5-8-10 Saturday, 9:36 am Sunny, 53 degrees. It looks to be another beautiful day.
Last evening Audrey and I went to the “parent picture taking” session for our niece Lauren’s prom, where four couples gathered at a friend’s house for photos. It was delightful. It brought back memories of the proms attended by David and Bethany over the last 8 years. I even flashed back to the Parkway North prom of 1974 and a powder blue tuxedo.
I Sam 2:22- 4:22
This is the amazing account of God speaking to Samuel, of his disfavor toward Eli and his sinful sons. This includes the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, and the word of God spoken through Samuel. Samuel proves to be a faithful servant of God all of his life. Chapter 2, verse 30 says “I will honor those who honor me, and despise those who think lightly of me.” This is in contrast to the mistaken view of God as a kindly old grandfather who loves everybody. It is dangerous to “think lightly” of God. My task is to announce the kingdom of God in a way that all hearers have an opportunity to fully consider the things of God.
This week at Wesley we have been working on defining a pathway of discipleship. This is part of our strategic plan, and a task force has been considering it for months. I think we are close to articulating the “Wesley Way”, which involves three stages and many streams. Samuel’s life can be described using these three stages. The sons of Eli dropped out of this “way” at some point, which is possible for any human to do. His father erred by not disciplining them to demonstrate his love and God’s will for them and the community. Guide me today Lord as I work on advancing your kingdom in this generation.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
May 7, 2010
5-7-10 Frdiay, 8:00 am Grayrock, 69 degrees, cloudy.
It is unusually warm this morning, and I am unusually tired. I worked until 9:30 last night at church, and earlier I put in a good workout at the Meyer center, thus my body resisted my attempts to arise. The coffee is now flowing, and I am leaning into God’s word for today.
Ruth 4; I Sam 1
Boaz is careful to negotiate with the “kinsman redeemer” who is next in line to buy Naomi’s property, and to marry Ruth. He declines, and Boaz marries Ruth, and to them is born Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. So, Ruth the Moabite becomes the great-grandmother of king David. I see in this lineage the hand of God, blessing faithfulness, surprising with His grace, redeeming loss and brokenness.
I Sam 1
Hannah prays fervently for a child, promising to give him to the Lord, which she does when he is weaned. The priest Eli had mistaken her prayer for a drunken rambling, and when he learned of her earnestness, he assured her that the Lord heard her prayer. This was at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was established.
I know that there are many people troubled as was Hannah, and the sanctuary at Wesley is a great place to pray. I need to cultivate a greater sense of expectancy, and assure those who pray there that God does indeed hear their prayer. Guide me this morning Lord as I go to work on my sermon and serve among the congregation of Wesley.
It is unusually warm this morning, and I am unusually tired. I worked until 9:30 last night at church, and earlier I put in a good workout at the Meyer center, thus my body resisted my attempts to arise. The coffee is now flowing, and I am leaning into God’s word for today.
Ruth 4; I Sam 1
Boaz is careful to negotiate with the “kinsman redeemer” who is next in line to buy Naomi’s property, and to marry Ruth. He declines, and Boaz marries Ruth, and to them is born Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. So, Ruth the Moabite becomes the great-grandmother of king David. I see in this lineage the hand of God, blessing faithfulness, surprising with His grace, redeeming loss and brokenness.
I Sam 1
Hannah prays fervently for a child, promising to give him to the Lord, which she does when he is weaned. The priest Eli had mistaken her prayer for a drunken rambling, and when he learned of her earnestness, he assured her that the Lord heard her prayer. This was at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was established.
I know that there are many people troubled as was Hannah, and the sanctuary at Wesley is a great place to pray. I need to cultivate a greater sense of expectancy, and assure those who pray there that God does indeed hear their prayer. Guide me this morning Lord as I go to work on my sermon and serve among the congregation of Wesley.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May 6, 2010
5-6-10 Thursday, 7:27 am Grayrock, sunny, 56 degrees.
Ruth 2-3
The Introduction in the Wesley Study Bible provides helpful information and insight into this short book of the Bible. Redemption and holy living are the main themes. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are the main characters. John Wesley suggests that we apply this passage by asking ourselves in the evening “Where have I gleaned today? What improvements have I made in grace or knowledge? What have I learned or done?” Lord, may this day be a day of faithful work in your harvest, as I glean and gather, work and serve in your great plan of redemption.
Yesterday I recorded 11.55 hours of work, as I am recording all my hours along with the pastors and executive staff for these two weeks. Following the practice of John Wesley, I am finding this a helpful exercise and not as difficult as it seems. My schedule lightens up for the next few days, and I have the opportunity to make great progress in planning and working ahead.
Ruth 2-3
The Introduction in the Wesley Study Bible provides helpful information and insight into this short book of the Bible. Redemption and holy living are the main themes. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are the main characters. John Wesley suggests that we apply this passage by asking ourselves in the evening “Where have I gleaned today? What improvements have I made in grace or knowledge? What have I learned or done?” Lord, may this day be a day of faithful work in your harvest, as I glean and gather, work and serve in your great plan of redemption.
Yesterday I recorded 11.55 hours of work, as I am recording all my hours along with the pastors and executive staff for these two weeks. Following the practice of John Wesley, I am finding this a helpful exercise and not as difficult as it seems. My schedule lightens up for the next few days, and I have the opportunity to make great progress in planning and working ahead.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
5-4-10 Tuesday, 6:26 am Grayrock, 51 degrees, clear – Another beautiful day ahead.
Yesterday I worked most to the day in the yard and garden. I mowed and trimmed, and hauled dirt and mulch for the yard and the raised bed. I filled in erosion and sowed grass seed. I did not get to the garden, but this evening I hope to get the blackberries in and a trellis built. All in all I am pleased with the flow of yesterday, my body is sore, and my mind is rested.
Judges 19:1- 20:48
These two chapters contain the disturbing account of a Levite, his concubine (secondary wife) hospitality and the tribe of Benjamin. The Wesley Bible notes that this is certainly a low point in the community life of Israel, and it is marked by lack of hospitality, sexual sins, and disregard for women. This crumbling of the covenant community stands as a clear warning to all who read it – be careful to maintain hospitality, pursue sexual purity and honor women.
As mother’s day approaches, I have an opportunity to honor women with my weekend message. I will lift up Lydia, the seller of purple and the baptism of her household. I celebrate the equal status of women and men in our culture, and I am concerned about the violence against women, and the objectifying of women throughout our culture. Guide me Lord as I lead the church and serve you today.
Yesterday I worked most to the day in the yard and garden. I mowed and trimmed, and hauled dirt and mulch for the yard and the raised bed. I filled in erosion and sowed grass seed. I did not get to the garden, but this evening I hope to get the blackberries in and a trellis built. All in all I am pleased with the flow of yesterday, my body is sore, and my mind is rested.
Judges 19:1- 20:48
These two chapters contain the disturbing account of a Levite, his concubine (secondary wife) hospitality and the tribe of Benjamin. The Wesley Bible notes that this is certainly a low point in the community life of Israel, and it is marked by lack of hospitality, sexual sins, and disregard for women. This crumbling of the covenant community stands as a clear warning to all who read it – be careful to maintain hospitality, pursue sexual purity and honor women.
As mother’s day approaches, I have an opportunity to honor women with my weekend message. I will lift up Lydia, the seller of purple and the baptism of her household. I celebrate the equal status of women and men in our culture, and I am concerned about the violence against women, and the objectifying of women throughout our culture. Guide me Lord as I lead the church and serve you today.
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 3, 2010
5-3-10 Monday, 6:58 am Grayrock, clear, 52 degrees.
Ah, the “7th” day in my week, the Sabbath with no work scheduled. I appreciate Jesus’ words that “the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath.” I look forward to investing this day in ways that are re-creational. This could include some gardening and yardwork, some exercise, a ride on the KLR, barbequing, and relaxing. Guide me Lord as I serve you today.
Numbers 17-18
The curious story of Micah and his personal priest, and the tribe of Dan looking for a place to settle. These two chapters leave room for much interpretation. I will chew on them for awhile. The Wesley Study Bible throws some light on these chapters as representing the low point of Israel’s faithfulness as the tribe of Dan establishes a forbidden worship site with forbidden practices and an opportunistic priest.
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Jesus explains about being born from above, a spiritual birth.
God’s word is true and my guide for daily living. The established religious systems sometimes get in the way of God’s plan, sometimes are the means of God’s plan. In this decade, this century, I desire to walk fully in the midst of God’s plan and to not deviate to the right or to the left. Lead me Lord in your righteousness.
Ah, the “7th” day in my week, the Sabbath with no work scheduled. I appreciate Jesus’ words that “the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath.” I look forward to investing this day in ways that are re-creational. This could include some gardening and yardwork, some exercise, a ride on the KLR, barbequing, and relaxing. Guide me Lord as I serve you today.
Numbers 17-18
The curious story of Micah and his personal priest, and the tribe of Dan looking for a place to settle. These two chapters leave room for much interpretation. I will chew on them for awhile. The Wesley Study Bible throws some light on these chapters as representing the low point of Israel’s faithfulness as the tribe of Dan establishes a forbidden worship site with forbidden practices and an opportunistic priest.
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Jesus explains about being born from above, a spiritual birth.
God’s word is true and my guide for daily living. The established religious systems sometimes get in the way of God’s plan, sometimes are the means of God’s plan. In this decade, this century, I desire to walk fully in the midst of God’s plan and to not deviate to the right or to the left. Lead me Lord in your righteousness.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May 2, 2010
5-2-10 Sunday, 5:34 am Grayrock, 53 degrees, clear, Morning Star in the East.
Oh it was hard to get out of bed; I had to force this sore body into motion following a good hard day of exercise and pastoral work. Our staff picnic was great yesterday evening, and everybody seemed to have a good time. The egg toss was especially popular.
Now for my final approach for sermon and worship leading this morning.
Oh it was hard to get out of bed; I had to force this sore body into motion following a good hard day of exercise and pastoral work. Our staff picnic was great yesterday evening, and everybody seemed to have a good time. The egg toss was especially popular.
Now for my final approach for sermon and worship leading this morning.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
5-1-10 Saturday, 7:28 am Grayrock; Sunny, 60 degrees, fog and clouds looming.
Today we have the first annual staff and family picnic. I am looking forward to this time of informal gathering. The weather might force us into the gym, but, at this point it could be outside as planned.
Gen 37 – the story of Joseph
He is the favorite son of his father Jacob, also named Israel. He receives a special coat from his father that becomes an object of jealousy. He brings a bad report about his brothers. When they have the opportunity to do him harm, they sell him to some traders. Their cover up involves dipping his robe in blood and delivering it to his father. Jacob cannot be consoled.
Lord, guard me from jealousy, from comparisons, from bitter resentment at the favor and success of others. Inbolden me to rescue others from the pit of captivity and bondage. I must not accept the brokenness of this world as it is, but like Rueben seek other solutions. Use me as your servant Lord in this generation.
Today we have the first annual staff and family picnic. I am looking forward to this time of informal gathering. The weather might force us into the gym, but, at this point it could be outside as planned.
Gen 37 – the story of Joseph
He is the favorite son of his father Jacob, also named Israel. He receives a special coat from his father that becomes an object of jealousy. He brings a bad report about his brothers. When they have the opportunity to do him harm, they sell him to some traders. Their cover up involves dipping his robe in blood and delivering it to his father. Jacob cannot be consoled.
Lord, guard me from jealousy, from comparisons, from bitter resentment at the favor and success of others. Inbolden me to rescue others from the pit of captivity and bondage. I must not accept the brokenness of this world as it is, but like Rueben seek other solutions. Use me as your servant Lord in this generation.
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