April 15, 2011

4-15-11 Friday, 6:56 am Springfield, 54 degrees, storms.

The weather was not as severe as predicted last night, as we received about an inch of rain with mild lightening and thunder. The low is only predicted for 38 tonight, well above the earlier prediction of a freeze. So, the flowers and few vegetables should be safe without special attention, and there does not appear to be danger of a frost for the next week. We have probably seen our last frost in this region for the season. Now the plants (and bugs) can grow in earnest.

Joshua 11:1-12:24

These chapters form a summary of the initial conquest of the promised land. It is difficult to read about the total annihilation of the people who occupied Canaan. God told Moses, who told Joshua to spare no one. “And Joshua did as he was told, carefully obeying all the commands that the Lord had given to Moses.” (11:15) It is not easy to apply this chapter to today. Obedience to God’s will is supremely important. This occupation of the promised land was a unique event in the life of God’s chosen people. The crusades were a disaster, an attempted “conquest” of the Christian era. Religious people with power must be so careful to use it wisely, extending the kingdom of God, and not foolishly, building their own.

This weekend Wesley UM Church invades the community of Springfield with the Mission Blitz. We have 700 people signed up to invest half a day in working throughout the community, helping people in need. We are partnering with several agencies and ministries who specialize in different forms of care and witness. Jesus said that when we have fed, clothed, visited the marginalized, we have done so for Him. We are invading Springfield with kindness and care today and tomorrow. Guide our every step, bless our every effort to the building of your work, Lord, in this generation.