May 31, 2010

5-31-10 Monday, Memorial Day, 7:37 am Grayrock, 73 degrees, hazy.

II Sam 17 David continues to flee from Absalom. Two men give Absalom advice – Ahithophel and Hushai. David has sent Hushai to counter the advice Ahithophel would give. Absalom rejects the more strategic advice of Ahithophel, which is a surprise attack that very night on David. Perhaps Absalom’s fear of defeat set him back from this aggressive, better plan. He adopted Hushai’s advice, which was to amass a huge force, and go after David with “shock and awe”. Hushai then sent spies to warn David. Ahithophel went and set his house in order, then hanged himself.

There is so much to learn from this chapter. One observation I have is that God protected David, and used the shrewdness of spies, and the large reputation of David’s fighting ability to slow down Absalom. Absalom also seems to be too cautious, lacking courage as he faces risk. There are lessons for the church in these two leaders. 1. Wise and effective pastors multiply their impact as the fruitfulness of God’s hand is evident over a long period of time. 2. Church leaders need to have courage to act in a timely fashion, and not sit around waiting for larger numbers or a safer season.

May 29, 2010

5-29-10 Saturday, 7:47 am Grayrock, 65 degrees, sunny.

Looking for a book in the basement, I discovered that the floor drain is plugged. The water draining from the air conditioner and dehumidifier has pooled, and has found its way across the floor to another drain. It appears only one cardboard box was damaged, and its contents I rescued before they were ruined. Fortunately a bottle of Draino was at hand, and the drain should be flowing soon. This has happened twice before. I am sure there is a metaphor in this for the spiritual life. Could it be that when a person’s soul is blocked, and rather than flowing the water of life pools, that it makes a mess. Could it be that when the church is not pouring its spiritual energy into the needs of the world, it makes a mess? Perhaps the life of King David would have taken a different route if he had avoided the cesspool of sexual sin and murder from sitting around the palace why his army was in their spring campaign?

2 Sam 14 - 15:22
Absalom is returned to Jerusalem after being banished following his murder of his brother Amnon, who raped Absalom’s sister Tamar. David will not speak to his son for two years, and then has an audience with him. Absalom systematically steals the hearts of the men of Israel as he sits at the gate and hears their complaints, helping them with their issues.

Guide me Lord as I lead with wisdom, understanding and accurate perceptions. May I approach the work of your kingdom with even greater diligence and wisdom than those who served you building the nation of Israel. I am yours holy Lord, use me today, this weekend, this summer.

May 28, 2010

5-28-10 Friday, 6:10 am Grayrock, clear, 69 degrees.

The cats and I have the house to ourselves. Audrey drove to St. Louis yesterday and picked up Bethany from the airport. They are in Columbia today and tomorrow. I will join them tomorrow in Jefferson City for the State Track Meet. Today I will work on my sermon and attend a meeting with other pastors at the district office concerning a new church start that will utilize house churches. This evening I will work around the house, yard, and garage.

Romans 8 This is one of my favorite chapters of Holy Scripture. I memorized it in 1979 in the King James Version. It feeds my soul. This weekend I will be teaching from this chapter, focusing on the Holy Spirit and Prayer. As my sermon takes shape, it is becoming a contrast of walking in the spirit and walking in the flesh. I will examine how a person says yes to God’s Spirit, and no the flesh. I will utilize several scriptures that describe hindrances to our prayer. I will touch on the nature of God. I might even mention about praying to saints, and praying in a world of technology. Guide me Lord as I faithfully handle your word, lead your people to a closer relationship with You, and equip the saints for the work of the ministry, which builds your kingdom.

May 26, 2010

5-26-10 Wednesday, 8:15 am Pastor’s Office, Wesley UMC

I arose at 5:00 this morning and upon making coffee I read the daily scriptures from I Sam and John 15. My laptop was here at the office, so rather than reflect and write, I read from Fierce Conversations. This book reminded me of my coaching training as it emphasized four aspects – define reality, encourage learning, overcome obstacles, cultivate relationships. This is good reading as I prepare for the day.

Last evening, after a hospital call I sat on the deck and read Leaving Ruin until the fading light at 8:30 was too dim. This is an interesting fictional account about a pastor in the town of Ruin, Texas. This morning I read an article entitled “Pastor for Life” by Ivan Blake. His thesis is that we need more 40-year pastors which would result in more healthy churches. I agree with his thesis, and I understand the statistics he quotes that include disturbing data about pastors. As I finish my 27th year as a pastor this month, I feel that I am walking in the center of God’s will, and I am looking forward to being a “40-year” pastor!

May 25, 2010

5-25-10 Tuesday, 6:49 am Grayrock, 72 degrees.

My chigger bites on feet and legs remind me of my wonderful walk in the woods at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Sunday evening. I walked to the spring house, and to a couple of battlefield areas that I had not previously visited. Since I did not have any bug spray handy, I anticipated that chiggers would find me. This morning as I was waking up I was picturing Native Americans, pioneers, civil war soldiers dealing with chiggers and ticks. I find the woods are a great place to be alone, to pray, and to experience God’s goodness in creation. I need to spend more time in the woods this summer (with plenty of Deep Woods Off!).

I mentioned Tertullian in my sermon as I discussed the Montanists, and I think I want to study more about this early church father.

II Sam 7 – 8:18
David contemplates building a temple for God. Nathan the prophet has a vision in which God tells him He has never desired a temple, and specifically because David is a man of bloodshed, he should not build a temple. David receives this word with gratitude, because it also includes the promise that David’s name will be great, and David’s reign will extend to posterity. This would be accomplished through Jesus. David continues his conquests and the slaughter of his enemies. Each endeavor of David is successful, God’s hand blessing him.

There is much to meditate upon in these scriptures. Does modern Christianity share with David the desire to build glorious places of worship? When and where does God give the green light to go ahead, and when does God say “not now”? How can a person walking with God today experience his hand of blessing as David did? David was “a man after God’s own heart”, and this seems to be the key. Each person today has that same possibility. In my life I have sought and am seeking to please God in everything I do, say, think, and avoid. Guide me today most Holy Lord as I seek to serve you through being a pastor at Wesley UMC.

May 23, 2010 Pentecost Sunday

5-23-10 Pentecost Sunday, 5:39 am Grayrock, 70 warm degrees and clear with an East wind.

Having run at this time yesterday, my body is less complaining, but still not fully cooperating with this early arising. The birds seem happy to be up! I am looking forward to this morning of worship and ministry. There is so much going on, with new members joining, Pentecost, and the weekly celebration of worship and renewal. Guide me holy Lord as I lead today.

Acts 18:24 – 19:10
Paul finds some disciples in Ephesus on this his third missionary journey. They have been taught about Jesus as Messiah by Apollos, but they do not know about the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, they speak in tongues and prophesy. This would be an example of what John Wesley taught about the Holy Spirit being a “second work of grace”. This will probably be part of my teaching this morning.

Lord, I thank you for the mystery of your nature and your work among people. Guide me as I seek to teach about your presence as Holy Spirit. Guard me from presumption, guide me in all truth, remove from me any hesitation about proclaiming your message with power and authority.

May 22, 2010

5-22-10 Saturday, 11:14 am Grayrock, 75 and sunny.

I arose at 4:50 this morning and was running by 5:30 with the Wesley running club. We did 8 miles (plus .37 for my navigational/memory error). At 7:45 I was drinking coffee with the men’s group. We had a very good speaker from MSU on business ethics.

Now I will be working on my sermon and eating lunch until I head back to church for my 1:00 meeting concerning a 50th wedding renewal ceremony next month. Guide me today Lord as I work to prepare this message on your blessed Holy Spirit.

May 21, 2010

5-21-10 Friday, 6:56 am Grayrock, 54 degrees

I Sam 29-31
David’s exploits continue as he lives among the Philistines. Their commanders will not allow him and his men to go to battle against the Israelites, and being sent home he discovers that Ziklag has been sacked, and all the wives and children and flocks carried off. David and his 600 men pursue them, find them, slaughter the enemy and recover their families and their possessions. 200 of the men became too exhausted to continue and were left to guard the equipment. After the successful raid, some troublemakers suggested that the 200 men receive none of the spoils because they did not fight. David says “don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us. Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike – those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.” I see implications for the body of Christ in this discussion.

Last evening we had a good Church Council meeting, which a included a brief Charge Conference to act upon a salary adjustment for Pastor Mi Hyeon. The goals of the strategic plan were reviewed by the goal champions, and the overall life of Wesley seems to be in a healthy place. I taught about Michael Slaughter, his outward focus, the shift from macro to micro, and his lament that for 20 years he had not prioritized his marriage. He will be speaking in Springfield at our Annual Conference on June 5. I handed out his page from the Sage conference that I participated in over the internet on Wednesday.

Guide me today Lord as I work on sermon development and preparing for the weekend of worship.

May 20, 2010

5-20-10 Thursday, 6:59 am Grayrock, 51 degrees, cloudy

Yesterday was a good, long, hard, fruitful day of pastoral leadership. As I returned home around 9, I sensed the weight and weariness of the day, with gratitude and thankfulness. Leading the funeral for Faye Nipps was a joy, and hearing about her 94 years from her daughter Sharon, her neighbors and friends was uplifting and inspiring. The new member class last night was a time of sharing the vision of Wesley, and commitment to Christ for those who will be joining on Sunday. I had a good visit afterwards with some folks who will be transferring from another denomination.

Today I will be leading the Peer Mentoring group of pastors, and then tonight the church council including the brief charge conference to increase Pastor Mi Hyeon’s salary. We need to report on the finances to the whole church, as we said we would do quarterly. I am not sure why we did not, though I remember there being a good reason for the delay.

I Sam 26-28
David sneaks into Saul’s camp and takes his spear and water bottle. He taunts Abner and Saul from a hill, and asks Saul his motive, demonstrating his own obedience to God and respect for the anointed king. He trusts God for protection, and he flees to the Philistines, thinking that Saul will continue to pursue him as long as he is in Israel. He deceives the Philistine king as he raids and slaughters every person in outlying villages. This is a grim and horrible practice.

David was a man of courage, cunning, and faith. God protected him and led him through this difficult time, and would ultimately set him up as the king of the strong and growing nation of Israel. God would not permit him to build the temple, because he had been a man of bloodshed. Guide me Lord to incorporate the best of David in my leadership, and to recognize and reject the worst of David as I consider my steps.

May 19, 2010

5-19-10 Wednesday, 5:47 am Grayrock, 51 degrees, clear

I have awakened earlier than necessary, and I welcome this early quiet time. Laying awake in bed I envisioned working in the garden, going for a run, reading, writing, etc. I emailed Malcolm (my friend in England) yesterday telling him that I would be online from 6 – 7:30 this morning if he wanted to skype. He will be having surgery on Friday to remove a tumor. Last evening we attended the Kickapoo High School graduation and celebrated with Lauren and her family. It was good to also see several Wesley students graduating. There were lots of awards, honors and speeches, and I was reminiscing about my own high school graduation in 1974.

I Sam 24-25
David spares Saul’s life in a cave. His young ambassadors scorned by Nabal, David is spared bloodshed by the gifts and wisdom of Nabal’s wife Abigail. David then marries Abigail after Nabal dies ten days later. God’s hand continues to lead David and guide him, as he guards his integrity and his faith carefully. His polygamy seems unwise.

John 10:22-42
Jesus is confronted by the Jews who ask “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” He responds that the works he does in his father’s name bear witness of him. He elaborates, and the Jews desire to kill him, but he eludes them. They really missed the boat in seeing who he is, and the opportunity to follow him. Nabal in I Sam 24 also missed the opportunity to support David and his men, as Nabal was probably too big for his own britches, so to speak. God is at work today. We serve him as did David, and so many in this generation are missing what he is doing.

Guide me today, most holy Lord, as I represent you as a shepherd, and serve you as my Lord. Lead me to share the good news of your kingdom, and to see clearly your purposes in these days.

May 18, 2010

5-18-10 Tuesday, 7:17 am Grayrock, 54 degrees, sunny

My day of Sabbath was effective, as I am leaning into getting back to work. I have a regular week ahead, with a graduation, a funeral, lunch planning session for a new church launch in the Ozarks, and a quarterly church council meeting. Speak to my heart from your word, most holy father.

I Sam 22-23; John 10
David and 400 men elude Saul and his plans to capture and kill David. Saul has 85 priests and their families killed because Ahimelech “consulted God” for David, gave him bread and also Goliath’s sword. Ahimelech assured Saul that he knew of no plot of David’s to kill Saul. After the murder of these priests and their families, David makes good strategic decisions based on his own intuition, and his consulting God about next steps. God leads David through this difficult time of his life, and this is an example to every leader of God’s people to rely upon Him, to act with courage, and to trust Him for the outcome. I am reminded how important it is for a leader to make good decisions, and even when doing so bad things might happen, as in this case to the priest Ahimelech.

Jesus teaches in John 10 about shepherds and hired help. Jesus is the true shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep. Hired help are more concerned with their wages than with the sheep. Reading this chapter in light of I Sam 22-23, the difference between Saul’s selfishness and David’s obedience is striking. I am also contemplating the different attitude of pastors toward the sheep, especially founding pastors and long-term pastors. Guide me Lord as a faithful shepherd serving under your leadership, guidance, authority and sacrifice.

May 17, 2010

5-17-10 Monday, 7:20 am Grayrock 58 degrees, cloudy with patches of clearing.

Yesterday was long and fruitful, with worship, lunch with leaders, baccalaureate, meet the pastor’s coffee, and then graduation dinner at Cielito Lindo. During the sermon I read an excerpt from my journal of July, 1976 as an example of recording spiritual progress. Now that I am blogging my journal, I hope that I am not holding back on my more personal thoughts.

Today (my sabbath) I have no appointments. Perhaps I will go fly this morning, as my medical has been renewed, and I have scheduled the plane for the morning. The last two Mondays I have worked long and hard in the yard and garden. My newly seeded grass is doing well, and my garden is looking good.

I Sam 20 -21:15

David and Jonathon, deep and unselfish friendship displayed as Saul is determined to kill David. Jonathon helps shield him from his father’s unreasonable anger and jealousy. Herein is demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness in a very difficult situation. Guide me Lord as I live with faithfulness and loyalty each day.

May 16, 2010

5-16-10 Sunday, 5:28 am, Foggy, 63 degrees, Grayrock.

I am looking forward to worshipping with the church called Wesley UMC this morning! The birds are happy outside, and I am happy inside. Today we celebrate graduations, and I preach about the Israelites raising the Ebenezer stone, illustrated by Robert Robinson’s hymn and his life, and applied to our lives in the three movements of a spiritual life – Needing God, Knowing God, and Serving God, or becoming a new disciple, a true disciple and a trained disciple.

I Sam 7: 8-12
For 20 years following the sad defeat of the Israelites at Ebenezer, when they lost the ark to the Philistines and suffered the slaughter of 30,000 soldiers, the people of Israel were in sorry shape. Samuel rises up as Judge (having served at the Tabernacle with Eli as priest) and calls the nation to put away the false gods and then to gather at Mizpah. Doing so, God gives them victory over the Philistines by the thunder of his voice. Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it Ebenezer, for he said “thus far the Lord has helped us”.

Yesterday I was reading my journal from 1971 – 1976 in preparation for today’s message. In so many ways I see “how the Lord has helped” me. I hope to be able to articulate and teach this in a powerful way this morning, in all four services.

May 15, 2010

5-15-10 Saturday, 7:57 am Grayrock, 58 degrees, light rain

I met the Wesley running club at the church at 6:00 am and we ran 6 miles, checking out possible routes for the upcoming 5k Run for the Mission. Having awakened naturally at 5:20 I had no excuses! I am not by nature a morning runner, but it is good periodically for me to do so, especially with the purpose we had today. Last night’s Eagle scout court of honor went well, and I got home about 9:15.

I Sam 17

Goliath challenges the armies of the Living God, and shepherd boy David rises to this challenge in the name of God. Having watched the movie Robin Hood yesterday, I could imagine the carnage of this type of hand-to-hand battle. As I encourage people to remember what God has done, this incident with David and Goliath is a great example.

Psalm 110
I read this just before I ran, and gained strength and encouragement from these words. I yield myself to you Lord, to be filled by your spirit and led upon your path. Use me today as your servant.

May 14, 2010

5-14-10 Friday, 5:38 am Grayrock, 62 degrees raining.

Yesterday I received a phone call at 5:00 pm from a distressed young mother who was being evicted from a friend’s house where she had been staying. I made arrangements for a night’s lodging, and then drove drove her, her fiancé, and their 1 ½ year-old to a hotel within walking distance of the roofing contractor he is scheduled to start working for today. With this rain, that work seems unlikely. This family has been heavily upon my mind through the night, as they seem to have no reserves, no backup, and little hope of a healthy, happy life. Her mother is driving up from Cuba to pick them up today.

The concepts I have been pondering for my book Long View of a Short Life come into sharp focus as I walk for an hour with these folks. I had a sense of God’s presence, and their appreciation. I also wondered how they could have made better decisions, how their parents could have provided more direction, more support. Writing this book is something I must invest in, and it has come back to my consciousness several times this week. I must trust God’s leading in this project and move forward. Last night I finished rereading Zen and Now, Mark Richardson’s reflections on Robert Pirsig’s life and writings. Richardson is a writer for a Toronto paper and his discussion on the process of writing his book was inspiring to me.

John 8:1-20 (reading from Greek-English Interlinear Bible)
A woman caught in adultery is brought to Jesus (where is the man? Was he a friend of the accusers?) and the scribes and Pharisees tested Jesus to see what he would do. He wrote in the dust, and eventually said that the person who was without sin should throw the first stone. They left beginning with the oldest. What was Jesus writing in the dust? When the woman was alone, Jesus dismissed her and told her to go and sin no more. He then proceeded to teach that he is the light of the world, and those who follow him will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life. This is powerful, especially as I consider the plight of the world, with the conflict between light and darkness.

I Sam 15 – 16:23

Saul disobeys God, and Samuel teaches him that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejects Saul, and sends Samuel to Jessie to anoint one of his sons. David, the youngest is chosen, as God looks on the heart, not on the externals of a person. Guide me Lord as I continue to submit my heart to your will, and lead others to do the same.

May 13, 2010

5-13-10 Thursday, 11:00 am Pastor’s office

Psalm 105 – God’s faithfulness to Israel
Reading this Psalm which recounts the hand of God protecting and guiding his people reminds me that God continues to do the same today. This church Wesley UMC has been led by God’s hand and is currently moving forward with God’s blessing. Guide me today holy Lord as I prepare for this week’s message about remembering how you have helped your people.

May 12, 2010

5-12-10 Wednesday, 7:25 am Grayrock, 72 degrees, cloudy.

Having worked out yesterday at the Meyer center, and worked until 9 last night at Wesley it was not easy to get out of bed this morning. The Today Show is reporting on the crash of a passenger jet in Tripoli, Libya. Tonight I have my FAA flight physical at the home of Dr. Cross. In preparing for this physical I discovered that I have only flown 3.9 hours in the last 6 months. I will fly more in the coming months.

I Sam 13
Saul is anointed King at age 30, and serves for 42 years. At Gilgal, having waited for seven days as Samuel instructed, but with his men slipping away, and his sense of urgency to take action, he “sacrificed the burnt offering himself.” Samuel appears shortly, and chastises him for his presumption and lack of faith. This event has always puzzled me, as I can clearly see Saul’s predicament. As a leader, he takes action. However, he violates God’s will and at this early stage of his reign, he loses God’s favor. Guide me and teach me patience and faith as I apply this incident to my leadership in the body of Christ.

May 11, 2010

5-11-10 Tuesday, 5:20 am Grayrock, 67 degrees, cloudy

I have awakened early and I feel relatively rested. I logged 16,000 paces yesterday on my pedometer, without running or going for a walk. Working around the house, switching out washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and cleaning the garage exercised my body and accomplished a lot of progress around here. I am ready to get back to the office and dive in to worship planning and ministry oversight.

Through the night I dreamed that I was on the church softball team and intermittently when I was awake I was thinking about my sermon for Sunday, which will focus on spiritual markers such as the Ebenezer stone, and “hither by thy help I’ve come”, in conjunction with graduation Sunday. Today we meet for worship planning in the morning, rather than the afternoon, in order to bring fresher minds to the process.

I Sam 10:1-11:15 (Chapter 12 also, reading ahead)

These chapters contain the complex story of the anointing of Saul as King, which represents the rejection of God as king and Samuel as judge. In 12:20 Samuel said “… do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.” The people desired a different structure of government which involved a king. God warned them of the costs associated with this desire, and they still persisted. This morning I am pondering the structure of the church in its present form, and the possibilities for the future, especially the multiplication of house churches around the world. Is there any relationship between people wanting a visible building to go to with a fixed steeple to mark the spot, and the Israelites desire for a visible king, with crown and throne?

Chapter 12 begins with Samuel making the case that he has not taken advantage of any of the people, and that he has served as God’s judge with full integrity, which the people acknowledge. It is critical for every spiritual leader to cultivate this careful integrity, because of the nature and vulnerability of spiritual care. Guide me today most holy Lord.

May 10, 2010

5-10-10 Monday, 8:10 am Grayrock, 45 degrees, raining.

My mind and spirit are ready for a Sabbath day. It is good for me to designate Monday as Sabbath. Eugene Peterson writes about his use of Sabbath, and I benefit from his reflections. As I write about my use of this means of grace, perhaps others will benefit.

I recognize a familiar feeling that appears in May, an anxiety that seems to have no focus, but elicits a sense of not being prepared, of getting behind, etc. Contributing to this could be the United Methodist Annual Conference which meets the first week of June, and for which I now have little responsibility (but for years I had much pressure). I have organized the Asbury Seminary alumni reunion lunch, and I will host a table for the Friday night of Ann. Conf. But this May feeling appears year after year, and it could be related to the aftermath of Easter, Lent, birthday, Mission Blitz, etc. It could be that there is in fact nothing that is pressing, and I need to adjust and peaceably live in the moment, day to day, week to week.

I Sam 8:1-9:27

Samuel has grown old, his sons do not follow God, the people worry about the future and request a king. God comforts Samuel and instructs him concerning a king. Saul and his servant are on a trip searching for his father’s lost donkeys. They learn of the prophet Samuel and decide to ask him about the donkeys. God has told Samuel that a man will come to him the next day whom he should anoint king. Even though the people have rejected God from being king, and Saul would eventually reject God also, God guides the process of setting up the role of king, which will ultimately be filled by his son, Jesus.

As I get older (like Samuel) I desire to walk with God every day, ready for the unexpected, prepared to be used in ways beyond my abilities and human limitations. I do believe that God still works as He did during Samuel’s day, and uses us to accomplish His will.

May 9, 2010

5-9-10 Sunday, Mother’s Day, 5:51 a.m. 48 degrees, cloudy.

I just heard a pack of coyotes howling. To our south the James River basin is undeveloped, and plenty of room for them to wander. This morning we will celebrate Mother’s Day in many ways at Wesley. My message will be biographical about Lydia. This is the first Mother’s day in 25 years that Audrey will not see one of our children. They are both doing well, having grown up, and neither able to make the trip home for today. Bethany leaves from Los Angeles on a bus choir tour this morning, heading for the Pacific Northwest, and David will be celebrating Mother’s day with his wife's family in St. Louis.

Guide me Lord as I serve you today as husband, father, pastor, friend.

May 8, 2010

5-8-10 Saturday, 9:36 am Sunny, 53 degrees. It looks to be another beautiful day.

Last evening Audrey and I went to the “parent picture taking” session for our niece Lauren’s prom, where four couples gathered at a friend’s house for photos. It was delightful. It brought back memories of the proms attended by David and Bethany over the last 8 years. I even flashed back to the Parkway North prom of 1974 and a powder blue tuxedo.

I Sam 2:22- 4:22
This is the amazing account of God speaking to Samuel, of his disfavor toward Eli and his sinful sons. This includes the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, and the word of God spoken through Samuel. Samuel proves to be a faithful servant of God all of his life. Chapter 2, verse 30 says “I will honor those who honor me, and despise those who think lightly of me.” This is in contrast to the mistaken view of God as a kindly old grandfather who loves everybody. It is dangerous to “think lightly” of God. My task is to announce the kingdom of God in a way that all hearers have an opportunity to fully consider the things of God.

This week at Wesley we have been working on defining a pathway of discipleship. This is part of our strategic plan, and a task force has been considering it for months. I think we are close to articulating the “Wesley Way”, which involves three stages and many streams. Samuel’s life can be described using these three stages. The sons of Eli dropped out of this “way” at some point, which is possible for any human to do. His father erred by not disciplining them to demonstrate his love and God’s will for them and the community. Guide me today Lord as I work on advancing your kingdom in this generation.

May 7, 2010

5-7-10 Frdiay, 8:00 am Grayrock, 69 degrees, cloudy.

It is unusually warm this morning, and I am unusually tired. I worked until 9:30 last night at church, and earlier I put in a good workout at the Meyer center, thus my body resisted my attempts to arise. The coffee is now flowing, and I am leaning into God’s word for today.

Ruth 4; I Sam 1

Boaz is careful to negotiate with the “kinsman redeemer” who is next in line to buy Naomi’s property, and to marry Ruth. He declines, and Boaz marries Ruth, and to them is born Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. So, Ruth the Moabite becomes the great-grandmother of king David. I see in this lineage the hand of God, blessing faithfulness, surprising with His grace, redeeming loss and brokenness.

I Sam 1
Hannah prays fervently for a child, promising to give him to the Lord, which she does when he is weaned. The priest Eli had mistaken her prayer for a drunken rambling, and when he learned of her earnestness, he assured her that the Lord heard her prayer. This was at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was established.

I know that there are many people troubled as was Hannah, and the sanctuary at Wesley is a great place to pray. I need to cultivate a greater sense of expectancy, and assure those who pray there that God does indeed hear their prayer. Guide me this morning Lord as I go to work on my sermon and serve among the congregation of Wesley.

May 6, 2010

5-6-10 Thursday, 7:27 am Grayrock, sunny, 56 degrees.

Ruth 2-3
The Introduction in the Wesley Study Bible provides helpful information and insight into this short book of the Bible. Redemption and holy living are the main themes. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are the main characters. John Wesley suggests that we apply this passage by asking ourselves in the evening “Where have I gleaned today? What improvements have I made in grace or knowledge? What have I learned or done?” Lord, may this day be a day of faithful work in your harvest, as I glean and gather, work and serve in your great plan of redemption.

Yesterday I recorded 11.55 hours of work, as I am recording all my hours along with the pastors and executive staff for these two weeks. Following the practice of John Wesley, I am finding this a helpful exercise and not as difficult as it seems. My schedule lightens up for the next few days, and I have the opportunity to make great progress in planning and working ahead.

May 4, 2010

5-4-10 Tuesday, 6:26 am Grayrock, 51 degrees, clear – Another beautiful day ahead.

Yesterday I worked most to the day in the yard and garden. I mowed and trimmed, and hauled dirt and mulch for the yard and the raised bed. I filled in erosion and sowed grass seed. I did not get to the garden, but this evening I hope to get the blackberries in and a trellis built. All in all I am pleased with the flow of yesterday, my body is sore, and my mind is rested.

Judges 19:1- 20:48
These two chapters contain the disturbing account of a Levite, his concubine (secondary wife) hospitality and the tribe of Benjamin. The Wesley Bible notes that this is certainly a low point in the community life of Israel, and it is marked by lack of hospitality, sexual sins, and disregard for women. This crumbling of the covenant community stands as a clear warning to all who read it – be careful to maintain hospitality, pursue sexual purity and honor women.

As mother’s day approaches, I have an opportunity to honor women with my weekend message. I will lift up Lydia, the seller of purple and the baptism of her household. I celebrate the equal status of women and men in our culture, and I am concerned about the violence against women, and the objectifying of women throughout our culture. Guide me Lord as I lead the church and serve you today.

May 3, 2010

5-3-10 Monday, 6:58 am Grayrock, clear, 52 degrees.

Ah, the “7th” day in my week, the Sabbath with no work scheduled. I appreciate Jesus’ words that “the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath.” I look forward to investing this day in ways that are re-creational. This could include some gardening and yardwork, some exercise, a ride on the KLR, barbequing, and relaxing. Guide me Lord as I serve you today.

Numbers 17-18
The curious story of Micah and his personal priest, and the tribe of Dan looking for a place to settle. These two chapters leave room for much interpretation. I will chew on them for awhile. The Wesley Study Bible throws some light on these chapters as representing the low point of Israel’s faithfulness as the tribe of Dan establishes a forbidden worship site with forbidden practices and an opportunistic priest.

John 3:1-21
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Jesus explains about being born from above, a spiritual birth.

God’s word is true and my guide for daily living. The established religious systems sometimes get in the way of God’s plan, sometimes are the means of God’s plan. In this decade, this century, I desire to walk fully in the midst of God’s plan and to not deviate to the right or to the left. Lead me Lord in your righteousness.

May 2, 2010

5-2-10 Sunday, 5:34 am Grayrock, 53 degrees, clear, Morning Star in the East.

Oh it was hard to get out of bed; I had to force this sore body into motion following a good hard day of exercise and pastoral work. Our staff picnic was great yesterday evening, and everybody seemed to have a good time. The egg toss was especially popular.
Now for my final approach for sermon and worship leading this morning.

May 1, 2010

5-1-10 Saturday, 7:28 am Grayrock; Sunny, 60 degrees, fog and clouds looming.

Today we have the first annual staff and family picnic. I am looking forward to this time of informal gathering. The weather might force us into the gym, but, at this point it could be outside as planned.

Gen 37 – the story of Joseph
He is the favorite son of his father Jacob, also named Israel. He receives a special coat from his father that becomes an object of jealousy. He brings a bad report about his brothers. When they have the opportunity to do him harm, they sell him to some traders. Their cover up involves dipping his robe in blood and delivering it to his father. Jacob cannot be consoled.

Lord, guard me from jealousy, from comparisons, from bitter resentment at the favor and success of others. Inbolden me to rescue others from the pit of captivity and bondage. I must not accept the brokenness of this world as it is, but like Rueben seek other solutions. Use me as your servant Lord in this generation.