Each Load We Share…

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:2-5 (ESV)

As part of Jesus’ directive for us to love one another, He desires that we reach out in compassion and assist each other with the trials and burdens we face.  As fellow travelers on this journey, each load we can share not only Blesses those we support, but in the process also strengthens the entire Body of Christ and draws us closer to Him.

Honoring the Gift

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” – Matthew 21:42-44 (ESV)

Just as Jesus warned the chief priests and Pharisees that they’d severely erred in dismissing His doctrines and teachings, it’s important that we don’t make the same mistake in our daily lives.  By investing ourselves in learning His Word and striving to live by His example, we honor the amazing gift that was delivered to us through the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Both You and I… Again.

Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!

Today Lord, You’ve led me to repost an article I wrote on this date last year about remembering the life of a truly wonderful author on the anniversary of his birth.  His works have touched countless lives including those of mine and my children, and I’m honored to again share this tribute.

Father, today marks the birth of someone who greatly influenced my early years, as well as the lives of many other children throughout the world.  And while he’s no longer with us here, the legacy he left behind continues to inspire, educate and delight those who read his works.  I’m of course speaking of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known by his pen name of Dr. Seuss.

While he made a point of not speaking to any one religion or group in his writings, his messages of tolerance, understanding and peace were obvious and recurring themes in the books he wrote.  Through whimsical characters, engaging stories and tongue-twisting rhymes he made learning fun while passing along the underlying positive messages to his young audience.  Even as an adult, I still get a smile reading his stories.

The one published exception to his self-imposed rule of not writing works with obvious religious connotations came in a full-page, full-color article in the December 23, 1955 issue of Collier’s Magazine, where he wrote “A Prayer for a Child”* :

“From here on earth,
From my small place
I ask of You
Way out in space:
Please tell all men
In every land
What You and I
Both understand . . .

Please tell all men
That Peace is Good.
That’s all
That need be understood
In every world
In Your great sky.

(We understand.
Both You and I.)” – Theodor Seuss Geisel

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts this man brought to me and to so many other children.  While his words may not specifically carry Your name, Your Light shone brightly through his works all the same.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

*The poem and image used are Trademark and Copyright of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

A Clearer Perspective

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)

While it’s part of human nature to form opinions based on the acts and actions of those around us, Jesus warned us against making rash and pointed judgments about others while our own lives are far less than perfect.  When we place our focus on bringing the righteousness of Christ to every part of our lives rather than finding fault in the journeys of others, we see the world with a new, clearer perspective.

More Than Words

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:7-8 (ESV)

You need not be an eloquent speaker to pray; God knows our hearts, and our needs long before we utter a single syllable.  When we come to the Lord with an open heart, an open mind and a willing spirit, no matter what words are said our prayers are always received, and understood without question.