Stephen M. Hannemann

What If?

Author: Stephen

As a Christian have you ever wondered what if Paul had rejected Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus? Or wondered what if Paul, once fully engaged in his ministry, decided this is too hard, I am not taking this abuse any longer. Or what if Jesus Christ never bothered with Paul in the first place? Have you wondered what the Christian church would look like today? Would the Christian church be comprised of only a small percentage of the Jewish nation’s converts?

Over the past months the pastor of our small church on Whidbey Island has been presenting an eloquent series of teachings from the book of Romans. As many as 13 books of the New Testament are attributed to Paul. However, the book of Romans, in my humble opinion, so eloquently brought to life by our pastor, is the most profound of all the Pauline letters.

It’s been said many times over the Holy Bible is timeless. And the Book of Romans is startlingly poignant for our world condition today. As I sat rapt during this morning’s installment of Paul’s letter, the thought struck me of how God mightily used Paul in bringing Jesus Christ to the world. Paul laid out in pretty clear terms in his letters to the Romans, as Christians, how we should be responding in these turbulent times. Nothing going on in the world today is a surprise to God. God may be disappointed by our abuses of the free will he has given humanity, but not surprised.

Several weeks ago I wrote a call to prayer and passed it on to several close friends. I shared some strong opinions on how I believe we as a nation have arrived at this juncture in history. A funny thing happened on the way to hitting the printer key. Toward the end of the month-long research and composition, God showed how my opinion doesn’t matter when it comes to praying in His will. I am to lay down my feelings and opinions at the foot of the cross and only pray for peace and healing and leave the changing of hearts to Him. Some hearts will not be changed. The divisions within His church may not be changed. For this my heart aches. Does this mean I can’t share my opinions? Not at all! But the spirit in which I share them is important. If I see I am causing someone to sin in anger then I need to keep my opinions to myself and let God do his work.

Paul wrote and preached in very dangerous times. Christian persecution was common. People were meeting in small home churches. Paul left several towns because the danger of losing his life was ever present. But he persevered, was most effective, and the word of Jesus Christ spread. So I wonder are things that different today? No – I don’t think so.  I believe we can be that light of unconditional love and forgiveness that the world so desperately needs to see from us now. Will we always be successful?  No, of course not. But that doesn’t mean we should go silent. Paul was the bold example, the model for us to be the light on the pathway to eternity with God.

I don’t know if we are experiencing the labor pains of the end times or not. That is for God to know. There have been several events in the past years when it seemed like the end was near but it really doesn’t matter. I firmly believe that there is a specter of evil at work in our world. The hate and raging anger so prevalent today is not of God’s spirit. I also firmly believe that we need to stand firm and enlist God’s angels into this battle with focused prayer.

This is my second call to prayer. I said in my last call to prayer that I was excited to see how God will bring us through these times. To put me in the right mind to pray, I like to begin with praise. I often get in touch with God’s love by reading one of my favorite bits of scripture, the 139^th Psalm. After reading David’s song countless times, the last two verses always get me in the right spirit:            

Vs. 23: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Vs. 24: Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.                                                  – NLT

I ask that we pray without agenda for our President, Governors, and Mayors, that they make wise decisions in line with God’s ultimate plan. Pray for all world leaders in the same way.

Pray for the openness and healing of hearts and for the healing of divisions and animosity in our land.

Praying in this vein has given me a peace that transcends my understanding.

May God’s peace be upon you also!

Create a memorable day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 6/17/2020. All rights reserved.

June 21st, 2020  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »

Guilt – The Gift That Keeps On Giving – A Biblical Study

Author: Stephen

We have all done things in our lives we regret, some more serious than others. A fine line exists between regret, and guilt. The feeling of guilt often carries with it the baggage of fear and shame. These two components can, and often will cause depression, anxiety, anger, and a host of relational or physical implications in our lives. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we are spiritual beings and the baggage of guilt rends the soul. Fear and shame are also burdens we are not meant to carry.

I don’t for a minute believe I am the only one that has struggled with guilt from time to time. My belief system imparts to me that we are indeed spiritual beings created by a benevolent God who loves us. I also believe in good, but also, I believe there are evil forces in this world – the devil / Satan. Satan will use our shortcomings, mistakes, and transgressions to convince us that we are unlovable or doomed in God’s eyes, or that there is no God at all! If that is the case, why do we feel the fear or shame of guilt? Because being spiritual beings God gave us a moral compass – it’s called a conscience. He also gave us a frame of reference, The Ten Commandments, to form the guidelines of our compass. 

Satan will use any means at his disposal to constantly remind us of our shortcomings, hence, guilt – the gift that keeps on giving. However, nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ defeated Satan on that fateful afternoon on Calvary. And when we come to know Him, accept Him, confess our sin, and invite Him into our lives, all past history is wiped away. Gone!

Long before Christ was born, Jeremiah says in Ch. 31:34, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Read the preceding verses to Jeremiah 31:34 – the new covenant is Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament book of Hebrews Ch. 8:8-12, the author restates the above quote from Jeremiah. Again in Hebrews Ch.10:17, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

If being covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and God has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more, then why do we? Do not believe Satan’s lie. His only goal is to make us feel estranged from God. For my purposes here I will transition to the word shame. Is it possible that we doubt and have fears and carry the baggage of shame with us? Again, Jesus Christ paid our penalty. We have been freed from that burden we are not meant to carry! Sometimes that is easier said than lived out but we need to remind ourselves God’s promises are true. He does not withdraw from us!

In Romans Ch. 8, Paul speaks poignantly about Jesus Christ the intercessor. In Vs.8:38-39 he clearly states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 We as Christians need to claim that promise, experience it, and accept that God has indeed freed us from the burden of any fear or shame so we can live freely in the joy of our salvation and look forward to our eternity with our Creator. We need to exercise our faith muscles! Have conversations with our savior. There are two components to any conversation – the talking component, and the listening component. The second being the more valuable of the two, which takes practice and discernment. Your perseverance will be rewarded.         

I firmly believe everyone in the free world either knows of or has heard the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus. During the Last Supper before His arrest Jesus predicted, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me thrice.” Peter emphatically denied he would do such a thing, but it is well documented in all four Gospels. Read the accounts in Matthew 23:34, Mark 14:30-31, Luke 22: 33-34, and John 13:37-38. A short time later that evening Peter, after realizing what he had done, filled with genuine remorse, went out and wept bitterly. Read Luke’s account in Ch. 22:54-62.

In the Gospel of John after Christ’s resurrection we read in Ch.21: Vs. 15-18, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter’s answer was yes! And three times Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep. Peter knew he was forgiven and later became the leader of the church. Peter could not have accomplished all that he did under the cloud of fear or shame.

Likewise, I believe everyone knows the story of Judas. He was a scoundrel of the first order and betrayed Jesus to the death. I contend that had he waited for Jesus’ resurrection, and asked to be forgiven, Jesus would have forgiven him!

If we as Christians are laboring under the burden of fear or shame, we cannot reflect the joy of our inheritance. We cannot be the proper light for others, illuminating the way to Jesus Christ. Tell Satan to stay in hell where he belongs! Stay close to Jesus who has freed you from your confessed sin. Walk and talk with Jesus daily and claim His protection from the accuser. Remember this only, you have been liberated by the grace of God purchased for “you” by his Son. Flex your faith muscles and accept your freedom from fear and shame! It will free you to experience and shine the JOY and the wonder of your eternal inheritance. Others will notice. Others will want the peace, and joy they see in you!

Create a Memorable Day. 

Stephen

August 18th, 2019  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »

A Matter of Perspective

Author: Stephen

A week ago, my wife Yvonne and I watched the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the umpteenth time. One scene in the movie has haunted me ever since, and will continue to do so until I write about the profound affect an attitude, or perspective, can have on our lives. I won’t go into all the details of the movie, but in a nutshell, a group of elderly people from England traveled to India to retire at the Marigold Hotel. Upon arrival the travelers quickly learned the hotel was less than advertised, and the story rapidly transitioned into a study in adapting and blooming where you’re planted.

About a third of the way into the movie a conversation takes place between a retired Judge and a woman who seemed to have a hard time with life as a matter of course. The conversation goes as follows:

The lady: “How can you bear this country? What do you see that I don’t?

The Judge: “Oh – the light, colors, smiles! The way the people see life as a privilege and not a right – it teaches me something.”

One of the shortest bits of dialog in the movie, but probably the most poignant.  It took me more years than I care count to get to the point in my life where I am grateful more than I am frustrated. Things don’t always go the way I expect. But if I have an attitude of gratefulness rather than one of entitlement, things look much better. I feel much better. I have come to realize how little of what goes on in my life I can actually control. It is interesting how other cultures seem to understand this concept. They have so much less and appreciate so much more.

A few scenes before the one I just described, another character who provides narrative in her daily blog, observed:

“Like Darwin’s finches, we are slowly adapting to our environment, and when one does that, my God, the riches that are available.”

Ah, there it is! Openness to a spirit, an attitude, a learned perspective of gratefulness, changes the world in which we inhabit. It changes our world because we see it in a totally different light. What matters is different than before. We are more at peace with our surroundings, the people we interact with, and ourselves. It is not a matter of thinking gratitude or thankfulness, but believing it, feeling it, sharing it, living it. Not all that happens to us in life is fair, or fun, but when we accept what comes with the openness of understanding that our life is more than just a day or the circumstance we are in at the time, we transcend to a larger perspective.   

I so love a good movie – one with a message – one that helps me grow closer to what God intended for me.

 Create a Memorable Day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 2019. All rights reserved.

March 12th, 2019  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »

Let His Voice Ring

Author: Stephen

Let His Voice Ring.

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Galatians 5:22-23.NLT.

About ten years ago I met Billy Graham, not in person, but through his priceless morning and evening devotional, Hope for Each Day. I remember seeing Reverend Graham several times on television and always marveled at his impassioned preaching style. I also remember one gentleman’s comment after Reverend Graham’s crusade in Portland, Oregon over 50 years ago – “Some may be offended by what he says, but you gotta love the way he says it!” That’s a comment I have never forgotten. I so love his devotional. Being dyslexic, reading has always been a challenge and I have to sound out each word in my mind, so, I hear the passionate Reverend Graham’s voice with every word as if he’s in the room next to me! What a blessing, my malady!

One year ago, on February 21, 2018, we mourned the passing of Reverend Billy Graham, America’s Pastor. We now rejoice in his being home with his God, the God he had worshiped and served since age 16. His larger than life presence will always be a blessed memory. Every morning and every evening I am blessed by Reverend Graham’s powerful messages ringing in my spirit! Thank you Reverend Graham. May your voice continue to ring!

February 19th, 2019  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »

Be the Example

Author: Stephen

We have all experienced difficult times or had to make tough decisions in our daily lives. It is how we respond to them that defines us. Our patience, our moral compass, our experiential wisdom all make up the mix. In other words, our character. 

Nobody ever said life is fair or easy. It continues on in spite of where we are in life, whether in high school, college, the CEO of a successful corporation, in a relationship, or most important of all, a marriage.

Tolerance and patience are the opposites of anger. Making sound decisions or trying to resolve conflict to a successful outcome, require patience, tolerance and a modicum of wisdom. People of character know this, whether having been taught or learned from experience. Fear and intimidation never work long term either. They breed toxicity in to an environment. People of character know this as well.

Great enjoyment for me is reading motivational or inspirational quotes – here is one I truly love:

  “Make each day your masterpiece.”
—Joshua Wooden, father of John Wooden

Now that one takes a bit of pondering. For me, it means each day is a gift. I can choose to waste it and go through the motions. Or I can live it with the passion of an artist putting paint to canvas, or a pianist playing a concerto that brings an audience to tears. Live each day through your heart and soul with thanksgiving.

Each day we have contact with others. Let’s make our contact with others a blessing. Mirror a great character, no matter what the circumstances.

Create a memorable day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 2019. All rights reserved.

February 8th, 2019  |  Posted in Attitude  |  No Comments »

The Ultimate Acronym

Author: Stephen

On Sunday morning before New Year’s Day, my wife Yvonne and I attended church service at the nursing home where her mother resides. Being late arrivals at nearly the end of the sermon, we quietly seated ourselves toward the rear of the chapel. From our vantage point, two things were immediately apparent. 95 percent of the congregation was seated in wheelchairs, and an unmistakable spirit of joy permeated the room.

Arriving late for the minister’s sermon presents a challenge, it’s hard to get the full impact of the message. But in the minister’s few closing sentences, he held up his Bible and asked the question, “You know what this is, don’t you?” Then he spelled it out “B-I-B-L-E – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!” Wow! I never knew Bible as an acronym. The ultimate acronym! It caught my attention and four weeks later it’s still ringing in the core of my spirit.

If you have never held a Bible in your hand, this post is for you. Most people who are unfamiliar with the Bible go to the front – the book of Genesis and turn right. May I be so bold as to suggest you turn to the New Testament and start with the Gospel of Mark. The Gospel of Mark was the first of the Gospels written, the shortest account of the ministry of Jesus Christ, as told to him by the apostle Peter. Mark cuts to the chase by getting right into the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus. Compassion and love describes the ministry of Jesus to the poor, the sick and the multitudes. You will quickly notice Jesus had little tolerance for the hypocrites and religious leaders of the time. Then come the parables, the instruction for living. Compassion is a word used in the four gospels 14 times. Love is a word used 46 times in the gospels, and another 133 times by the followers of Christ who wrote the Epistles. Compassion and Love – attributes that we could use more of in our world today.

Mark compresses three years of Jesus’ ministry and sacrificial death into 16 short chapters. Jesus died so we would all have the opportunity of a greater life after leaving earth. Skip forward now to the Epistles and the book of Romans written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 8 verses 38-39, you will find that word love again.

“For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s Love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” NLT   

Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? Invite him in! Take the journey. I recommend continuing on to the book of Acts, the remaining three gospels, the book of Romans, then explore the rest of the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Now go back to the beginning of the Bible, it truly will be the journey of your life. 

Create a memorable day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 2019. All rights reserved.

January 26th, 2019  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »

There’s Power in Your Smile

Author: Stephen

We all have heard, “It takes fewer muscles to smile than frown.” Although there are conflicting opinions on the subject, I know I feel better when smiling as opposed to frowning.

Making the Case

We live in a world that is operating at warp speed. Everything now moves at internet speed. Personal contact is on the decline in our workplaces and is being replaced with the new norm – e-mail, live chats, Skype, and texting. I get it, I have had to adapt in my own business. Getting to see a customer face to face anymore is a rarity. My goal in life – trying to help make our world a better place – is becoming more difficult. But there is still time to smile with the people we interact with throughout our day. That was not a typo. I did write “smile with.”

The Connection

So now let me ask the question: How do you feel when someone smiles at you? I know I feel a little lighter and it elicits a smile in response, and I feel good! We all must engage people in our daily lives – work,  shopping, dining, recreation.  Even shut-ins have contact with care givers. So may I be so bold as to challenge you to be the leader?  Smile first!  Make sure it’s genuine. People instantly pick up on a forced smile. When you offer your smile, make eye contact and wait for the response. Connect – and smile with. When you offer a genuine smile, nine times out of ten, you will receive a genuine smile in return. Take it a bit further and make someone’s day memorable. Compliment the person on their smile and again be genuine. “You have a great smile.” Watch their eyes come alive as their spirits are lifted.

The Proof  

I have a couple of short stories regarding smiles: While working as a restaurant manager, I had the opportunity to oversee the waitstaff. One of my most efficient waitresses rarely smiled while taking orders. As it turned out, she was a bit shy and was mostly concerned about getting the patrons orders right. Well, she had the getting orders right down in spades! I complimented her on her efficiency and suggested she might relax a bit more. I told her, “You have a terrific smile, you should use it. It will help you relax and have more fun with the customers.” Over the following month I observed her progress. The customers began engaging her and she truly enjoyed them as well. Her tips increased too!

The second story is about the blessing I received three years ago on the ferry run to the island where my wife Yvonne and I live. I first noticed a woman ferry attendant directing traffic onto the boat. She always seemed to make eye contact with the drivers, flashing her lovely smile. One day, I stopped and rolled down my window and told her, “You have a beautiful smile and it blesses me every time I see it.” She lit up like a Christmas tree, and ever since, she begins waving to us as soon as she recognizes our car. We receive her blessing every time we see her.

The Icing  

I have learned three steps: be genuine, smile, and engage. Just last Sunday evening Yvonne and I walked into a restaurant with a full lobby of waiting customers. The hostess looked up and greeted us with a weary but genuine smile – “Welcome, how many?”  I told her we would seat ourselves in the bar. She thanked us, looking relieved, but still engaged us with her smile. Holding her gaze, I leaned over and told her, “You have a great smile – and beautiful eyes to match.” She brightened, her weariness vanished, and she said, “Sir, you have just made my day!”        

We have no idea where people may be in their life’s walk and your smile may be the one good thing someone may receive today. Bless everyone you meet. The secret of the smile is the connection – make the eye contact. Smile with someone and watch their eyes light up.  Make someone’s day a little bit better – or even memorable.

Stephen

Create a memorable today,

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 2019. All rights reserved.

January 5th, 2019  |  Posted in Motivation  |  No Comments »

Happy New Year

Author: Stephen

Last Friday before the New Year, I had an opportunity to surprise my wife Yvonne at her work and take her for an impromptu lunch. Yvonne had much on her desk before shutting her computer down for the extended holiday weekend. We decided for something quick and chose a sandwich shop close by. I had wanted to post something special for New Year’s Day 2019 and I found it at the Jimmy John’s Kirkland, WA store.

The first thing I noticed while perusing the menu board was the friendly and polite staff. Once ordered, our sandwiches were quickly prepared and when seated, I began to notice the décor. The shop walls were artfully decorated with enameled signage. But not advertising – Yvonne and I read all manner of proverbs – random thoughts and bits of wisdom to live by. I thought what a great way to start the New Year by taking these to heart and sharing the experience.

Before I go further, the quotes and proverbs shared here are from the Jimmy John’s franchise with all rights reserved. Following are just a few of what stimulated me to write this piece.

“If you do the things you need to do, when need to do them, then someday, you will get to do the things you want to do, when you want to do them.”

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”

“Work like you don’t need the money – Love like you’ve never been hurt – Dance like nobody’s watching.”

“Proper Apologies have three parts:
1. What I did was wrong.
2. I feel badly that I hurt you.
3. How can I make this better?”

“Honesty is not only morally right, it is also Highly Efficient!”

These are a small example of what graced the walls of the busy little shop. Life lessons all. Lessons about attitude and character, these two attributes comprise the essence of who we are. I particularly like the bit of wisdom about Experience. Let us not resent our disappointments and failures. Learn the lessons from them and move on with a fresh outlook of optimism.

There were also a couple of large signs too lengthy for this forum. One is titled, “How Much is Enough.” Another is titled, “Eating at Jimmy John’s.” Seek them out. You won’t be disappointed.

My prayer for 2019 is that we all move forward this New Year by forgiving more, loving more. Do not harbor the things that hurt, but remember the joy of what was good, no matter how small, and always be giving thanks for what we have.

God bless us all this coming year.

Create a memorable day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannemann – © 2018, all rights reserved.

December 29th, 2018  |  Posted in Attitude  |  No Comments »

Oh What a Night

Author: Stephen

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
Luke 2:14 NLT

This was sung to a small group of shepherds one night 2,019 years ago, a historical event of world and life altering magnitude. From that event sprung the hymn “Joy to the World.” That is my subject here – Joy.

From that fateful night the world has never been the same. One man, Jesus Christ, changed and continues to change the landscape of history. From that night a King and later on, religious leaders sought his life, but lowly shepherds worshiped him that holy eve. A few days later, wealthy kings from distant lands followed suit and presented Him with prized gifts. The most important change of all continues to be the redemption Jesus Christ brought and continues to bring to humanity to this day. From redemption comes peace. From peace comes true holy joy.

Spiritual joy is the reward – the inner reassurance of a better life to come, an eternal life with the loving Triune God – whatever form it will take. True Joy is the humble enlightened understanding that God loves you enough to have allowed his Son to willingly sacrifice Himself for you!

Make Jesus Christ the central part of your Christmas and experience His love – His joy with you. Joy to the World – Oh what a night!

Create a memorable day this Christmas.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannemann – © 2018, all rights reserved.

December 24th, 2018  |  Posted in Inspiration  |  No Comments »