4-8-10 Thursday, 7:49 am Grayrock, sunny, 38 degrees.
It looks like tonight will be the last frost, and we will cover the tender flowers we planted on Monday. I have a slower start this morning, with prayer with two pastors at 9:00. My body is still lethargic, even as my mind begins to anticipate God’s word for today.
Deut 32:28-52
Moses finishes his song in which the warnings of disobedience and God’s judgement is very clear. God commands Moses to go up mount Nebo which rises opposite Jericho. He will get to see the promised land, but not journey there, because of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah, where he and Aaron failed to demonstrate God’s holiness to the people when they demanded water. Lord, Guard me from ever failing to demonstrate your holiness among the people I serve. Guide me as I live a life of holiness unto you, with authenticity and integrity.
“Holiness unto the Lord” is carved in wood above the stage in the Asbury College auditorium, and holiness is a strong emphasis in Wilmore among both the college and the seminary. Holiness is referred to here at the end of Deuteronomy. For religious people, it is all too easy to try to fake holiness, or make it external as did the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day. In this generation those who are “legalistic”, mandating certain external behavior fall into this trap. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who ignore the call to holy living and whose lives are no different than their neighbors who do not live for God. I desire to live a balanced, transparent life in which the holiness and awe of God is evident as I guard against an external, religious, showy legalism.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
4-7-10 Wednesday, 6:38 am Grayrock, 63 degrees and raining.
Deut 31-32:27 Moses’ final speech, and a song he wrote in one day and taught the Israelites. God tells him to commission Joshua with the words “be strong and courageous…” Moses is concerned that the people will turn away from God and worship the false gods of the people around them once they occupy the promised land.
11:07 am Pastor’s Office
Beginning with an early breakfast meeting with another pastor, and including a time of prayer here at Wesley and counseling with a member I am ready to post this entry. My day has more appointments than is typical, and I look forward to each person and group with whom I will interact today. Guide me Lord as a pastor and leader of this faith community.
Deut 31-32:27 Moses’ final speech, and a song he wrote in one day and taught the Israelites. God tells him to commission Joshua with the words “be strong and courageous…” Moses is concerned that the people will turn away from God and worship the false gods of the people around them once they occupy the promised land.
11:07 am Pastor’s Office
Beginning with an early breakfast meeting with another pastor, and including a time of prayer here at Wesley and counseling with a member I am ready to post this entry. My day has more appointments than is typical, and I look forward to each person and group with whom I will interact today. Guide me Lord as a pastor and leader of this faith community.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April 6, 2010
4-6-10 Tuesday, 6:55 am Grayrock, 65 degrees with wind advisories posted.
Audrey and I worked outside most of the day yesterday, as I brought in ½ yard of topsoil, and ½ yard of mulch. Geraniums now adorn our front garden, and I am feeling the effects of a day behind the wheelbarrow. It was fulfilling to work hard on this project and to stand back and see the good results.
Last night Duke beat Butler in a close game for the national title. It could have gone either way. And, yesterday was the opening day game for the St. Louis Cardinals, as they beat Cincinnati on Albert’s two homeruns and Molina’s grand slam. Now to turn my attention to the Word, and the present work of the Holy Spirit in these days immediately following Easter.
Deut 29:1 – 30:20
29:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever, to observe all the words of the law.” This verse contains mystery and clarity. God has revealed to us through his word so much of his will and purposes and design for our lives. These two chapters of Deuteronomy, just prior to the Israelites entering the promised land, and at the end of Moses’ leadership have great implications for the faith communities of this generation.
Audrey and I worked outside most of the day yesterday, as I brought in ½ yard of topsoil, and ½ yard of mulch. Geraniums now adorn our front garden, and I am feeling the effects of a day behind the wheelbarrow. It was fulfilling to work hard on this project and to stand back and see the good results.
Last night Duke beat Butler in a close game for the national title. It could have gone either way. And, yesterday was the opening day game for the St. Louis Cardinals, as they beat Cincinnati on Albert’s two homeruns and Molina’s grand slam. Now to turn my attention to the Word, and the present work of the Holy Spirit in these days immediately following Easter.
Deut 29:1 – 30:20
29:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever, to observe all the words of the law.” This verse contains mystery and clarity. God has revealed to us through his word so much of his will and purposes and design for our lives. These two chapters of Deuteronomy, just prior to the Israelites entering the promised land, and at the end of Moses’ leadership have great implications for the faith communities of this generation.
Monday, April 5, 2010
April 5, 2010
4-5-10 Monday, 5:59 am Grayrock, 64 degrees, clear
Ahh, the “7th” day in my schedule. Having worked long and hard during holy week and Easter weekend, today is unscheduled and my Sabbath. Bethany is back in Los Angelos, David and Danelle are back in O’Fallon, and the house is quiet. It will be a good day for reading, yard work, rest, and recreation.
Deut 28
A chapter of promised blessings for obedience to God, and severe warnings against disobedience. God is serious about his word to the Israelites. This chapter reminds me to pour myself into obeying God’s word out of my love for him, and the opportunities I have to teach and deliver God’s word to others.
Luke 11:14-36
Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzubub, the chief demon. He warns that a house divided can not stand (the Kentucky state motto). He states that Jonah is the sign given to all. I plan to preach a short series on Jonah this year – maybe in May or June.
This day, as every day I am your servant. Use me to accomplish your will on this first Monday in April.
Ahh, the “7th” day in my schedule. Having worked long and hard during holy week and Easter weekend, today is unscheduled and my Sabbath. Bethany is back in Los Angelos, David and Danelle are back in O’Fallon, and the house is quiet. It will be a good day for reading, yard work, rest, and recreation.
Deut 28
A chapter of promised blessings for obedience to God, and severe warnings against disobedience. God is serious about his word to the Israelites. This chapter reminds me to pour myself into obeying God’s word out of my love for him, and the opportunities I have to teach and deliver God’s word to others.
Luke 11:14-36
Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzubub, the chief demon. He warns that a house divided can not stand (the Kentucky state motto). He states that Jonah is the sign given to all. I plan to preach a short series on Jonah this year – maybe in May or June.
This day, as every day I am your servant. Use me to accomplish your will on this first Monday in April.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 4, Easter Sunday, 2010
4-4-10 Easter Morning 5:19 am 54 degrees, clear
At 2:25 am I heard the yelping of coyotes in the James river basin a mile and a half to our south. At 4:56 the birds began to sing and I realized that I was rested enough to arise. This morning our theme is “3:16, the numbers of Hope” I am looking forward to this Easter resurrection celebration, beginning with the youth service outside right at sunrise, and continuing throughout the morning. Guide me Holy Lord as I lead this community today in living out the numbers of hope, believing in Jesus the Christ and living fully the good news.
At 2:25 am I heard the yelping of coyotes in the James river basin a mile and a half to our south. At 4:56 the birds began to sing and I realized that I was rested enough to arise. This morning our theme is “3:16, the numbers of Hope” I am looking forward to this Easter resurrection celebration, beginning with the youth service outside right at sunrise, and continuing throughout the morning. Guide me Holy Lord as I lead this community today in living out the numbers of hope, believing in Jesus the Christ and living fully the good news.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
April 3, 2010
4-3-10 Saturday, 8:21 am Grayrock, 48 degrees.
Last night we had two great Good Friday services, at 7 and 9. The purpose was to feel the suffering and the darkness of the crucifixion which was accomplished both in the sanctuary and the gym. This morning the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Easter Saturday is in full bloom. Tonight I have the privilege of baptizing and renewing the vows of 30+ youth. Lord prepare me ….
Luke 10:13-37 (Reading from Greek-English Interlinear version)
Jesus discusses the receptivity of Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida and compares it to Tyre and Sidon. This reminds me of the specifics of place and time, and the variety of responses to God of a given people. My hope is for Springfield, and those influenced by the ministries of Wesley to be fully responsive to God’s grace and mercy.
A religious leader tests Jesus with the question “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asks him about what the scripture says, and he responds “Love the Lord your God from all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus commends him saying “do this and you will live”. The scholar pushes him further, wanting to justify himself “who is my neighbor?” To this question Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan.
Guide me today Lord as I seek to love you from all my heart, with all my soul, strength and mind, and to love those around me as myself, on this day of Easter preparation.
Last night we had two great Good Friday services, at 7 and 9. The purpose was to feel the suffering and the darkness of the crucifixion which was accomplished both in the sanctuary and the gym. This morning the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Easter Saturday is in full bloom. Tonight I have the privilege of baptizing and renewing the vows of 30+ youth. Lord prepare me ….
Luke 10:13-37 (Reading from Greek-English Interlinear version)
Jesus discusses the receptivity of Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida and compares it to Tyre and Sidon. This reminds me of the specifics of place and time, and the variety of responses to God of a given people. My hope is for Springfield, and those influenced by the ministries of Wesley to be fully responsive to God’s grace and mercy.
A religious leader tests Jesus with the question “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asks him about what the scripture says, and he responds “Love the Lord your God from all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus commends him saying “do this and you will live”. The scholar pushes him further, wanting to justify himself “who is my neighbor?” To this question Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan.
Guide me today Lord as I seek to love you from all my heart, with all my soul, strength and mind, and to love those around me as myself, on this day of Easter preparation.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday, 2010
4-2-10 Good Friday, 7:14 am Grayrock, 64 degrees, cloudy.
Thunderstorms are predicted today, beginning in the afternoon. How often it happens on Good Friday, that the sky darkens and thunder rolls. David and Danelle will be driving in from St. Louis today. We have the Easter bulletins to finish, and the two Good Friday services tonight.
Luke 9:51 -10:12
Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem. Several potential followers, who first want to take care of other business are dismissed. Jesus says “anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.” Perseverance and faith with one’s eye on the prize of God’s kingdom is Jesus’ teaching.
He chose 72 and sent them out ahead to the towns he planned to visit. He gave them clear instructions, and the promise that the Lord is in charge of the harvest (10:2). Tolstoy seemed to wrestle with this concept, and at the age of 82 walked away from his home, his family, his wealth, only to get sick and die within a few weeks. Interpreting this chapter and rightly applying it to one’s life is critical to being a fruitful follower (disciple) of Christ.
Psalm 74
The writer wonders that God would allow their enemies to destroy the temple, and mock the power of God. There are no prophets, and the writer wonders how long God will be silent. In Verse 12 he affirms that God is his king from ages past, and recounts the mighty acts of God evidenced in nature.
Guide me holy Lord today as I walk in faith through this day of remembering your suffering and death on the cross. You are my King, and I will praise you and serve you without looking back. Pastoring this faithful flock called Wesley UMC is a great calling, especially as we increasingly seek to reach out, bridging with the Springfield regional community.
Thunderstorms are predicted today, beginning in the afternoon. How often it happens on Good Friday, that the sky darkens and thunder rolls. David and Danelle will be driving in from St. Louis today. We have the Easter bulletins to finish, and the two Good Friday services tonight.
Luke 9:51 -10:12
Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem. Several potential followers, who first want to take care of other business are dismissed. Jesus says “anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.” Perseverance and faith with one’s eye on the prize of God’s kingdom is Jesus’ teaching.
He chose 72 and sent them out ahead to the towns he planned to visit. He gave them clear instructions, and the promise that the Lord is in charge of the harvest (10:2). Tolstoy seemed to wrestle with this concept, and at the age of 82 walked away from his home, his family, his wealth, only to get sick and die within a few weeks. Interpreting this chapter and rightly applying it to one’s life is critical to being a fruitful follower (disciple) of Christ.
Psalm 74
The writer wonders that God would allow their enemies to destroy the temple, and mock the power of God. There are no prophets, and the writer wonders how long God will be silent. In Verse 12 he affirms that God is his king from ages past, and recounts the mighty acts of God evidenced in nature.
Guide me holy Lord today as I walk in faith through this day of remembering your suffering and death on the cross. You are my King, and I will praise you and serve you without looking back. Pastoring this faithful flock called Wesley UMC is a great calling, especially as we increasingly seek to reach out, bridging with the Springfield regional community.
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