Peace – Acting and Living
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Scenic beauty abounds in the Shenandoah Valley. Have you ever traveled through the area where the Shenandoah Indian tribe made their home? Our Native American brothers and sisters—Miami, Sioux, Navajo, and Potawatomi, to name a few—were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply: “So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question, combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
A prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.14.11
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 16
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Thursday: An attempt at poetry for the season
A little child will lead them the sacred Scriptures say,
So I can’t help but think of children as I write today.
Will a little child hold back tears when they have to be heard?
Why then do I feel that crying is so absurd?
Will a little child, even when mad, get physical and
decide they want to fight?
Why then is warfare and killing a part of the news every night?
If peace is the gift that Creator and Child decided to bring,
Then why is it that the sounds of weapons
throughout the world still ring?
As I prepare my soul for a gift that will lead me
down an uncharted way,
May I open my heart fully and listen for the child teaching me to play?
--Ben Keckler
12.16.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Thursday: An attempt at poetry for the season
A little child will lead them the sacred Scriptures say,
So I can’t help but think of children as I write today.
Will a little child hold back tears when they have to be heard?
Why then do I feel that crying is so absurd?
Will a little child, even when mad, get physical and
decide they want to fight?
Why then is warfare and killing a part of the news every night?
If peace is the gift that Creator and Child decided to bring,
Then why is it that the sounds of weapons
throughout the world still ring?
As I prepare my soul for a gift that will lead me
down an uncharted way,
May I open my heart fully and listen for the child teaching me to play?
--Ben Keckler
12.16.10
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 8
Peace and My Life
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Scenic beauty abounds in the Shenandoah Valley. Have you ever traveled through the area where the Shenandoah Indian tribe made their home? Across the entire country, our Native American brothers and sisters were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
Prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.10
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Scenic beauty abounds in the Shenandoah Valley. Have you ever traveled through the area where the Shenandoah Indian tribe made their home? Across the entire country, our Native American brothers and sisters were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
Prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.10
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 25
Finding the Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
This week we are focusing on the spiritual journey, particularly the journey that comes during chaotic times. The question we are working on might be summarized in this way: “When life is moving too fast, how can I demonstrate healthier self-care?” Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. On Tuesday and Wednesday we focused on the first two verses of “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. Today, verse 3:
“In the Spirit let us travel; open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.10
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
This week we are focusing on the spiritual journey, particularly the journey that comes during chaotic times. The question we are working on might be summarized in this way: “When life is moving too fast, how can I demonstrate healthier self-care?” Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. On Tuesday and Wednesday we focused on the first two verses of “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. Today, verse 3:
“In the Spirit let us travel; open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.10
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 24
Finding the Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
-- From Psalm 23
One aspect of the spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the arena of self-care. Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. In yesterday’s devotions we focused on the first verse of “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. Today, verse 2:
“Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.10
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
-- From Psalm 23
One aspect of the spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the arena of self-care. Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. In yesterday’s devotions we focused on the first verse of “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. Today, verse 2:
“Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.10
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 23
Finding the Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
The spiritual journey is difficult and probably one of the most difficult things about spirituality is maintaining good self-care. Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that really addresses some of the realities we have to face as we work at self-care. I’d like to share a verse of this hymn with you as the week begins. The hymn is titled, “Come and Find the Quiet Center.”
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and focus on the restoration your soul deserves. Clearing the chaos and clutter so that we can see the things that really matter is not easy. But, if we are going to practice responsible self-care, then it is time to act! Have a good, good week.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.10
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
The spiritual journey is difficult and probably one of the most difficult things about spirituality is maintaining good self-care. Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that really addresses some of the realities we have to face as we work at self-care. I’d like to share a verse of this hymn with you as the week begins. The hymn is titled, “Come and Find the Quiet Center.”
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and focus on the restoration your soul deserves. Clearing the chaos and clutter so that we can see the things that really matter is not easy. But, if we are going to practice responsible self-care, then it is time to act! Have a good, good week.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.10
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 2
Another Day
The writings of St. Francis offer some great wisdom in the midst of troublesome times. Meditating on his words can help us to view the world through lenses that cause us to see our surroundings more clearly. Possibly we can be led to more peaceful living, with the ability to tell of God’s wondrous deeds. Here are words from meditation #27 in “The Admonitions.”
"Where there is God’s love and wisdom,
There is no room for fear, or for ignorance.
Where there is patience and humility,
There is no anger, nor even irritation.
Where there is joy in being poor in spirit,
There is neither secret covetousness nor greed that leads
to hateful actions.
Where there is peace, sown in times of meditation,
There is no worry, nor dissipation of true spiritual zeal.
Where there is awe and deep respect for the Lord
to guard the house,
The Enemy cannot get inside, or gain so much as a foothold.
Where there is mercy in discerning the faults of another,
There is neither allowance for destructive excesses,
Nor an unforgiving hard-heartedness toward those who fail."
Prayer: God, may my life reflect your ways as I speak of your wondrous deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.09
The writings of St. Francis offer some great wisdom in the midst of troublesome times. Meditating on his words can help us to view the world through lenses that cause us to see our surroundings more clearly. Possibly we can be led to more peaceful living, with the ability to tell of God’s wondrous deeds. Here are words from meditation #27 in “The Admonitions.”
"Where there is God’s love and wisdom,
There is no room for fear, or for ignorance.
Where there is patience and humility,
There is no anger, nor even irritation.
Where there is joy in being poor in spirit,
There is neither secret covetousness nor greed that leads
to hateful actions.
Where there is peace, sown in times of meditation,
There is no worry, nor dissipation of true spiritual zeal.
Where there is awe and deep respect for the Lord
to guard the house,
The Enemy cannot get inside, or gain so much as a foothold.
Where there is mercy in discerning the faults of another,
There is neither allowance for destructive excesses,
Nor an unforgiving hard-heartedness toward those who fail."
Prayer: God, may my life reflect your ways as I speak of your wondrous deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.09
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, April 29
The Way of Peace
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Our Native American brothers and sisters—Miami, Sioux, Navajo, and Potawatomi, to name a few—were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
A prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.29.08
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (14:27)
Our Native American brothers and sisters—Miami, Sioux, Navajo, and Potawatomi, to name a few—were wise people.
“It is no longer good enough to cry peace,
we must act peace,
live peace
and live in peace.”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
These words are powerful! They suggest we have talked enough, that we have gone around and around about the desire for peace-filled times. Recently I participated in a continuing education course and the theme was simply:
“So, what are YOU going to do about it?”
The proverb and the question combined with the scripture verse for today, pose a challenge for responsible living in a chaotic world. There are ample examples suggesting that the time for talking about peace needs to be reflected in our actions immediately.
The three introspective questions for today could be:
Am I acting peace?
Am I living peace?
Am I living in peace?
A prayer: Amid the talk, may my walk reflect the way of peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
04.29.08
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, March 20
Wanting a More Peaceful World?
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay on course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
My whole life being one long, obedient response. ”
--From Psalm 119
As written in The Message
War, complete with devastation, destruction and death continues to be a part of our world. People around our global village face the reality of emotions that accompany war. Lessons about life are being taught even as we read these words.
Finding a quiet space that is available for you to pause and spend prayerful time learning the lessons you need for living is important. Finding the quiet center of life is very important. May your moments of prayer help you stay on course.
A prayer: God of my journey, give me insight and bring us peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.20.08
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay on course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
My whole life being one long, obedient response. ”
--From Psalm 119
As written in The Message
War, complete with devastation, destruction and death continues to be a part of our world. People around our global village face the reality of emotions that accompany war. Lessons about life are being taught even as we read these words.
Finding a quiet space that is available for you to pause and spend prayerful time learning the lessons you need for living is important. Finding the quiet center of life is very important. May your moments of prayer help you stay on course.
A prayer: God of my journey, give me insight and bring us peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.20.08
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