Some Important Thoughts to Consider
Several years ago, one of our hospital associates asked me to pass these thoughts along to others. It is very appropriate for today and so I share it with you as yet another week unfolds and another month comes to an end.
● May there be peace within today.
● May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
● May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
● May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
● May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
● Let Holy presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you!
Thanks, Friend! I haven't forgotten your powerful thoughts!
--Ben Keckler
11.30.10
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 29
Moving from Thanksgiving to Holy Days
There are a number of religious holidays that are celebrated in these dark days of northern hemisphere December. They all seem to talk about light coming to us in the midst of our darkness. Today's prayer seems most appropriate:
All-knowing God, show us the poor—
Not just the ones who have been pushed aside
in the wake of competition,
but the ones who are losing self-confidence,
the ones who are victims of the system they helped to build,
the ones whose jobs no longer exist.
Show us that there also is a poverty of the heart—
when saving is more important than sharing.
Help us to find security in sharing all our resources
so that through our total effort,
we will answer your call,
we will learn the value of kinship with all,
and we will discover that sharing by all can mean scarcity for none.
Have a wonderful week in whatever you do.
--Ben Keckler
11.29.10
There are a number of religious holidays that are celebrated in these dark days of northern hemisphere December. They all seem to talk about light coming to us in the midst of our darkness. Today's prayer seems most appropriate:
All-knowing God, show us the poor—
Not just the ones who have been pushed aside
in the wake of competition,
but the ones who are losing self-confidence,
the ones who are victims of the system they helped to build,
the ones whose jobs no longer exist.
Show us that there also is a poverty of the heart—
when saving is more important than sharing.
Help us to find security in sharing all our resources
so that through our total effort,
we will answer your call,
we will learn the value of kinship with all,
and we will discover that sharing by all can mean scarcity for none.
Have a wonderful week in whatever you do.
--Ben Keckler
11.29.10
Friday, November 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 26
From Holiday to Holy Days
It is the day after the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Yes, today is that equally important holiday for many – Black Friday! If you are one of those folks who enjoys Black Friday, congrats! If you are one of those folks who prefers to avoid the crowd, I'm with you on this one!
Over these next weeks we will move into Holy Days. Much of culture will be filled with the sights, the sounds, the magic related to the Christian holy days. It is good to remember that this great land has other equally significant holy days during these next weeks.
We have just celebrated a national holiday that says we are thankful to be in this land. This land is a land that allows liberty for all. I trust that we can respect the Holy practices of each person in this land of diversity, allowing each person the religious liberty to celebrate faith as they desire. May we move gracefully through the Holy days because we are people who embrace the significance of the thanksgiving holiday.
--Ben Keckler
11.26.10
It is the day after the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Yes, today is that equally important holiday for many – Black Friday! If you are one of those folks who enjoys Black Friday, congrats! If you are one of those folks who prefers to avoid the crowd, I'm with you on this one!
Over these next weeks we will move into Holy Days. Much of culture will be filled with the sights, the sounds, the magic related to the Christian holy days. It is good to remember that this great land has other equally significant holy days during these next weeks.
We have just celebrated a national holiday that says we are thankful to be in this land. This land is a land that allows liberty for all. I trust that we can respect the Holy practices of each person in this land of diversity, allowing each person the religious liberty to celebrate faith as they desire. May we move gracefully through the Holy days because we are people who embrace the significance of the thanksgiving holiday.
--Ben Keckler
11.26.10
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 25
Thanksgiving Day
It is Drumstick Dash day, if you know what I mean! Many of you probably have a picture of a family feud happening over who gets the drumstick of that wonderful turkey. Hopefully, some of you are picturing the annual Drumstick Dash that Indianapolis has every year on Thanksgiving morning. This run benefits Wheeler Mission, a ministry for people who live on the fringes of society, struggling for food, shelter and clothing.
Every year my wife and I help with the dash – we don't run or even walk, but we have found a way of volunteering that works for us. After we finish with our volunteering we return home and do the final preparations for the festivities. We are privileged to host this year. Can't wait to see if anyone in our gathering dashes for the drumstick! I trust that you will have a meaningful holiday!
Clearly thanksgiving day is a national holiday that comes once a year but quite honestly, I trust that it comes far more frequently as your heart expresses sincere gratitude for the abundant life we are privileged to experience.
--Ben Keckler
11.25.10
It is Drumstick Dash day, if you know what I mean! Many of you probably have a picture of a family feud happening over who gets the drumstick of that wonderful turkey. Hopefully, some of you are picturing the annual Drumstick Dash that Indianapolis has every year on Thanksgiving morning. This run benefits Wheeler Mission, a ministry for people who live on the fringes of society, struggling for food, shelter and clothing.
Every year my wife and I help with the dash – we don't run or even walk, but we have found a way of volunteering that works for us. After we finish with our volunteering we return home and do the final preparations for the festivities. We are privileged to host this year. Can't wait to see if anyone in our gathering dashes for the drumstick! I trust that you will have a meaningful holiday!
Clearly thanksgiving day is a national holiday that comes once a year but quite honestly, I trust that it comes far more frequently as your heart expresses sincere gratitude for the abundant life we are privileged to experience.
--Ben Keckler
11.25.10
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 24
Moving Toward A National Holiday
J. B. Priestley, a British author, left our world in 1984. He was an insightful person and there are a number of his wonderful quotes that can inspire us today. As we journey toward our national holiday of Thanksgiving and on toward a number of significant religious holidays, this snippet may be helpful.
"I have always been delighted at the prospect
of a new day, a fresh try,
one more start with perhaps a bit of magic
waiting somewhere behind the morning!"
Enjoy a wonderful Wednesday, followed by a turkey Thursday and a fabulous Friday.
--Ben Keckler
11.24.10
J. B. Priestley, a British author, left our world in 1984. He was an insightful person and there are a number of his wonderful quotes that can inspire us today. As we journey toward our national holiday of Thanksgiving and on toward a number of significant religious holidays, this snippet may be helpful.
"I have always been delighted at the prospect
of a new day, a fresh try,
one more start with perhaps a bit of magic
waiting somewhere behind the morning!"
Enjoy a wonderful Wednesday, followed by a turkey Thursday and a fabulous Friday.
--Ben Keckler
11.24.10
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 23
Moving Toward A National Holiday
A day of celebration is just hours away. A day to remember a festive moment from our patchwork quilt of American history. A day to focus on a time when people of very different ethnic and religious/spiritual traditions took time to give thanks and enjoy the fruit of fall harvests. A day when it didn't matter what the color or creed of a fellow inhabitant was. A day when giving thanks was done in unity. A day when the celebration was about bountiful blessings and common humanity.
Can we celebrate this week in that kind of a spirit? I hope so. In the 1600's there was an Anglican Bishop by the name of Jeremy Taylor. I like what he had to say:
"The private and personal blessings we enjoy,
the blessings of immunity, safeguard, liberty and integrity
deserve the thanksgiving of a whole lifetime."
Life thankfully – today, this week, for a lifetime.
--Ben Keckler
11.23.10
A day of celebration is just hours away. A day to remember a festive moment from our patchwork quilt of American history. A day to focus on a time when people of very different ethnic and religious/spiritual traditions took time to give thanks and enjoy the fruit of fall harvests. A day when it didn't matter what the color or creed of a fellow inhabitant was. A day when giving thanks was done in unity. A day when the celebration was about bountiful blessings and common humanity.
Can we celebrate this week in that kind of a spirit? I hope so. In the 1600's there was an Anglican Bishop by the name of Jeremy Taylor. I like what he had to say:
"The private and personal blessings we enjoy,
the blessings of immunity, safeguard, liberty and integrity
deserve the thanksgiving of a whole lifetime."
Life thankfully – today, this week, for a lifetime.
--Ben Keckler
11.23.10
Monday, November 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 22
Finding Your Quiet Center
Daily I am presented with the task of staying in the quiet center of my life, the place of peace and contentment. The initial struggle to find that place, to name and claim that sacred space is probably the most difficult task that confronts us. The on-going challenge of staying in the quiet center needs continual attentiveness and tweaking. Recently I read the following insight by Alban Goodier, the archbishop emeritus of Bombay, India. Hope this helps you center and enjoy your week, complete with a meaningful Thanksgiving holiday:
“Those who face that which is actually before them,
unburdened by the past,
undistracted by the future,
these are they who live, who make the best use of their lives;
these are those who have found the secret of contentment.”
Good stuff to contemplate. Have a good Monday.
--Ben Keckler
11.22.10
Daily I am presented with the task of staying in the quiet center of my life, the place of peace and contentment. The initial struggle to find that place, to name and claim that sacred space is probably the most difficult task that confronts us. The on-going challenge of staying in the quiet center needs continual attentiveness and tweaking. Recently I read the following insight by Alban Goodier, the archbishop emeritus of Bombay, India. Hope this helps you center and enjoy your week, complete with a meaningful Thanksgiving holiday:
“Those who face that which is actually before them,
unburdened by the past,
undistracted by the future,
these are they who live, who make the best use of their lives;
these are those who have found the secret of contentment.”
Good stuff to contemplate. Have a good Monday.
--Ben Keckler
11.22.10
Friday, November 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 19
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we have taken a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. We conclude this week’s devotions with a prayer from the heart of Daniel J. McGill:
“May God bless us not with clean air alone,
but the will to keep our air clean.
May God bless us not with a vision of a healthy plant alone,
but the will to do all in our power to restore
and maintain our planet’s health.
May God bless us not with a change of heart
in the great world leaders alone to save our planet,
but with a change in our own heart to use our own power
to save the planet.
May the blessings of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.19.20
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we have taken a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. We conclude this week’s devotions with a prayer from the heart of Daniel J. McGill:
“May God bless us not with clean air alone,
but the will to keep our air clean.
May God bless us not with a vision of a healthy plant alone,
but the will to do all in our power to restore
and maintain our planet’s health.
May God bless us not with a change of heart
in the great world leaders alone to save our planet,
but with a change in our own heart to use our own power
to save the planet.
May the blessings of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.19.20
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 18
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of British poet, Denise Levertov:
“As swimmers dare
To lie face to the sky
And water bears them,
“As hawks rest upon air
And air sustains them,
“So would I learn to attain
Freefall, and float
Into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
Knowing no effort earns
That all-surrounding grace.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.18.10
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of British poet, Denise Levertov:
“As swimmers dare
To lie face to the sky
And water bears them,
“As hawks rest upon air
And air sustains them,
“So would I learn to attain
Freefall, and float
Into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
Knowing no effort earns
That all-surrounding grace.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.18.10
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 17
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Arlene E. Swanson:
“God,
You who created our bodies and our minds,
I come to you now, trusting your healing presence.
It is you who fashioned our organs, bones, tissues and cells
to work together in harmony for you’re eternal purpose.
There is no disorder in you and your pattern for us is perfect.
I confess that I/ we have misused the earth
and this misuse impacts out bodies.
I confess that I/we misuse our emotions, minds and spirits
and this misuse brings pain and disruption to our lives.
Forgive me/us now for our wrongful use of your gifts.
Restore us by Your love to full harmony with Your perfect plan.
I/We know dis-ease is not your will for us.
Your love is unconditional. Yet pain is our teacher.
Open me/us to listen that we may again align ourselves with you.
Where we are unable to restore the earth to its perfection,
when we are unable to root out our mistakes of body and mind,
nevertheless, be kind to us. Count our fumbling efforts as sufficient.
Restore us now to full health, according to your desire for us.
Bring harmony to our lives, to body, mind, and spirit.
We thank you now, trusting your love to bring our healing.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.17.10
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Arlene E. Swanson:
“God,
You who created our bodies and our minds,
I come to you now, trusting your healing presence.
It is you who fashioned our organs, bones, tissues and cells
to work together in harmony for you’re eternal purpose.
There is no disorder in you and your pattern for us is perfect.
I confess that I/ we have misused the earth
and this misuse impacts out bodies.
I confess that I/we misuse our emotions, minds and spirits
and this misuse brings pain and disruption to our lives.
Forgive me/us now for our wrongful use of your gifts.
Restore us by Your love to full harmony with Your perfect plan.
I/We know dis-ease is not your will for us.
Your love is unconditional. Yet pain is our teacher.
Open me/us to listen that we may again align ourselves with you.
Where we are unable to restore the earth to its perfection,
when we are unable to root out our mistakes of body and mind,
nevertheless, be kind to us. Count our fumbling efforts as sufficient.
Restore us now to full health, according to your desire for us.
Bring harmony to our lives, to body, mind, and spirit.
We thank you now, trusting your love to bring our healing.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.17.10
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 16
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Gail Brook Burket:
“I do not ask to walk smooth paths or bear an easy load.
I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage and I can scale the headiest peaks alone,
And transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.17.10
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Gail Brook Burket:
“I do not ask to walk smooth paths or bear an easy load.
I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage and I can scale the headiest peaks alone,
And transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.17.10
Monday, November 15, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 15
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the Sioux Native Americans:
“I come before you as one of your many children.
See, I am small and weak; I need your strength and wisdom.
Grant me to walk in beauty
and that my eyes may ever behold the crimson sunset.
May my hands treat with respect the things which you have created,
may my ears hear your voice.
Make me wise, that I may understand the things
which you have taught my people,
which you have hidden in every leaf and every rock.
I long for strength, not in order that I may overreach my brother
but to fight my greatest enemy—
myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you with pure hands and candid eyes,
So that my spirit, when life disappears like the setting sun,
May stand unashamed before you.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.15.10
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the Sioux Native Americans:
“I come before you as one of your many children.
See, I am small and weak; I need your strength and wisdom.
Grant me to walk in beauty
and that my eyes may ever behold the crimson sunset.
May my hands treat with respect the things which you have created,
may my ears hear your voice.
Make me wise, that I may understand the things
which you have taught my people,
which you have hidden in every leaf and every rock.
I long for strength, not in order that I may overreach my brother
but to fight my greatest enemy—
myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you with pure hands and candid eyes,
So that my spirit, when life disappears like the setting sun,
May stand unashamed before you.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing.
--Ben Keckler
11.15.10
Friday, November 12, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 12
Reflections on Little Gems
“When you open your heart, you open your mind.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“But if you seek the Lord your God,
you will find him if you look for him with all your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew teaching from the Deuteronomist (4:29)
I submit two little gems for your meditation today and throughout the weekend. So many times I find people trying to “figure” out the hows, the whys – all the intellectual questions that tend to come when contemplating the Divine.
The century old insight from the Deuteronomist seems to suggest that the intellectual answers only come when we get the “heart” where it needs to be. So, take the next 72 hours and just open your soul to the deepest truth I know: the Creator loves YOU!
--Ben Keckler
11.12.10
“When you open your heart, you open your mind.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“But if you seek the Lord your God,
you will find him if you look for him with all your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew teaching from the Deuteronomist (4:29)
I submit two little gems for your meditation today and throughout the weekend. So many times I find people trying to “figure” out the hows, the whys – all the intellectual questions that tend to come when contemplating the Divine.
The century old insight from the Deuteronomist seems to suggest that the intellectual answers only come when we get the “heart” where it needs to be. So, take the next 72 hours and just open your soul to the deepest truth I know: the Creator loves YOU!
--Ben Keckler
11.12.10
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 11
Reflections on Little Gems
“When people say you can’t, turn the other ear.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…”
--Jesus, as recorded in Matthew’s gospel (6:39)
• No one likes hearing, “You can’t do that.” No one likes the feeling of being “slapped in the face.”
• Each saying tells us a lot about appropriate attitude in the midst of painful moments.
• Turning the other ear is a way of saying, “I hear what you have said and now I am ready to listen to another voice.”
• Turning the other cheek is a way of saying, “You have hurt me but I am willing to travel more miles with you.”
May your life be graced with enough self-love and enough compassion that you are able to turn the other ear and turn the other cheek.
--Ben Keckler
11.11.10
“When people say you can’t, turn the other ear.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…”
--Jesus, as recorded in Matthew’s gospel (6:39)
• No one likes hearing, “You can’t do that.” No one likes the feeling of being “slapped in the face.”
• Each saying tells us a lot about appropriate attitude in the midst of painful moments.
• Turning the other ear is a way of saying, “I hear what you have said and now I am ready to listen to another voice.”
• Turning the other cheek is a way of saying, “You have hurt me but I am willing to travel more miles with you.”
May your life be graced with enough self-love and enough compassion that you are able to turn the other ear and turn the other cheek.
--Ben Keckler
11.11.10
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 10
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you ever felt the presence of God?
My experiences lead me to believe that abandonment is the feeling we have when the presence of God is happening in silence. Seismologists can confirm that the earth is always shifting or moving. Yet we seldom think about the earth “quaking” until the pictures fall off the wall!
In the quiet times of life, it can feel like God is absent. Be very still today, maybe the silence will speak! Maybe awareness will grow.
--Ben Keckler
11.10.10
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you ever felt the presence of God?
My experiences lead me to believe that abandonment is the feeling we have when the presence of God is happening in silence. Seismologists can confirm that the earth is always shifting or moving. Yet we seldom think about the earth “quaking” until the pictures fall off the wall!
In the quiet times of life, it can feel like God is absent. Be very still today, maybe the silence will speak! Maybe awareness will grow.
--Ben Keckler
11.10.10
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 9
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.10
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.10
Monday, November 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 8
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• Too many friends are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level. They are asking this question!
• Too many families are overwhelmed because economic chaos is changing their plans for a perceived secure future. They are asking this question!
• Natural disasters can never be controlled and they too reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature. They are asking this question!
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permits sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections unite your spirit with the millions who wrestle with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.08.10
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• Too many friends are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level. They are asking this question!
• Too many families are overwhelmed because economic chaos is changing their plans for a perceived secure future. They are asking this question!
• Natural disasters can never be controlled and they too reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature. They are asking this question!
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permits sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections unite your spirit with the millions who wrestle with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.08.10
Friday, November 5, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 5
The Faces of Homelessness
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week I’ve attempted to present some different faces of homelessness. I hope you’ve been able to see some of the manifestations of homelessness that cause us to have such a lonely and fearful society. Maybe you can identify some additional faces of homelessness. I’d like to hear from you about this subject.
As we move through November on our way to the Thanksgiving holiday, I’d encourage you to name the blessings that come your way. I’d encourage you to claim the ways that you feel homeless. And I’d encourage you to explore the possible ways that you both give and receive comfort for those times when “home” seems so very far away.
Have a good weekend. Remember the promise of the Holy One. Embrace another and allow their warm embrace to feel a bit more “at home” on your travels through the tough times of life. Rather than fleeing in fear, run toward your tough time and get acquainted!
--Ben Keckler
11.05.10
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week I’ve attempted to present some different faces of homelessness. I hope you’ve been able to see some of the manifestations of homelessness that cause us to have such a lonely and fearful society. Maybe you can identify some additional faces of homelessness. I’d like to hear from you about this subject.
As we move through November on our way to the Thanksgiving holiday, I’d encourage you to name the blessings that come your way. I’d encourage you to claim the ways that you feel homeless. And I’d encourage you to explore the possible ways that you both give and receive comfort for those times when “home” seems so very far away.
Have a good weekend. Remember the promise of the Holy One. Embrace another and allow their warm embrace to feel a bit more “at home” on your travels through the tough times of life. Rather than fleeing in fear, run toward your tough time and get acquainted!
--Ben Keckler
11.05.10
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 4
Military Homelessness
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are addressing the subject of homelessness in our society. It is really much more pervasive than we imagine. Today I want to explore the subject of military homelessness, attempting to paint a picture and offer an insight about how to help the homeless.
A few years ago, our nephew graduated from the University of Arkansas. He was in ROTC throughout his academic career and now has completed a stint in Iraq, serving as an officer in the United States Army. He is an outstanding young man; he has his own apartment and is adjusting to his new life back in America. He comes up to Indy as often as he can. When I listen to him talk about his military life, it is clear that he is not settled. His stories clearly reflect a person who is experiencing “homelessness.”
If he is experiencing homelessness in his setting, just think what it must be like for all the military service folk whose lives are totally disrupted! The word “home” is a symbol for warmth, love and happiness. Even amid the sometimes chaos and suffering, the phrase is still often repeated, “I can’t wait to get home.”
Today my nephew will continue his life in the military at a base in Georgia. Let's offer a pray for those guys and girls who are away from home and are learning, in their own way, what homelessness feels like. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
11.04.10
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are addressing the subject of homelessness in our society. It is really much more pervasive than we imagine. Today I want to explore the subject of military homelessness, attempting to paint a picture and offer an insight about how to help the homeless.
A few years ago, our nephew graduated from the University of Arkansas. He was in ROTC throughout his academic career and now has completed a stint in Iraq, serving as an officer in the United States Army. He is an outstanding young man; he has his own apartment and is adjusting to his new life back in America. He comes up to Indy as often as he can. When I listen to him talk about his military life, it is clear that he is not settled. His stories clearly reflect a person who is experiencing “homelessness.”
If he is experiencing homelessness in his setting, just think what it must be like for all the military service folk whose lives are totally disrupted! The word “home” is a symbol for warmth, love and happiness. Even amid the sometimes chaos and suffering, the phrase is still often repeated, “I can’t wait to get home.”
Today my nephew will continue his life in the military at a base in Georgia. Let's offer a pray for those guys and girls who are away from home and are learning, in their own way, what homelessness feels like. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
11.04.10
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 3
Campus Homelessness
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are examining the subject of homelessness in our society. We are looking at this subject through a number of different lenses. Today I want to let Dr. Henri Nouwen, one of my pastoral care mentors who spent a large part of his pastoral career in the university setting, talk about a homelessness we seldom recognize.
“While teaching university students who came from many different states and countries, I was struck how lonely they were. For many years they live in small rooms, surrounded by strangers, far away from their familiar surroundings. There is little privacy and even less community in their lives. Mostly they have no contact with children or elderly people. Seldom do they belong to a welcoming neighborhood or a supportive faith community, and only very few know families where they can drop in anytime and feel at home. I have come to consider this situation in which thousands of young adults live as ‘normal’ but when I examine it a little closer it is not hard to understand why so many feel rootless and even lost.” (Lifesigns, p. 28)
For years we tailgated at Purdue on football weekends, we made it a point to invite as many college kids as we could to our “football festivities” on the golf course. We even received a thank you from one of the families who lives a couple hundred miles away expressing appreciation that we had included their son in our family.
Homelessness appears in more ways than we might imagine!
--Ben Keckler
11.03.10
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are examining the subject of homelessness in our society. We are looking at this subject through a number of different lenses. Today I want to let Dr. Henri Nouwen, one of my pastoral care mentors who spent a large part of his pastoral career in the university setting, talk about a homelessness we seldom recognize.
“While teaching university students who came from many different states and countries, I was struck how lonely they were. For many years they live in small rooms, surrounded by strangers, far away from their familiar surroundings. There is little privacy and even less community in their lives. Mostly they have no contact with children or elderly people. Seldom do they belong to a welcoming neighborhood or a supportive faith community, and only very few know families where they can drop in anytime and feel at home. I have come to consider this situation in which thousands of young adults live as ‘normal’ but when I examine it a little closer it is not hard to understand why so many feel rootless and even lost.” (Lifesigns, p. 28)
For years we tailgated at Purdue on football weekends, we made it a point to invite as many college kids as we could to our “football festivities” on the golf course. We even received a thank you from one of the families who lives a couple hundred miles away expressing appreciation that we had included their son in our family.
Homelessness appears in more ways than we might imagine!
--Ben Keckler
11.03.10
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 2
Institutional Homelessness
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are addressing the subject of homelessness in our society. We are exploring the subject through a number of different lenses, attempting to paint a picture and offer an insight about how we can help homeless folk when they feel orphaned.
Today, let’s turn to a familiar picture. It is easy for us to picture an institution where people live, some for a short stay (hospitalization) and some for extended stays (refugee camps, prisons, nursing homes). Not only are the patients we serve experiencing illness, they are also experiencing a type of homelessness. It is almost impossible to enjoy a meal, experience some resting and reading, or even sleep without being interrupted.
You see, friends, home is a place we can rest, where we can be renewed and refreshed. Each interruption, while needed or required, can heighten the feeling of homelessness.
One thing to keep in mind is that a patient may come to us believing they are going to experience homelessness! Every attempt we make to “Treat People Better” is a way of helping them to have an “at home” moment when their anticipated feeling was “homelessness.” Treating people better is one way of letting the patient know that they are not orphaned.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.10
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week we are addressing the subject of homelessness in our society. We are exploring the subject through a number of different lenses, attempting to paint a picture and offer an insight about how we can help homeless folk when they feel orphaned.
Today, let’s turn to a familiar picture. It is easy for us to picture an institution where people live, some for a short stay (hospitalization) and some for extended stays (refugee camps, prisons, nursing homes). Not only are the patients we serve experiencing illness, they are also experiencing a type of homelessness. It is almost impossible to enjoy a meal, experience some resting and reading, or even sleep without being interrupted.
You see, friends, home is a place we can rest, where we can be renewed and refreshed. Each interruption, while needed or required, can heighten the feeling of homelessness.
One thing to keep in mind is that a patient may come to us believing they are going to experience homelessness! Every attempt we make to “Treat People Better” is a way of helping them to have an “at home” moment when their anticipated feeling was “homelessness.” Treating people better is one way of letting the patient know that they are not orphaned.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.10
Monday, November 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 1
Drumstick Dash
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week I want to address the subject of homelessness in our society. It is much more pervasive than we might first imagine. Present economic conditions suggest it may get far worse before it gets better. We will explore the subject through a number of different lenses. Daily the attempt will be to paint a picture and offer an insight about how we can help homeless folk when they feel orphaned.
It’s Monday, so let’s start with an easy picture! In downtown Indianapolis there are several agencies that assist our brothers and sisters who are on the streets of Central Indiana. One of the agencies is Wheeler Mission. Through Wheeler people can experience a bit of home (home being a place where we can face our fears, experience a bit of freedom from the daily “stuff” that creates the fears and where there is someone who will receive our tears about those fears).
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be homeless in the way our Wheeler Mission family is homeless? Have you ever spent time experiencing that depth of alone-ness? At number of times I’ve lived with homeless folk for a period of time. Those “vacations” are probably some of the best times in my life. They helped me in more ways than I can verbalize in a short devotional. Living beside those who only know the street as their home brings about deepened awareness about the promise “I will not leave you orphaned.”
In cultural America we like to donate to worthy causes that truly help the homeless. Wheeler offers a great event early on Thanksgiving morning that my wife and I participate in each year we are in town. It is called DRUMSTICK DASH. It is a fundraiser that helps the hungry to be fed and the homeless housed. If you can’t take a week and live with the homeless, could you take a few hours on Thanksgiving morning and join the Drumstick Dash, enabling homeless folk to experience a bit of loving support?
--Ben Keckler
11.01.10
“I will not leave you orphaned.”
--A promise from the Holy One to us
This week I want to address the subject of homelessness in our society. It is much more pervasive than we might first imagine. Present economic conditions suggest it may get far worse before it gets better. We will explore the subject through a number of different lenses. Daily the attempt will be to paint a picture and offer an insight about how we can help homeless folk when they feel orphaned.
It’s Monday, so let’s start with an easy picture! In downtown Indianapolis there are several agencies that assist our brothers and sisters who are on the streets of Central Indiana. One of the agencies is Wheeler Mission. Through Wheeler people can experience a bit of home (home being a place where we can face our fears, experience a bit of freedom from the daily “stuff” that creates the fears and where there is someone who will receive our tears about those fears).
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be homeless in the way our Wheeler Mission family is homeless? Have you ever spent time experiencing that depth of alone-ness? At number of times I’ve lived with homeless folk for a period of time. Those “vacations” are probably some of the best times in my life. They helped me in more ways than I can verbalize in a short devotional. Living beside those who only know the street as their home brings about deepened awareness about the promise “I will not leave you orphaned.”
In cultural America we like to donate to worthy causes that truly help the homeless. Wheeler offers a great event early on Thanksgiving morning that my wife and I participate in each year we are in town. It is called DRUMSTICK DASH. It is a fundraiser that helps the hungry to be fed and the homeless housed. If you can’t take a week and live with the homeless, could you take a few hours on Thanksgiving morning and join the Drumstick Dash, enabling homeless folk to experience a bit of loving support?
--Ben Keckler
11.01.10
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