Vastness of Creation
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”--Psalm 24: 1
Tomorrow another month on the calendar will be completed and when the day is finished, 8% of the “New Year” will be behind us. We feel the tensions of life — political, economic, personal, etc. Today is probably a very good day to remember the truth of our focus verse. Spend some time thinking about the vastness of this simple statement: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.”
After a time of meditation on the verse, join your spirit with the unknown author of this prayer:
O great and kind Spirit, you have always been, and before you nothing has been. There is no one to pray to but you. The star nations all over the heavens are yours, and yours are the grasses of the earth. You are older than all need, older than all pain and prayer.
O great and kind Spirit, all over the world the faces of living ones are alike. With tenderness have they come out of the earth from which you give us food. Look on your children. With children in their arms, they face the wind and walk the red road to the day of quiet.
O great and kind Spirit fill us with light. Give us strength to understand and eyes to see deeply. Teach us to walk on soft earth as relatives to all that live. Help us! Without you, we are nothing.
Prayer: Thank you, O Creator who loves your creation. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.30.09
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 29
Learning
“Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.”
--Proverbs 19: 20
Most of the stories gathered from my years of ministry come from the lips of wise people, mature people who had found value in listening to advice and accepting instructions. While there are plenty of stories from both young and old alike, it seems the statements of the wise and mature grow more valuable with every passing day. Here is an excerpt from a meaningful prayer by Robert Terry Weston:
This is the greatest skill of all,
To take the bitter with the sweet and make it beautiful,
To take the whole of life in all its moods,
It strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole, make one great and celestial harmony.
A prayer for today: Lord, guide my learning so that I can capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.29.09
“Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.”
--Proverbs 19: 20
Most of the stories gathered from my years of ministry come from the lips of wise people, mature people who had found value in listening to advice and accepting instructions. While there are plenty of stories from both young and old alike, it seems the statements of the wise and mature grow more valuable with every passing day. Here is an excerpt from a meaningful prayer by Robert Terry Weston:
This is the greatest skill of all,
To take the bitter with the sweet and make it beautiful,
To take the whole of life in all its moods,
It strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole, make one great and celestial harmony.
A prayer for today: Lord, guide my learning so that I can capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.29.09
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 28
Feeling for Others
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice.”
--Psalm 130: 1
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and we will perform those tasks relatively certain that there will be peace and calm around us. Today there are thousands of parents who are crying from the depths of their souls because their sons and daughters are on assignments to keep the world peaceful. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty on behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
I recall one Sunday a few years ago while enjoying a cup of coffee following a church service, a friend was crying. She had a son in the Navy. As we entered into conversation she shared, “I haven’t heard from him in a month. I realized today how much I’ve missed hearing his voice.” Our hearts joined in “crying to the Lord.”
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and there will be relative peace and calm. Maybe we can all take some time to feel the deep longings thousands of families and loved ones have knowing a special person is in a position of potential danger. May each of us take time to “cry to the Lord.”
Prayer: Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.28.09
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice.”
--Psalm 130: 1
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and we will perform those tasks relatively certain that there will be peace and calm around us. Today there are thousands of parents who are crying from the depths of their souls because their sons and daughters are on assignments to keep the world peaceful. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty on behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
I recall one Sunday a few years ago while enjoying a cup of coffee following a church service, a friend was crying. She had a son in the Navy. As we entered into conversation she shared, “I haven’t heard from him in a month. I realized today how much I’ve missed hearing his voice.” Our hearts joined in “crying to the Lord.”
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and there will be relative peace and calm. Maybe we can all take some time to feel the deep longings thousands of families and loved ones have knowing a special person is in a position of potential danger. May each of us take time to “cry to the Lord.”
Prayer: Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.28.09
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 27
Good Luck, Bad Luck
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
Yesterday I shared the story behind SFGTD, Something For God To Do. As a follow up to yesterday’s devotion, I hope you will enjoy this ancient Chinese story.
There was an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil. May we be wise and learn that in all things we can and should give thanks.
A prayer: O God, I release all things to you trusting in your steadfast love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.27.09
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
Yesterday I shared the story behind SFGTD, Something For God To Do. As a follow up to yesterday’s devotion, I hope you will enjoy this ancient Chinese story.
There was an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil. May we be wise and learn that in all things we can and should give thanks.
A prayer: O God, I release all things to you trusting in your steadfast love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.27.09
Monday, January 26, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 26
Faith
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
SFGTD
No, this is not an eye test. This is something new I learned from a patient who had received a difficult diagnosis. It is a wonderful story of personal faith. The patient's resolve was remarkable; I let the patient know how empowering his words were for me. Then, after a moment of silence, he picked up a pencil and wrote these five letters on a piece of paper: SFGTD.
“Tell me more,” I said. The patient proceeded to explain that within minutes of hearing his news he spent a few moments in prayer. In his prayer he gave his diagnosis to God. He told me, “I am not going to concern myself with this and let worry overtake me.” He confessed that he was having moments when he would catch himself going back, but each time he thought of SFGTD. “Whatever happens will happen, we will see what each day brings,” he said.
“So,” I asked, “what is SFGTD?”
“Well, I prayed and asked in faith. From here on out it is ‘Something For God To Do.’”
Friends, I am a better person now that I know of SFGTD. I wanted you to know of it too! I’m glad I had a chance to listen to one of God’s people.
A prayer: O God, I release my burdens to your steadfast love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.26.09
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
SFGTD
No, this is not an eye test. This is something new I learned from a patient who had received a difficult diagnosis. It is a wonderful story of personal faith. The patient's resolve was remarkable; I let the patient know how empowering his words were for me. Then, after a moment of silence, he picked up a pencil and wrote these five letters on a piece of paper: SFGTD.
“Tell me more,” I said. The patient proceeded to explain that within minutes of hearing his news he spent a few moments in prayer. In his prayer he gave his diagnosis to God. He told me, “I am not going to concern myself with this and let worry overtake me.” He confessed that he was having moments when he would catch himself going back, but each time he thought of SFGTD. “Whatever happens will happen, we will see what each day brings,” he said.
“So,” I asked, “what is SFGTD?”
“Well, I prayed and asked in faith. From here on out it is ‘Something For God To Do.’”
Friends, I am a better person now that I know of SFGTD. I wanted you to know of it too! I’m glad I had a chance to listen to one of God’s people.
A prayer: O God, I release my burdens to your steadfast love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.26.09
Friday, January 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 23
Prayer
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Today we conclude this exploration focused on the theme of prayer.
Today’s prayer returns us to the Christian tradition and to the pen of Reformed Church theologian and preacher, Reinhold Niebuhr. Most of us have heard the beginning part of this prayer that has been entitled “The Serenity Prayer.” Today I share with you the rest of that prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.
May your today be filled with good things and may your weekend be happy.
Prayer: Thank you, O God, for another week spent among your people. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.23.09
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Today we conclude this exploration focused on the theme of prayer.
Today’s prayer returns us to the Christian tradition and to the pen of Reformed Church theologian and preacher, Reinhold Niebuhr. Most of us have heard the beginning part of this prayer that has been entitled “The Serenity Prayer.” Today I share with you the rest of that prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.
May your today be filled with good things and may your weekend be happy.
Prayer: Thank you, O God, for another week spent among your people. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.23.09
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 22
Prayer
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Today we again focus on prayer, a way of life that is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful path to maintaining and developing a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Jewish tradition, their songs are filled with prayers of praise to God. We hear it often with phrases like “praise to You, O God.”
The Jewish tradition is not afraid to voice prayers of disappointment to the Almighty. “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.” (Psalm 22:2) Another prayer from the Jewish tradition goes like this: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.”
Often prayer is more about listening to silence than it is verbalizing to the divine.
Prayer: Speak in your way, God, for I am ready to listen. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.22.09
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Today we again focus on prayer, a way of life that is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful path to maintaining and developing a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Jewish tradition, their songs are filled with prayers of praise to God. We hear it often with phrases like “praise to You, O God.”
The Jewish tradition is not afraid to voice prayers of disappointment to the Almighty. “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.” (Psalm 22:2) Another prayer from the Jewish tradition goes like this: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.”
Often prayer is more about listening to silence than it is verbalizing to the divine.
Prayer: Speak in your way, God, for I am ready to listen. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.22.09
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 21
Prayer
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful way to maintain and develop a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Christian tradition, Jesus responded to the request of the disciples by using what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer”. It is a model for prayer life.
Martin Luther was a priest and a teacher. He worked primarily with the peasant farmers in Germany, serving as their priest. The people of his parish wanted to know about prayer, too. Luther responded by saying, “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Significant words, I believe.
Today’s prayer incorporates the thoughts of these two teachers. May your day be filled with God-ness!
Prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.21.09
“Teach us to pray.”
--The disciples of Jesus making a special request
Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful way to maintain and develop a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Christian tradition, Jesus responded to the request of the disciples by using what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer”. It is a model for prayer life.
Martin Luther was a priest and a teacher. He worked primarily with the peasant farmers in Germany, serving as their priest. The people of his parish wanted to know about prayer, too. Luther responded by saying, “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Significant words, I believe.
Today’s prayer incorporates the thoughts of these two teachers. May your day be filled with God-ness!
Prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.21.09
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 20
Inauguration Day, 2009
We've all heard it plenty of times: today is a most significant day in American history. Yes, we have elected an African-American as president, possibly signifying that we understand that all people are created EQUAL. I am compelled to hope that we will treat and judge this new administration by comparable standards to those we have maintained for the presidency since 1776. I have read enough material, viewed enough on the screen and listened to enough rhetoric to believe that the really big challenge for America in the next four years is within each citizen of our country far more than it is in a big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The question for this day is quite similar to one voiced many decades ago, “What am I going to do to make this land what it has the potential to become?”!! Unfortunately the question for today often seems to be, “What has Mr. Obama done to make my life easier ( I mean better)?”!!
Our forebearers adopted a phrase, “In God We Trust.” We have fragmented that phrase to the point that God is defined only on our interpretation of what we understand the Holy Creator of ALL things to be. This saddens me. Hopefully each of us will understand that liberty's torch is an invitation to every human being to come together and demonstrate responsibility for self and compassion for all who inhabit this great land.
I wish Mr. Obama well. I already know with certainty that the burden on his shoulders is equal to the burden each of us should feel to let freedom ring from every street corner whether it is in a city ghetto or in a small farming community on a mountain side slope. When we catch that vision of equality, I believe we will demonstrate that we really do trust in God and that God will truly bless America.
Ben Keckler
01.20.09
We've all heard it plenty of times: today is a most significant day in American history. Yes, we have elected an African-American as president, possibly signifying that we understand that all people are created EQUAL. I am compelled to hope that we will treat and judge this new administration by comparable standards to those we have maintained for the presidency since 1776. I have read enough material, viewed enough on the screen and listened to enough rhetoric to believe that the really big challenge for America in the next four years is within each citizen of our country far more than it is in a big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The question for this day is quite similar to one voiced many decades ago, “What am I going to do to make this land what it has the potential to become?”!! Unfortunately the question for today often seems to be, “What has Mr. Obama done to make my life easier ( I mean better)?”!!
Our forebearers adopted a phrase, “In God We Trust.” We have fragmented that phrase to the point that God is defined only on our interpretation of what we understand the Holy Creator of ALL things to be. This saddens me. Hopefully each of us will understand that liberty's torch is an invitation to every human being to come together and demonstrate responsibility for self and compassion for all who inhabit this great land.
I wish Mr. Obama well. I already know with certainty that the burden on his shoulders is equal to the burden each of us should feel to let freedom ring from every street corner whether it is in a city ghetto or in a small farming community on a mountain side slope. When we catch that vision of equality, I believe we will demonstrate that we really do trust in God and that God will truly bless America.
Ben Keckler
01.20.09
Monday, January 19, 2009
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 19
Martin Luther King Day
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I remember completing one of our on-going training programs at the hospital and Dr. King’s quote (see above) appeared on one of the slides. It is a powerful quote and one that we need to incorporate in our daily life and thought.
As we labor in this global village, we are called to unity around the theme of excellence, an important word in our attitude toward our work and our lives. Regardless of our job description and place in life, each of us makes a contribution to humanity. Each of us adds to the fabric of our family life, our work life, our community life, and the world.
This is a new week. This is an exciting week in the life of our country. Let us undertake our work and our life this week with painstaking excellence. If we are committed to this, we will find the peace we all desire.
Prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.19.09
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I remember completing one of our on-going training programs at the hospital and Dr. King’s quote (see above) appeared on one of the slides. It is a powerful quote and one that we need to incorporate in our daily life and thought.
As we labor in this global village, we are called to unity around the theme of excellence, an important word in our attitude toward our work and our lives. Regardless of our job description and place in life, each of us makes a contribution to humanity. Each of us adds to the fabric of our family life, our work life, our community life, and the world.
This is a new week. This is an exciting week in the life of our country. Let us undertake our work and our life this week with painstaking excellence. If we are committed to this, we will find the peace we all desire.
Prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.19.09
Friday, January 16, 2009
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 16
Feeling Loved
One truly helpful spiritual teacher in recent decades was the late Henri Nouwen. One of his friends asked Henri if he could write a book about how to live a spiritual life while spending his day in a secular world. Henri responded by writing a beautiful book, Life of the Beloved. The friend was asking a universal question that people have been asking for centuries.
Living spiritually in a secular world will always be challenging. Some days we live as “beloved” people better than we do on other days. Henri writes,
“Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts there lies hidden
the treasure we seek. We know its preciousness, and we know
that it holds the gift we desire most: a life stronger than death.”
Living spiritually begins with the recognition that we are “beloved.” Living spiritually continues as we keep on the journey of “becoming the beloved,” understanding we are always a work in progress.
Enjoy a good weekend, friends! Life of the Beloved might be a good addition to your library. (I don’t get any commission for recommending it!)
Prayer: God who calls me “beloved,” guide me as I live in this secular world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.16.09
One truly helpful spiritual teacher in recent decades was the late Henri Nouwen. One of his friends asked Henri if he could write a book about how to live a spiritual life while spending his day in a secular world. Henri responded by writing a beautiful book, Life of the Beloved. The friend was asking a universal question that people have been asking for centuries.
Living spiritually in a secular world will always be challenging. Some days we live as “beloved” people better than we do on other days. Henri writes,
“Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts there lies hidden
the treasure we seek. We know its preciousness, and we know
that it holds the gift we desire most: a life stronger than death.”
Living spiritually begins with the recognition that we are “beloved.” Living spiritually continues as we keep on the journey of “becoming the beloved,” understanding we are always a work in progress.
Enjoy a good weekend, friends! Life of the Beloved might be a good addition to your library. (I don’t get any commission for recommending it!)
Prayer: God who calls me “beloved,” guide me as I live in this secular world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.16.09
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 15
Listening To Your Heartsong
Is it fair to say that we really don’t listen effectively to the music of God’s rhythm for our lives? The pace and pressures of daily routine are filled with our “stuff” which seems to drown out the inner music that infuses life, light and joy. My experiences teach me that God’s steadfast love is available always and that God’s grace brings harmony when it seems there are only the notes of discord.
Max Lucado has designed a deck of cards called “Comfort Cards.” These comfort cards contain various little comfort statements based on the Psalms, particularly the 23rd Psalm. Our “Ace for the Day” is this card: “God wants you to hear God’s music.” On the flip side of the card is this simple meditation: “If God must silence every voice, God will. God has a rhythm that will race your heart, and lyrics that will stir your tears. You want to lie down in peace? Remember, God’s music can soothe your soul.”
May your Thursday in this very, very cold midwinter be filled with the soothing songs that touch your soul.
Prayer: God of melody and harmony, write your song in my heart today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.09
Is it fair to say that we really don’t listen effectively to the music of God’s rhythm for our lives? The pace and pressures of daily routine are filled with our “stuff” which seems to drown out the inner music that infuses life, light and joy. My experiences teach me that God’s steadfast love is available always and that God’s grace brings harmony when it seems there are only the notes of discord.
Max Lucado has designed a deck of cards called “Comfort Cards.” These comfort cards contain various little comfort statements based on the Psalms, particularly the 23rd Psalm. Our “Ace for the Day” is this card: “God wants you to hear God’s music.” On the flip side of the card is this simple meditation: “If God must silence every voice, God will. God has a rhythm that will race your heart, and lyrics that will stir your tears. You want to lie down in peace? Remember, God’s music can soothe your soul.”
May your Thursday in this very, very cold midwinter be filled with the soothing songs that touch your soul.
Prayer: God of melody and harmony, write your song in my heart today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.09
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 14
Beauty Surrounds Us
We awakened to a light snowfall several days ago. Watching the snowflakes drift down toward the spotlight that illumines a flag in the yard was truly awesome during those pre-dawn minutes as workday preparations were completed.
Over the holidays we visited with family in Colorado and one day we visited the zoo. There was beauty in watching our granddaughters hold up crackers of feed while the giraffes stuck out their long tongues to receive the crackers. We witnessed the beauty of animals in creation and the excitement of little girls. In the midst of wintertime there are many, many reminders that the earth is the Lord’s.
Here is a prayer written for the United Nation’s Environmental Sabbath:
Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand;
Never to take from creation’s beauty more than we give;
Never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
Never to deny to give our hands for the building of Earth’s beauty;
Never to take from her what we cannot use.
Give us hearts to understand
That to destroy Earth’s music is to create confusion;
That to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
That to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
That as we care for her she will care for us. Amen.
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.14.09
We awakened to a light snowfall several days ago. Watching the snowflakes drift down toward the spotlight that illumines a flag in the yard was truly awesome during those pre-dawn minutes as workday preparations were completed.
Over the holidays we visited with family in Colorado and one day we visited the zoo. There was beauty in watching our granddaughters hold up crackers of feed while the giraffes stuck out their long tongues to receive the crackers. We witnessed the beauty of animals in creation and the excitement of little girls. In the midst of wintertime there are many, many reminders that the earth is the Lord’s.
Here is a prayer written for the United Nation’s Environmental Sabbath:
Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand;
Never to take from creation’s beauty more than we give;
Never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
Never to deny to give our hands for the building of Earth’s beauty;
Never to take from her what we cannot use.
Give us hearts to understand
That to destroy Earth’s music is to create confusion;
That to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
That to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
That as we care for her she will care for us. Amen.
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.14.09
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 13
What's Happening -- Right Now?
There really is a congruence of thought, a merging of spiritual insight when we take the time to move beyond boundaries of our comfort zones. Yes, it can be uncomfortable exploring areas beyond our normal limits. For example, on a business trip a friend had the opportunity to ride down an Olympic bobsled run with several business partners. This was a totally new adventure for him. Before the experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He had to get ready to move beyond his comfort zone. He believed he would “enjoy” a new opportunity -- and he did.
One spiritual leader gives a fresh approach in these words he penned about a decade ago:
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—
in the world and in nature—
And within us—
in our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.
Prayer: God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.13.09
There really is a congruence of thought, a merging of spiritual insight when we take the time to move beyond boundaries of our comfort zones. Yes, it can be uncomfortable exploring areas beyond our normal limits. For example, on a business trip a friend had the opportunity to ride down an Olympic bobsled run with several business partners. This was a totally new adventure for him. Before the experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He had to get ready to move beyond his comfort zone. He believed he would “enjoy” a new opportunity -- and he did.
One spiritual leader gives a fresh approach in these words he penned about a decade ago:
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—
in the world and in nature—
And within us—
in our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.
Prayer: God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.13.09
Monday, January 12, 2009
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 12
Questions from the Inside
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul opens avenues for communication at levels that empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The writers of Sacred Scripture were comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul—this is the good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer."
Prayer: Holy God, I give you my questions and ask you to grant me understanding in your time. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.12.09
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul opens avenues for communication at levels that empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The writers of Sacred Scripture were comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul—this is the good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer."
Prayer: Holy God, I give you my questions and ask you to grant me understanding in your time. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.12.09
Friday, January 9, 2009
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 9
Considering the Important Stuff
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
If you consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day, you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering answers to this question.
Today we continue our thoughts about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. The Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Spending time meditating on this thought can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis, who spent time praying with the little creatures:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage
of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He
took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
It may be difficult to take tales like this seriously. The problem is probably ours, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for our spiritual life and our devotional disciplines. We are a small, small part of a splendid work. Thanks to God for all of creation.
Prayer: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.09.09
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
If you consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day, you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering answers to this question.
Today we continue our thoughts about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. The Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Spending time meditating on this thought can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis, who spent time praying with the little creatures:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage
of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He
took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
It may be difficult to take tales like this seriously. The problem is probably ours, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for our spiritual life and our devotional disciplines. We are a small, small part of a splendid work. Thanks to God for all of creation.
Prayer: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.09.09
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 8
What Is The Important Stuff?
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
The question posed in this Psalm is an interesting question, don't you think? It is a question worthy of exploration and dialog. The writer recognizes both how insignificant he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
Somehow we get stuck, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss enjoying simple things. We take little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pinecones, a flower, blades of grass—can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes of your day to simply be with an object and allow it to “tell its story” can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness.” Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about the plastic we use to purchase plastic things.
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering the answer to this important question.
Prayer: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.08.09
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
The question posed in this Psalm is an interesting question, don't you think? It is a question worthy of exploration and dialog. The writer recognizes both how insignificant he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
Somehow we get stuck, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss enjoying simple things. We take little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pinecones, a flower, blades of grass—can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes of your day to simply be with an object and allow it to “tell its story” can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness.” Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about the plastic we use to purchase plastic things.
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering the answer to this important question.
Prayer: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.08.09
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 7
What Is The Important Stuff?
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
One of the valuable textbooks for living is Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie. It is a favorite book of mine. Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, was dying. He took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. In today’s devotion we hear some important questions from their second visit. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought at this beginning of the new year. Have a good day.
Prayer: Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.09
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
One of the valuable textbooks for living is Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie. It is a favorite book of mine. Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, was dying. He took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. In today’s devotion we hear some important questions from their second visit. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought at this beginning of the new year. Have a good day.
Prayer: Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.09
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 6
The Gift of Family and Children
“Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
--Deuteronomy 4:9
The gift of family and children is a wonderful gift. What we do with the gift is important. With the season of gift giving and gift receiving fresh in our memories, let us think about what we are doing with the gift of family and children. Generally, when we receive gifts we keep them. We appear to be a culture that hoards, storing away the gifts we receive. There is a tendency to do the same with the gift of family and children; a tendency to claim ownership, to keep for ourselves, to smother.
This gift of family and children can be (should be) viewed as a gift that we can nurture for the purpose of giving away. Today’s key verse suggests that we need to learn from our experiences and teach them to our families and children, thereby preparing them for their journey. A good question might be: “How am I preparing the gift I’ve received to be a gift for the world?”
Walter Payton states in his autobiography, Never Die Easy, “They (family/children) are the most precious thing that we have. …Find out what they’re doing, what their life is all about, what their problems are and what they feel is important to them.” By listening, we can teach “our gifts” the value of being compassionate. Enjoy nurturing the gifts you are preparing for the world.
Prayer: God who has gifted me in many ways, empower me to listen to the gifts you have given. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.06.09
“Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
--Deuteronomy 4:9
The gift of family and children is a wonderful gift. What we do with the gift is important. With the season of gift giving and gift receiving fresh in our memories, let us think about what we are doing with the gift of family and children. Generally, when we receive gifts we keep them. We appear to be a culture that hoards, storing away the gifts we receive. There is a tendency to do the same with the gift of family and children; a tendency to claim ownership, to keep for ourselves, to smother.
This gift of family and children can be (should be) viewed as a gift that we can nurture for the purpose of giving away. Today’s key verse suggests that we need to learn from our experiences and teach them to our families and children, thereby preparing them for their journey. A good question might be: “How am I preparing the gift I’ve received to be a gift for the world?”
Walter Payton states in his autobiography, Never Die Easy, “They (family/children) are the most precious thing that we have. …Find out what they’re doing, what their life is all about, what their problems are and what they feel is important to them.” By listening, we can teach “our gifts” the value of being compassionate. Enjoy nurturing the gifts you are preparing for the world.
Prayer: God who has gifted me in many ways, empower me to listen to the gifts you have given. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.06.09
Monday, January 5, 2009
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 5
Toward A New Dawn
A Prayer for the New Year
At the beginning of this New Year, I'd like to share a prayer that comes to us from another continent. May your weekend be blessed with enough of what you really need, season by season, day by day.
I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father,
I thank you that you have brought me through.
How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.--An African prayer
Ben Keckler
01.05.09
A Prayer for the New Year
At the beginning of this New Year, I'd like to share a prayer that comes to us from another continent. May your weekend be blessed with enough of what you really need, season by season, day by day.
I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father,
I thank you that you have brought me through.
How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.--An African prayer
Ben Keckler
01.05.09
Friday, January 2, 2009
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 2
Hope For 2009?
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, Hope for the Flowers. This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. In the book Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2009:
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2009 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2009:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.09
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, Hope for the Flowers. This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. In the book Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2009:
For courage Yellow hung right beside the other cocoon and began to spin her own. “Imagine, I didn’t even know I could do this. That’s some encouragement that I’m on the right track. If I have inside me the stuff to make cocoons—maybe the stuff of butterflies is there too.”
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2009 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2009:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.09
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