"Everything that's really worthwhile in life comes to us free - our minds, our souls, our bodies, our hopes, our dreams, our intelligence, our love of family and friends and country. All of these priceless possessions are free."
~Earl Nightingale
Think about it. You can lose all of your money and start over. If your house burns down, you can rebuild it. But things that cost you nothing, you can never replace.
One of the most important keys to happiness is to clearly identify your core values in life. You must decide what matters most. Why the need to identify your values? Many people think, "I know what's important; I don't need a list to remind me." What they don't fully understand, however, is that those core values will often serve as critical guides for making important decisions. When they're in doubt, your core values will cut through the fog like a beacon in the night.
We all know there are many distractions along the road of life that will try to pull us away from our values. Sometimes we are forced to make difficult choices. But a good rule of thumb is that when you have to sacrifice material possessions for one of those "free things" that life has given you...you've made the right choice.
Have you ever thought about it quite that way!"
That's my goal to engage the brain and heart. And in today's world...focusing on the priceless "free things" you've been given will bring joy into your life.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Courage to Change
The Courage to Change:
Kathryn and I have only lived in Rocky River for a few months. But the other day, while driving in familiar area, I noticed a change. A business that had been around for as long as I can remember had closed and a for sale sign was posted on the structure. A change that made an impact on my life came unexpectedly, but nevertheless it transpired. I didn't have any control over the matter, I didn't have any indications of the impending conditions, but still it happened. A decision was made by someone else who affected my activities, my routine, and my life.
As I'm getting older, some would call it more mature, I find that change is not as welcomed by me as it used to be, but still I adjust. I find that I may not like the change at first, but as I adjust, I realize it isn't so bad after all. Why? Because I have come to realize that change is a part of life. Change leads us to another level, another dimension that wasn't present before. The key for me to accepting change is realizing that there is always a positive in the change if only I look for it. For example, Saul was changed on the road to Damascus into an instrument God could use. Peter was changed from a fisherman into becoming a witnessing machine for the Kingdom of God because of his interaction with Jesus the Christ. Have you been changed because of your interaction with the same Christ? If you are a believer, then change is expected. The Bible says that one of these days we will all be change in a twinkling of an eye. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 paraphrased) What once held us back will be changed. What once kept us in check will be changed. What once prohibited us from experiencing the fullness will be changed. This mortal body shall put on immortality. Oh what a wonderful and life changing time that will be.
A pastor friend of mine reminded me that sometimes in the midst of change we may not see God, but we must still trust God. In my almost 20 years of ministry, I have prayed this prayer of change: "Oh God, in this time of change and unrest, help me to sort living truths from dying customs. Help me to have both the courage to look beyond the unexpected and familiar ways and the humility to recognize the wisdom of them.” So while facing change, keep this in mind … God has it all in control. I am encouraged by the words God told Joshua, “Follow the ark for you have never been this way before, but trust me and follow me. (Joshua 3:3-4 paraphrase) One thing is sure … God will always leads us through whatever may be troubling us, so trust God in the midst of upheaval, adjustments, change.
Peace,
Rev. Gordon Myers
Kathryn and I have only lived in Rocky River for a few months. But the other day, while driving in familiar area, I noticed a change. A business that had been around for as long as I can remember had closed and a for sale sign was posted on the structure. A change that made an impact on my life came unexpectedly, but nevertheless it transpired. I didn't have any control over the matter, I didn't have any indications of the impending conditions, but still it happened. A decision was made by someone else who affected my activities, my routine, and my life.
As I'm getting older, some would call it more mature, I find that change is not as welcomed by me as it used to be, but still I adjust. I find that I may not like the change at first, but as I adjust, I realize it isn't so bad after all. Why? Because I have come to realize that change is a part of life. Change leads us to another level, another dimension that wasn't present before. The key for me to accepting change is realizing that there is always a positive in the change if only I look for it. For example, Saul was changed on the road to Damascus into an instrument God could use. Peter was changed from a fisherman into becoming a witnessing machine for the Kingdom of God because of his interaction with Jesus the Christ. Have you been changed because of your interaction with the same Christ? If you are a believer, then change is expected. The Bible says that one of these days we will all be change in a twinkling of an eye. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 paraphrased) What once held us back will be changed. What once kept us in check will be changed. What once prohibited us from experiencing the fullness will be changed. This mortal body shall put on immortality. Oh what a wonderful and life changing time that will be.
A pastor friend of mine reminded me that sometimes in the midst of change we may not see God, but we must still trust God. In my almost 20 years of ministry, I have prayed this prayer of change: "Oh God, in this time of change and unrest, help me to sort living truths from dying customs. Help me to have both the courage to look beyond the unexpected and familiar ways and the humility to recognize the wisdom of them.” So while facing change, keep this in mind … God has it all in control. I am encouraged by the words God told Joshua, “Follow the ark for you have never been this way before, but trust me and follow me. (Joshua 3:3-4 paraphrase) One thing is sure … God will always leads us through whatever may be troubling us, so trust God in the midst of upheaval, adjustments, change.
Peace,
Rev. Gordon Myers
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Resurrecting Hope
Over the past several months I have had both of my knees replaced. I have to say that the process has not been the most pleasant. I have had to fight through the pain of surgery. I have had to deal with the post surgery depression. I have had to deal with post surgery limitations, namely not being able to get out and about as I would like. Just this past week I had to deal with the news that I would not be allowed to get back to my exercise routine for another two weeks.
Lately I have been asking myself the question ... how can I resurrect the hope of life getting back to normal, or as normal as it can be?
I believe this is an important message for us during this holy season in the life of the church. I have been pondering how the church can resurrect hope in our community. I have been pondering how we can resurrect hope for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior? How can hope be resurrected for those who are hungry and homeless ... for those who are facing a life that might enslave them because of lack of employment or some injustice which would beat them down.
This week Rockport will be celebrating Easter and the resurrecting the hope through our worship experience. I want to personally invite you to come and bring a friend and find our how you can be involved in resurrecting hope for those who you come in contact with.
See you Sunday!!!
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Lately I have been asking myself the question ... how can I resurrect the hope of life getting back to normal, or as normal as it can be?
I believe this is an important message for us during this holy season in the life of the church. I have been pondering how the church can resurrect hope in our community. I have been pondering how we can resurrect hope for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior? How can hope be resurrected for those who are hungry and homeless ... for those who are facing a life that might enslave them because of lack of employment or some injustice which would beat them down.
This week Rockport will be celebrating Easter and the resurrecting the hope through our worship experience. I want to personally invite you to come and bring a friend and find our how you can be involved in resurrecting hope for those who you come in contact with.
See you Sunday!!!
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What is good for the right knee is good for the left one too!
It has been a few weeks since my last post. Some may be wondering what has been happening. On February 4th I had a right knee replaced. I thought I was prepared for the procedure, but as most of us have learned ... life doesn't always present itself the way we plan it!
I anticipated the pain from the surgery. I anticipated the physical therapy. But what I didn't anticipate was the mental and emotional strain of not being able to do things for myself or not being able to go where I wanted to go.
Having this right knee replaced has once again reminded me that just as I am dependent on others to get around and to do things, I am also dependent upon God. What a wonderful spiritual lesson I have learned again because of a physical ailment.
I have been preparing for another lesson. On March 4th I am having my left knee replaced. I trust I will be prepared for graciously accepting the help of others.
Can we learn the same lesson for our spiritual lives? I have been touched by a song written by Anrae Crouch entitled "Through it all , through it all, I've learned to trust is Jesus, I've learned to trust in God; through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word."
See you after March 4th.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
I anticipated the pain from the surgery. I anticipated the physical therapy. But what I didn't anticipate was the mental and emotional strain of not being able to do things for myself or not being able to go where I wanted to go.
Having this right knee replaced has once again reminded me that just as I am dependent on others to get around and to do things, I am also dependent upon God. What a wonderful spiritual lesson I have learned again because of a physical ailment.
I have been preparing for another lesson. On March 4th I am having my left knee replaced. I trust I will be prepared for graciously accepting the help of others.
Can we learn the same lesson for our spiritual lives? I have been touched by a song written by Anrae Crouch entitled "Through it all , through it all, I've learned to trust is Jesus, I've learned to trust in God; through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word."
See you after March 4th.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Monday, February 1, 2010
BISHOP HOPKINS URGES PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
This past week I received communication from Bishop Hopkins. The following is his message to the Church:
"My heart aches for the people of Haiti and I know yours does too. By now, most of us have heard numerous news reports addressing the utter devastation that has happened as a result of a 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti on January 13.
Our prayers and financial support are needed to help our brothers and sisters of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy. As you know, 100% of the contributions donated through the United Methodist Committee on Relief go directly toward the people who need it most. I urge every East Ohio Church to collect a special offering for Haiti Relief efforts over the next several weeks."
A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI by Taylor Burton-Edwards
The seas roar, the earth shakes, buildings crumble, roofs topple and walls turn to dust. Have mercy on the people of Haiti, O God. Nations watch, alarms sound, traffic halts, utilities stop, and news is hard to verify. Give us compassion to weep with those who weep, O God. People die, families mourn, mountains split, infrastructure and superstructure alike are gone. Make us swift to help and persistent to rebuild, not just things and structures, but lives, O God. Through Christ, the solid Rock. Amen
"My heart aches for the people of Haiti and I know yours does too. By now, most of us have heard numerous news reports addressing the utter devastation that has happened as a result of a 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti on January 13.
Our prayers and financial support are needed to help our brothers and sisters of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy. As you know, 100% of the contributions donated through the United Methodist Committee on Relief go directly toward the people who need it most. I urge every East Ohio Church to collect a special offering for Haiti Relief efforts over the next several weeks."
A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI by Taylor Burton-Edwards
The seas roar, the earth shakes, buildings crumble, roofs topple and walls turn to dust. Have mercy on the people of Haiti, O God. Nations watch, alarms sound, traffic halts, utilities stop, and news is hard to verify. Give us compassion to weep with those who weep, O God. People die, families mourn, mountains split, infrastructure and superstructure alike are gone. Make us swift to help and persistent to rebuild, not just things and structures, but lives, O God. Through Christ, the solid Rock. Amen
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Where in the world was Pastor Myers?
It has been a busy month. Not to mention the year end paperwork that needs to be done for the Church, the preparation for the Board on Ordained ministry interviews, the setting of the vision for this upcoming year at Rockport. All of that alone would have tired me out. But just a little over a week ago Kathryn and I traveled to Taiwan.
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
We went to honor my father-in-law who was a missionary to Taiwan for over 40 years. They invited us to attend a memorial service. That was our official reason. But what I really wanted to accomplish was to see how that church is "Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in Taiwan?"
What we found were five churches that were founded by my father-in-law that are acti
ve in reaching their community. We attended a worship service on Sunday while there and they invited the children from the community to attend what they called a "Fun Hour." Not Sunday School, but a "Fun Hour." They were actively reaching out and making disciples of neighbors and friends.
ve in reaching their community. We attended a worship service on Sunday while there and they invited the children from the community to attend what they called a "Fun Hour." Not Sunday School, but a "Fun Hour." They were actively reaching out and making disciples of neighbors and friends.
I was also ov
erwhelmed by the work of the Blind School. It was started on a shoestring budget and now boast of just completing a $6 million dollar building project that includes a six story building to accommodate the special needs for the blind children and young adults of Taiwan. I have never seen a program so well run as the program run by Ruth Chen (77)and Joseph (50). This is one program Kathryn and I personally plan to support above and beyond my tithe to the church.
erwhelmed by the work of the Blind School. It was started on a shoestring budget and now boast of just completing a $6 million dollar building project that includes a six story building to accommodate the special needs for the blind children and young adults of Taiwan. I have never seen a program so well run as the program run by Ruth Chen (77)and Joseph (50). This is one program Kathryn and I personally plan to support above and beyond my tithe to the church.
What a blessing to hear that one of the graduates of the Blind School is currently serving as an Ordained pastor in a Local church.
What Kathryn and I found was a church that was serious about Making disciples and were willing to be inconvenienced, to be put out, to support the mission with their own funds if necessary and guess what ... they are making a difference and they are making disciples. The church in Taiwan is a church that is respected because they are involved with those in need and are making a difference in their own community. May we do the same!
What Kathryn and I found was a church that was serious about Making disciples and were willing to be inconvenienced, to be put out, to support the mission with their own funds if necessary and guess what ... they are making a difference and they are making disciples. The church in Taiwan is a church that is respected because they are involved with those in need and are making a difference in their own community. May we do the same!
All I can say is "shea shea" which means "thank you" to the people of Taiwan who are sacrificing to make a difference in their world. May we do the same!
That's where I was last week. where were you? Church I hope!
peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Transformation
There seems to be disconnect in the world we live in. This is not new, but it has been highlighted by the weakness found in our economy.
There is a catch-phrase, "The New Frugality," that has illuminated a wonderful contradiction in the character of most American families. In a recent poll is was reported that 57% of those surveyed believed that in this new economic environment , the American Dream will be harder to achieve. In the same poll 56% believe that Americas best days are still ahead. These two ideals which seem to be at odds with each other, namely realism and idealism, hardheadedness and optimism, offer the church a unique opportunity to minister.
What is being addressed in the survey is that there is some anxiousness about the future. But what is also addressed in the survey is thatif the right course is set we will be better than we could have ever imagined.
So how does the church minister during such times as these. How does the church help individuals navigate through the uncertainty and see the bright future that can be? How can we help people see the possibilties of a bright future and be willing to do the hard work of retooling our ministry with a forward focus?
You would have to agree that this are interesting times in the life of the church, and you would also have to agree that there is much work to engage in to be prepared to "Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World" through the ministries of Rockport United Methodist Church.
Will you be a part of helping that transformation take place?
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
There is a catch-phrase, "The New Frugality," that has illuminated a wonderful contradiction in the character of most American families. In a recent poll is was reported that 57% of those surveyed believed that in this new economic environment , the American Dream will be harder to achieve. In the same poll 56% believe that Americas best days are still ahead. These two ideals which seem to be at odds with each other, namely realism and idealism, hardheadedness and optimism, offer the church a unique opportunity to minister.
What is being addressed in the survey is that there is some anxiousness about the future. But what is also addressed in the survey is thatif the right course is set we will be better than we could have ever imagined.
So how does the church minister during such times as these. How does the church help individuals navigate through the uncertainty and see the bright future that can be? How can we help people see the possibilties of a bright future and be willing to do the hard work of retooling our ministry with a forward focus?
You would have to agree that this are interesting times in the life of the church, and you would also have to agree that there is much work to engage in to be prepared to "Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World" through the ministries of Rockport United Methodist Church.
Will you be a part of helping that transformation take place?
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)