9-30-11 Friday, 5:23 am Springfield, 49 degrees, sunny
We arrived home last night around 9:30 pm from our 9 days away. We flew from England to Amsterdam, to Memphis, and then Springfield, following the sun and gaining 6 hours. My Circadian rhythm tells my body that it is currently 11:23 am, thus I am wide awake. I will enjoy these quiet moments with God’s word and this journal, and then begin the process of settling back into the routine of home, church, and community.
Philippians 1:27-2:18
Yesterday I read the first 26 verses of Philippians, remembering why it is one of my favorite books of the Bible, as Paul is so full of joy for these believers, even as he writes from a prison cell. He articulated that to “live is Christ, to die is gain.” (1:21) This is also my aspiration, even as it is “weird” or counter cultural to orient oneself to the gain of dying (almost sounds akin to the rational of fanatical Muslim suicide bombers.) The key of this phrase is the first part, “to live is Christ” and this is my focus today.
In Chapter 2 Paul instructs the readers to have the same mind that he does, and to “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (2:3) These first 5 verses serve as an introduction to the great verses (2:6-11) which describe His self emptying, “taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of humans” (Verse 7).
Empower me today Lord to live with Your mind and heart in all that I do, filled with joy and unselfishness, serving, shepherding, nurturing. Guide me steps, my schedule, my interactions both planned and unplanned. I give you thanks for Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
September27, 2011
9-27-11 Tuesday, 7:15 am Birmingham 55 degrees, foggy
Yesterday I was on a great 8 mile run along the canal tow path when I rolled my ankle. Clearly it was a severe sprain, and thus I eventually took a cab back to where we are staying. For lunch we visited a country estate and enjoyed a fabulous meal, including rabbit liver and ox cheek. In the evening we watched a charming tv show called Doc Martin. Today Audrey will go shopping with some gals and I will visit the world's best motorcyle museum here in birmingham.
Ephesians 5
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love..." (Verses 1-2)
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality... (3)
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...(8)
"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise. But as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." (15,16)
There are many verses in this chapter exhorting the reader to live carefully a life of love. In many ways this chapter summarizes the theme of my preaching for the next month - living beyond normal - making choices that are careful and wise, which will inevitably prove different then most people around us.
Guide me today Lord as I carefully live this day as I "sing and make music in my heart" to You, being filled with Your Spirit.
Yesterday I was on a great 8 mile run along the canal tow path when I rolled my ankle. Clearly it was a severe sprain, and thus I eventually took a cab back to where we are staying. For lunch we visited a country estate and enjoyed a fabulous meal, including rabbit liver and ox cheek. In the evening we watched a charming tv show called Doc Martin. Today Audrey will go shopping with some gals and I will visit the world's best motorcyle museum here in birmingham.
Ephesians 5
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love..." (Verses 1-2)
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality... (3)
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...(8)
"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise. But as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." (15,16)
There are many verses in this chapter exhorting the reader to live carefully a life of love. In many ways this chapter summarizes the theme of my preaching for the next month - living beyond normal - making choices that are careful and wise, which will inevitably prove different then most people around us.
Guide me today Lord as I carefully live this day as I "sing and make music in my heart" to You, being filled with Your Spirit.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
September 24, 2011
9-24-11 Saturday, 9:30 am
Lacking a good internet connection as I was having my devotions, I went for a morning run and pondered tbe scripture. Now I am back at our hosts and reflecting as breakfast cooks and worldcup rugby is on TV.
Ephesians 3:16-19 TNIV
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
This is my prayer, my desire, my hope for myself and for each person within my sphere of influence. To really know the love of God, and to live in that love.
Guide today Lord as I experience and share your love.
Lacking a good internet connection as I was having my devotions, I went for a morning run and pondered tbe scripture. Now I am back at our hosts and reflecting as breakfast cooks and worldcup rugby is on TV.
Ephesians 3:16-19 TNIV
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
This is my prayer, my desire, my hope for myself and for each person within my sphere of influence. To really know the love of God, and to live in that love.
Guide today Lord as I experience and share your love.
Friday, September 23, 2011
September 23, 2011
9-23-11 Friday, 8:45 am Birmingham
I am glad to be connected to the internet through my Droid. We are having a great visit with Malcolm and
and Olwen. Yesterday I ran six miles, got stung by a bee in my eyebrow, and lost badly in scrabble. Today the sun is out and the air is fresh.
Psalm 67
"May God be gracious to us and make His face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."This is a beautiful desire, and it is my desire to make His salvation known among the nations.
Ephesians 2
Paul teaches and reminds the readers about how each of us were dead in our sins when we "followed the ways of this world the spirit who is now work in thoses who are disobedient." He reminds us that "all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts." The remedy is described in verses7 and 8, salvation by grace through faith. We are now one in Christ, fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household! This is such good news and I live in this reality.
Thank you Lord for being our peace and making possible our adoption. Guide my steps today as I live this day in your presence.
I am glad to be connected to the internet through my Droid. We are having a great visit with Malcolm and
and Olwen. Yesterday I ran six miles, got stung by a bee in my eyebrow, and lost badly in scrabble. Today the sun is out and the air is fresh.
Psalm 67
"May God be gracious to us and make His face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."This is a beautiful desire, and it is my desire to make His salvation known among the nations.
Ephesians 2
Paul teaches and reminds the readers about how each of us were dead in our sins when we "followed the ways of this world the spirit who is now work in thoses who are disobedient." He reminds us that "all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts." The remedy is described in verses7 and 8, salvation by grace through faith. We are now one in Christ, fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household! This is such good news and I live in this reality.
Thank you Lord for being our peace and making possible our adoption. Guide my steps today as I live this day in your presence.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
September 20, 2011
9-20-11 Tuesday, 7:00 am 48 degrees, clear.
It is a beautiful day in the Ozarks! Audrey and I are getting ready for a long day of travel. It will be good to see friends and to be on a different pace. I am taking three books with me – Weird by Groeschel, Onward by Schultz – “How Starbucks Fought for its Life without Losing Its Soul”, and In the Garden of Beasts about the Dodd family in Germany, 1933.
Galatians 5:13-25 (Today’s One Year Bible)
“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Verse 15) It seems that people in communion with one another always face the temptation to “bite and devour”, to pick and complain and gossip. Paul addresses this directly with this precious group of believers in the region of Galatia, and his words ring powerfully appropriate down through the ages.
His antidote follows in verse 16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Verses 17-25 clearly teach about the conflict of the sinful nature and the fruit of the spirit. “Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Verses 22-23) are the components of the fruit of the Spirit in a person’s life. My goal is to fully rely on God’s Spirit to cultivate these fruits in my life, using every circumstance, every trial, every day to ripen and polish these attributes.
Guide me today, and every day as I live for Jesus, in the power of the Spirit with a long view of this short life. I am yours, Lord, direct my life in every way through the twists and turns of this journey. Amen.
It is a beautiful day in the Ozarks! Audrey and I are getting ready for a long day of travel. It will be good to see friends and to be on a different pace. I am taking three books with me – Weird by Groeschel, Onward by Schultz – “How Starbucks Fought for its Life without Losing Its Soul”, and In the Garden of Beasts about the Dodd family in Germany, 1933.
Galatians 5:13-25 (Today’s One Year Bible)
“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Verse 15) It seems that people in communion with one another always face the temptation to “bite and devour”, to pick and complain and gossip. Paul addresses this directly with this precious group of believers in the region of Galatia, and his words ring powerfully appropriate down through the ages.
His antidote follows in verse 16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Verses 17-25 clearly teach about the conflict of the sinful nature and the fruit of the spirit. “Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Verses 22-23) are the components of the fruit of the Spirit in a person’s life. My goal is to fully rely on God’s Spirit to cultivate these fruits in my life, using every circumstance, every trial, every day to ripen and polish these attributes.
Guide me today, and every day as I live for Jesus, in the power of the Spirit with a long view of this short life. I am yours, Lord, direct my life in every way through the twists and turns of this journey. Amen.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September 18, 2011
9-18-11 Sunday, 6:30 am
When Audrey and I were dating we visited the church in Omaha where her family had attended. It so happened that a friend of mine was the son of the senior pastor. Spotting me in the congregation, he came down to where we were sitting and said “Bruce, we have a tradition here of asking someone from the congregation to pray. Would you be willing to pray during the service?" I was in my second year of seminary and I was comfortable praying in public, though I had not done so very often and I said that I would be happy to pray. After the opening singing Pastor Murdoch introduced me and asked me to pray. I stood up and began to form the words of a prayer asking God’s blessing upon the service, upon the preaching from the Word, and upon the congregation. The problem was that I got tongue tied, and my thoughts ran ahead of my spoken words and my prayer was somewhat of a mess of garbled phrases that did not really fit together. I finally said amen and sat down. The pastor went to the pulpit and began his sermon with these words: “tonight, I would like to teach about how to pray.” It was a very good message which followed my prayer, which was really an example of how not to pray. With each point I sank deeper into my chair, agonizing over my botched attempt to pray.
Matthew 6:5-8
My sermon this morning is titled “how to pray”. I will be teaching from this gospel account of Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, giving us instruction and example in how to pray. It is an awesome task to stand before a congregation and teach on prayer. Guide my words, my actions, and my openness to your Spirit most holy Lord.
When Audrey and I were dating we visited the church in Omaha where her family had attended. It so happened that a friend of mine was the son of the senior pastor. Spotting me in the congregation, he came down to where we were sitting and said “Bruce, we have a tradition here of asking someone from the congregation to pray. Would you be willing to pray during the service?" I was in my second year of seminary and I was comfortable praying in public, though I had not done so very often and I said that I would be happy to pray. After the opening singing Pastor Murdoch introduced me and asked me to pray. I stood up and began to form the words of a prayer asking God’s blessing upon the service, upon the preaching from the Word, and upon the congregation. The problem was that I got tongue tied, and my thoughts ran ahead of my spoken words and my prayer was somewhat of a mess of garbled phrases that did not really fit together. I finally said amen and sat down. The pastor went to the pulpit and began his sermon with these words: “tonight, I would like to teach about how to pray.” It was a very good message which followed my prayer, which was really an example of how not to pray. With each point I sank deeper into my chair, agonizing over my botched attempt to pray.
Matthew 6:5-8
My sermon this morning is titled “how to pray”. I will be teaching from this gospel account of Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, giving us instruction and example in how to pray. It is an awesome task to stand before a congregation and teach on prayer. Guide my words, my actions, and my openness to your Spirit most holy Lord.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
September 17, 2011
9-17-11 Saturday, 6:21 am Springfield, 54 degrees, light rain.
It is good to wake up early on this Saturday. I am looking forward to meeting with folks at Wesley who have expressed concerns about various aspects of church life. They met with our lay leader on Aug 30 and I will be responding this morning. I will be continuing to develop my sermon today, as well as meeting with a family concerning the baptizing of their infant daughter tomorrow. Yesterday I officiated at the funeral of Jeff Kessler. Tomorrow we host a team whose task is to present goals to our college aged ministry, similar to the prescriptions in the HCI process.
Galatians 3:10-22
Paul strongly admonishes the Galatian believers to live by faith, and not to rely upon “works”, or obedience to the law as the ground of their right-standing with God. In verse 11, he quotes Habakkuk 2:4b “but the righteous live by their faith”. Paul states definitively in verse 12 that “the law is not of faith”.
In verse 19 the apostle asks the question: “Why the law then?” His answer: “It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made.” In verse 16 Paul had specified that the “seed” in the promise to Abraham is Christ.
So, on this mid-September weekend I will walk by faith, not by sight. Jesus has taken upon himself the curse of the law and I live through faith in Him. Guide me holy Lord as faith results in good works which bless and draw more people to accept your love in Jesus Christ. Use me today, most holy Lord.
It is good to wake up early on this Saturday. I am looking forward to meeting with folks at Wesley who have expressed concerns about various aspects of church life. They met with our lay leader on Aug 30 and I will be responding this morning. I will be continuing to develop my sermon today, as well as meeting with a family concerning the baptizing of their infant daughter tomorrow. Yesterday I officiated at the funeral of Jeff Kessler. Tomorrow we host a team whose task is to present goals to our college aged ministry, similar to the prescriptions in the HCI process.
Galatians 3:10-22
Paul strongly admonishes the Galatian believers to live by faith, and not to rely upon “works”, or obedience to the law as the ground of their right-standing with God. In verse 11, he quotes Habakkuk 2:4b “but the righteous live by their faith”. Paul states definitively in verse 12 that “the law is not of faith”.
In verse 19 the apostle asks the question: “Why the law then?” His answer: “It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made.” In verse 16 Paul had specified that the “seed” in the promise to Abraham is Christ.
So, on this mid-September weekend I will walk by faith, not by sight. Jesus has taken upon himself the curse of the law and I live through faith in Him. Guide me holy Lord as faith results in good works which bless and draw more people to accept your love in Jesus Christ. Use me today, most holy Lord.
Friday, September 16, 2011
September 16, 2011
9-16-11 Friday, 7:44 am Springfield, 52 degrees, cloudy.
Yesterday was a long, strenuous and fruitful day of pastoral ministry. I began with an 8:30 worship planning meeting in which we zeroed in on the theme and material for spring 2012. We plan to produce our own small group DVD based on a study guide by Michael Slaughter. I spoke with his assistant yesterday requesting some copyright permission. I met with a worship leader at 11 to discuss the flow of the sanctuary worship services. At noon three pastors met with a leader to discuss aspects of the overall life of Wesley. In the afternoon and early evening I ministered to various family members involved in the tragic death of a 42 year-old father of three. Back at church I stopped by the Leadership Experience in which one of our leaders was teaching about evangelism, and I finished the evening with a two-hour church council meeting. Today I will prepare for the funeral, work on the Sunday service, and then conduct the funeral, graveside, and be with the family at the meal.
Galatians 2:17-3:9
Paul is directly confronting the Christians of Galatia with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection for salvation, contrasted with the emptiness of legalism. Some false teachers had infiltrated this region and were teaching that a gentile must first become a Jew in order to become a Christian, and that strictly following the Jewish laws and regulations was part of following Christ. Paul states clearly that we are “justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law because no one will be justified by the works of the law.” (2:16) Paul presents the powerful example of Abraham who was not justified by keeping the law, “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (3:6)
Even in the various expressions of the body of Christ today there is the tension of faith and works. The apostle James addresses this in his epistle, and I am convinced that to the end of time serious followers of God will struggle to balance the faith in what God has done through Christ, with the obedience that requires a transformation of life in response to the Gospel. As I prepare to preach a series of messages in October called “Beyond Normal” I must strive to keep the balance of faith and works. I will be addressing the issues of time, relationships, sex, money and values.
Guide me today, most precious holy Lord as I serve you with joy as a pastor in America in this 21st century. Use me as your instrument of peace and comfort. Give me vision for pastoring beyond the horizon. I see your hand of mercy and will sing of your love forever.
Yesterday was a long, strenuous and fruitful day of pastoral ministry. I began with an 8:30 worship planning meeting in which we zeroed in on the theme and material for spring 2012. We plan to produce our own small group DVD based on a study guide by Michael Slaughter. I spoke with his assistant yesterday requesting some copyright permission. I met with a worship leader at 11 to discuss the flow of the sanctuary worship services. At noon three pastors met with a leader to discuss aspects of the overall life of Wesley. In the afternoon and early evening I ministered to various family members involved in the tragic death of a 42 year-old father of three. Back at church I stopped by the Leadership Experience in which one of our leaders was teaching about evangelism, and I finished the evening with a two-hour church council meeting. Today I will prepare for the funeral, work on the Sunday service, and then conduct the funeral, graveside, and be with the family at the meal.
Galatians 2:17-3:9
Paul is directly confronting the Christians of Galatia with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection for salvation, contrasted with the emptiness of legalism. Some false teachers had infiltrated this region and were teaching that a gentile must first become a Jew in order to become a Christian, and that strictly following the Jewish laws and regulations was part of following Christ. Paul states clearly that we are “justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law because no one will be justified by the works of the law.” (2:16) Paul presents the powerful example of Abraham who was not justified by keeping the law, “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (3:6)
Even in the various expressions of the body of Christ today there is the tension of faith and works. The apostle James addresses this in his epistle, and I am convinced that to the end of time serious followers of God will struggle to balance the faith in what God has done through Christ, with the obedience that requires a transformation of life in response to the Gospel. As I prepare to preach a series of messages in October called “Beyond Normal” I must strive to keep the balance of faith and works. I will be addressing the issues of time, relationships, sex, money and values.
Guide me today, most precious holy Lord as I serve you with joy as a pastor in America in this 21st century. Use me as your instrument of peace and comfort. Give me vision for pastoring beyond the horizon. I see your hand of mercy and will sing of your love forever.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September 14, 2011
9-14-11 Wednesday, 5:31 am Sedalia 60 degrees, with 50% chance of thundershowers.
On this day 23 years ago my beloved wife gave birth to a precious daughter who we named Bethany. Today she is a college graduate, living in the Los Angeles area, a follower of Christ who is serving Him with all her life, using the beautiful voice that God has given her to be a blessing to many. Yesterday as I was running 7 on the Katy trail a couple with bicycles laden with gear approached. I asked them where they were headed, and when they replied “California” I shouted back down the trail “I have a daughter in L.A.!” I feel the distance from here to there, and I have a great peace that Bethany is in the center of God’s will for her life.
Galatians 1 (One Year Bible reading plan for today)
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Verses 3-4) In this one sentence is enough spiritual meat to chew on all day! God’s grace – what a gift. His unmerited favor, not earned nor deserved. Religious people under the old covenant, church people under the new covenant are so easily deluded into thinking that we deserve God’s favor because _______ (fill in the blank). Israel was chosen by God’s grace, and the church is purchased by Christ who gave himself for our sins. Our lives of faith must always be lived in the light of His grace.
Peace – shalom – God’s gift. As we are being rescued “from the present evil age” living in the middle of God’s peace is a promise and a blessing. I have begun to read Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts, an historical account of William E. Dodd and his family upon his appointment in 1933 as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. The “evil” of that age was not yet fully comprehended by the history professor from the University of Chicago, but would unfold during coming months. We would like to think that in 2011 in America we do not live in “the present evil age” from which we need rescuing, but that fact is that until Christ comes again, the Evil One has great power on earth.
On Friday morning I will officiate at a funeral of a young father whose family are members at Wesley. It will be a difficult time for this family which has endured much. Grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” will be the basis, as it is for every funeral.
Psalm 58
“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” This was graphically true of the Nazi rulers in the 1930’s, and in various ways is lived out all through time. As the Psalmist counts on God to avenge the wicked he concludes in verse 11 “Then the people will say, ‘surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.’”
Guide my steps today, O You who judges the earth. May I fully live in your grace and peace, under the shadow of your wings. Your righteousness is like majestic mountains – lead me in your righteousness most Holy Lord as I wake up in Sedalia, learn from Ben Witherington, travel to Springfield and share your grace and peace with families in turmoil.
On this day 23 years ago my beloved wife gave birth to a precious daughter who we named Bethany. Today she is a college graduate, living in the Los Angeles area, a follower of Christ who is serving Him with all her life, using the beautiful voice that God has given her to be a blessing to many. Yesterday as I was running 7 on the Katy trail a couple with bicycles laden with gear approached. I asked them where they were headed, and when they replied “California” I shouted back down the trail “I have a daughter in L.A.!” I feel the distance from here to there, and I have a great peace that Bethany is in the center of God’s will for her life.
Galatians 1 (One Year Bible reading plan for today)
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Verses 3-4) In this one sentence is enough spiritual meat to chew on all day! God’s grace – what a gift. His unmerited favor, not earned nor deserved. Religious people under the old covenant, church people under the new covenant are so easily deluded into thinking that we deserve God’s favor because _______ (fill in the blank). Israel was chosen by God’s grace, and the church is purchased by Christ who gave himself for our sins. Our lives of faith must always be lived in the light of His grace.
Peace – shalom – God’s gift. As we are being rescued “from the present evil age” living in the middle of God’s peace is a promise and a blessing. I have begun to read Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts, an historical account of William E. Dodd and his family upon his appointment in 1933 as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. The “evil” of that age was not yet fully comprehended by the history professor from the University of Chicago, but would unfold during coming months. We would like to think that in 2011 in America we do not live in “the present evil age” from which we need rescuing, but that fact is that until Christ comes again, the Evil One has great power on earth.
On Friday morning I will officiate at a funeral of a young father whose family are members at Wesley. It will be a difficult time for this family which has endured much. Grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” will be the basis, as it is for every funeral.
Psalm 58
“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” This was graphically true of the Nazi rulers in the 1930’s, and in various ways is lived out all through time. As the Psalmist counts on God to avenge the wicked he concludes in verse 11 “Then the people will say, ‘surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.’”
Guide my steps today, O You who judges the earth. May I fully live in your grace and peace, under the shadow of your wings. Your righteousness is like majestic mountains – lead me in your righteousness most Holy Lord as I wake up in Sedalia, learn from Ben Witherington, travel to Springfield and share your grace and peace with families in turmoil.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
September 13, 2011
9-13-11 Tuesday, 7:49 Sedalia (Converge Conference for Pastors)
Ben Witherington is one of the keynote teachers, and is doing a great job. Last night I had dinner with other members of the Asbury Seminary Alumni Leadership for Missouri as we planned for this coming year led by Jim Voigt. Today I am looking forward to the morning sessions, and during the free time this afternoon I hope to run 7 on the Katie Trail.
Psalm 57
“I will praise you Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” (Verses 9-11) These words from this Psalm are my prayer this morning. Thank you Lord for your word and for language to praise your great and holy Name. Lead me in your righteousness, guide my steps today, most holy Lord.
Ben Witherington is one of the keynote teachers, and is doing a great job. Last night I had dinner with other members of the Asbury Seminary Alumni Leadership for Missouri as we planned for this coming year led by Jim Voigt. Today I am looking forward to the morning sessions, and during the free time this afternoon I hope to run 7 on the Katie Trail.
Psalm 57
“I will praise you Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” (Verses 9-11) These words from this Psalm are my prayer this morning. Thank you Lord for your word and for language to praise your great and holy Name. Lead me in your righteousness, guide my steps today, most holy Lord.
Monday, September 12, 2011
September 12, 2011
9-12-11 Monday, 5:34 am Springfield, 58 degrees.
II Cor 12:11-21 (One Year Bible)
Paul continues to defend his ministry and his apostleship to the recipients of this letter. In verse 20 he states his fear that when he comes to visit this church he will find “quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” It seems too easy for the body of Christ to participate in these activities. Why do people in churches quarrel? Why are their factions? What is the source of gossip? Perhaps this one verse contains a window into the downside possibilities of every faith community. A goal for pastors and church leaders is to guard against these tendencies with measures to emphasize the upside opportunities of grace, humility, self-control, unity, truthfulness, maturity, and order.
Psalm 56 (One Year Bible)
The author is asking God for mercy in the midst of enemies and adversaries. He says “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (verses 3-4) This is a great reminder for every child of God – what can mere mortals do to me?
Guide me today Lord as I navigate the role of pastor, leader, teacher, servant. Bless the work of Converge as United Methodist pastors gather in Sedalia for teaching, encouragement, fellowship. Strengthen the community through the mission of Wesley in Springfield to develop more disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.
II Cor 12:11-21 (One Year Bible)
Paul continues to defend his ministry and his apostleship to the recipients of this letter. In verse 20 he states his fear that when he comes to visit this church he will find “quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” It seems too easy for the body of Christ to participate in these activities. Why do people in churches quarrel? Why are their factions? What is the source of gossip? Perhaps this one verse contains a window into the downside possibilities of every faith community. A goal for pastors and church leaders is to guard against these tendencies with measures to emphasize the upside opportunities of grace, humility, self-control, unity, truthfulness, maturity, and order.
Psalm 56 (One Year Bible)
The author is asking God for mercy in the midst of enemies and adversaries. He says “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (verses 3-4) This is a great reminder for every child of God – what can mere mortals do to me?
Guide me today Lord as I navigate the role of pastor, leader, teacher, servant. Bless the work of Converge as United Methodist pastors gather in Sedalia for teaching, encouragement, fellowship. Strengthen the community through the mission of Wesley in Springfield to develop more disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 11, 2011
9-11-11 Sunday, 6:04 am Springfield, 58 degrees.
“Evil is real, and so is courage” is the banner across the headline news this morning as our nation remembers the attacks of 9-11 ten years ago today. This morning in worship I will be teaching about prayer, answering the question “why pray?”
My short answer is “because God is listening and will act on our behalf.” This begs the question of the immutability of God, or does God change His mind and alter His course because of the prayers of humans? I have a friend who is writing a Ph.D. dissertation on this question, and it’s main impact is on the passion and urgency of prayer.
I will pray today and every day because I believe and have experienced that God is listening. The Bible teaches that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16)
Lead me Lord in your righteousness as I teach and encourage Wesley to pray.
“Evil is real, and so is courage” is the banner across the headline news this morning as our nation remembers the attacks of 9-11 ten years ago today. This morning in worship I will be teaching about prayer, answering the question “why pray?”
My short answer is “because God is listening and will act on our behalf.” This begs the question of the immutability of God, or does God change His mind and alter His course because of the prayers of humans? I have a friend who is writing a Ph.D. dissertation on this question, and it’s main impact is on the passion and urgency of prayer.
I will pray today and every day because I believe and have experienced that God is listening. The Bible teaches that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16)
Lead me Lord in your righteousness as I teach and encourage Wesley to pray.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 10, 2011
9-10-11 Saturday, 6:27 am Springfield, 61 degrees, partly cloudy
Yesterday Audrey and I had a great day travelling with the Sojourners from Wesley to Branson, and then dinner and desert with Wesley leaders. It was really good for me to have time to visit and become better acquainted with several people with whom Pastor Jim Massey shepherds. Audrey is always delightful and encouraging to the people around her. Around 10:00 last night I went for a 2 mile run. Today I will meet with various folks, work on my sermon, exercise, and this evening assist with the movie night at Wesley, showing Letters to God.
Psalm 5 (text for sermon tomorrow)
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch.” (Verses 1-3) In his devotional commentary on the Psalms George O. Wood points out the difference between a sigh and a cry. In Verse 1 David asks God to pay attention to his sighing – that thought often accompanied by exhaling as a memory of the past or fear for the future drifts across your spirit with a somewhat passive physical response. In Verse 2 he asks God to listen to the sound of his cry. This is a more active and stronger form of calling out. If you are drowning, you cry out for help. David identifies the role of the One to whom he is praying – “my king and my God”. As a king himself, David knew the power and authority available to help his subjects.
Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” These verses inform me that the Holy Spirit in me is guiding my unformed prayers as I sigh, and searching my heart helps me pray according to the will of God. Lately I have been sighing as I ponder the church and the recent “dust up” among folks who are not happy. I sense God leading my steps, words and actions and I will continue to trust Him.
Lead me Lord, lead me in your righteousness, make my paths straight that I might accomplish your will and purposes. On this Saturday in September I desire to be used by you as I walk through the day, and I desire to pray without ceasing before your throne. Thank you for the gift of prayer.
Yesterday Audrey and I had a great day travelling with the Sojourners from Wesley to Branson, and then dinner and desert with Wesley leaders. It was really good for me to have time to visit and become better acquainted with several people with whom Pastor Jim Massey shepherds. Audrey is always delightful and encouraging to the people around her. Around 10:00 last night I went for a 2 mile run. Today I will meet with various folks, work on my sermon, exercise, and this evening assist with the movie night at Wesley, showing Letters to God.
Psalm 5 (text for sermon tomorrow)
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch.” (Verses 1-3) In his devotional commentary on the Psalms George O. Wood points out the difference between a sigh and a cry. In Verse 1 David asks God to pay attention to his sighing – that thought often accompanied by exhaling as a memory of the past or fear for the future drifts across your spirit with a somewhat passive physical response. In Verse 2 he asks God to listen to the sound of his cry. This is a more active and stronger form of calling out. If you are drowning, you cry out for help. David identifies the role of the One to whom he is praying – “my king and my God”. As a king himself, David knew the power and authority available to help his subjects.
Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” These verses inform me that the Holy Spirit in me is guiding my unformed prayers as I sigh, and searching my heart helps me pray according to the will of God. Lately I have been sighing as I ponder the church and the recent “dust up” among folks who are not happy. I sense God leading my steps, words and actions and I will continue to trust Him.
Lead me Lord, lead me in your righteousness, make my paths straight that I might accomplish your will and purposes. On this Saturday in September I desire to be used by you as I walk through the day, and I desire to pray without ceasing before your throne. Thank you for the gift of prayer.
Friday, September 9, 2011
September 9, 2011
9-9-11 Friday, 6:21 am Springfield, 56 degrees
Audrey made it home safely after being in O’Fallon 8 days working on David and Danelle’s house. Today we travel with the Sojourners from Wesley to Branson and take in 2 shows and a nice lunch. I am looking forward to spending time with those on this trip. During my first 4 years here as pastor of Wesley I have wanted to participate in this way, but the schedule has not worked out. With this trip being on a Friday, and with advanced planning I was able to make it work.
Last night the NFL kicked off with Green Bay hosting New Orleans. I have the game recorded as I was in a staff parish meeting and then a visit to St. John’s hospital until 9:30. Out of curiosity I have watched the first five minutes and enjoyed watching Green Bay score on their opening drive, something New Orleans did not allow during the entire previous season!
Psalm 53:1-6
“Fools say in their hearts, ‘there is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Verses 1-2) There seems to be an increasing number of “fools” in this culture who say in their hearts that there is no God. In Psalm 73 the writer states that “my feet had almost stumbled… for I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He goes on to say that godless people seem to get along pretty well in life, and as he tries to live in a way that pleases God, he has pain and trouble. When he went into the sanctuary of God (the temple) he gained clarity and he concluded “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (73:26)
As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and its tragic consequences I remember that there was much prayer on that day, and as all air traffic was grounded there was an eerie quietness about the day that lent itself to seeking God and trusting Him in the midst of confusion and loss. Psalm 53 verse 5b says “God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.” Ben Laden is dead, his bones scattered in the ocean after a burial at sea. The future is uncertain, but as I seek God, I know that eternity is real and “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” “I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
Audrey made it home safely after being in O’Fallon 8 days working on David and Danelle’s house. Today we travel with the Sojourners from Wesley to Branson and take in 2 shows and a nice lunch. I am looking forward to spending time with those on this trip. During my first 4 years here as pastor of Wesley I have wanted to participate in this way, but the schedule has not worked out. With this trip being on a Friday, and with advanced planning I was able to make it work.
Last night the NFL kicked off with Green Bay hosting New Orleans. I have the game recorded as I was in a staff parish meeting and then a visit to St. John’s hospital until 9:30. Out of curiosity I have watched the first five minutes and enjoyed watching Green Bay score on their opening drive, something New Orleans did not allow during the entire previous season!
Psalm 53:1-6
“Fools say in their hearts, ‘there is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Verses 1-2) There seems to be an increasing number of “fools” in this culture who say in their hearts that there is no God. In Psalm 73 the writer states that “my feet had almost stumbled… for I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He goes on to say that godless people seem to get along pretty well in life, and as he tries to live in a way that pleases God, he has pain and trouble. When he went into the sanctuary of God (the temple) he gained clarity and he concluded “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (73:26)
As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and its tragic consequences I remember that there was much prayer on that day, and as all air traffic was grounded there was an eerie quietness about the day that lent itself to seeking God and trusting Him in the midst of confusion and loss. Psalm 53 verse 5b says “God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.” Ben Laden is dead, his bones scattered in the ocean after a burial at sea. The future is uncertain, but as I seek God, I know that eternity is real and “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” “I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
Thursday, September 8, 2011
September 8, 2011
9-8-11 Thursday, 7:20 am Springfield, 48 degrees
I am sitting on the deck in my backyard, facing south, with the sun rising to my left, and multiple humming birds feeding and fighting around the sugar water I have supplied. Why do humming birds fight when there is plenty of “nectar” to feed them all? Why do humans fight when God supplies all that we need?
Yesterday was long, strenuous, and fruitful. I began with a 3 mile run, which proved that my puncture wound would withstand running, and resulted in 10-minute miles. Our day with Doug Anderson was perhaps the most helpful day of coaching I have experienced, as he and I met with our staff, our pastors, our lay leaders, our Sunday Morning Experience task force and our Ministry Audit task force. I finished out the evening teaching with Pastor Mi Hyeon the new member class. I gained clarity and direction in issues related to our vision and direction with the HCI prescriptions.
2 Corinthians 10 (One Year Bible)
Paul continues his second letter to the church which he planted in Corinth on his second missionary journey. His tone sharpens with this chapter and continues through chapter 13 substantiating his authority and rebuking those who promote themselves. Commentators ponder why his writing becomes stronger and more confrontative in this and following chapters. As I am experiencing some criticism and conflict in the Wesley faith community I appreciate very much what Paul has to say in this chapter. He states that his only boasting is in Christ, and “it is not those who commend themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.” (Verse 18)
I am yours most precious Lord. I serve You alone. Guide my words, actions, planning, writing, and all aspects of pastoring as I endeavor to build up your body, your bride, your people and those still spiritually asleep in Springfield, and around the globe.
I am sitting on the deck in my backyard, facing south, with the sun rising to my left, and multiple humming birds feeding and fighting around the sugar water I have supplied. Why do humming birds fight when there is plenty of “nectar” to feed them all? Why do humans fight when God supplies all that we need?
Yesterday was long, strenuous, and fruitful. I began with a 3 mile run, which proved that my puncture wound would withstand running, and resulted in 10-minute miles. Our day with Doug Anderson was perhaps the most helpful day of coaching I have experienced, as he and I met with our staff, our pastors, our lay leaders, our Sunday Morning Experience task force and our Ministry Audit task force. I finished out the evening teaching with Pastor Mi Hyeon the new member class. I gained clarity and direction in issues related to our vision and direction with the HCI prescriptions.
2 Corinthians 10 (One Year Bible)
Paul continues his second letter to the church which he planted in Corinth on his second missionary journey. His tone sharpens with this chapter and continues through chapter 13 substantiating his authority and rebuking those who promote themselves. Commentators ponder why his writing becomes stronger and more confrontative in this and following chapters. As I am experiencing some criticism and conflict in the Wesley faith community I appreciate very much what Paul has to say in this chapter. He states that his only boasting is in Christ, and “it is not those who commend themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.” (Verse 18)
I am yours most precious Lord. I serve You alone. Guide my words, actions, planning, writing, and all aspects of pastoring as I endeavor to build up your body, your bride, your people and those still spiritually asleep in Springfield, and around the globe.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
September 7, 2011
9-7-11 Wednesday 6:24 am Springfield, 45 degrees (new overnight record low of 44!)
It is a fresh and cool morning. I will run 3 before I get ready for the day. I find that with my typical Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule it is difficult to carve out time to exercise. This week my schedule is more unusual with the weekend in O’Fallon, and the visit today from our coach Doug Anderson.
II Corinthians 9
Paul discusses the collection he is spearheading for the Christians in Palestine. He explains that their generosity has spurred the Macedonians to likewise give unselfishly in this offering. He will send the brothers to Corinth to collect this promised offering, and wants them to be prepared to present it, and not have it seem like extortion. In this chapter Paul provides excellent teaching on giving: “the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully” (9:6) “God loves a cheerful giver” (Verse 7). “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (Verse10).
Paul was dealing with the challenge of meeting the needs of believers whose economic livelihood was jeopardized by their faith in Christ. His approach was to collect funds from believers in other parts of the world who were more prosperous. Today the world is flat, and there are so many known opportunities to help people, and the need is overwhelming. I appreciate our United Methodist connection and the opportunities to support the work of Jesus’ followers in under resourced areas of the world. We are personally involved in Honduras and Mozambique, along with Springfield, Joplin and across Missouri.
Guide me today Lord as I practice generosity and live this day sowing bountifully, giving cheerfully, and trusting You to supply and multiply my seed for sowing, resulting in an increase in the harvest of righteousness.
It is a fresh and cool morning. I will run 3 before I get ready for the day. I find that with my typical Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule it is difficult to carve out time to exercise. This week my schedule is more unusual with the weekend in O’Fallon, and the visit today from our coach Doug Anderson.
II Corinthians 9
Paul discusses the collection he is spearheading for the Christians in Palestine. He explains that their generosity has spurred the Macedonians to likewise give unselfishly in this offering. He will send the brothers to Corinth to collect this promised offering, and wants them to be prepared to present it, and not have it seem like extortion. In this chapter Paul provides excellent teaching on giving: “the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully” (9:6) “God loves a cheerful giver” (Verse 7). “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (Verse10).
Paul was dealing with the challenge of meeting the needs of believers whose economic livelihood was jeopardized by their faith in Christ. His approach was to collect funds from believers in other parts of the world who were more prosperous. Today the world is flat, and there are so many known opportunities to help people, and the need is overwhelming. I appreciate our United Methodist connection and the opportunities to support the work of Jesus’ followers in under resourced areas of the world. We are personally involved in Honduras and Mozambique, along with Springfield, Joplin and across Missouri.
Guide me today Lord as I practice generosity and live this day sowing bountifully, giving cheerfully, and trusting You to supply and multiply my seed for sowing, resulting in an increase in the harvest of righteousness.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
September 6, 2011
9-6-11 Tuesday, 7:06 am Springfield, 48 degrees, clear.
Yesterday I awoke in David and Danelle’s newly purchased home near O’Fallon, as I was there with Audrey helping them get it ready to occupy. She has stayed for a couple more days, and I had an enjoyable motorcycle ride home, even with the gusty wind from the north. Today we will plan worship in the morning, and in the afternoon continue long-range planning for themes and worship direction. I have much to catch up on and prepare for this week.
As I did not have access to the internet, I did not write or post a blog yesterday. My devotions were from Ecclesiastes, with the 7th chapter providing much wisdom. The verses that spoke directly to me was 7:21,22: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you – for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” I imagined this verse rewritten just for pastors: Do not pay attention to every word people say about your sermons, for you know in your heart you have said unfavorable things about sermons you have heard.
Psalm 50
“The mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets… Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people” (verses 1, 3, 4) Last night I was reading Metaxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer, and he was describing Dietrich’s theological musings of 1944which included his writing about “religionless Christianity”. This has been so misinterpreted, and I am interested in trying to get the sense of what he meant. I think it involved the fact that the organized church had become powerless against evil, and “good Christians” were avoiding sin, but ignoring the world around them.
This Psalm reminds me that God is the “mighty one”; He is “the Lord” who speaks and summons the entire earth. This morning the sun has just arisen, even as it right now is setting on the opposite side of the globe. I must focus today on the vastness of God, as he “summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.” I am yours today most holy One. Guide my steps as I walk in your ways, pastoring your sheep and seeking the lost, the spiritually asleep in this generation.
Yesterday I awoke in David and Danelle’s newly purchased home near O’Fallon, as I was there with Audrey helping them get it ready to occupy. She has stayed for a couple more days, and I had an enjoyable motorcycle ride home, even with the gusty wind from the north. Today we will plan worship in the morning, and in the afternoon continue long-range planning for themes and worship direction. I have much to catch up on and prepare for this week.
As I did not have access to the internet, I did not write or post a blog yesterday. My devotions were from Ecclesiastes, with the 7th chapter providing much wisdom. The verses that spoke directly to me was 7:21,22: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you – for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” I imagined this verse rewritten just for pastors: Do not pay attention to every word people say about your sermons, for you know in your heart you have said unfavorable things about sermons you have heard.
Psalm 50
“The mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets… Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people” (verses 1, 3, 4) Last night I was reading Metaxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer, and he was describing Dietrich’s theological musings of 1944which included his writing about “religionless Christianity”. This has been so misinterpreted, and I am interested in trying to get the sense of what he meant. I think it involved the fact that the organized church had become powerless against evil, and “good Christians” were avoiding sin, but ignoring the world around them.
This Psalm reminds me that God is the “mighty one”; He is “the Lord” who speaks and summons the entire earth. This morning the sun has just arisen, even as it right now is setting on the opposite side of the globe. I must focus today on the vastness of God, as he “summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.” I am yours today most holy One. Guide my steps as I walk in your ways, pastoring your sheep and seeking the lost, the spiritually asleep in this generation.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
September 4, 2011
9-4-11 Sunday, 8:00 am O’Fallon, 71 degrees, raining.
Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat (2004) has written a new book That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back . He named 4 factors that have landed us in our present situation: 1. The end of the cold war in the 80s – we misinterpreted this as a victory, in reality we unleashed 2 billion people just like us to compete. 2. The 90s was a 10 year victory parade, buoyed by lower oil prices and borrowing, 3. 9-11 in 2001 put us on a hunt (necessarily so) for the outcasts of this modern world, which detracted us from competing with the emerging leaders of this modern world; 4. The passing of the greatest generation whose values were sustainable; with leadership transferred to baby boomers, whose values are situational. The greatest generation valued working and saving. Boomers value borrowing and spending. He proposes that creativity and adaptation are the greatest opportunities, and education is critical going forward.
It is interesting to see Friedman on Meet the Press live on a Sunday morning, as I am preparing for the day here in O’Fallon. Last night we attended worship at Morning Star United Methodist Church, and pastor Mike Schreiner recognized me as being the grandparent (he call me the grandmother!) of Morning Star Church, as it is the daughter church of SunRise, of which I was the founding pastor. Today we will paint and work on David and Danelle’s house. My mind and heart are at Wesley on this Sunday morning, as pastors Jerry, Mi Hyeon, and Matt lead worship and celebrate communion.
Ecclesiastes 3 – 5
In chapter 4 the author observes the value of relationships, and how just one other person can enhance one’s life in work and in difficulty. He states that a three strand chord is not quickly broken. Sometimes this chapter is cited at weddings, of the value of the husband and wife partnership, along with the presence of God’s Spirit as the third strand. I continue to see the main theme of this book in the Bible is relationships matter, and the heart of human existence is relationship with others, and relationship with God. This is essentially all that a person has that is real and eternal. Everything else in life is a “chasing after the wind.”
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill you vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” (5:4-5) I have consciously made two vows to God in my life – one in 1976 to read the Bible every day before I eat breakfast, or not eat breakfast, and in 1983 to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, til death do us part Audrey Holmgren. Both of these vows I am daily conscious of and will fulfill without delay.
Guide me holy Lord as I serve you throughout this day. I thank you for your word, for your spirit, and for your death on my behalf. I am yours. I surrender all to thee my blessed savior.
Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat (2004) has written a new book That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back . He named 4 factors that have landed us in our present situation: 1. The end of the cold war in the 80s – we misinterpreted this as a victory, in reality we unleashed 2 billion people just like us to compete. 2. The 90s was a 10 year victory parade, buoyed by lower oil prices and borrowing, 3. 9-11 in 2001 put us on a hunt (necessarily so) for the outcasts of this modern world, which detracted us from competing with the emerging leaders of this modern world; 4. The passing of the greatest generation whose values were sustainable; with leadership transferred to baby boomers, whose values are situational. The greatest generation valued working and saving. Boomers value borrowing and spending. He proposes that creativity and adaptation are the greatest opportunities, and education is critical going forward.
It is interesting to see Friedman on Meet the Press live on a Sunday morning, as I am preparing for the day here in O’Fallon. Last night we attended worship at Morning Star United Methodist Church, and pastor Mike Schreiner recognized me as being the grandparent (he call me the grandmother!) of Morning Star Church, as it is the daughter church of SunRise, of which I was the founding pastor. Today we will paint and work on David and Danelle’s house. My mind and heart are at Wesley on this Sunday morning, as pastors Jerry, Mi Hyeon, and Matt lead worship and celebrate communion.
Ecclesiastes 3 – 5
In chapter 4 the author observes the value of relationships, and how just one other person can enhance one’s life in work and in difficulty. He states that a three strand chord is not quickly broken. Sometimes this chapter is cited at weddings, of the value of the husband and wife partnership, along with the presence of God’s Spirit as the third strand. I continue to see the main theme of this book in the Bible is relationships matter, and the heart of human existence is relationship with others, and relationship with God. This is essentially all that a person has that is real and eternal. Everything else in life is a “chasing after the wind.”
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill you vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” (5:4-5) I have consciously made two vows to God in my life – one in 1976 to read the Bible every day before I eat breakfast, or not eat breakfast, and in 1983 to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, til death do us part Audrey Holmgren. Both of these vows I am daily conscious of and will fulfill without delay.
Guide me holy Lord as I serve you throughout this day. I thank you for your word, for your spirit, and for your death on my behalf. I am yours. I surrender all to thee my blessed savior.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
September 3, 2011
9-3-11 Saturday, 8:04 am O’Fallon, 80 degrees already!
Yesterday I went for a ride with Chris and we toured around New Melle, Schluersburg, Augusta, Dutzow as we enjoyed being on our motorcycles, two fathers-in-law on a day off. The rest of the day was invested in helping David and Danelle get their house ready for occupancy. There was much painting, power washing the basement floor, with an additional long list of projects that we will tackle in the next days.
This morning I had an unusual dream in which I was panicking about finding on my computer the manuscript of my sermon. I was in my office, with about ten minutes before the service started. A common dream for students or former students is a panic about not having a paper or project completed. I think this is my first “nightmare” about not being able to find my sermon. Even though I am not preaching this weekend, it is interesting that this is in my subconscious.
Ecclesiastes 1-3 (yesterday’s reading for the One Year Bible)
The teacher introduces himself in chapter one, and comments on the futility, or meaninglessness of life. The author of this book has traditionally been understood as being Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel, the man to whom God gave wisdom when in a dream he asked for it. The pastors retreat I attended in August included a morning of the 11 of us reflecting upon this book, especially chapter 3. There are other theories of authorship, but I lean toward the traditional understanding that it is Solomon.
“All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless (2:23).” (Last night my mind apparently could not rest!) This chapter begs the question “why?” In January I will preach a series of sermons with that title, drawn from Adam Hamilton’s new book, and I will use Ecclesiastes as the scripture. “Eat, drink and be happy” is the sense of verse 24. And in verse 26 is the hint of the writers conclusion: “to the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness …” The conclusion that we settled upon on the pastors retreat was that the essence of life is relationships – with God and with others. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love neighbor.
Chapter 3 begins with the famous litany of 28 human experiences, describing each as having a time – a time to be born, and a time to die … I will read this chapter later today.
Guide me today Lord as one who loves you, and the people with whom I am neighbor. Guard me from the foolishness of all the other pursuits that in the end are foolishness.
Yesterday I went for a ride with Chris and we toured around New Melle, Schluersburg, Augusta, Dutzow as we enjoyed being on our motorcycles, two fathers-in-law on a day off. The rest of the day was invested in helping David and Danelle get their house ready for occupancy. There was much painting, power washing the basement floor, with an additional long list of projects that we will tackle in the next days.
This morning I had an unusual dream in which I was panicking about finding on my computer the manuscript of my sermon. I was in my office, with about ten minutes before the service started. A common dream for students or former students is a panic about not having a paper or project completed. I think this is my first “nightmare” about not being able to find my sermon. Even though I am not preaching this weekend, it is interesting that this is in my subconscious.
Ecclesiastes 1-3 (yesterday’s reading for the One Year Bible)
The teacher introduces himself in chapter one, and comments on the futility, or meaninglessness of life. The author of this book has traditionally been understood as being Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel, the man to whom God gave wisdom when in a dream he asked for it. The pastors retreat I attended in August included a morning of the 11 of us reflecting upon this book, especially chapter 3. There are other theories of authorship, but I lean toward the traditional understanding that it is Solomon.
“All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless (2:23).” (Last night my mind apparently could not rest!) This chapter begs the question “why?” In January I will preach a series of sermons with that title, drawn from Adam Hamilton’s new book, and I will use Ecclesiastes as the scripture. “Eat, drink and be happy” is the sense of verse 24. And in verse 26 is the hint of the writers conclusion: “to the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness …” The conclusion that we settled upon on the pastors retreat was that the essence of life is relationships – with God and with others. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love neighbor.
Chapter 3 begins with the famous litany of 28 human experiences, describing each as having a time – a time to be born, and a time to die … I will read this chapter later today.
Guide me today Lord as one who loves you, and the people with whom I am neighbor. Guard me from the foolishness of all the other pursuits that in the end are foolishness.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September 1, 2011
9-1-11 Thursday, 5:06 am Springfield, 78 warm degrees.
Welcome September! A brand new month to serve Christ and advance the kingdom of God! I always enjoy change and progress, even when it is ordinary and routine, such as the progression of the months. This morning at Wesley the staff will work on calendaring dates into the spring. Careful planning is so important to the church and the ministry of the saints.
II Corinthians 5
The apostle Paul reminds us that our earthly bodies are weak. He compares them to a tent, compared to the building, the heavenly dwelling prepared by God. In verses 6-10he describes the tension of being at home in the body (this human life) as being “away from the Lord” (i.e. not in heaven). He concludes this paragraph with the clear reminder: “For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.” It is profitable to daily meditate upon this coming judgment before Christ, so that daily each of us can choose to invest this temporal life in doing good.
Verses 11-21 is a section containing some of the most vivid, applicable truth in this epistle. “For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” In these two sentences lie the heart of the Gospel – Jesus died for all, and was raised from the dead, so that living for him we might no longer live for ourselves.
Verse 17 is one of my favorite verses in all of scripture: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” I am a new creature in Christ, and in Him I live, and move and have my being. Every day I have the opportunity to experience this newness, to explore its possibilities and to enhance the ministry of reconciliation that Christ has given to each of us who live in this newness. Just as “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them,” so now he has entrusted “the message of reconciliation to us.” (verse 19)
Guide me today Lord as I experience this new month as a new creature, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. I thank you for each opportunity to share and demonstrate the message of reconciliation in this lost and broken world. I thank you for those who “trespass against me” that I might forgive them, and die more to self, living fully unto You.
Welcome September! A brand new month to serve Christ and advance the kingdom of God! I always enjoy change and progress, even when it is ordinary and routine, such as the progression of the months. This morning at Wesley the staff will work on calendaring dates into the spring. Careful planning is so important to the church and the ministry of the saints.
II Corinthians 5
The apostle Paul reminds us that our earthly bodies are weak. He compares them to a tent, compared to the building, the heavenly dwelling prepared by God. In verses 6-10he describes the tension of being at home in the body (this human life) as being “away from the Lord” (i.e. not in heaven). He concludes this paragraph with the clear reminder: “For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.” It is profitable to daily meditate upon this coming judgment before Christ, so that daily each of us can choose to invest this temporal life in doing good.
Verses 11-21 is a section containing some of the most vivid, applicable truth in this epistle. “For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” In these two sentences lie the heart of the Gospel – Jesus died for all, and was raised from the dead, so that living for him we might no longer live for ourselves.
Verse 17 is one of my favorite verses in all of scripture: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” I am a new creature in Christ, and in Him I live, and move and have my being. Every day I have the opportunity to experience this newness, to explore its possibilities and to enhance the ministry of reconciliation that Christ has given to each of us who live in this newness. Just as “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them,” so now he has entrusted “the message of reconciliation to us.” (verse 19)
Guide me today Lord as I experience this new month as a new creature, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. I thank you for each opportunity to share and demonstrate the message of reconciliation in this lost and broken world. I thank you for those who “trespass against me” that I might forgive them, and die more to self, living fully unto You.
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