April 18, 2011

4-18-11 Monday, 7:21 am Springfield, 58 degrees, partly sunny, spring green!

The bright, fresh colors of spring green are all around. From the grass to the trees, to the blackberry bushes in my garden, new life is bursting out. I have this day unscheduled, and will observe sabbath. Yesterday was a most fulfilling, and strenuous day with worship, speaking at the Easter egg hunt, walking through a rehearsal with the confirmation students and parents, and then premarital counseling with a delightful college-age couple. Tonight Bethany arrives from Los Angeles to spend her spring break here in Springfield. David and Danelle will be here for the weekend. Our water heater is on the fritz and will probably need to be replaced.

Obituary in today’s paper, for my barber of the last 4 years: “John C. Hipsher was born March 30, 1941 in Pleasant Hope, Mo., and passed away April 16, 2011 in Springfield, Mo., after a brief battle with cancer.” I will plan to attend his funeral on Wed at Park Crest Baptist church. Unfortunately death and grief are a regular part of life here in Springfield, and around the world. As I live in and serve a community, it is my privilege to work closely with families in the midst of their loss. I visited John on Thursday and met his wife and brother Paul. John was a man of great faith and had a strong witness to the power of God in his life. He was ready to enter eternity.

Joshua 16:1 – 18:28 (from today's God Sightings, the One Year Bible)

These chapters contain details about the allotments designated for the different tribes, half tribes and clans. “The descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy …” They complained to Joshua that they had so many people and not enough land. “Joshua replied, ‘if there are so many of you, and if the hill country of Ephraim is not large enough for you, clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Rephaites live.’” (17:15) One application of this incident is for followers of Jesus to believe that God is at work in their midst, and to avoid complaining about the lack of opportunity to serve Him. In Cape Girardeau, in Kansas City, in O’Fallon very large congregations have been planted by United Methodist pastors (La Croix, Resurrection, and Morning Star). There is still no limit to what God is doing through His followers.

Guide me today, most holy, living, powerful Lord as I walk with you and serve you in this generation. Guard me from discontentment and whining like the descendants of Manasseh, and give me more of the spirit of Caleb.