Reaching Out to Others
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.”
--A follower (Ephesians 1:15)
What a privilege to work side by side with people who care! Our nation has had to face the devastation that comes from natural disasters. It is not pleasant. Now more than ever, it seems the news overwhelms us with the fragile nature of life. New occasions teach new duties and with new disasters will come new opportunities and new challenges.
It is a true privilege to work with caregiving people here at the hospital. Time and time again we respond above and beyond what others expect. Regularly we are given opportunities to share (United Way, Food Banks, etc). Thank you for demonstrating your compassionate spirits of faith.
Recently I was with some other chaplains who asked me specific questions about the spirit of generosity that exists at my hospital. Wow! Reaching out to others is so important and I give thanks for the way you share from your heart.
Thank you. I give thanks for you daily.
--Ben Keckler
09.30.10
Showing posts with label Thankful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thankful. Show all posts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 29
A Reason to Give Thanks
“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants…’”
--From the story of Noah (Genesis 9, selected verses)
82 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father (“Junior” as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister (still preaching at a church he founded 51 years ago) and of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after more than 35 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God’s blessing. I am grateful for family.
I wish there was a way to know the number of sermons, bible studies, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. where a person named Ben Keckler has provided pastoral care during the last 82 years. I think about the thousands and thousands of home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have experienced. It is overwhelming to realize how many people have invited us into their lives to share God’s covenantal love with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Even in these increasingly turbulent times, I believe! God bless you today!
--Ben Keckler
09.29.10
“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants…’”
--From the story of Noah (Genesis 9, selected verses)
82 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father (“Junior” as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister (still preaching at a church he founded 51 years ago) and of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after more than 35 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God’s blessing. I am grateful for family.
I wish there was a way to know the number of sermons, bible studies, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. where a person named Ben Keckler has provided pastoral care during the last 82 years. I think about the thousands and thousands of home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have experienced. It is overwhelming to realize how many people have invited us into their lives to share God’s covenantal love with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Even in these increasingly turbulent times, I believe! God bless you today!
--Ben Keckler
09.29.10
Monday, March 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 8
A Prayer of Thanks
“O give thanks to the Lord,
for God is good and God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
--The beginning of a hymn of praise (Psalm 136)
For today, a contemporary expression echoes the theme.
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days
and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.08.10
“O give thanks to the Lord,
for God is good and God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
--The beginning of a hymn of praise (Psalm 136)
For today, a contemporary expression echoes the theme.
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days
and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.08.10
Monday, December 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, November 28
Thanksgiving: Reflecting
We are all aware of the social structures that are part of societies. Yesterday, Thanksgiving 2008, I was able to be a part of a “little thing” in Central Indiana that brought people of multiple social ranks together. It was neat. Before traveling on the highway, my wife and I spent the early morning volunteering for an annual event known as the Drumstick Dash, a run/walk through Broad Ripple benefiting Wheeler Mission.
Several thousand participants arrived; we distributed running tags. This event started in 2003 with 1,000 plus who were going to dash and now there are several thousand dashers. I observed that the participants ranged from the poor to the affluent, outfitted with appropriate gear for running in the cold. All were united wanting to express their thanks by doing something for others. Participating in this gathering made my heart feel good. The entire event was a highlight of Turkey Day 2008 (along with spending time with one of our granddaughters and her parents). We have participated every year since the inception of the Drumstick Dash and plan to participate every year that we are home for the holiday.
Realizing that the poor will always be a part of our lives and that most of us may be there quickly if our fortunes change, I offer this prayer to conclude our Thanksgiving week:
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 weekend in whatever you do.
Ben Keckler
11.28.08
We are all aware of the social structures that are part of societies. Yesterday, Thanksgiving 2008, I was able to be a part of a “little thing” in Central Indiana that brought people of multiple social ranks together. It was neat. Before traveling on the highway, my wife and I spent the early morning volunteering for an annual event known as the Drumstick Dash, a run/walk through Broad Ripple benefiting Wheeler Mission.
Several thousand participants arrived; we distributed running tags. This event started in 2003 with 1,000 plus who were going to dash and now there are several thousand dashers. I observed that the participants ranged from the poor to the affluent, outfitted with appropriate gear for running in the cold. All were united wanting to express their thanks by doing something for others. Participating in this gathering made my heart feel good. The entire event was a highlight of Turkey Day 2008 (along with spending time with one of our granddaughters and her parents). We have participated every year since the inception of the Drumstick Dash and plan to participate every year that we are home for the holiday.
Realizing that the poor will always be a part of our lives and that most of us may be there quickly if our fortunes change, I offer this prayer to conclude our Thanksgiving week:
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 weekend in whatever you do.
Ben Keckler
11.28.08
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, November 27
Thanksgiving Week
“You who live in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God in whom I trust.’”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 91: 1, 2)
One hymn writer wrote:
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices
Who wondrous things have done
In you this world rejoices.
Who from our mother’s arms,
You’ve blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love
Which still are ours today.
Today, throughout our society, there are people who are working while other employed folk are on-call and others are enjoying a day off to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who are working today.
We have all been blessed with countless gifts of love and today, whether in our homes or in our places of employment, I trust that we will stop and be thankful.
A prayer for today: Gracious God, help me to see you more clearly and love you more dearly as I live today in thanksgiving to You. Amen.
Ben Keckler
11.27.08
“You who live in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God in whom I trust.’”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 91: 1, 2)
One hymn writer wrote:
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices
Who wondrous things have done
In you this world rejoices.
Who from our mother’s arms,
You’ve blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love
Which still are ours today.
Today, throughout our society, there are people who are working while other employed folk are on-call and others are enjoying a day off to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who are working today.
We have all been blessed with countless gifts of love and today, whether in our homes or in our places of employment, I trust that we will stop and be thankful.
A prayer for today: Gracious God, help me to see you more clearly and love you more dearly as I live today in thanksgiving to You. Amen.
Ben Keckler
11.27.08
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, November 26
Thanksgiving Week
“You who live in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God in whom I trust.’”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 91: 1, 2)
A little “groaner” before your holiday consumption: Why do we have three different names for that bread mixture that cooks inside the turkey?
Well, if you eat only one serving, it is best to call it dressing.
But, because it is so good and we have a second serving, some like to call it filling. Only in America, is there enough to have a bit more. So that makes it stuffing!
It is hard to fathom, but it is true. Today and tomorrow there will be at least several hundred thousand (actually, it is probably in the millions) pies baked that would not normally be baked on a Wednesday/Thursday in our great land. More bread is being purchased than on any other day of the year. And the list goes on!
Here in the greater Indianapolis area, in excess of 25,000 meals will be delivered tomorrow to families who cannot support a Thanksgiving feast on their own. There are also details about places where free meals are being served. Realizing our blessings, we share with our brothers and sisters. It is good to remember that hungry people will be around us throughout these next months of the winter season. Canned goods for food banks are so very helpful. Making regular donations demonstrates our thankful spirit all winter long! Allow me to conclude today’s devotions with this prayer for the hungry:
God of our lives,
Help us always remember that it is you whom we behold
In weakened bodies and haunting faces of hungry folk.
Grant that we may not turn away but that we may find ways
To share your blessings that we’ve received
With those who do not have. Amen.
HAVE A GOOD THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!
Ben Keckler
11.26.08
“You who live in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God in whom I trust.’”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 91: 1, 2)
A little “groaner” before your holiday consumption: Why do we have three different names for that bread mixture that cooks inside the turkey?
Well, if you eat only one serving, it is best to call it dressing.
But, because it is so good and we have a second serving, some like to call it filling. Only in America, is there enough to have a bit more. So that makes it stuffing!
It is hard to fathom, but it is true. Today and tomorrow there will be at least several hundred thousand (actually, it is probably in the millions) pies baked that would not normally be baked on a Wednesday/Thursday in our great land. More bread is being purchased than on any other day of the year. And the list goes on!
Here in the greater Indianapolis area, in excess of 25,000 meals will be delivered tomorrow to families who cannot support a Thanksgiving feast on their own. There are also details about places where free meals are being served. Realizing our blessings, we share with our brothers and sisters. It is good to remember that hungry people will be around us throughout these next months of the winter season. Canned goods for food banks are so very helpful. Making regular donations demonstrates our thankful spirit all winter long! Allow me to conclude today’s devotions with this prayer for the hungry:
God of our lives,
Help us always remember that it is you whom we behold
In weakened bodies and haunting faces of hungry folk.
Grant that we may not turn away but that we may find ways
To share your blessings that we’ve received
With those who do not have. Amen.
HAVE A GOOD THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!
Ben Keckler
11.26.08
Friday, November 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, November 21
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 are taking 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 planet 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 blessing of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.
Ben Keckler
11.21.08
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.
“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 are taking 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 planet 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 blessing of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.
Ben Keckler
11.21.08
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.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, November 20
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 are taking 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.
Ben Keckler
11.20.08
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.
“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 are taking 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.
Ben Keckler
11.20.08
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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, 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 are taking 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.
Ben Keckler
11.19.08
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.
“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 are taking 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.
Ben Keckler
11.19.08
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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, 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 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.
Ben Keckler
11.18.08
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.
“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.
Ben Keckler
11.18.08
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.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, 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 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.
Ben Keckler
11.17.08
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.
“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.
Ben Keckler
11.17.08
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.
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