, that Easter term, a bit more understandable. Here are a couple of ways to meditate further on the theme of transformation.
An exercise for understanding: Find a tree that is starting to bud and observe the transformation of those buds in the next 6 weeks.
A prayer for today: God of transformation, walk beside me on the roads that lie ahead. Bless my life again by your empowering spirit that makes all things new. In your Holy name, Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.01.08
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