"Cast all your anxieties on God because God cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7 Water has always been a source of life to me, as well as, mystery. I will often go to the beach when I have a problem to reflect upon, or needing serious prayer time. There is something about the eternal movement of the water. As the waves come onto the shoreline, and retreating, as if to draw more from the depths to bring to the surface, it is the reality that even before, and consequently after our life or this problem entered our life, there was the movement of the sea. Spending time watching the water, I'm reminded that God, like the current of the deep, moves in our lives and brings forth resolve when problems seem to be overwhelming. Casting our anxiety elsewhere invites the Creator of all to welcome our concerns, or those things that bring unrest to our souls. It is okay to share our entire being with God, even those things that lie deep within. When we cast our anxiety up the waves, remember, like the fisherman that casts his nets upon the water, we expect to receive something in return. For those concerns we give a voice to, the words, "Be still and know I am God," seem to be drawn in with each cast upon the water. May each of us receive the calming presence of God as we go to the water's edge, and in receiving the blessing, know that God always cares for each of us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, today as I release that which brings me anxiety, I invite the joy of peace and understanding You have waiting for me. Amen.
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He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." ~ Matthew 26:30 The most difficult part of the journey of Jesus to the cross is seeing him be human. I mean this in the most loving way. I think we all reflect this pattern at some point in our life. Knowing what lies ahead, and praying to God, "Please, let this pass from me." I sometimes find that my mind has difficulty "shutting down." (You may note that I am typing this piece of my blog at 4:30 in the morning.) Sometimes, there is simply uneasiness that happens in our lives. It's not that I am worried about anything in particular, and I am certainly not walking the path that Christ was that night, knowing that he was about to be arrested and condemned to die, but sometimes there is uneasiness. We cannot even begin to imagine what that must have been like, however, we do know what it's like to be given bad news. We have all experienced tests and trials in our life that we simply must "work through" or "experience." For me, as difficult as it is to see Christ so human, it also is a reminder to me that God has "been there, done that." I think about the fact that God dwelt among us. Through Christ, God has felt the sun bake upon his face, the smell of the dust as it encircles the sky, catching the scent of flowers blooming nearby, while also knowing the salty taste of his own tears, as he cried at the tomb of a friend. God truly knows us. Our ability to arrive at the other side of an illness, job loss, or any kind of a personal struggle, serves to remind us that while not all cups are like that which Jesus prayed would pass, we are offered vessels to take up and drink. Today I pray that we become one with God through Christ, who will provide the strength to make it through whatever cup passes before us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, help me to remind myself to say, "Thy will my not mine," when faced with problems, while believing that You will be with me always. Thank You for hearing my words, and comforting me. Amen. "Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself." ~ Galatians 4: 14 Have you ever reached a point in your life that you are simply too busy to give any type of support to others? There was a time that I literally scheduled myself to the point that I had to look at the calendar to decide when I would eat and sleep. Being available to and for others is important, but remembering to schedule time for self must always be a priority. If not, then the presence you provide to those things scheduled will not totally be beneficial because you are not able to be completely present because you become too concerned with what's next, and how much time you have to give. When we are completely present, we are then able to fully give of ourselves. Spending even a small amount of time with someone when we are totally present is greater than spending a great deal of time if we are consumed by the world. Just a reminder of how important our presence, not time, is to others when we are fully engaged and present. Dear God, help me to remember to say "Amen" before I say "Yes" to others. May I continue to seek time to be with You each day. Amen. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. ~ Psalm 138:8 Growing older presents new issues each day. For some, they grow resentful when they begin to realize limitations, especially when the power of genetics begins to take control. We don't seem to bend as well, get up as fast, nor have to ability to tolerate things for long periods of time. It seems that at some point, the image of an ideal life evaporates and painful historical, personal, family, or financial realities break through to the surface, it can be most disturbing. Having watched my great grandparents, grandparents, and now my parents age, (let's face it, I recognize my grandparents more when I look in the mirror, myself!), it does make me wonder what it is like for God to look upon us, and recognize the aging creation. Our ability to recognize the art of creation through all the ages, causes us to trust more that when we experience limitations, that in these interruptions are the places where God is molding us still. Aging is not an interruption or a disruption of your way to holiness, but rather are places where you are being formed into the unique person God calls you to be. You know you are living a grateful life when whatever happens is received as an invitation to deepen your heart, to strengthen your love, and to broaden your hope. You are living a grateful life when something is taken away from you that you thought was so important and you find yourself willing to say, "Maybe I'm being invited to a deeper way of living." Hoping you find yourself filled with God's presence today and always. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, help me to recognize the holy in the mirror, when I look and see myself. Amen. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 - 8 No where does it say in scripture that on this day, "Spring Forward!" Having been one of those Southern Indiana kids that knew the difference between Illinois Time and Indiana Time, time seems to be that one thing that we attempt to control. Planners are created, schedules are drawn up, and we wind clocks so that we have the correct time. We determine a person's job as being part or full time. We eat at lunch time, and retire at the end of day at bed time. Why can't I decide when I want to "Spring Forward?" I'd like to insert that forward motion when I'm waiting for the results of a test. In like manner, I'd "Fall Backwards" when I'm spending time with my grandson, or spending what might be the last hour with someone I love. Unfortunately, it simply doesn't work that way. This morning we are all looking at the sky, and wondering why the sun seems to be in a different location. Children will wonder why they must get up so much earlier to go off to church. And all of us will notice that we seem to be just a little more sluggish the next few days. I'm thankful for the idea of eternity. Imagine a place where there is no concern about springing and falling. Eternity is that magical measurement of time that doesn't require a schedule or a calendar. It is simply, ALWAYS. So as you struggle to get going this morning, consider this. You are one hour closer to eternity, and you didn't even realize it! Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams Dear God, let's face it, some days just seem to take longer to adjust to. May the anticipation of eternity help to remind me that each day is one day closer to that time with You. Amen. "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God." ~ Hebrews 6: 7 It has rained all night here in Gonzales, Texas at the Disciples Oaks Retreat Center where I am leading a faith community this weekend as we discuss loving one another and understanding our ability to love one another when we ourselves find it difficult loving ourselves. It's an amazing journey that each of us are on. It doesn't take long to realize that no matter how much we love God, sometimes, that love finds it difficult to be present when we have been hurt, or hurt someone else. Looking around, we understand that terrible things happen each day. If we were to get really caught up in these activities, we might begin to wonder if anything we do makes any sense. When there are homeless persons, persons seeking food, families dividing, and borders raging, it is difficult for us to even have a place to start to make a difference. We literally can be paralyzed and become depressed. That's when we begin to listen. For us, the call of God to action begins by listening. Listening in prayer and responding. We must be sure not to overwhelm our senses with "things." The noise of this world is loud, but the still small voice of a powerful God takes silence. It is listening to our heart. It is taking time to cry. It is about being still. If we find it difficult to listen, then we must learn to keep asking God to help us hear and see clearly what our call is and to give us the strength to live out what it is that God is asking of us. Then we will discover that our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the challenges of our time. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, Your mercy surrounds me, and I am thankful. May I learn to be still long enough to listen to Your call in my life. When I hear Your voice, let me be reminded to respond, "I am here." Amen. "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God." ~ Hebrews 6: 7 I love it when it rains, especially when the season is changing from winter to spring. As a youth growing up in an area where we accumulated snow during the winter, when the rain finally began falling, rather than snow, it was a sign that the soon spring would be arriving. It was the reminder that God is renewing the land and helping to prepare it for spring blooms and the renewal of life. The seasons of our life are necessary. We have experiences that help us rebuild after difficult experiences. For many of us, we can point to times in our life when our spirit seemed to be needing God's replenishment. During those times in my life, I always seem to withdraw. God's care for us in all seasons of our life makes each of us a rich blessing to one another. I used to marvel at how resilient some people I have known are. I think of the generation that survived the great depression. Many migrated to different parts of the country. Breadlines were replaced by work crews that built roads and dams that still serve as American marvels. Each of us encounter God in our own unique and beautiful way. Our ability to drink in God's blessings is important. As we seek to live a more spiritual life, one filled with many seasons, our ability to remain open to God is like the grounds ability to absorb the rain as it comes, so that then we may grow and become the harvest God seeks. It's not easy. Sometimes we become like concrete that prevents the moisture to enter, and instead runs off. Like the parable of the seeds, we must make sure that our lives remain as fertile soil so that we are also ready to receive the moisture. I'm grateful today for both the seasons of my life, and for God's blessings that rain down upon each of us, allowing us to be renewed and to grow. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, when I find that I my soul seems to be dry, may Your presence renew and nurture my soul. For even in times when I sense that I am dry, I am learning more about myself, and how I need You in my life. Thank you for Your renewing presence. Amen. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. ~Matthew 5:10 - 12 One of the things that we must realize is that Christ calls us to be different. We really don't have to look any further than the Beatitudes. For those that he was speaking to, he is not telling them to abandon their faith tradition, instead, he is asking the crowd to see the brilliance, the promises, and the expectations preached by the very first prophets. He literally is taking people back to their roots, while hoping to dispel anxiety and find those who seem to be lost. As I look around I realize that many of us could have found ourselves on the mount that day, so hungry for the assuredness of faith if not the constraints of religion. We want to draw closer to God, even if it seems to pull us farther away from what has brought us comfort. During Lent, as we seek to enter a period of self-examination and meditation, for some it may seem to be a real struggle. Placing things into perspective, both in a spiritual sense, and a way of life. It's as if we want God to speak to us in ways that help us make sense of a secularized, fast-paced, and often, isolating world. While we want to alleviate the suffering of complete strangers, we struggle to see one another as brothers and sisters. So much of what we seek during Lent is purpose in our lives. This desire takes us further than just wanting to promote good in the world, while recognizing our inability to find a cure for the senseless acts of violence that exist in the world. As difficult as it may seem, there is hope. We must remember that Christ did enter the world so that we may have access to God, and an example, so that when we enter times of deep reflection we may believe that things can be different. Blessed are you, for you are in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, You are wondrous in many ways. When I find that I am poor in spirit, that I realize that there is a personal promise that You will always be faithful. Amen. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in [another's] eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to [another], "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when all the while there is a plank in your own? ~ Matthew 7: 2-4 "Look into my eyes." How many of us have looked into the eyes of another and not wondered if what we just heard was true? They say that the eyes are the "window to the soul." As a parent, both of my children were terrible liars. All I had to do is look into their eyes when they told me something to determine if I needed them to "repeat that one more time..." One of the hardest challenges these days is our ability to look one another in the eye, and live without some form of prejudice. I grew up in an area of the country that was "southern in thought, and northern in location." Let me note that not all Southerners are prejudice (note that even in the comment there is a disclaimer, thus for the next few paragraphs.) I didn't really recognize the prejudice until I moved away and began college. When I have returned to the area as a grown adult, I have realized just how deeply rooted our prejudices can be. We may think that we relate to people who are different than us, but our living these thoughts may be very different. (Do what I say, not what I do.) We have heard the terms color, religion, sexual orientation, or lifestyle while attempting to be "politically correct" as not to offend folks so much, that our responses have been programmed. While we try not to be judgmental, and attempt to see one another as God sees us, as equals, there are still those times when different circumstances in our initial thoughts, that sometimes there are unfiltered moments, that will reveal that our prejudices are still present and very real. Let's face it, not everyone is like "me," "you," "us," or "them." Today we seem to see an environment where people attempt to stir up fear, discomfort, suspicion even hostility, when we consider the stranger next to us. In the Hebrew text of scripture we are reminded to care for the widow, orphan and the stranger. Today, strangers seem to make us lose our sense of security simply by being different than ourselves. Only when we fully claim that God loves us in an unconditional way and look at "those other persons" as equally loved can we begin to discover that the great variety in being human is an expression of the immense richness of God's heart. Only then, will the planks and splinters, and distance from one another, gradually disappear. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, when I find that I am confronted by my own prejudices, may I remember that even the stranger is Your child and that You love them just as much as me. Amen. "But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love... Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave them your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst." ~ Nehemiah 9: 17, 19-20 When I think about the 40 years that the Hebrew people wandered in the desert, I begin to realize just how patient God really is. For the last few days we have been house-sitting three children (one is a grown teen, so I need to be careful in my labels!) It's been nearly ten years since I have been responsible for making sure kids make it to school on time, chores get completed, meals are prepared at a descent time, and showers, homework, and bed coincide in a peaceful manner. I have forgotten some of the issues that come with three children all trying to take care of things, while peacefully doing it together. The experience has been great, but it sure has brought back some memories, and it has caused me to look at those who God cared for in a different way. Oh, I KNOW God is a loving God. Let's face it, how many of us could listen to the same complaints for four decades! Can you imagine? "What! Manna A G A I N?" (Insert massive eye roll from a few hundred people.) "C'mon, how about some fresh water?" "Are we still going there? How much longer?" I think we all get the point. As a child, I remember my dad saying those now, notorious words, "Don't make me pull this car over!" What an amazing God we have. A pillar of fire by night. Talk about an incredible night light! I have to wonder if God didn't enjoy fashioning images out of the clouds during the day. I remember laying on my back and staring at the sky, imaging clouds to look like different animals. God has not changed. While our wilderness experience may be different, and we may feel like we are alone sometimes, rather than entire civilization, God is still patient and loving. When we struggle time and time again to change, or to make a new start for ourselves, God is there, patiently loving us through whatever we are encountering. Hope that your day is surrounded by the love of God. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 God, in the wilderness You heard the sound of my voice calling, and You were there for me. How wonderful it is to know that You love me so completely! Thank You for loving me so unconditionally. Amen. I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever. ~ Psalm 89:1 It amazes me to think that at any given time any of us might feel unloved, or not wanted. It's a human condition that we all have experienced. I went through a very dark period where I had managed to become completely isolated from my friends and family. I couldn't seem to see my own self worth, so why would I want to surround myself with those who saw more in myself than I did? It's strange for me to think that I would do that to myself, but I did. We do all kinds of things through our life that could be associated with some type of self-destruction. I have often wondered if the relationship between Jesus and Judas was similar to what I have shared. Here you have the son of God telling one of his own to go out and complete the plans that he had been creating to bring an end to Jesus' life. Having the "rest of the story" available to us through scripture, we know that the dark plans, and the acts that followed, provide for us the knowledge that eternity comes at a cost. Although God has already made that journey for us, it is challenging for us not to experience glimpses of what this pain felt like. As we continue our Lenten journey, being mindful of our own times of trouble and pain, we are never fully alone. The love of God is always present. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, I often don't know the plans You have for me, may I trust that through every moment You are with me, helping me to remain faithful. Amen. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan... Mark 1:13 Jesus purposely went into the desert. During his journey he encountered many things. Besides the obvious desire for water, and food, I do have to wonder what his loneliness must have been like. Imagine having just spent the last few years making friends, calling disciples, and being followed by crowds to suddenly find yourself surrounded by dunes, desolate mountains, and his own self. For many of us, this intentional journey into the desert would be something we couldn't do. Within the confines of our own self, there are many desires. I don't know how many of us have the desire to be alone, fast for 40 days, and step out into an area that we knew nothing about and alone. We know that Christ was not alone. God was very real and present, however, there was another encounter that scripture speaks of. He comes face to face with Satan. I'm one of those Christians that does not like to even justify Satan's involvement in anything. When someone tells me that Satan made them do it, or that Satan somehow caused an event to happen, I shy away from the idea that Satan has that much power. To admit this evil power is to relinquish the power that God has over things. Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that real evil exists in this world. I do believe that we can be the victim of poor choices made by others, or the plans to do harm. Those do exist. However, we have a God who is always present. That remains true. Remember in Psalm 23, the writer shares that even as any of us "walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we shall not fear... for God is with us." Christ's encounter with Satan was all about temptation. Now temptation is something we all know about. For any of us, since we were very young, we have learned about manipulation, and what to say or do to effect the outcome of any given situation. So it is with temptation. Let's face it, the works of Christ was very public, and after all, the Son of God would certainly attract someone like Satan, just as there were those, even while Christ was dying on the cross, yelled to him to "Come down from there." All of Satan's temptations for Christ in the desert were about having power and seeking ways to benefit himself. But yet, even as Satan asks Christ to:
With each offer, Jesus says, "No." For me, these temptations aren't relevant to Christ. Of course he was hungry, but Satan is dealing with a man who just told a crowd on the side of a mountain that "blessed" are those who are humble. He went on to share with the crowd that "blessed" are those who are poor in spirit. And finally, "blessed" are those who seek peace. In this confrontation, what I realize is that Christ is being a complete mirror of who God is, and what God is for each of us. When we reflect upon the words that Jesus shared on a mountainside, we are provided with a reflection of the face of Christ. It paints a picture of a person who seeks to love. To be all loving. In the face of temptation, Christ is all that he asked us to become. To be meek. To be humble. To seek peace. We are to seek justice and peace while embracing mercy. The temptation of Christ is an invitation for each of us to become more like Christ, who was the complete embodiment of dust and the Divine! As we continue our Lenten journey, may we come to see that the way of Christ is our way. It is our way of becoming who God desires each of us to become. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 While I know there are many opportunities in this world to become what I am not, may Your love help me to be stronger, and to become not my reflection, but Yours for all the world to see. Amen. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. ~ John 1:5 One of the struggles that we face is when we realize just how much darkness that there is in the world. I don't really ever remember being afraid of the dark. Most children when they're growing up will have a night light, or will ask to keep a hallway light on, so that whatever might be in the dark can be illuminated. Jesus tells us that HE is the light. That not only is Jesus the Light, but is the Light of the World. One of the things that I enjoy is going out to the Bay and just sitting. Galveston Bay has so many sounds at night. The occasional moan of a ship as it passes another in the Houston Ship Channel. Every now and then a bird announces it's arrival, and the ebb and flow of waves reaching the shore, and surrendering their power to the land. There are all kinds of objects that lie along the shore. Oh, there are shells, pieces of seaweed, and the occasional jelly fish you must watch for, but then there are unnatural things as well. Man made items that have been carelessly thrown away that also wash upon the shore. For me, it doesn't matter if there is light or darkness along the shoreline, it always seems to be a place where I find peace, and whatever darkness that may be in my life, seems to be overcome by light that dwells within. They say that the flame of a small candle can give light to an entire room. I wish that the same could be said about our ability to dissolve darkness or dark times in our lives. If the darkness cannot overcome the light, then why do bad things happen to good people? There are some things that just happen. We don't always know the intentions of others, and because of that, sometimes the darkness seems to have established itself, and seems to hold firm. The truth is, the light will never be overcome. Ever! For any of us, sitting within the darkness of the night, we know that within hours the sun will rise in the east, and that all things will clearly be seen and known. I must continue to trust in that truth, and continue to believe that God's light will prevail, and that this darkness that I am experiencing is a dark period, and not complete darkness. Praying that we all discover ways to clearly walk in the light, and share that light with others. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, even when we seem to encounter nothing but darkness, may we be reminded that within each of us we possess the Light of the World. Thank You for being that Light! Amen! "But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." ~ Deutoronomy 4:29 Whether we realize it or not, we are all seeking something. There is something about our humanness that always seems to leave us searching and seeking. We were created by God to do God's will, but we always seem to find that God's will does not always align with ours. I used to tell people that yelling at children is like steering your car with the horn. I have to wonder if God ever feels that way with us? Signs, plans, discoveries, and making goals are all things that as a human being we consider to be pretty normal. And then something happens and it ALL must change. I don't know why we are surprised when we place our trust in human beings rather than God and things do not turn out as we have hoped. I've learned through my own experiences that when this happens, God still has a plan. Maybe it wasn't what you had thought would be the outcome, but with God there is always a plan. Instead of looking at what happened, look at what God has in store for you. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, while I know that I may not always realize the plans you have for me, may I never forget your love for me endures forever and through all things. May I learn to trust you more deeply. Amen. "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." ~ Jude 21 One thing about our Lenten journey is that for many of us, we forget that while we are reflecting inwardly, that we invite God to make the journey with us. There are so many things in our lives in this process that can cause us to become anxious. Our relationship with God can become both distant and difficult when issues become great, and so it is important that we invite God to be with us through this entire journey. It's like our health. If you continually surround yourself with unhealthy situations, then you will begin to exhibit signs of the environment. The love and mercy of God are available for all. God's relationship with each of us involves our ability to live in that mercy and love, while understanding that as we bring to light the darkness that may exist in our life, God will be with us. Sometimes it takes a situation to cause us to stop and evaluate our relationship with God. The challenges that we face can impede that presence if we are not willing to stop and wait. When we don't evaluate and meditate. The greatest block in our spiritual life is often ourselves. We get so involved in attempting to overcome tremendous hurdles that we fail to invite God to be present. I hope that we don't forget to invite God to always be present in a relationship that is driven by God's love for us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, as I seek to find ways to become vulnerable to Your presence in my life, please remind me that Your love will remain strong, especially when I recognize how weak I am. |
AuthorRev. G. Todd Williams is the author of the book, "Remember Me When..." and is a former hospice chaplain and pastor. Archives
February 2024
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