Topic: The Upper Room

A Prayer for Obama gains national notice

By Rev. Charles Moreland | July 6, 2008 |

There are benefits in developing our spiritual traits that we hold within. One way to blossom spiritually is through prayer and meditation. A ritual for me is to have a time of spiritual renewal in the morning before leaving for the athletic club. This habit developed in my first parish at Craig, Missouri, after seminary. I still do it 50 years later.

The subject of prayer and meditation was brought to my consciousness through a devotional in The Upper Room, and an article in Newsweek Magazine (1/9/08). In the latter, reference was made to James 5:1, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months and he prayed again and the heaven gave him rain and the earth produced its fruit.” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics, Spirituality | 1 Comment »

Fasting: A rewarding challenge

By Rev. Charles Moreland | June 1, 2008 |

Fasting is a ritual practice common to the major religions of the world. In the Christian faith, we hear more about the custom during the holy season of Lent, when we practice self-sacrifice to regain a renewed spiritual perspective for daily living.

fasting is a sacrifice where a person voluntarily abstains from consuming food or drinking liquids. I grew up in an evangelical church environment that suggested and encouraged regular fasting as a means of spiritual growth.

As a teenager in St. Louis, I accepted the challenge of abstaining from one meal a week, a challenge for a 16-year-old boy with a typical appetite. For me, I purposely opted to abstain from the Friday school lunch. To heighten my appreciation for this weekly event, I retreated to a quiet place in the high school for an hour of meditation and reflection. This discipline became a spiritual growth hormone for me. This sacrifice aided my efforts to a good teen and to say no to the temptations of being a junior in high school. «Read the rest of this article»

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Epiphany: A journey home renews faith

By Rev. Charles Moreland | April 13, 2008 |

As a junior in high school, at the age of 16, I made a commitment to God. I find that I desire daily literature that gives me a spiritual direction. I continue to read the Bible for spiritual illumination, and recognize it as one source of information and understanding.

A few days ago during my “quiet time”, I had an epiphany as I read Luke 24:13-35. Epiphany is used in two ways: it is an annual festival of Christianity that starts on January 6, and commemorates the revealing of Jesus to the Gentiles as personified by the Magi, and the baptism of Jesus. It is also much more personal: Epiphany is also a moment of sudden intuitive understanding, a “flash of insight.”

I have read this scripture annually on my spiritual pilgrimage. Today it revealed a new thought, that of home. I have never over the years understood this scintillating story in the framework of “Home.” The two saddened disciples in this story were going to their hometown, on a path towards a home-cooked meal and a welcome to the their family. «Read the rest of this article»

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Building foundations: A lifetime process

By Rev. Charles Moreland | March 16, 2008 |

Instructions, prescriptions and specifications for a self-satisfying and successful life can be found in numerous sources including psychological books, television programs, charitable organizations, an avalanche of self-help books and in the scriptures of faith and religion in our society.

One pedagogical story credited to Jesus recently the devotional in The Upper Room [2.22.07] from Matthew’s Gospel. Paraphrasing it , Harold, the author, said:

“Jesus tells the story of two men who built their homes on different foundations. When the storms and floods came, the house built on rock stood solid. The other one, built on a foundation of sand, was swept down the river with the flood.”

In the Clarksville/Montgomery County community we see new housing springing up like the flowers in May. The housing market, though slow for the seller, is still on the move. Surprisingly, new houses are the same prices as pre-owned. Whatever the age of the home, I currently wish I had a larger house and yard. It would required to have a foundation that passed rigorous standards for safety and durability. These standards are rigorously enforced, since we rarely hear of a defective foundation, except when there is a sinkhole.

«Read the rest of this article»

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Life beats us up; spiritual fortitude gets us through those tough times

By Rev. Charles Moreland | January 1, 2008 |

We are daily reminded through various announcements — radio, TV, news magazines, newspapers of our humanity, and as such are vulnerable to thousands of emotional shocks and setbacks.

As we gaze at the lives of our neighbors and examine our own situations, we know that there are multiple times when “life beats us up.” Unmerited illness and injury, conflict, controversies, house fires, disappointing test results (academic or professional), loss of a friend, the plight of an adult child — these are fresh wounds to our sense of well-bring. On occasion, “life beats us up.” Our diligent efforts to be good and courageous are frustrated due to circumstances beyond our control and/or the choice we made. Frequently our well-intended choices, made rationally, prayerfully, and sensitively, result in adversity and stress. Every day of the week life continues to hurl obstacles into our path of joyful and victorious living. «Read the rest of this article»

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Creating legacy one day at a time

By Rev. Charles Moreland | November 11, 2007 |

In July I celebrated my 70th birthday in Nashville at the Melting Pot Restaurant, with a fine dinner and festive atmosphere for this special occasion. Though born in the Missouri Ozarks, near Fort Leonard Wood, I am now and plan to remain a Clarksville resident and productive citizen in our community. At my age, I find it this to be an enriching place to live out my remaining 15-20 years.

Since turning 70, I am analyzing my situation,and have made the following observations:

• I am still maturing
• I still enjoy sports
• I’m dedicated to a high health standard
• I still appreciate exercising
• I recognize the brevity of life more than ever before
• I’ve enjoyed the World Series and the weekly Titans game
• I enjoy serving as a board member on several dynamic community organizations
• I continue to discover the security, peace and direction of my faith and appreciate my spiritual resources
• While this litany could continue, I find myself pondering and reminding myself of my legacy. Not what it will be, but rather, what it is now.

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Sections: Arts and Leisure, Opinion | No Comments

Daily Devotionals: Renewing the spirit

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 28, 2007 |

Having a period of time for a daily devotional is a personal goal that I achieve most days. This is a period that I carefully and thoughtfully keep as sacred. It is a mean of spiritual renewal for me.

As I recommend spiritual discipline, several questions arise.

First: What does it mean to “have devotions?” Then, what are the components of this discipline? Lastly, what is the value of this exercise on regulated activity? There are benefits to be derived from this self-enforced practice.

I describe here the basic seven-step pattern I use in devotion. These seven steps enable me to be strengthened spiritually. «Read the rest of this article»

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Life well-lived, work well-done inspires love, builds community

By Rev. Charles Moreland | September 23, 2007 |

This week Rev. Moreland remembers the gifts two teachers gave to his community: their spirit and their love.

My friends, Gary and Rebecca, are sterling examples of dedication to the vocation of teaching. They are to be commended for their sense of community too.

I first met them when they came to Dixon County public schools, for their first teaching assignment, in a town where I was the minister at the Methodist Church. For three years, their enthusiasm and commitment heartened our community and our church. Students and their parents were inspired by their focused lives, and the care and compassion they gave to everyone they met.

I often watched as children rushed to greet them, arms wide, the better to give and receive hugs. They were heroes and models that embraced our community even as they inspired us. «Read the rest of this article»

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