December 18, 2013

This is a special time of year! Today Bethany arrives home for the holidays. I will pick her up at the airport late this afternoon. Last night the children of our Wesley preschool, Kids of Creation, had a great Christmas program and packed the sanctuary with parents, grandparents and siblings. The weather is beautiful, with warmer days, sunny skies and the remnants of snow continuing to melt. 

I Chronicles 28

In I Chronicles David instructs Solomon on building the temple, and also on how to live. In verse 10 he says “So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.” Given that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, ("which is in you, which you have of God, you are not your own" - I Corinthians 6:19) this verse applies to every one of us. 1. The Lord has chosen me; 2. To build my life as a sanctuary; 3. I must be strong and do the work – fixing my eyes on Jesus "who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

Psalm 53

Verse 2 “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,if anyone seeks God.”  I seek God, and have done so from my youth. I know he sees from heaven and holds me in the palm of his hand.

Thank you Lord for your Word this morning, for guiding my thoughts and for establishing my path. I seek you today, I bear in my body the marks of following Christ. I seek not the easy road, nor personal pleasure, success, fame, publicity. I seek your face, You are all I need. Guide me today in your grace, most Holy One. 

December 13, 2013

It is 5:45 am and I am glad to be up early! Audrey is up to check on the weather, and we just heard the live report that Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has cancelled school for today. Walking out to get the paper, the current weather is fine. But the radar and forecast calls for wintery mix to begin falling in the next couple of hours and to do so throughout the day. I am surprised that school is cancelled. And, just as I write this, I begin to hear precipitation hitting the skylight. My practice is to never cancel based on predictions, because this creates such uncertainty for the future. But there are exceptions, and the superintendent of SPS has made this call based on “dire” forecast. I was planning to take most of today off, in preparation for a busy weekend. This developing weather might curtail some of the weekend activity such as Upward and maybe the transition team.

My goal and hope is to be careful during December with my schedule and energy, as on more than one occasion I have fallen sick on or before Christmas Eve. The busyness of the month sneaks up on me, and throw in a couple of funerals and other crisis ministry and then I physically have no reserve, because I had no margin in my calendar. So, I try to build in margin. A couple of years I simply blocked off Thursdays, in addition to Mondays. This was not possible this year, but these snow days have effectively punched the holes into schedule that have allowed for me to get a breather.

I Chronicles 22-23

David makes preparations for the temple that Solomon will build. The materials and the people are put into place before David dies. The Levites are counted and number 38,000. They are assigned various duties and tasks related to the temple – administrative, ministerial, service, financial, artistic, and protective with some unique additional individual key roles. I recognize the similarity with the nation of Israel under David and Solomon, and the “Christian” nation of the USA during certain eras. The church has been an institution, with its ministers and staff serving in ways similar to the priests and Levites. Now that we are in a post-modern, post-Christian culture, the church behaves both as an institution (which is declining) and a movement (the nondenominational and newer expressions of faith).

It is so important to pay attention to the shifting cultural climate and to be daily open to how God’s Spirit is moving among us. I have discovered that there are many people in the church, who grew up in a “churched” culture, and who do not want to accept that our culture has changed. But ignoring it doesn’t change the reality. Wishing it were different does not make it so. My goal is to be faithful, obedient, take risks, identify opportunities and pursue the advancement of the kingdom of God in my generation.

Guide me today, Holy Lord on this icy uncertain Friday. May my work of preparation, planning, and shepherding be focused as You direct and lead me. 

December 10, 2013

On this beautiful day in December, I resume the blogging of my thoughts as recorded in my journal primarily during my morning devotions. I appreciate those who follow this blog through Google, and through Twitter. I will post our family Christmas letter (mentioned in this blog) later this week.

Audrey and I had a very good day yesterday. It was my day off, and school was cancelled due to weather. I wrote our Christmas letter, illustrated with photos, recorded a radio spot for Wesley, shopped at Wal-Mart (including a watch for me and one for a teenage girl), and exercised, doing 55 minutes on the elliptical. Audrey made blackberry jam from our own berries out of the freezer, and in the evening we continued preparing our letters for mailing. This morning I feel good about our day yesterday, and I am ready to head to the church office for a day of meetings, writing, planning and ministry.

II Samuel 22 - David’s psalm of praise for God’s role in protecting, saving, establishing him. Several of his lines also apply to Audrey and to me, such as verse 25 “The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.”  This morning I draw strength from verses 29-30 “O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”
 
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve as your undershepherd in Springfield. Lead my thinking, my planning, my caring; may your love be multiplied in my life today.

November 6, 2013

Weeks ago we designated November at Wesley Church as 30 days of Thanks. Our goal is to focus upon the gratitude we have for all of God’s blessings. On November 1, I awoke and lost my balance, falling to the left as I got out of bed. As I went outside to get the paper and looked up into the beautiful sky it began to spin a little. Later in the morning I felt numbness on the left side of my face and decided that I really should not pilot a small plane. Learning that my blood pressure was 200 over 124 I decided to visit the emergency room. After EKG, blood work, an MRI, and a follow-up visit to my doctor, it is likely I had a small stroke. There is no apparent permanent damage. Further tests and observations will continue.

I am grateful for so many things. For my caring wife Audrey and her concern for my health and well being. For our son David, his wife Danelle and our daughter Bethany as their young adult lives continue to develop along healthy pathways. For Wesley United Methodist Church, including the adoption of St. Paul United Methodist Church, as we chart new territory into the Year of Jubilee and beyond.  For the medical communities of Springfield, and for each person who has invested their life in training to treat the human body and its anomalies.

And today, I am grateful for my health, and the strength to continue to serve Christ through the vocation of being a pastor. With no serious health history, the reality of surviving stroke-like symptoms gives me a new sense of awe and appreciation for the way God has created life, and all the complicated systems of the human body. Fred Luper (director of facilities at Wesley) likes to call these bodies our “earth suits.” Mine malfunctioned and thankfully it survived and did some self-repair. Now it is under closer scrutiny!

I invite you to continue this month in celebrating 30 days of thanks. Count your blessings, name them one by one. God is at work among us, and will do even greater things than we can imagine!

 

November 5, 2013

I awoke at 3:30 am, gave my body a good 30 minutes to go back to sleep, and when it didn’t, I got up. The coffee tastes delicious, my blood pressure was 125 /70, pulse 52 (on my new BP device from Walgreens) and the soreness in my throat does not seem to be severe. Upon opening the back door the house alarm went off, so I had a nice chat with the good people at the 24 hour monitoring center. Audrey was awakened, and asked me who was calling at 4:15 in the morning. Now she is back to sleep, and I have this beautiful day to serve Christ. I have read and prayed the first part of John Wesley’s prayer for Tuesday morning. I will return there after I read more in the scriptures. 

I Samuel 31, I Chronicles 10

Saul and his three sons are killed in battle on Mt. Gilboa. Saul was guilty of actively disobeying God (seeking to kill David, seeking advice from a medium) and passively disobeying God (did not consult God for direction.) There are so many lessons to be learned from the life of Saul that might be overlooked because of how quickly he becomes a villain as David becomes the hero. Leadership is learning from the mistakes and successes of others, and my main take away this morning from the life of Saul is: do not trust in yourself, in chariots, or horses, but remember the name of the Lord your God. With my 30 years of experience, my academic degrees and the gifts God has given me for pastoral leadership, today the prayer of Wesley reminds me to not think too highly of myself, but lowly, and to give to God all the praise, credit, and glory for each day, each hour, and every blessing.

From Wesley’s prayer for Tuesday morning:

“Pour into me the whole spirit of humility; fill, I beseech thee, every part of my soul with it, and make it the constant, ruling habit of my mind, that all my other tempers may arise from it; that I may have not thoughts, no desires, no designs, but such as are the true fruit of a lowly spirit. … Herein may I exercise myself continually, when I lie down and when I rise up, that I may always appear poor, and little, and  mean, and base, and vile in mine own eyes. O Convince me that ‘I have neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.’ Give me a lively sense that I am nothing, that I have nothing, and that I can do nothing. Enable me to feel that I am all ignorance and error, weakness and uncleanness, sin and misery; that I am not worth of the air I breathe, the earth I tread upon, or the sun that shines upon me. And let me be fully content when all other men think of me as I do of myself.”

I am yours, O Lord, I have heard thy voice. Use my feeble body, my weak mind and my vacillating commitment to accomplish your great purposes today. 

October 31, 2013

The Cardinals lost the 6^th game of the World Series last night 6-1, and the series 4-2. The Boston Red Sox clinched it at home for the first time in 95 years, since Babe Ruth was inserted in the 8^th inning for defensive purposes, after which they traded him away and didn’t win another World Series until 2004. Having preached a few weeks ago about how entertainment can be an idol, I have been very careful during this World Series not to give it more power or attention than it deserves in my life. I have gone to bed before the end of most games. 

I Sam 23-24; Psalm 54

I like the way my Chronological Life Application Study Bible inserts the Psalms into the narrative of David. I read I Sam 24 on January 6 of this year. As I read it this morning I imagine the scene and the setting, and the suspense of 3000 elite troops of Saul chasing David and his 600 men through the wilderness of Israel. Truly God was with David. Looking back on this from 3000 years later most of the suspense is gone. In that moment, the outcome was uncertain. 

My life is very settled. I have a nice house, a great family, a wonderful vocation, and good health. I must continue to trust God completely, to never settle or sit back (David did this as king and Bathsheba happened.) There is so much to do, risks still to take, uncertainty to embrace. I trust God completely, and this morning I renew my resolve to serve Him without reservation. 

Guide me today, most holy Lord. I am yours. I thank you for all the saints, who from their labors rest. May all of my energy and effort be invested in building your kingdom, for thine is the glory and the power forever and ever, amen. 

A Collection of Forms of Prayers for Every Day of the Week, published by John Wesley in 1733 is a helpful guide. I just prayed through the Thursday Morning prayer. It takes some work to translate it from the King’s English to modern expression, and the effort was well worth the time. I used this yesterday morning also, as recommended by Steve Harper in his Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition (1983).

October 25, 2013

Last night the Wesley Church Council voted unanimously to adopt St. Paul United Methodist Church! 16 voting council members, 3 pastors (without vote) and 30 other church members attended the meeting in Cunduff hall. There was a great spirit, good questions and comments, and a wonderful outcome. The Church Conference of St. Paul met on October 7 and voted to close as a church, handing its building, assets, members and ministries to Wesley. It is now a done deal, and we are on the way to becoming a two-campus church. There are no further official acts or votes, simply the implementation of the Transition Team to work out the details.  I am excited about the possibilities, and relieved that the process unfolded in a healthy manner. We can add our own chapter to the book on church mergers entitled Better Together!!!

October 11, 2013

Yesterday was long and arduous, and fruitful. Our Lay Leadership (Nominating) Committee meeting ran from 7 til 9:15 pm, and we accomplished much. I am up this morning at 6 am, feeling rested and ready for the day. My schedule is more open today, and there are several tasks I need to accomplish, in addition to the main task of sermon preparation.

As I prepare to read scripture, I am thankful for this record of the moving of God in the lives of people, and the accounts of how people either trusted God or did not, (trusting in themselves or idols instead.) I have been using the Chronological Life Application Study Bible this year, having received it as a gift from the Springfield Pastor Appreciation lunch last year. I like its format and arrangement for my morning devotions.

I Sam 9:21 – 10
Samuel was expecting Saul, who is simply looking for his father’s donkeys who have strayed away. Samuel anoints him and shares prophecy with him, sending him on his way. Samuel meets with all Israel and by lot selects Saul’s tribe and family and finally Saul to be the Lord’s choice for King. The Life Application Bible has a good article on Saul. It states that “From Saul we learn that while our strengths and abilities make us useful, it is our weaknesses that make us usable. Our skills and talents make us tools, but our failures and shortcomings remind us that we need a Craftsman in control of our lives. Whatever we accomplish on our own is only a hint of what God could do through our lives.”

The story of Saul, and this quote from the Life Application article give me pause to reflect. My strengths and abilities make me useful. Last week at the staff retreat we took the Meyers Briggs and it again resulted in describing my personality as being an ENFJ, which is interpreted as suitable for clergy, counselor, etc. The Strengthfinders analysis describes me as Woo, Strategic, Input, Arranger, Maximizer. Also, I am conscious of  my failures and shortcomings. I deal internally with the “ouch” of realizing my weaknesses.  Held in light of Saul, it serves the kingdom of God well to pay attention to my failures and shortcomings to remind me that I need a Craftsman in control of my life, and that whatever I might accomplish on my own is only a hint of what God could do through my life. This is a powerful thought for me this morning, giving life and energy and faith to my approach for this day, this weekend, and the future.

 Guide me Holy Lord as I surrender my life this day and everyday to Your control and direction.

October 9, 2013

It is a great morning out! I awoke at 5:30 rested and ready for the day. One of our members, Kent, was running by the house as I got the paper. We spoke briefly, as we did a couple of weeks ago when he ran by about this same time. He is running at 8 ½ - 9 minute pace. I have much to do today. I lead the staff roundtable in the morning and the executive leadership team in the afternoon. I have work to do on the adoption process, trustee approval, charge conference direction per Discipline, etc. I will write an email to Nate, Elmer, and Bart with my questions. 

My phone would not charge past 40% yesterday, but overnight it charged fully. During the last 14 months I have had trouble with it due to getting it wet while camping. I have replaced the expensive internal battery, and the next step might be to buy a used identical one, hoping it would last a couple of years. Technology is such a tool, and requires decisions and investments.

I Sam 7
Samuel leads Israel to victory over Philistines. He instructs them “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth.” (7:3) They gathered at Mizpah, poured out water from a well, and went without food all day, confessing they had sinned against the Lord. It was here at Mizpah that Samuel became Israel’s judge.

After the victory over the Philistines, “Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’), for he said, ‘Up to this point the Lord has helped us!’” (7:12) Thus the great line we sing "Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I've come. I and hope by thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home..."

This chapter relates to the message I am preparing for this weekend, with getting rid of foreign gods, going without food, and raising up a symbol of God’s help. Guide me Lord as I trust you today for your help in the work of pastoring and leading this flock.

September 24, 2013

It is good to be up and at ‘um on this Tuesday as my work week begins. I had a very good day yesterday, accomplishing many things on my checklist and ending up on the patio sitting by my fire, made with wood I cut from trees I planted in Kentucky.

Today I have much pastoral work to do, including staff prayer time, worship planning team, St. Paul/Wesley adoption conversations, a friend in distress, and my shift with the apple pie operation, operating a peeler at 4:30! I love being a pastor. These last few weeks I have experienced a level of comfort/fulfillment on Sundays and through the weeks, seemingly on a different level than in the past. I am not sure the reason or source of this new sense of being.

Judges 16
Sampson, who judged Israel for 20 years, visits a prostitute in Gaza, and pulls down the city gates at midnight, avoiding an ambush by the Philistines. He falls in love (lust) with Delilah, who is paid to discover the source of his strength. When he tells her that his hair has never been cut because of the Nazarite vow of his parents, she has his hair cut, and the Lord left him, along with his strength. He was captured, his eyes gouged out, and he was put to grinding grain in prison. The Philistines had a large festival to celebrate their god Dagon and his victory over Sampson. Sampson’s strength had returned as his hair grew out, he prayed, and God gave him victory in collapsing the building and thousands of Philistines died, along with Sampson. His family came to recover his body.

There is so much in this story to interpret. It seems the key element is that Sampson was motivated by sex above his desire to please God. This became his downfall. His strength was a rare gift from God, which was wasted in many ways. In the end he used it for God’s purposes and died along with his enemies. Guide me today, most holy Lord to use the strength and other gifts you have given me to accomplish your purposes in this generation. Guard me from anything which would be a distraction.

September 22, 2013

It feels like fall! Given that it is 45 degrees outside, I need to light the pilot for our gas fireplace. Last night I cooked steaks over a wood fire while I scrubbed the wading pool and began the process of putting it away. This morning I made a mess with the coffee pot as I did not realize the basket filter was not in it, and the grounds went everywhere as it brewed. I was disgusted with myself and wide awake by the time I had it cleaned up.

I Corinthians 3 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, especially my life verse 12 – building ones life with gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, straw. Today I am preaching on it in the context of Identity Crisis – community forms us. What are the elements that will pass through the fire of judgment to the other side of eternity? What is in eternity? God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God’s word, the souls of humans. There is no evil present, there is no sin in heaven, there is peace, and all tears are wiped away.

This afternoon autumn officially begins, and I will be in a golf cart at Hidden Valley along with 50 others from Wesley in the church golf tournament organized by Betty Prouty. This year all proceeds beyond the cost go to missions, rather than door prizes. It is a great event, and I am looking forward to it on what seems to be a beautiful afternoon. I do not expect that golf is in heaven, but the joy of human fellowship, in the light of God’s love will surpass any earthly experience!

My cell phone has taken a full charge three nights in a row. I think I have figured out how to plug the charger in at an angle and get it to work. Hopefully this will continue to be effective until my Verizon contract funds most of a new phone (April 2014). The possibility of losing everything on my cell phone has been staring me in the face for weeks, and I continue to be amazed at the technology on this small device. I value it even more, given how tentative it has become.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I serve You in the context of Your body called Wesley United Methodist Church.

[Note - This is my first post in two months - As I left on vacation on a motorcycle I lost the rhythm of blogging, and then I lost the digital connection to this blog. I am back in sync and ready to continue the regular practice of blogging from my daily reflections.]

July 24, 2013

Last night there was a very good turnout for the preview service for Wesley Downtown, held in the sanctuary of St. Paul UMC at Walnut and Jefferson. Brian Mattson led the music and Matt Kerner preached and led communion. I think it was a good indication of things to come, both for the college ministries and for the proposed adoption of St. Paul by Wesley. August 18, at 11:30 am this service launches.

Deuteronomy 18

Verses 1-8 Gifts for priests and Levites – reading about these special provisions for the Levitical priesthood reminds me of the way Roman Catholics treat their priests. I hold in tension the special office of priest and the priesthood of all believers. As one ordained to word and sacrament, whose life has been dedicated to the vocational service of God through the church, I identify with Aaron and his descendants, and at heart I am a lay person set aside, a first-born dedicated to the house of God. Now I hold the office of chair of the board of ordained ministry, and today I will do some work in that area. Next week I travel north to attend the candidacy summit at camp Jo Ota and speak to the candidates. 

Verses 9-14 a call to holy living – these verses especially mention guarding against the pagan practices of child sacrifice, fortune telling, interpreting omens, witchcraft, mediums, and calling up the spirits of the dead. The people who God would throw out of Palestine did such detestable things, and His people are to be careful to avoid such practices. In America (and around the world) there are these things done openly, often for compensation. Given that these practices are detestable to God, his followers must be careful to avoid anything that is not his will. In common practice around this culture in which I live is the reading of one’s horoscope, the signs of one’s birth by astrology, Chinese fortune cookies, Ouija (wigi) boards, séances, etc. Do Christ-followers realize the danger to their faith of these practices?

Verses 15-22 describe true and false prophets. The article in my Chronological Life Application Bible discusses the Qumran community and their writings known to us as the “Dead Sea Scrolls” especially as it relates to their expectation of Messiah. Interestingly, they describe two, maybe three messiahs, and all three descriptions are fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I live a dedicated, consecrated, submitted life. Guard me from anything that would replace You, offend You, and/or desecrate this temple of my body and mind. 

July 23, 2013

It is a beautiful morning! I stepped out to get the paper and witnessed a beautiful light show in the clouds, reminding me of the visible Lord’s presence leading the Israelites with a pillar of fire by night. Last night Audrey and I painted the laundry room, in preparation for the delivery today of a new washer and dryer. This morning I will finish, painting a second coat as needed, and cleaning the floor before heading to the office.

William and Kate had a baby boy yesterday in London. Perhaps his name will be announced soon. It has been a “royal baby watch” for days, and the world seems to be generally happy for the couple and for Great Britian with this new heir to the monarchy. There are now 4 generations of the house of Windsor – Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, and this yet-to-be named baby boy. That form of government seems to work uniquely for them, with an elected parliament and prime minister running the country alongside the monarchy.

Deuteronomy 16:13- 17:20

Under the topic “guidelines for a king”, Moses makes and interesting prescription in 17:18-20. The king must personally copy the scriptures, and read from it every day. “This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. I will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way.” This is a great practice for every follower of Jesus Christ – to read the scriptures daily, even to copy them personally, all to the end of greater obedience to God’s will and greater sensitivity to His commands.

Guide me today most holy Lord in all that I do, think, and plan. 

July 21, 2013

I just read and responded to an email from Cambodia! One of our youth is there for 5 weeks working at an orphanage, and would like to share her story and receive an offering for the kids to go to the dentist. Technology is great, and sending people from Wesley around the world is powerful.

I am looking forward to leading worship and preaching this morning. I have had 2 Sundays away from the pulpit. I am refreshed and ready to share God’s word with application to today. As I was preparing yesterday, I had a sudden sense of an expansion of my understanding of God, and my depth of relationship and calling. It was a sudden feeling, somewhat similar to the rush of a roller coaster dropping down a hill. It was brief, but very clear. I will continue to process what it means.

Today I begin a series on Cities. My goal is to examine three cities in the Bible, teach the pertinent scriptures, and apply it to our setting in Springfield. Today I focus on Antioch, where disciples were first called Christians. The church there was used to win jews and gentiles to The Way, and sent out Barnabas and Paul on missionary journeys. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman empire and was called “the Queen of the East”.  My challenge is to keep this from being too much history and geography and not enough application. I will lean into the application and curtail my emphasis upon the background material.

Guide me today, most precious holy Lord as the community of faith called Wesley United Methodist Church gathers for worship, discipleship and fellowship at 922 Republic Rd. Bless each person who makes their way through this stormy morning to sing, pray, and experience your presence. May lives be changed today through your Word and your Spirit.

July 17, 2013

In Deuteronomy Chapter 11 Moses describes the blessings of obedience to God’s word. He points out that the children of the Israelites did not see God’s powerful deliverance from Egypt, His destruction of their armies, nor His provision of manna in the wilderness. He instructs them to obey all of God’s commands, “Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates… (11:18-20).

As a faith community called Wesley United Methodist Church, there are many of us who have not observed directly the miraculous working of God. We are aware that God has powerfully been present among His people, and in establishing His kingdom on earth. We read about John Wesley and the ways the Holy Spirit filled him to minister God’s word and eventually impact a nation and a world. Even so, we live most of the time in the ordinary world of work, school, neighborhood, family, travel, etc.

I encourage each of us to find ways to daily “touch” God’s word, the Holy Scriptures. Moses instructed his people to prepare scrolls of the Word, and place them in a tube mounted to their doorposts. This is still done by faithful Jewish people. It is called a mezuzah and is inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:12-21. I made one of these in a vacation Bible school project years ago, and touched it each time I entered my house from the garage. Some people use the Upper Room as a means to daily “touch” God’s word. Some use a yearly guide to scripture. Some read from a story Bible every night to their children.

As we live out our lives in this generation let us be a people of the Book, worshiping God, obeying His commandments, destroying idols, and loving Him with all we are, and our neighbors (in Springfield, in the Ozarks, and wherever we live) as ourselves.

July 16, 2013

Last night we had a gentle rain that replenished the yard and garden, fields and streams. It is a very nice morning out as I sit here on the deck enjoying coffee with a cat at my feet. An occasional humming bird visits the feeder. The blackberries are ripening by the hour, as I picked the first couple of quarts yesterday. Today I will lean into the work of pastoring as I lead our staff prayer time, our worship planning time, and supervise. I am almost caught up with email from my week on the road.

During the motorcycle trip I took through Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho, I did not post any blogs. I hope to summarize that trip, with pictures and post it as a blog in the next couple of days. It is good to be back, and to have access to the internet and my laptop which is set up for blogging. 

Deuteronomy 11 – the blessings of obedience

Moses points out that the children of the Israelites did not see God’s powerful deliverance from Egypt, His destruction of their armies, nor His provision of manna in the wilderness (as did their parents, who would all die in the wilderness.) He instructs them to obey all of God’s commands, “Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates… (11:18-20).

Moses warns his people: “Be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods.” I just obtained a book entitled Gods at War – Defeating the idols that battle for your heart by Kyle Idleman. He groups these idols into three categories and names three gods (idols) in each category – The Temple of Pleasure – the gods of food, sex and entertainment. The Temple of Power – the gods of success, money and achievement. The Temple of Love – the gods of romance, family and me. I look forward to reading this book and perhaps using it for a series of messages in the fall or spring.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I obey all your commands – loving you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself. Use me to bless those around me, and lead me as your undershepherd among your flock called Wesley United Methodist church as we develop more fruitful disciples of yours who worship, care and serve. 

July 4, 2013

This past Sunday I sat in the front row of the sanctuary instead of in the chancel area (due to the beautiful setup for the patriotic pageant including the choir and orchestra). During the offering, it occurred to me that an offering plate would soon be passed in front of me. I reached into my wallet to get some offering money, which I did. As I sat in that same pew at the 9:30 service, realizing I still had three worship services to attend, it occurred to me that my wallet was not prepared to respond to four separate offerings, and I have made a commitment not to let an offering plate go by without responding. I was in a dilemma.

Audrey and I have found the Electronic Funds Transfer of our tithe to be very helpful, as it ensures a regular giving of 1/10 of our income to the general fund of the church. It comes out of our checking account two days after the electronic deposit of my paycheck from the church. Even as this is a wonderful solution for our giving, it left me in the pew with the offering plate fast approaching. Here is what I did: I reached for one of the offering envelopes in the pew, on the back I scribbled a note that said “Our tithe will be transferred electronically to the church this month”, and with great satisfaction I put that envelope into the offering plate! It gives me great joy to tithe our income to the kingdom of God through our church.

Last night we had a thunderstorm, with a lightning strike that sounded like it hit the house, temporarily knocking out power while I was in the shower! There is no apparent damage outside.

After we enjoyed watching the Lone Ranger on the day it was released, I rode my Concours over to Collettes, where Steve helped me get a bolt secured for my top carrier, and replace my headlight. There was a clip that was persnickety, but once Steve figured it out the rest was simple (for him!) Tomorrow we launch into our trip to Yellowstone, which we have dreamed about for a long time. Our four-day venture into Colorado in 2011 was a good prelude, and my trip with Bickers last year was great preparation, as we travelled for 6 days on our bikes.

Today I will wash my bike, pack my gear, work around the house and garden, and generally enjoy this national holiday. June 3 was the last full day off I experienced, and 31 days is a long time to work without a break. This upcoming motorcycle trip will provide an excellent sabbath. I am rereading Zen and Now by Mark Richardson as I will ride into Bozeman, Montana on a day trip through Yellowstone out of Dubois. Robert Pirsig rode his 1964 Honda SuperHawk (CB77) through Bozeman in 1968 with his son Chris on the back and then wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance based on the trip. Richardson does a great job of using his motorcycle trip, which retraced Pirsig’s route as a basis to comment and review Pirsig’s life and writings.

Deut 4:44 – 6:25

Moses reviews the past 40 years, reminding the people of the 10 commandments, received on Mt. Sinai at the beginning of the Exodus. I am in a season of not hearing God’s voice or sensing His presence. I have noticed this, and daily journey forward knowing that God is present, is guiding me, and that I am seeking to do His will. I realize that seasons such as this are part of the spiritual life. I do not want to miss out on any experience with God, neither do I want to manufacture or strain for an experience.

This morning, most Holy Lord, I bask in your unseen presence, I listen to your silent Word, I live in your invisible love. I am yours. My life is lived for You. My heart beats to serve You. My resources are directed to your Kingdom. My relationships are nurtured reflecting your relationship. This is the day which You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

June 26, 2013

Ahh, the coffee is delicious, the couch is comfortable, and at 5:30 am I am ready for my early morning reading, prayer, and planning. My routine has been so irregular during June that I have found it difficult to write, and also to practice the saxophone. (I will play in the orchestra this Sunday for the Patriotic Pageant.) Yesterday I had new tires installed on the Kawasaki Concours which completes the final step to preparing it for the longest ride yet attempted, to Yellowstone, including Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota.  We leave a week from Friday. I still need to get my camping gear and all my supplies sorted out and figure out how to pack them.  I am rereading Zen and Now which retraces the route of Robert Pirsig’s 1968 motorcycle trip which was the basis for his famous book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. We will cover a small part of his route.

Numbers 33-34

Moses was instructed to record the travels of Israel, and chapter 33 is his record of their travels from Egypt for the 40+ years until they arrived at the Promised Land. It is very concise, recording every place where they camped. I enjoy reading travel logs, and have kept a log of my longer motorcycle trips. The fact that God instructed Moses to keep this record reminds me that community history is important for a people to remember, and important to God.

Chapter 34 describes the boundaries of the Promised Land, which would become the nation of Israel. God commanded his people to drive out all the inhabitants, and if any were left they would be like splinters and thorns for the Israelites. Reading this historical record I am again awed by the plans of God, his care for his people, and the harsh treatment to the enemies who worshiped false gods, bowed to idols and were involved in hideous practices such as human sacrifice and ritual prostitution. God is still involved in the human race, has revealed his will and purposes, has provided his son for our salvation, and made possible a daily walk in his presence.

Guide me today Lord as I serve you with joy. May my conversations, planning, praying, and interactions honor you and further your kingdom in this generation.

June 19, 2013

My blogs have decreased in frequency this month. I am not sure the reason, but imagine that it is mainly related to my schedule. As Springfield hosted the 4 days of Annual Conference, the gathering of all United Methodist pastors and an equal number of lay members from all the churches in Missouri, I was busy hosting meals and leading the Board of Ordained Ministry in several events. Today I am heading to Dallas for a conversation about leadership in the United Methodist Church, especially concerning how we attract and empower younger clergy leaders. Following is the article I wrote for the "Pastor's Pen" of this week's church newsletter:

In August we will launch a worship service in the downtown area as part of our college-age ministries. Pastor Matt Kerner will lead the service, Brian Mattson will lead the music. As we lean into our third year of intentional ministry among college students, we will bring a Wesley worship service as a second campus of our Republic Road main campus. I have noticed that members of Wesley have an affinity for the downtown area – shopping, dining, attending sporting events and concerts. After much prayerful discernment, the time is right to offer a worship service in the downtown area.

The service will launch on August 18 as the college students return to classes. We have made arrangements with the St. Paul UMC to use their sanctuary for this 11:30 am service. The music will incorporate the rich tradition of hymns and high quality modern worship music. The message will be delivered by Pastor Matt Kerner on most Sundays, and often will follow the themes used at our main campus. There will be nursery care and children’s worship for kids through 5^th grade.

This new worship experience is designed to reach new people. There are approximately 40,000 residents under the age of 30 within 2 miles of downtown. More than 50% of this population considers itself spiritual but does not participate in any faith community. Even as the goal is to reach more college students, people of all ages are encouraged to attend this service, as research indicates most college students prefer to worship in a multi-generational context.

I look forward to the ways God will use this endeavor to expand His Kingdom through Wesley United Methodist Church whose mission is to develop more disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.

June 14, 2013

It is John Wesley time (4:30 am)! Whenever I am out of bed during the 4 o’clock hour in the morning I remember John Wesley, who arose very early every morning. I am able to do this naturally (without an alarm) every now and then. This morning from 3:30 on I was awake, thinking about pastoral ministry through Wesley, sermons to preach this summer, the expanded ministry footprint, etc. I also am aware that I have not worked out since Monday a week ago in O’Fallon. I plan to go to the gym this morning by 5:30, given my schedule the rest of the day. I have been trying to strike a balance with this bronchitis, giving it enough rest to recover, but not succumbing to its debilitation. Yesterday I felt a little better, and that improvement continues this morning.

Numbers 22-23:26 (At this painfully slow rate of a chapter a day, I will not see the conquest of the Promised Land completed for a long time!)

As the Israelites camp opposite Jericho on the plains of Moab, the Moabite king sends for Balaam who lives near the Euphrates River to come and curse the encroaching horde. Balaam seeks God’s direction, who tells him not to go, and after some give and take, sets out intending only to say what God tells him. God is angry that he has even set out, and blocks his way with the invisible angel of the Lord. Balaam’s ass (donkey) sees and avoids this angel, but gets beaten each time by Balaam. Then the Lord gives the donkey the ability to speak, and he asks Balaam why he is beating him. God opens Balaam’s eyes to the spiritual reality, and he is humbled. God tells him to proceed, but only speak what he is told by God.

This is a most interesting account, and my take-away is to be ever more sensitive to the leading of the spirit, to go when prompted, and to stay put when not prompted to go, and to always be discerning what the will of the Lord is.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I live, move and breathe every moment in your presence. 

June 13, 2013

The Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church concluded its 2013 session in Springfield on Monday of this week. Led by Bishop Schnase, the theme of the Conference was “Praying Hands, Dirty Fingernails.” On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of delegates fanned out across Springfield in a mini mission blitz. Our church coordinated the work at Rare Breed, a center for homeless teens. A Habitat for Humanity house was constructed during the 4 day conference. I had the privilege of delivering the report of the Board of Ordained Ministry which I chair. The conference celebrated the retirements of both Jerry and Bev Boehmer, and on Saturday night we ordained 9 new Elders, having elected them into full connection with the annual conference. On Sunday morning, Mildred Hillme’s name was read in a service of remembrance, as she is the widow of Dr. Herbert Hillme, a United Methodist pastor.

The final act of the conference was the fixing of appointments, during which it was confirmed that I will be returning to Wesley for my 7^th year, as will Pastor Mi Hyeon Lee, and Pastor Matt Kerner will be returning for his 3^rd year under appointment to Wesley. His role will be shifting this year as he leads us in establishing a Sunday Morning worshipping community in the downtown area near the campuses. Wesley has received a larger grant from the Annual Conference for the coming year ($70,000, up from $40,000 this year) specifically to cover the additional costs of launching a new worship service. Matt is developing a launch team for this service, and would welcome the participation of all who feel called to be a part of this exciting new work.

Words are not adequate for me to express the appreciation I have for the work and witness of Wesley United Methodist Church. From the daily presence of our hospitality team wearing their red vests under the direction of Larry and Anis Gunner, to the mission work coordinated by Ted Madden, to the youth leaders including Tanner Kirksey and Bev Boehmer, Wesley is one of the strongest churches in the conference. It is a privilege to be appointed as lead pastor of this healthy church which is developing more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve!

June 5, 2013

I have arisen at 4:15, rested and ready for the day. The coconut coffee is extra tasty this morning. I have been reading an article in the Sunday News Leader which is a follow up to the February 23 murder of two young children and the suicide of their mother in Springfield. The gist of the article is about the restrictions placed upon DFS which requires a “preponderance of evidence” in order to remove a child from the home. Though this mother had episodic outbursts, there was not sufficient evidence to remove the children. This reminds me of the role that the church and Christ-followers can play in the everyday lives of children and families – a role of encouragement, partnership, and awareness.

Yesterday I attended the funeral service for Jim Combs, whose obituary is also in the Sunday News Leader. He was a man of great accomplishment as a Bible teacher, pastor, editor and innovative leader. I only knew him in the last few years, as a man of great encouragement. Daily I desire to live my life before God that is obedient and fruitful for the kingdom.

Numbers 13

God instructs Moses to send 12 spies into the Promised Land, which he does. They bring back a report of luscious crops and strong, large people living in walled cities. Caleb encourages the people to go at once to take the land. The other spies (except Joshua) argue against taking the land, pointing out the problems.

This is a classic episode in the history of God’s people. The trust placed in these 12 men is huge. As they experienced the weight of their influence, they eventually came down on the side of caution. This chapter simply tells the story of their spy mission. Later chapters will interpret their conclusions. This morning I am conscious of their lack of trust in God, and the manner in which they allowed obstacles to overwhelm their progress.

I am in a completely different time and place from these twelve. And where I am living, there is opportunity for great faith, obedience and courage. I must daily identify what this is, and how I can be part of God’s working among us. I must be careful to avoid attitude of the 10 spies, caution, doubt, lack of vision, and daily adopt the attitude of Caleb and Joshua – let’s move forward, God is with us.

Areas in my realm of influence –

                          Children’s ministry space and Auditorium for Wesley

                          Downtown ministry footprint – college age worship service

                          Recruiting and training younger pastors

                          Spiritual formation of pastors and kingdom builders

                          Family development of assets and opportunities

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I scout and live the life of faith to which you have called me. Guard me against being timid or reticent about moving forward at Your direction. Help me to live faithfully, even among naysayers and those who cannot see what You are up to.

May 22, 2013

Wesley, at the age of 49, is pregnant! We are about to birth a new worship community! In our third year of intentional college-age ministry, we will be launching a late Sunday morning worship service in the downtown area near the college campuses. Our goal is to provide a Wesley worship experience that is geographically and culturally within reach of the largest population of young adults in Springfield.

Pastor Matt Kerner will take the lead in organizing and leading this 5^th worship service of Wesley United Methodist Church. The exact time and place for this gathering is still being determined, but it will be launched on August 18 as college students approach their new fall semester. A launch team is being assembled, and all who are interested in supporting this new worship service, regardless of age, and invited to contact Matt (417-350-9806). 

The mission of Wesley United Methodist Church is to develop more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve. We are investing our resources in establishing this second campus of worship to expand our reach physically to the college community concentrated in the Springfield downtown area. It is also a joy to reconnect with our Wesley college-aged students who have been away at school and are home for the summer. I look forward to hearing your stories of faith development in the places where you have been attending school. 

May 17, 2013

This coming Sunday is Pentecost. I invite you to wear red to the Sunday worship services, representing the flames of fire that fell from heaven upon the gathered believers, seven weeks after the resurrection of Jesus. This past Sunday I spoke about reflecting the glory of God - the manifestation and revelation of His love in the radiance of His power and splendor. Truly it is God’s Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity through whom His love and power are demonstrated to the world today.

There are seasons when the body of Christ disregards the power of the Holy Spirit. In every generation there are those who experience God’s power, and become His beacons. John Wesley said that if you “Catch on fire others will love to come watch you burn.” Father Dennis Bennett experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in 1960 and a generation was shaped by the Charismatic Movement. His spiritual autobiography, Nine O’clock in the Morning is a great devotional read.

As a church we are well positioned to be used by God in ever widening circles. As a people who have been saved by grace and empowered by His Spirit, let us place ourselves before His throne daily to receive His direction and His instructions.

Leviticus 27

The final chapter! Even as it was tedious to read through this book in my morning devotions, it was a good exercise and I benefitted in a renewed sense of God’s instructions to His people who would form a new country and begin an era. Living in this generation I devote each day, every activity, all my possessions to His Lordship. My work as pastor has similarities with the priesthood and also with the leaders who assisted Moses. The church has a sanctuary similar to the tabernacle, and God’s presence is with His people.

Falling Upward pp 73-81 Rohr refers to Einstein and his search for a “unifying field” and Rohr describes the Roman Catholic Church as his unifying field. Each night I am reading the biography of Einstein that Bethany gave me for Christmas. I have been considering his search for a unifying field, and am amazed that I read a reference to it in my devotions!

Guide me Holy Lord as I live this finite day to your unlimited glory. May the investment of my energy and initiative be wholly according to your will and purposes. Guard me in every way from selfishness and any false sense of importance. 

May 14, 2013

What a beautiful day! Yesterday (my day off) was also a gem. On my motorcycle I mounted the Givi touring case, met with Adam about the saxophone, made three great landings on runway 14, chatted with Russell,  visited the dentist who performed my root canal, mowed the back yard, barbecued pork steaks, watched some of last Saturday’s NASCAR, and read some of Einstein’s biography.  All in all, Audrey and I had a very good Monday.

During the night I developed a curiosity about Matthew Henry. I had a desire to read about him on Wikipedia, and I do not know why this suddenly occurred to me. I will look him up. What I know is that he was a pastor in England in the 1600s who wrote a great commentary in devotional style covering most of scripture.  I was given a one volume edition of his commentary by my friend Greg when I graduated from college. I am curious about his church and his family.

Leviticus 24, and Matthew Henry’s commentary –light for the tabernacle, and 12 loaves of bread per week.

In my 1960 version of Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume I read about his life and times in the forward. He died at 52 (1714) of apoplexy, which was a term used which could have been a stroke, a heart attack, an aneurism, etc. He pastored at Chester from 1687 – 1712 (a town in England near northeast Wales) and then was called to Hackney, near London which he accepted so that he would have greater access to libraries for his Biblical commentary. Through Wikipedia I discovered his writings beyond his commentary, including many sermons, plus a biography of his father, Philip Henry which seems interesting. This was good exercise to read about Matthew Henry.

Guide me today most holy Lord as I tend to the light and the bread of your presence in the generation to which you have sent me. 

May 9, 2013

I have awoken naturally at 5:00 am and feel rested. Disappointed that Brenda was voted off Survivor last night after she won reward, gave it to her four friends and trusted Dawn in the immunity challenge. It is a dog-eat-dog competition where clearly the best people do not win. However, it is fascinating to watch the decisions unfold.

I have about 8 new books to be reading. Yesterday I got the 2012 Annual Conference journal in the mail, the day before I received 3 books on the Holy Spirit from Ethel Snooks, including two by Dennis Bennett, and there are 4 books I am reading for the Bishops Week gathering. Falling Forward by Richard Rohr is a great read about “spirituality for the two halves of life.”

Leviticus 20 – “You must be holy, for I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” (Verse 26)  This chapter spells out the consequences for violating the laws God has given to his people, which distinguish them from their surrounding neighbors. It is in this chapter, verse 9 that it says “anyone who dishonors father or mother must be put to death. Such a person is guilty of a capital offense.” This is so very severe. God spells out the death penalty for sexual sins, and excommunication for other sins. “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead.”

I see the wisdom of God in keeping His chosen people from the detestable practices of their neighbors. I also am thankful that I live in this era, in which grace and mercy are dispensed more readily than judgment. Grace cannot be truly experienced without law and judgment, and I grasp the authority and will of God requiring obedience and surrender.

Today is the 5^th anniversary of the death of my father. He died on Mother’s day in 2008, which was also their 55^th anniversary. 60 years ago today my parents were married in Los Angeles. I am thankful for my parents, and honor their memory and their lives, thankful for the care and sacrifices they made in raising me and establishing me on the path of this earthly journey.

Dennis Bennett wrote Nine O’clock in the Morning as his spiritual autobiography. This is my favorite form of literature, and I look forward to reading this book over the next few days. I am also reading a biography about the great physicist Albert Einstein which stretches me to think about concepts and a lifestyle different from my usual thought pattern.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve You, living a set apart life, filled with Your Holy Spirit and giving myself to others as you modeled during Your brief earthly journey.

May 4, 2013

How do you know if you are trusting in the Lord with all your heart?

If you are not trusting in the Lord with all your heart, then what are you trusting in? How is that working for you?

Tomorrow my message comes from Proverbs 3:5-10, written by the wisest man in history. He tells the reader to trust in the Lord with all the heart. He proceeds to caution the reader not to be wise in your own eyes, but to fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. When a person does this it will be healing to your flesh and refreshment for your body.  Getting down to the application of this trust, Solomon tells us to “honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce.”

Last year when my blackberry patch was in its third season, it began to produce beautiful fruit. When I was able to go out and pick a bowl full of luscious berries, my heart overflowed with appreciation. I was thankful that Rochelle had given me four plants from her garden. I was thankful for this spot in my yard where I had built a raised bed. But mostly I was thankful to God, who caused the blackberry to grow and to ripen and to become delicious fruit.

Honoring God with our substance and with the first fruits of all our increase is a tangible way to indicate to God and to ourselves that we trust God. He does not need what we have. We need to offer it in ways that indicate He is the object of our faith, and our source of hope. Bringing the first of the first fruits to God’s house is the way we obey His word, and demonstrate the reality of our trust in Him.

If your faith is faltering, begin to take the first 10% of your paycheck, or your retirement check, or whatever the source of your income and place it in the offering at church. Jesus launched the church through his disciples as the visible expression of his body on earth. Bringing our substance (financial resources) to the body of Christ marks us as one of His disciples. In a mysterious way, he uses us to build his kingdom and prepare for his soon return as King of kings.

I trust the Lord with all my heart, and today, you can too. Remember, He gave his son as payment for our sins, what more could He do? O how I love Him.

April 30, 2013

Love will last forever  (I Corinthians 13) – prophecy and speaking in tongues and special knowledge will become useless. Three things will last forever – faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. Characteristics of love – it is patient and kind, not jealous nor boastful nor proud nor rude; it does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance! Yes!

This morning I will officiate at the funeral of Mildred Hillme who lived 98 years. Her husband was a United Methodist Pastor, and her only child, John, is our organist at Wesley. The scripture selected by her family is I Corinthian 13.

In the notes section of the Chronological Life Application Study Bible I am using, there is an article about mirrors, stating that copper, bronze, silver and gold were used for mirrors, not glass. This created an imperfect reflection. Verse 12 states “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity (face to face).” Science has perfected mirrors, even giving them magnification. There are so many things we see imperfectly this side of heaven, and those who have died now see these things “with perfect clarity.”

Guide me most Holy Lord as I serve you today, pastoring among the people called Wesley UMC, and leading by servant example in this community. Thank you for this glorious spring day in the Ozarks. 

April 21, 2013

James 2:14-20: “Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it?”

Here is a recap of the mission blitz through Wesley UM church on April 20:

189,000 meals packaged in the gym, 39,000 more than the 150,000 goal.  Rainbow Network took the additional 39,000, meals. Rainbow will send 89,000 meals to Nicaragua instead of 50,000.  The 39,000 additional meals at .17 cents a meal is $5,850.  

The youth collected 5 large pallets of food at the two Wal-Mart stores and 2 more pallets were collected at Wesley and loaded into the Ozark Food Harvest truck this morning.  Each pallet weighs 500 pounds, so 3500 pounds was collected today.  Added to the 4057 pounds  picked up last Tuesday comes to 7,557 pounds of food. More will be collected at church on Sunday. An unknown amout of cash donations were also made at the stores. . Meals on donated food are calculated by dividing 1.5 pounds into total weight, so 8,000 pounds equals 5,333 meals. Ozark Food Harvest will give the final count of food and money on Monday.

The sewing blitz resulted in 157 baby blankets being made.  

The dining room at Harmony House has a new floor and fresh paint.  About 30 - 40 women plus an unknown number of children (my bad) from Harmony House were fed breakfast and lunch and enjoyed a Spiritual Spa put on by Wesley volunteers. Plus they were given a tote bag which they filled with personal beauty products.  

The Wesley ramp builders completed 3 wheel chair ramps. 

On Thursday the Singing Ambassadors did their mission blitz singing at 3 nursing homes and at Daybreak adult day care.  They said they had a blast.

Guide us Lord as we live out our faith in our actions and deeds. May Your Holy Spirit live through us producing the fruit indicating the reality of the new life in Christ.

April 20, 2013

This morning our Mission Blitz gets underway. We have been preparing for it for months, and yesterday the equipment and the materials arrived to package 150,000 meals in our gym. I will assist as needed, and then work in the nursery from 11 until 1. Tomorrow will be a great celebration.

There is clearly a frost on rooftops and lawns. Perhaps this will be the last frost of the season. I covered my two tomato plants to protect them. My blackberries are sprouting out with tender green shoots. I planted a hill of corn, mainly because I found a display of 33 cent seed packets at the grocery store yesterday. It will be sunny with highs in the 60s today.

Last night there was a dramatic conclusion to the manhunt for the men who planted the bombs at the Boston Marathon. One of the brothers had been killed in a shootout in the wee hours of yesterday morning, and the city of Boston was locked down for the day. At 8:45 pm the other brother was taken into custody, having been hiding in a boat in the backyard of a home just outside the 20 block area that had been searched house-to-house. There was a collective sigh of relief and appreciation for the efforts of law enforcement departments and personnel.

Leviticus 9 tells of Aaron and his sons getting to work, and the glory of the Lord appears among the people of Israel, gathered around the Tabernacle. The sacrifice on the altar is consumed by the fire which blazed forth from the Lord’s presence. The people saw this, shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground. Daily I am about the work God has assigned and directed. Today it is the mission blitz, in which hundreds of Wesley members and friends will invest in mission and ministry. Living in the presence of God is a blessing, and sometimes His presence blazes forth in observable ways.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord, as I serve you among your people in Springfield Missouri. May the words of my mouth, the work of my hands, and the connections of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, my strength and redeemer.