Some coaches have fueled the flames of controversy by defying the law and the court. One Tennessee High School coach is pushing the envelope when he stated to the Tennessean, “Every day when we finish practice, we take a knee, bow our heads and say the Lord’s Prayer at practice …” and before each game I tell them to pray for themselves and their teammates.

Defying the courts is an unwise decision and there is a price in doing so by coaches or anyone. Such religious practices have been ruled out of bounds by the courts. A football coach job description doesn’t include religious activities. Coaches in high schools are not exempt from the law; ignoring court rulings is hazardous to a coaching career. The courts’ interpretation and application of this ruling only applies to public schools and does not extend to parochial schools.

It’s patriotic, and American, to call such violations to the attention of school administrators and seek redress in such situations.  The court ruling acknowledges that.  There is a proper time and place for religious activities. As I understand it, a football coach can observe the rules by simply announcing there will be a moment of silence by the team and not making any faith-based comments.

In 2009,  we have a favorable wind of renewal available to re-establish virtues, moral principles, and moral quality to our government at all levels. In foreign policy let us be done with torture, rendition and the deliberate misleading of the public in the guise of justifying action that leads to placing our men and women in uniform unnecessarily in harm’s way and demolishing governments of other nations. Let this year be the year to bury the order of pre-emptive military intervention against what we perceive as nefarious nations.

At the community level, in Tennessee, let’s be done with partisan political warfare that is paralyzing and  polarizing our public life.

In honesty, renewal and positive change change will not be achieved in 90 days, or Obama’s first hundred days. It will take time to lead our nation and renew the concept of common good over individual gain and self-interest at every level of our lives, personally and nationally.

The wisdon of President Obama is appropriate here when he warned us that the cure for our economic plight will take months adding up to years. Our political representatives with our prayerful support and suggestions are capable  of serious reform in congressional ethics. National and personal changes can be substantial rather than cosmetic.

In our community and the nation, we are eager and in anticipation of a new tone and mature new way of practically meeting real needs. Honesty and transparency are moral values that we cherish and treasure. These qualities can be delivered by our city, state and national government. Even when the new is bad or calls for discipline in living and sacrifice, we must be receptive and transparent.

In this year we have the opportunity to refresh and renew core demonstrated principles. Politicians who violate our moral principles and laws must answer and be accountable for their deeds. No slap on the wrist for such behavior. Bribery, fraud and tax evasion in a reform government will be dealt with harshly, to include prison terms.The recent politicians — Republican and Democratic — Duke Cunningham, Tom Delay, William Jefferson, Mark Foley for their crimes are examples of the law of accountability at work.

Renewal for us personally is to rededicate ourselves to democratic principles; let’s bury the nefarious partisanship. Cooperation instead of partisan argument and resentment will precipitate renewal.

At Fort Leonard Wood, the Army’s largest basic and advanced training post, I served with command leaders to include hundreds of drill sergeants of all ranks. I served, too, commanders that I would have followed into combat at any time and any place. How did these men and women impress me and receive my loyalty? They were leaders trained in reassuring and encouraging others. They elicited a sense of self with new recruits, NCOs and officers with a reassuring word.

On Inauguration day I followed my daily routine of exercising at the Athletic Club. As my legs moved my mind was also active as I listened and watched President Obama give his address. His speech captivated and motivated me. before I realized it, I had exceeded my goal at the treadmill of 50 minutes. This awesome speech motivated me; his words somehow improved my power of endurance.

Reassuring spoken words renew and enable us to accept and successfully overcome the challenges of daily living. One source of such reassurance is to be found in the Bible, a book on the nature of God and mankind. In what we call the Old Testament, there is in Zechariah 3:17  words that lifted my morale.  This verse is a potent message:

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to see. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he shall rejoice over you with singing.”

On this day the words “delight” and “rejoice” from the verse give me confidence. Think of it and let this thought massage you spiritually: we are giving to the Almighty delight and our attitude and behavior cause the Almighty to rejoice.

Meditating on this verse fortifies and releases the spiritual resources. in all of us.  Focusing upon these words will enable us to successfully overcome daily challenges and release inner strength to face obstacles honestly and bravely.

Pamela Frueh, as she pondered these words,  wrote:

“God delights in me. I think of the delight I feel when my children and grandchildren, the powerful heart-stopping, breath-catching delight that seems to be part of unconditional love …  I am God’s child, awed by God’s love.”

Thought for the day:

God delights in me — and in you. Repeat these words frequently and experience a healthier outlook.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a dynamic lobbyist for all military retirees. Members include veterans — retired Marines, sailors, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel.MOAA is a non-profit , veteran’s association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families.  It is vigilant in safeguarding and extending the benefits of all veterans. When MOAA speaks to Congress, they listen, and take immediate action.

Today, with a new administration, MOAA is busy developing and implementing strategies for legislation that benefits veterans ,their families  and  survivors, in recognition of the sacrifices made.

MOAA’s goal in 2009 is to be an effective organizational voice shaping relevant government policy and promoting earned benefits.  Under their guardianship, there will be no retreat or reduction of retired veterans benefits.

To effectively assist veterans, the MOAA has established the following goals for 2009:

• Sustain defense budget to meet personnel and weapons needs
• Sustain military manpower increase
• Gain additional “wounded warrior” fixes
• Resist shifting health costs to beneficiaries
• Reverse Medicare-TriCare payment cuts
• Repeal SBP/DIC offset
• Work for full concurrent receipt
• Restore military pay comparability
• Secure Guard and Reserve retirement and health upgrades
• Improve military family support

Later in their publication, another goal is added. It’s one that captured my attention and will improve survivor benefits in a small but important way in a time of grief. The MOAA is legislating for final retired pay for survivors. They are suggesting that Congress enact legislation that:

“…authorizing payment of a full month of retired pay for a service member’s death. Under current law, a prorated portion is summarily recouped from the survivor. MOAA believes it’s wrong to impose such unexpected and insensitive financial penalties on survivors at what is already the most traumatic time of their lives.”

As the policy stands, if I die on say, July 10, my survivors would receive only a ten day pro-rated portion of my pension. Under the new plan, my survivors would receive the pension for the whole month.

Just a reminder: in the military systems, pensions are suspended upon the demise of the retired veteran.

Go to bed tonight grateful for the MOAA’s vigilance.

Humor in Uniform is a favorite section in the Reader’s Digest.  Having served as a soldier and Army Chaplain, for 20 years, in time of peac and for two years of war in Vietnam, I appreciate recognition given our soldiers, even if its humorous.Being rather serious and solemn by nature, I have a psychological need for entertainment, especially humor.  I meet this need for balance for jocularity by selecting cheerful TV programs to watch while exercising at the Athletic Club. When I get there early enough, I’ll watch my all time favorite, M.A.S.H.

For my own benefit, as well as that of listeners, when I give a homily at the Unitarian Church, I introduce the message with a humorous story. I find this is an effective means of gaining the attention of the congregation.  It also gives me some sense of calmness and peace of mind.

In one of my speaking  engagement s at the Church, I used the following humorous story:

“A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked “Is my time up?”

“No, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live,” God said.

After the woman recovered, she decided that if she had that much time left, she was going to make the most of it.

She went to the hairdresser for a permanent and color rinse. Then she returned to the hospital for liposuction, a facelift and a tummy tuck.

After her last operation, she left the hospital. While crossing the street she was hit by a truck and killed.

When the woman got to heaven, she told God: “I thought you said I had another 40 years to live. Why didn’t you pull me from the path of the truck?”

God just shrugged. “I didn’t recognize you.”

– Norbert Robben, Topeka, Kansas

I recommend  joining us in finding and regaining humor today. Exercise your funny bone often.

To achieve this goal I discipline myself in reading, writing, and thoughtfulness. My first activity of each day, after walking our pet, Cassie, is to read the daily devotional from The Upper Room.  It’s a spiritual, mental and psychological lift.

I budget time to read the local paper. At the Athletic Club I often read while on the treadmill. That’s when I get started reading the weekly publication of Newsweek.

In addition to reading, I find the evening news stimulating ; it often precipitates brain waves that result in sharpening the mind.

In the last year, I become an MSNBC enthusiast, follower and zealot. This soundly produced reporting ogf the news and intelligent interpretation of the news is a source of fresh prespective on national events.

The three major commentators, who speak with eloquence and authority, are Chris Matthews, Keith Olberman, And Rachel Maddow. For me, they are mainstreams of integrity.   It comes across to me that they thoroughly prepare  and research their part on MSNBC news. Their presentations offer intellectual insights to us listeners.

For a gripping version of the daily news, I become glued to MSNBC. For night after night of a penetrating analysis of the news that will keep your attention, tune in to (Clarksville cable) channel 49 from 7-9 p.m.

Their commentaries, for me follow in the proud tradition of Walter Cronkite in accurately and conscientiously  presenting the news. MSNBC is one of my sources of mental alertness and inspiration.

Crepe Myrtle flower

Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.

In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.

For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches.

Now, after six years of growth, by our own selection of trees, we congratulate ourselves  for investing and improving our property. Our trees include the ever beautiful cherry trees, river birches, maple and crepe myrtle. I am already anticipating with joy the pink blossoms of the cherry trees. These wondrous trees that we have planted are one of the joys of life. They add monetary value to our property, but also brighten our lives. They are a source of considerable psychological benefit.

Our wondrous trees provide us spiritual encouragements. From observing them year-round we can find a source of spiritual nourishment. In The Upper Room, a devotional by Teresa describes how she was blessed spiritually by a tree. Here is the narrative:

The Weight of Bitterness

Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2

“See to it that no fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of  bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it may become defiled.” ~~ Hebrews 12:15 (NRSV)

Twenty years ago the pine tree in our front yard was a tiny sapling that needed a ring of bricks to protect it from being trodden underfoot. Now it shades our house. During a recent winter storm, however, its lower branches swept the ground under the weight of ice and snow.

That weighted tree was a picture of the Christian I used to be. For years I allowed the weight of abuse when I was a child and the death of my mother when I was in high school to sap my strength and keep me from growing in faith. I allowed anger and resentment to grow into bitterness. Instead of raising my face up in praise to God who uses our trials for good, I doubted my heavenly father’s goodness.

When the sun finally melted the ice and snow,  our pine tree stood just as tall and mighty as before the storm.  Unlike a tree, we can choose how we will respond to painful circumstances. We can choose to live under the weight of bitterness, or we can allow God’s love to melt away the ice so we can stand tall. Bitterness can rob us of knowledge of God’s presence. Remaining open to Good and trusting God’s never-ending love bring great strength and deep joy.

Her prayer, inspired by the pine tree, reads:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, free us from any bitterness that remains in our heart. Amen.

Her thought, also inspired by the pine tree, reads:

God offers us relief from the weight of bitterness.

~~ Teresa Dickhoner, Ohio

The trees will be bursting forth with new life soon. As you watch them excel in their development, think and meditate on their spiritual significance.

The Upper Room devotional is available at Local United Methodist Churches.

The IRS reaches out with its policy of accountability to individuals, businesses, organizations and even places of worship. In the case of the latter, I read about their interest with the Kenneth Copeland Ministries of television fame. The IRA has initiated an investigation of their alleged abuse of tax exemption.

The Kenneth Copeland Ministries is in a controversy with the IRS over the use of $3.6 million jet they own. The Copeland organization is being denied tax-exempt status for this jet.

The application to receive the exemption requires groups to submit a list of salaries, and Kenneth Copeland failed to disclose the compensation of the Director, said Jeffrey D. Law, Tarrant County’s chief appraiser.

Televangelists have come under fire recently for lavish lifestyles,  and the Copeland ministry also failed to provide spending data after U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)asked Copeland and other ministers to provide financial information as part of an inquiry into their finances.

The ministry said last year that it owned five aircraft including one valued at $17.5 million. Copeland’s organization, also known as Eagle Mountain International Church, admitted to allowing personal use of the aircraft 10% of the time, though it claims individuals are charged for this use.

After that initial investigation, the church said it would cooperate with the IRS should that agency undertake a church tax inquiry.

As I read the inventory of jets in their fleet, I asked myself “How many aircraft do they need and where is the money coming from for their purchase and maintenance? Of course we know, the support is coming from individual donors. This situation raises caution flags; like the IRS, we too can demand accountability from such religious bodies. Also, as I reviewed my list of donations, I could say none of my offerings have supported a fleet of jets.

Accountability is a tool for measuring the honesty of any organization, Such religious organizations have end-of-year statements or worth available to their contributors. Generosity is a virtue and a value — by all means, even in a year of poor economy, continue to donate.  Do follow the advice of President Reagan: “Trust but verify.” Even religious ministries are accountable, as are individuals, to the IRS. It’s proper to examine how your gifts are being  used, even by faith groups.

The mission of the IRS, as I understand it, isn’t to harass but to hold us accountable.  The Copeland Ministries isn’t being singled out for harassment because it is a religious organization. Its faulty bookkeeping and thinking  and lack of cooperation with the law has earned the battle with the IRS. As I understand the situation, they ran the risk of non-compliance and are now reaping the results.

While on active duty as a U.S. Army Chaplain, I appreciated serving, ministry and  working with chaplains who were also assiociated with the same denomination as President Obama.

Already our new president is strengthening the bonds of religion and society and how government, churches, and religious organizations can work together to better community and country. However, there are guidelines and regulations for each to follow to ensure maximum success.

On the campaign trail. President Obama emphasized his Christian faith;  in speeches he connected faith and public policy. For instance, he spoke about the present “faith-based” initiatives. He recognized the value of a partnership between government and religious faith organizations dedicated to improving communities. He is already pledging  and committing to expanding and renaming the faith-based office.

During the campaign, the Montgomery County Democratic Party established a list of 12 goals to be enacted by Obama should he be elected. First on the list was to rebuild the military. Second, to reform the faith-based office and its mission: he’s already discussing its mission.

Here is what we can glean from his present statements: “He explicitly rejects taxpayer-funded evangelism and religiously-based hiring discrimination with public funds.” This gives us reassurance that our tax dollars will not finance specific evangelistic efforts  to save souls.  That’s the mission of donations by church members in offering plates. Proselytizing on our tax dollars is forbidden.

President Obama succintly gives insight into his policy when he says:

“If you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them — or against the people you hire — on the basis of their religion. Second, federal dollars that go directly to churches, temples and mosques can only be used on secular programs. And we’ll ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to those programs that actually work.“

I give kudos to faith groups who are dedicated to such principles. the Catholics and Lutherans set a high standard in public services without proselytizing. Our own Loaves and Fishes, United Way, and Urban Ministries are giving aid to the disenfranchised without requiring any profession of faith.

President Obama and the Obama family are people of faith and support the mission of serving the public. We, too, can assist by requiring inclusivemness and accountability in the use of our tax dollars by religious organizations.

In summary, we can benefit our needy neighbors and fellow Clarksville residents by recognizing and endorsing the following principles for religious groups receiving tax dollars:

• Groups don’t have a so-called “right” to take in tax money yet still discriminate on religious grounds when hiring staff.
• Ensure that no denomination uses tax dollars for any form of evangelism or religious education.
• Religious schools are part of our American fabric and make a significant contribution to the building of moral character. However, such fine educational institutions are not to be funded with tax dollars.

In addition, I request the following in the beginnings of their new administration:

• Reform of the Justice Department
• Sever ties between fundamentalism and the military
• Do not base  public policy on theology
• Preserve the ban on church politicking

For more information on these issues, read the January edition of “Church and State.”

It’s hard to maintain a happy face about our future when our personal finances and monetary worth for retirement are steadily declining, when our retirement plans are going bankrupt. In our communities, cities and states are raiding their rainy day funds to prevent raising taxes. International governments and their citizens are also in financial straits. Presently, places from our own Clarksville,  to Mexico City, to Heidleberg, London, Asian cities are all experiencing financial world. Such unfortunate events precipitate the “sad face” facing retirees.

Our neighbors who have already retired are facing despair as their financial security diminishes substantially. In the locker room I hear complaints from retirees who suddenly find their secure plans for their future sabotaged by the monetary crisis. Social Security had its marginal annual  increase and that helps some budgets but is not enough to offset other losses.

Our retirement plans are swayed by economy and income. Previous plans are now scrapped on the rubbish heap of our dreams as the economy suffers a nervous breakdown. Optimism and that “smiley face” have made a quick retreat as investments drop 25% or more of their previous net worth.

Personally, I refuse to estimate my losses, though for now they are just “paper losses.” I recognize that refusal is a form of denial and wishful thinking, but perhaps now, after Christmas and the holiday season, I’ll find the fortitude and motivation to analyze my situation. Statistics show that “only 18% of workers are confident that they would have enough money for a comfortable retirement, down from 27% in 2007.” The sad faces emerges.

The smiling face, that symbol of optimism, is still there though; it’s a psychological, emotional and spiritual dimension that can help take this adversity in stride and keep at least a faint  smiley face going.

“Our retirement health doesn’t have to fluctuate with the health of the economy.” It’s well to remember and to practice the creed that well-being is not completely dependent on dollars and bank accounts. We can have a measure of confidence, hope and encouragement as our resources diminish and fade.

We can improve the smiley face with the rationalization and understanding that we do have some control; our health and outlook should hinge on the things we can control:

• Spending habits
• Retirement savings
• Investments

Managing these items expands the potential for retiring with that smiley face. Read and study informational materials on finance, such as those reports in Money Advisor by Consumer Reports. A wealth of valuable information is at your fingertips.

Our biblical tradition includes many stories, a few credited to Jesus ny his early disciples. In Luke 24:13 a story unfolds about two disciples and an encounter with an unknown person. The heart of this story for me is verse 13: “On that same daytwo (of the disciples) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.”

Why wree the two disciples unknown by name, bound for Emmaus? Though we walk for pleasure and health, they walked because it was their only reliable means of transportation. Their was no evidence they owned or could rent or borrow a donkey to ride.

This extended walk reminds me of my uncle who, then in his 20s, walked ten miles or more to return to their country home on Friday after work, and then back to place of employment on Sunday night. While serving as as a corporal in the Army, when the commander needed a “runner” they were selected with the order “Curtis, take this message to the First Sergeant in the rear of the column.” Army hikes were a mild challenge for them; they were making athletes of the company. They were the champions for demonstrating endurance on the 20 mile hikes.

Those hearty disciples in excellent health from a daily regimen of walking were likely going home. For them, and for us, there isn’t any place like home.

The thought of going home is motivator. Our neighbor on duty in Iraq will return home for a mid-tour leave. the thought of returning home does miracles for a person;  the final five days before rotating back to Fort Campbell precipitates an emotional light.

Though retired from the US Army, and the church pastorate, and calling Clarksville home, I will visit my first home near Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

My home town of St. James is a town of 1200 people with 12,000 budding maple trees.  It’s second name is Forest City of the Ozarks. For six years I lived there and attended the first grade, climbed trees, bonded with my grandparents, played with my first cousins went barefoot all summer, received gifts from grandpa, and regularly bought cherry pies with money from ggrandma.

I’ll never live there again, but St. James is still my home. I anticipate an emotional and psychological renewal as I return, even though I only knew a few people.

Home Sweet Home.

I expect, too, a rush of appreciation as I visit the cemetery to pay my respects to the friends and family who contributed to my welfare as a child.

Home Sweet Home motivated me; positive thoughts surfaced as I walked the streets, dined in the only restaurant, and admired the trees.]

Like the disciples, I’m headed home. These two companions “were going to a village called Emmaus” — home. I hope to encounter part of my history in fresh and new ways as I return home.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Belmont University brightens our lives and renews hope through its music and education programs. throughout the year the students and faculty give performances that re unequaled in quality. Their tradition of blessing the community with music is especially realized during the Christmas season.

Belmont University’s performance of choral, choir and strings of 2007 was for me the pinnacle of music in that holiday season.  Their one-hour program, broadcast on NPT, was simply the best musical. This outstanding performance integrated classical, traditional and popular music  for the season. I was enthralled.

In harmony, the singers retold the remarkable story of Christmas; their rendition brought a fresh perspective to the field of seasonal music. Their fresh, intelligent and emotional renditions renewed one spiritually. Through their dramatic concert my spirits were lifted.  Their spectacular music was an added flourish to the season.  With great eloquence and authority they  enriched the spiritual significance of the time of year.

Belmont is again presenting their fabulous and engrossing “Christmas at Belmont” for the pleasure of Tennessee residents. This program will again be an exciting addition to our holiday celebrations.

“Christmas at Belmont” will air on December 23 at 9 p.m. and December 25 at 8 p.m.. It’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas eve and Christmas day celebration.

Yes, I get a spiritual lift at the club, in addition to honing and developing my muscles and maintaining stamina by physical exercise; it stimulates my mental and physical abilities. On the treadmill I can read a magazine such as  (a magazine devoted to religious news), or watch the Golden Girls or Cheers (two of my favorite comedy shows).  These benefits are foods for the soul.

One of the keys to successful exercise is the combination of discipline and persistence.  Keep trying. Most people get off to a great start with their fitness programs but gradually lose interest or “momentum. ” To maintain such a rewarding regimen demands dedication. There are dozens of excuses from dropping out of an exercise program , including stress at home or work, medical appointments, children’s sports programs,  even an injury — all weaken the resolve to perform physical fitness activities.

One of the leading excuses perhaps is the failure to budget time. For a fit body and soul, one has to give priority to exercising. “I just didn’t have the time” is the most common excuse people use for hanging up their sneakers.

To your body and soul a favor and make time by writing in time for exercise on your calendar or daily planner and treat it with preference. My time at the club in the mornings is consecrated and hallowed; I appreciate its energy for the rest of the day.

Exercising, wherever it’s done, gives fitness to body and soul.

My life is upgraded this holiday season; it is a time for cultivating an already good relationship with my five grandchildren. My desire and goal is to make the bond between us an ever growing one. An intimate connection with them will enrich their lives and mine.

On Sunday at church we sang “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” The lyrics and melody escorted me down Memory Lane. I learned that lively song in a Nazarene Church Sunday school. It was comforting to listen to this music again.

In my life of seventy-plus years, I remember men and women of faith who served as lights in my journey of faith. There were Jack Folson and Henry Meade, who picked me up on Sunday for religious education at the Central Church of the Nazarene. I credit their “light” for assisting me in spiritual pilgrimage as a youth. Through the “light” and inner glow of these influential lay leaders I was attracted to God. Through their patience, compassion and and devotion since I was 16 years old, I continue to sing “…everywhere I go, I’m going to let shine” as a testimonial to the development of my spiritual traits nurtured through wondrous grace.

Within the next fifteen years it’s likely that my “light” will be extinguished with my demise. I believe, though, that my grandchildren will memorialize me as a light that continues to exert an influence upon their behavior and values. My “light” is to pass on to them the values of faith, hope, trust, love and generosity.

My design and purposae is to enrich their lives and to be a source of comfort and stability in life and in death. Through my actions of living faith, I am shining my “light.”

This song from an African-American tradition still contributes to our spiritual development.

Prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for for the lights in our journey of faith. Help us, in turn, to be lights for others.”

Thought for the Day: Leave a light on for the grandchildren, friends and the community.

Hymn of Inspiration and Challenge: “This Little Light of Mine” – verse 3

“Building up a World, I’m going to let it shine…”

On the morning following Black Friday, I read a devotional that benefited and motivated me. I share these reflective comments in their entirety from The Upper Room (12.1.08)., as written by William David Willis of Australia.

Impressions (John 1:14-18)

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people – John 1:4 (TIV)

Have you ever visited the lost and found office of a bus or railway station? To do so is to be amazed at the quantity, size and variety of items left behind by travelers. You might be tempted to ask, “How could someone possibly have forgotten that?”

Have you ever left something behind? I well-remember leaving a camera behind on a bus in London and being joyfully  reunited with it two days later!

Every day we leave behind us attitudes and feelings that have a powerful effect on those who “find” them. Perhaps we leave happiness, positive ideas and thoughts, kindness and love. Or maybe we leave behind us bitterness, jealousy, unhappiness, hatred, and conflict.

Our Lord left behind a wonderful legacy — the gift of God’s Grace that brings joy to our lives and purpose to our days on earth.  John 1:16 reminds us that we have all benefited from such rich blessings Jesus brought by his teachings, by his death, and by his resurrection.

Our challenge is to continue Christ’s work by leaving behind evidence of his presence in our lives. When we do, we enrich the lives of those around us.

Prayers: Grant us understanding, O God, of our influence for good and ill in our living. May your loving light shine through our lives to light the way for others. Amen.

Thought for the Day: What do others know of Christ because of knowing me?

~~William David Willis, New South Wales, Australia

Prayer Focus: For deeper intimacy with God

Prayer: Thank you God for the lights in our journey of faith. help us in turn to be lights for others.”

Thought: Leave a light on for those who will follow.”

The Upper Room devotional is available at  United Methodist Churches in your community.