Category: First Steps

Thomas a’ Kempis once said:
“Why are you upset when things don’t go the way you wish? Who gets everything his/her way? I don’t. You don’t. No one does. Not one person on earth—not even a king or a pope—has a problem-free life. Do you know who can deal with troubles best? It is the person who is willing to suffer something for God. Thoughtless people say, ‘Look at the happy life that person leads! Money! Prestige! Power!’ But if you consider the riches of heaven, you will see that these earthly things are inconsequential, undependable, and more a burden than a privilege.  They are always accompanied by anxiety and fear.  Our happiness does not depend upon owning a lot of things.  Having enough to get along will do.

Life on earth involves misery. The spiritually perceptive person is even more aware of this because that person sees clearly the effects of human corruption…Friend, don’t give up your spiritual journey.”

If no one gets everything their way and life involves some misery, then perhaps our efforts in life should focus more on the one who brings comfort and peace. Faith in God transcends circumstances. Trust in him in all things and you will find what you need in all things.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Mark 9
• Tuesday – Mark 10
• Wednesday – Mark 11
• Thursday – Mark 12
• Friday – Mark 13

Please Pray for:

• Our Military –  leaders and soldiers
• Our families, workplace, church, and community
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking

Each Sunday we pray what is considered to be the most famous prayer in all of Christendom—the Lord’s Prayer.   This prayer contains two sections that help you reflect on and pray for a greater knowledge of God. The first line of the prayer, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” reminds you that you should enter into the presence of God with great reverence for the Almighty and personal humility in that holy presence. Later in the prayer, the line “Give us this day our daily bread,” reminds you of your reliance on God’s goodness. This triggers a sentiment of gratitude and leads you back to the humility that comes from admitting your absolute dependence on God.

Give this prayer a try.  Imagine yourself in the presence of God trusting in his goodness for your life.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 27
• Tuesday – Acts 28
• Wednesday – Mark 1
• Thursday – Mark 2
• Friday – Mark 3

Please Pray for:

• Our Military –  leaders and soldiers
• Our families, workplace, and community
• The Unwillingly absent
• The St. Paul Church family
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking

Jesus not only firmly maintained his own freedom of choice, but also respected the free choice of others. When the rich young ruler turned sorrowfully away from the invitation to be Jesus’ disciple, Jesus grieved because he had loved this man. But Jesus did not run after him pleading and pushing. Later, Jesus rebuked the disciples when they wanted to call down vengeful fire from heaven on the towns that did not welcome them. Likewise, when Martha asked Jesus to make her sister, Mary, come back into the kitchen and cook, Jesus defended Mary’s decision to stay with him and talk. It is significant that though he preferred Mary’s choice, he did not compel Martha to make the same decision.

God is not a violator of one’s will. Real love involves freedom that allows another to choose what they will be and do. Granted God will go farther than anyone can imagine to influence a relationship of faith; however, He will never coerce.

It is hard to imagine being loved that much, so today give thanks for God’s rich agape love!

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 22
• Tuesday – Acts 23
• Wednesday – Acts 24
• Thursday – Acts 25
• Friday – Acts 26

Please Pray for:

• Those grieving the loss of loved ones
• Those that are Unwillingly absent
• High School & College Seniors preparing for graduation
• The St. Paul Church family and ministries
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking
• Our Nation and Our Leaders

Elizabeth Canham in her book, Heart Whispers: Benedictine Wisdom for Today, wrote, “Being in the present moment is no easy task, especially when we are interrupted by someone who needs our attention at a crucial time in some project. But attentiveness is what stability asks of us; this is how we express hospitality as we let go of what we are doing and pay attention to the person who needs our love. Hospitable stability says yes to the present moment whether it brings discomfort or joy, boredom or excitement, because it always offers us the opportunity to welcome Christ into consciousness and to refuse an easy escape into the fantasy world of self-fulfillment. We can only be fully ourselves when we know who we are as members of the community of faith, serving one another in partnership with God.”

Years ago, a trusted mentor told me that ministry often happens in our interruptions. When a crisis arises or the status quo is altered, it creates an opportunity to grow and mature if we can stay in the present moment. Anxiety and fear want to steer one down a road of “what ifs,” which occupies time and energy. Often, they lead to paralysis. Therefore, when the crisis arises or status quo is altered, first pray for the ability to stay in that moment. Then ask God for the strength, patience, and fortitude to be attentive and faithful. He will guide you.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 12
• Tuesday – Acts 13
• Wednesday – Acts 14
• Thursday – Acts 15
• Friday – Acts 16

Please Pray for:

• Families grieving the loss of loved ones
• The Unwillingly absent members
• High School & College Seniors preparing for graduation
• The St. Paul Ministers and Staff family
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of
• New Youth Building and rear parking
• Our Nation and Our Leaders