November 10, 2011

Joe Paterno was fired yesterday at the age of 84 as the head football coach of Penn State. A news commentator this morning has likened College Football to church for many people, and this alleged sexual abuse of boys by an assistant coach similar to the cover up in the Catholic Church. The preservation of the institution and beloved leaders has displaced the protection of young lives and their well-being.

Last night Rick Perry made a blunder in the republican presidential debate as he lost his train of thought when stating he would eliminate three agencies of government, forgetting the third agency, which this morning he said was the Energy department. The field of 8 candidates continues to head toward the Iowa caucuses and next year’s primary race for the White House.

Yesterday at Wesley we had a very good staff meeting, an evening program of celebrating Veterans, and I also attended the college-aged ministries led by Matt Kerner at the St. Paul church. At noon I ran 6 miles in 56:10 (9:22/mile) with Bill McCurry. Today we have our annual church conference led by our superintendent Dwight Chapman.

Hebrews 10:1-17

“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Verse 4) This section of Hebrews describes the death of Jesus on the cross as being a once-and-for-all sacrifice for sins for all time. “By one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Verse 14) Beginning in verse 1, the writer has addressed the topic of the perfection, or completion of those who draw near to God. I am most thankful for the emphasis Wesley placed upon God’s perfecting work in the believer. Today as I go about this beautiful autumn day, my meditation will be upon the fact that “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Verse10)

May my life Lord be a continued response to your sacrifice as I live to please and serve You, representing You in this fallen world. Through the church, in the community and to the ends of the world may my life glorify You and it is changed from glory unto glory, evermore transformed into your image.