He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted                                                    Isaiah 53:3-4

What do we do with pain? Pain is a universal experience of humankind. It comes in many flavors- physical pain, emotional pain, mental pain, even spiritual pain. We try to avoid it, naturally, and there are some things that we can do to avoid unnecessary pain. We can, for example, avoid risky behaviors that may end up in pain such as extreme sports, reckless driving, excessive alcohol use, etc. Yet, even with such precautions, we cannot totally avoid pain in life.

Getting into relationships give us great pleasure and comfort, but we also then share the emotional pain of those whom we love. The pain of loss and death, for example, is extreme, but again, it is inevitable in our human experience.  That risk though is outweighed by the wonderful benefits of connection and intimacy we have with friends and family.

We cannot completely avoid physical pain, because pain was given to us for a reason. It is an indicator that something is amiss. We need to pay attention to the pain because it is telling us something, namely- “look into the source of pain to try to remedy it”. It may be a marker of more serious problems.

Other types of pain just come with the territory. We get muscle and joint pain just from our everyday living. Sometimes, we just physically hurt, and that is unavoidable.

But what do we do with pain? Do we ignore it? No, that is a bad idea most of the time. Do we acknowledge it and accept that it is part of life? Yes, that usually is a pretty good idea. Learning to accept pain is a gift of maturity and wisdom. Cursing the fact that pain exists is an exercise in futility. Pain is part of life.

So, how do we handle pain? We all have our ways, and we learn what works. The key is that no matter what the pain, we need to take ownership of it and decide what our attitude about it will be.

 All things considered, honestly acknowledging pain, not cursing it, is a good start.

Prayer: We understand that pain is a part of life, and the life you have given us is a blessed gift, Amen

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.                                 Proverbs 15:1 (Living Bible)

I was recently talking with a couple who are trying to enhance their relationship. They are a delightful couple, but both are prone to a quick temper at times. Their words to one another can become harsh and cutting. Both are bright and articulate, and both feel the need for control.

In other words, they are kind of a normal couple. They are open to changes and they are responding well to the homework I give them. I have spoken to them about a “kindness filter”. That is, we all exercise our brain’s prefrontal cortex in which we find our social filters (unless there has been damage to that area). In social settings, we typically use the filter of determining what is a socially acceptable response. Thank God that we have such a filter, for that is what gives us social order and civility.

I challenged this couple to exercise that filter while at home with one another. I had asked them if they would treat co-workers or friends in the same manner that they treat one another at times.  Both agreed that, no, they will treat co-workers and friends with more respect and grace than they do one another at times.

They love one another, and they are committed to one another. They agreed to try using their “kindness filter” at home with one another. Yes, the idea is simple, but the execution of it is not easy. It takes self-awareness and discipline, as well as practice, to get the behavior into a habit.  What a joy it is to see this couple working hard and treating one another with the “kindness filter.”

They are not perfect at it, of course, but it is working.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be graceful in our speech to all we encounter, Amen

“For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.”                                            Psalm 50:10-11

 All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

 Let all things their creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

These are the first and last stanzas of the old hymn, All Creatures of Our God and King. The lyrics are attributed to Francis of Assisi, and that makes perfect sense. Francis is known for his love of nature, his care for animals and people- all God’s Creation. I have his statue hovering above my little pond, watching over the creatures in that little ecosystem. He has done a marvelous job, because my mutt goldfish, placed in that pond some 9 years ago, still thrives, along with frogs, snails, and the birds that come there for water. There are few sources of water today around here that are not frozen solid, but my little heater keeps the pond open to a small waterfall, and the pond is not frozen over.

I got to thinking about the concept “all creatures” because we have relished watching the PBS program All Creatures Great and Small. It is a refreshing, calming respite from current events and social media that can be upsetting to say the least. The show is simple and heartwarming, and its plots are resolved with care and empathy. The characters, villagers, veterinarians and family and staff around them, are people who care for animals as their living.

However, it goes beyond the care of animals. People who care for animals are disposed to being kind and thoughtful, I think. Yes, we need to care for those in creation who are least able to care for themselves. This goes for people as well as animals.

I think Francis of Assisi considered that the animals, as well as people could, “lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all of your creation, Amen

“For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.”                                            Psalm 50:10-11

 All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

 Let all things their creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

These are the first and last stanzas of the old hymn, All Creatures of Our God and King. The lyrics are attributed to Francis of Assisi, and that makes perfect sense. Francis is known for his love of nature, his care for animals and people- all God’s Creation. I have his statue hovering above my little pond, watching over the creatures in that little ecosystem. He has done a marvelous job, because my mutt goldfish, placed in that pond some 9 years ago, still thrives, along with frogs, snails, and the birds that come there for water. There are few sources of water today around here that are not frozen solid, but my little heater keeps the pond open to a small waterfall, and the pond is not frozen over.

I got to thinking about the concept “all creatures” because we have relished watching the PBS program All Creatures Great and Small. It is a refreshing, calming respite from current events and social media that can be upsetting to say the least. The show is simple and heartwarming, and its plots are resolved with care and empathy. The characters, villagers, veterinarians and family and staff around them, are people who care for animals as their living.

However, it goes beyond the care of animals. People who care for animals are disposed to being kind and thoughtful, I think. Yes, we need to care for those in creation who are least able to care for themselves. This goes for people as well as animals.

I think Francis of Assisi considered that the animals, as well as people could, “lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all of your creation, Amen

 But the Advocate (comforter), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.                                                                   John 14:26

When I was a little kid, we learned in Catholic School that there was a Holy Ghost. Now, being a little kid, I was completely mystified by this idea, and a little scared, actually.  I mean, I was pretty sure that a Holy Ghost sent by God must be fine and all, but I certainly did not understand it.

Some years later, the Church revised its name for the Holy Ghost and called it the Holy Spirit. While this seemed like an improvement on the name, I was still pretty unclear about a Holy Spirit. I trusted that the Spirit was true, and somehow I always intuitively knew that there was something right about the concept of God having His spirit with us here on earth.  

As I have grown older, I have become much more comfortable with the idea of the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is that internal assurance that God is with us, and that he loves us enough to want presence with us.

Funny that I used the word “comfortable” above, because the Holy Spirit was sent as a “comforter”. Jesus said that when he left the earth, he would give us a Comforter to encourage our soul, and help us to live out the faith that we cling to.

The Holy Spirit is indeed a mystery still, yet it is another of those things where we trust God, even when we don’t understand His workings fully.

Guess that is why we so dearly need His Spirit to guide us in the world.

Prayer: We are grateful, Lord, for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, Amen

(and I see you North Bergen!)

The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.                                                    Proverbs 25:11 (Contemporary English Version)

Last Sunday at church, was an especially good day. Almost every time we attend church is a good day, but Sunday seemed to feel just a little better. Why? Well, it seemed that people were especially happy to be there since the week before, “in-person” church was cancelled due to the snow and cold.

We were greeted as usual by the greeters, great people who are warm and caring and truly glad to see people. That was normal, but much appreciated, as always. Then, as we were walking down the hall from getting coffee, we were greeted with a heartfelt hug by “Gary” followed by his very warm and caring words of thanks and friendship.

When we went into the main worship space, we were met by a young woman whose family we have known for years. She smiled broadly and beckoned us over for a hug. Just before that, my wife had gone up to one of the newer staff members and told him how much she appreciated his presence and his work for the church. I am guessing that it made his day. The opportunity to affirm others is a large part of being in a body of believers, and we can see this demonstrated every week.

Finally, speaking of affirmation, I need to recognize my followers in North Bergen, New Jersey. I probably have never met them, but they have been very affirming of me for several months as faithful followers of this blog. It is so affirming to me when I check the statistics of the blog’s reach, and I find consistent views from readers around the world. I especially at this time want to give a big shout out to – North Bergen, New Jersey- I love you all!

Prayer: Lord, we feel such refreshment in words of affirmation. Thank you for the plan of the body of believers to do just that, Amen

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.                        Proverbs 17:22

Today is February 2^nd, also known as Ground Hog Day in America. You know the drill- if the ground hog sees his shadow, it is six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, there are to be only four more weeks of winter.

The fact that we even have this tradition speaks to how much we want winter to be gone! Such little fun traditions are fine by me. They act as a bit of diversion from troubling current events, and they preserve some old traditions passed down by our Dutch and German ancestors.

Of course, there was also a very popular movie made about Ground Hog Day starring Bill Murray. The movie has become a bit of a cultural icon, and is now in common parlance representing seemingly endless events recurring without let up.

Finally, I recall a friend of mine years ago who invited people over to his house for a sausage and egg breakfast as a way of celebrating and getting friends together. Yes, you got it, sausage for breakfast on “ground hog” day.

A little levity and a nod to traditions is also fine with me. We can use it!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord for a chance at fun and levity! Amen

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.                        Proverbs 17:22

Today is February 2^nd, also known as Ground Hog Day in America. You know the drill- if the ground hog sees his shadow, it is six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, there are to be only four more weeks of winter.

The fact that we even have this tradition speaks to how much we want winter to be gone! Such little fun traditions are fine by me. They act as a bit of diversion from troubling current events, and they preserve some old traditions passed down by our Dutch and German ancestors.

Of course, there was also a very popular movie made about Ground Hog Day starring Bill Murray. The movie has become a bit of a cultural icon, and is now in common parlance representing seemingly endless events recurring without let up.

Finally, I recall a friend of mine years ago who invited people over to his house for a sausage and egg breakfast as a way of celebrating and getting friends together. Yes, you got it, sausage for breakfast on “ground hog” day.

A little levity and a nod to traditions is also fine with me. We can use it!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord for a chance at fun and levity! Amen

This is a reprint of a blog from the past, now a tribute to the heroism of fellow Christian and martyr Alexei Navalny. Please read with introspection of how truth prevails in the face of repression…

“But, nevertheless, closing remarks means you have to say your closing remarks. I don’t know what to talk about anymore, your honour. If you want, I’ll talk to you about God and salvation. I’ll turn up the volume of heartbreak to the maximum, so to speak. The fact is that I am a Christian, which usually rather sets me up as an example for constant ridicule in the Anti-Corruption Foundation, because mostly our people are atheists and I was once quite a militant atheist myself. But now I am a believer, and that helps me a lot in my activities, because everything becomes much, much easier. I think about things less.  There are fewer dilemmas in my life, because there is a book in which, in general, it is more or less clearly written what action to take in every situation. It’s not always easy to follow this book, of course, but I am actually trying. And so, as I said, it’s easier for me, probably, than for many others, to engage in politics.

Alexei Navalny

(Source- Moscow Helsinki Group, from Navalny’s defense statement in a Moscow court February 20, 2021)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.                         Matthew 5:6

This is an excerpt from Alexei Navalny’s defense in front of a sham Moscow court. In that speech, he also referenced the Sermon on the Mount when he quoted the passage, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  

The death of Navalny at the hands of a ruthless tyrant like Vladimir Putin must not be forgotten or minimized. He took his Christian faith and boldly spoke truth to power. Folks, I am not seeing  very much of that these days. Navalny paid the ultimate price for his beliefs and his relentless challenges of tyranny and corruption in Russia.   

It costs something to be a Christian. It means sacrificing our power and position for the benefit of those who do not have such privilege. I suppose each of us must decide the proper personal response to that challenge. For me, it is contacting my elected legislators to urge them to support the Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion.

Perhaps you do not have the same response, and that is, of course, your prerogative. I see it as a way to speak truth to power in my own little way.

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to speak truth to power, just like Jesus did. Amen

Anxiety weighs down the heart,
    but a kind word cheers it up.                                                                                                                                               Proverbs12:25 (NIV)

The other day, I spoke with a client who has anxiety. He has chronic anxiety, and I explained to him that anxiety, over a period of time, becomes depression. The Proverb cited above seems to back that up. Anxiety will “weigh down the heart”. Typically, Bible language for the heart calls it the seat of emotion. A “heavy heart” is another way to say “depressed”.

My client with chronic anxiety has become depressed. As we spoke, I saw the classic effects of depression- too much introspection, lack of energy and motivation, a sense of powerlessness, etc. I suggested to this client that he pick out a few of his friends or relatives, and simply call them, and tell them that he was thinking about them. Better yet, just tell them that he loves them.

This remedy works both to help those called as well as the caller. The Proverb indicates that a remedy for a heavy heart is a kind word.

It works.

Prayer: Lord, lift those with heavy hearts today, Amen