Daily Devotion - Friday, February 17

Preparing for the Weekend

Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the great writers and thinkers of the 1800’s. He was a poet and a philosopher, a mystic and an ordained clergyman whose only parish experience was at Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts. I have always treasured many of his insights and want to share this one with you, hoping you will reflect on his words throughout the weekend:

“The whole course of existence goes to teach us faith.
We need only obey.
There is guidance for each of us and by listening we shall hear the right word….
Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom,
A stream that flows into you as life.
Place yourself in the full center of that stream,
then you are without effort
Impelled to truth, to right and to perfect contentment.”

This quote seems worthy of integrating into life! Have a blessed weekend.

--Ben Keckler
02.17.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, August 31

Blending Some New and
Some Old Quotes

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us.”

“For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you.”

As part of my devotional life, I enjoy finding new quotes that seem to echo Biblical quotes from centuries ago. I invite you to ponder the two quotes above. I hope you will find this as helpful as I do.

The first quote today is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, a lecturer, essayist and philosopher who lived in New England from 1803-1882. Self-awareness and living in the present moment are two wonderful gifts that his quote emphasizes as I read it. The second quote comes from Luke's research into various quotes from Jesus of Nazareth. So often we talk about God's realm beyond this life. I find this teaching a refreshing truth.

May your day be filled with peace amid the storms you face! God is within!

--Ben Keckler
08.31.11