5-15-10 Saturday, 7:57 am Grayrock, 58 degrees, light rain
I met the Wesley running club at the church at 6:00 am and we ran 6 miles, checking out possible routes for the upcoming 5k Run for the Mission. Having awakened naturally at 5:20 I had no excuses! I am not by nature a morning runner, but it is good periodically for me to do so, especially with the purpose we had today. Last night’s Eagle scout court of honor went well, and I got home about 9:15.
I Sam 17
Goliath challenges the armies of the Living God, and shepherd boy David rises to this challenge in the name of God. Having watched the movie Robin Hood yesterday, I could imagine the carnage of this type of hand-to-hand battle. As I encourage people to remember what God has done, this incident with David and Goliath is a great example.
Psalm 110
I read this just before I ran, and gained strength and encouragement from these words. I yield myself to you Lord, to be filled by your spirit and led upon your path. Use me today as your servant.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
May 14, 2010
5-14-10 Friday, 5:38 am Grayrock, 62 degrees raining.
Yesterday I received a phone call at 5:00 pm from a distressed young mother who was being evicted from a friend’s house where she had been staying. I made arrangements for a night’s lodging, and then drove drove her, her fiancé, and their 1 ½ year-old to a hotel within walking distance of the roofing contractor he is scheduled to start working for today. With this rain, that work seems unlikely. This family has been heavily upon my mind through the night, as they seem to have no reserves, no backup, and little hope of a healthy, happy life. Her mother is driving up from Cuba to pick them up today.
The concepts I have been pondering for my book Long View of a Short Life come into sharp focus as I walk for an hour with these folks. I had a sense of God’s presence, and their appreciation. I also wondered how they could have made better decisions, how their parents could have provided more direction, more support. Writing this book is something I must invest in, and it has come back to my consciousness several times this week. I must trust God’s leading in this project and move forward. Last night I finished rereading Zen and Now, Mark Richardson’s reflections on Robert Pirsig’s life and writings. Richardson is a writer for a Toronto paper and his discussion on the process of writing his book was inspiring to me.
John 8:1-20 (reading from Greek-English Interlinear Bible)
A woman caught in adultery is brought to Jesus (where is the man? Was he a friend of the accusers?) and the scribes and Pharisees tested Jesus to see what he would do. He wrote in the dust, and eventually said that the person who was without sin should throw the first stone. They left beginning with the oldest. What was Jesus writing in the dust? When the woman was alone, Jesus dismissed her and told her to go and sin no more. He then proceeded to teach that he is the light of the world, and those who follow him will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life. This is powerful, especially as I consider the plight of the world, with the conflict between light and darkness.
I Sam 15 – 16:23
Saul disobeys God, and Samuel teaches him that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejects Saul, and sends Samuel to Jessie to anoint one of his sons. David, the youngest is chosen, as God looks on the heart, not on the externals of a person. Guide me Lord as I continue to submit my heart to your will, and lead others to do the same.
Yesterday I received a phone call at 5:00 pm from a distressed young mother who was being evicted from a friend’s house where she had been staying. I made arrangements for a night’s lodging, and then drove drove her, her fiancé, and their 1 ½ year-old to a hotel within walking distance of the roofing contractor he is scheduled to start working for today. With this rain, that work seems unlikely. This family has been heavily upon my mind through the night, as they seem to have no reserves, no backup, and little hope of a healthy, happy life. Her mother is driving up from Cuba to pick them up today.
The concepts I have been pondering for my book Long View of a Short Life come into sharp focus as I walk for an hour with these folks. I had a sense of God’s presence, and their appreciation. I also wondered how they could have made better decisions, how their parents could have provided more direction, more support. Writing this book is something I must invest in, and it has come back to my consciousness several times this week. I must trust God’s leading in this project and move forward. Last night I finished rereading Zen and Now, Mark Richardson’s reflections on Robert Pirsig’s life and writings. Richardson is a writer for a Toronto paper and his discussion on the process of writing his book was inspiring to me.
John 8:1-20 (reading from Greek-English Interlinear Bible)
A woman caught in adultery is brought to Jesus (where is the man? Was he a friend of the accusers?) and the scribes and Pharisees tested Jesus to see what he would do. He wrote in the dust, and eventually said that the person who was without sin should throw the first stone. They left beginning with the oldest. What was Jesus writing in the dust? When the woman was alone, Jesus dismissed her and told her to go and sin no more. He then proceeded to teach that he is the light of the world, and those who follow him will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life. This is powerful, especially as I consider the plight of the world, with the conflict between light and darkness.
I Sam 15 – 16:23
Saul disobeys God, and Samuel teaches him that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejects Saul, and sends Samuel to Jessie to anoint one of his sons. David, the youngest is chosen, as God looks on the heart, not on the externals of a person. Guide me Lord as I continue to submit my heart to your will, and lead others to do the same.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13, 2010
5-13-10 Thursday, 11:00 am Pastor’s office
Psalm 105 – God’s faithfulness to Israel
Reading this Psalm which recounts the hand of God protecting and guiding his people reminds me that God continues to do the same today. This church Wesley UMC has been led by God’s hand and is currently moving forward with God’s blessing. Guide me today holy Lord as I prepare for this week’s message about remembering how you have helped your people.
Psalm 105 – God’s faithfulness to Israel
Reading this Psalm which recounts the hand of God protecting and guiding his people reminds me that God continues to do the same today. This church Wesley UMC has been led by God’s hand and is currently moving forward with God’s blessing. Guide me today holy Lord as I prepare for this week’s message about remembering how you have helped your people.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
5-12-10 Wednesday, 7:25 am Grayrock, 72 degrees, cloudy.
Having worked out yesterday at the Meyer center, and worked until 9 last night at Wesley it was not easy to get out of bed this morning. The Today Show is reporting on the crash of a passenger jet in Tripoli, Libya. Tonight I have my FAA flight physical at the home of Dr. Cross. In preparing for this physical I discovered that I have only flown 3.9 hours in the last 6 months. I will fly more in the coming months.
I Sam 13
Saul is anointed King at age 30, and serves for 42 years. At Gilgal, having waited for seven days as Samuel instructed, but with his men slipping away, and his sense of urgency to take action, he “sacrificed the burnt offering himself.” Samuel appears shortly, and chastises him for his presumption and lack of faith. This event has always puzzled me, as I can clearly see Saul’s predicament. As a leader, he takes action. However, he violates God’s will and at this early stage of his reign, he loses God’s favor. Guide me and teach me patience and faith as I apply this incident to my leadership in the body of Christ.
Having worked out yesterday at the Meyer center, and worked until 9 last night at Wesley it was not easy to get out of bed this morning. The Today Show is reporting on the crash of a passenger jet in Tripoli, Libya. Tonight I have my FAA flight physical at the home of Dr. Cross. In preparing for this physical I discovered that I have only flown 3.9 hours in the last 6 months. I will fly more in the coming months.
I Sam 13
Saul is anointed King at age 30, and serves for 42 years. At Gilgal, having waited for seven days as Samuel instructed, but with his men slipping away, and his sense of urgency to take action, he “sacrificed the burnt offering himself.” Samuel appears shortly, and chastises him for his presumption and lack of faith. This event has always puzzled me, as I can clearly see Saul’s predicament. As a leader, he takes action. However, he violates God’s will and at this early stage of his reign, he loses God’s favor. Guide me and teach me patience and faith as I apply this incident to my leadership in the body of Christ.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11, 2010
5-11-10 Tuesday, 5:20 am Grayrock, 67 degrees, cloudy
I have awakened early and I feel relatively rested. I logged 16,000 paces yesterday on my pedometer, without running or going for a walk. Working around the house, switching out washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and cleaning the garage exercised my body and accomplished a lot of progress around here. I am ready to get back to the office and dive in to worship planning and ministry oversight.
Through the night I dreamed that I was on the church softball team and intermittently when I was awake I was thinking about my sermon for Sunday, which will focus on spiritual markers such as the Ebenezer stone, and “hither by thy help I’ve come”, in conjunction with graduation Sunday. Today we meet for worship planning in the morning, rather than the afternoon, in order to bring fresher minds to the process.
I Sam 10:1-11:15 (Chapter 12 also, reading ahead)
These chapters contain the complex story of the anointing of Saul as King, which represents the rejection of God as king and Samuel as judge. In 12:20 Samuel said “… do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.” The people desired a different structure of government which involved a king. God warned them of the costs associated with this desire, and they still persisted. This morning I am pondering the structure of the church in its present form, and the possibilities for the future, especially the multiplication of house churches around the world. Is there any relationship between people wanting a visible building to go to with a fixed steeple to mark the spot, and the Israelites desire for a visible king, with crown and throne?
Chapter 12 begins with Samuel making the case that he has not taken advantage of any of the people, and that he has served as God’s judge with full integrity, which the people acknowledge. It is critical for every spiritual leader to cultivate this careful integrity, because of the nature and vulnerability of spiritual care. Guide me today most holy Lord.
I have awakened early and I feel relatively rested. I logged 16,000 paces yesterday on my pedometer, without running or going for a walk. Working around the house, switching out washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and cleaning the garage exercised my body and accomplished a lot of progress around here. I am ready to get back to the office and dive in to worship planning and ministry oversight.
Through the night I dreamed that I was on the church softball team and intermittently when I was awake I was thinking about my sermon for Sunday, which will focus on spiritual markers such as the Ebenezer stone, and “hither by thy help I’ve come”, in conjunction with graduation Sunday. Today we meet for worship planning in the morning, rather than the afternoon, in order to bring fresher minds to the process.
I Sam 10:1-11:15 (Chapter 12 also, reading ahead)
These chapters contain the complex story of the anointing of Saul as King, which represents the rejection of God as king and Samuel as judge. In 12:20 Samuel said “… do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.” The people desired a different structure of government which involved a king. God warned them of the costs associated with this desire, and they still persisted. This morning I am pondering the structure of the church in its present form, and the possibilities for the future, especially the multiplication of house churches around the world. Is there any relationship between people wanting a visible building to go to with a fixed steeple to mark the spot, and the Israelites desire for a visible king, with crown and throne?
Chapter 12 begins with Samuel making the case that he has not taken advantage of any of the people, and that he has served as God’s judge with full integrity, which the people acknowledge. It is critical for every spiritual leader to cultivate this careful integrity, because of the nature and vulnerability of spiritual care. Guide me today most holy Lord.
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10, 2010
5-10-10 Monday, 8:10 am Grayrock, 45 degrees, raining.
My mind and spirit are ready for a Sabbath day. It is good for me to designate Monday as Sabbath. Eugene Peterson writes about his use of Sabbath, and I benefit from his reflections. As I write about my use of this means of grace, perhaps others will benefit.
I recognize a familiar feeling that appears in May, an anxiety that seems to have no focus, but elicits a sense of not being prepared, of getting behind, etc. Contributing to this could be the United Methodist Annual Conference which meets the first week of June, and for which I now have little responsibility (but for years I had much pressure). I have organized the Asbury Seminary alumni reunion lunch, and I will host a table for the Friday night of Ann. Conf. But this May feeling appears year after year, and it could be related to the aftermath of Easter, Lent, birthday, Mission Blitz, etc. It could be that there is in fact nothing that is pressing, and I need to adjust and peaceably live in the moment, day to day, week to week.
I Sam 8:1-9:27
Samuel has grown old, his sons do not follow God, the people worry about the future and request a king. God comforts Samuel and instructs him concerning a king. Saul and his servant are on a trip searching for his father’s lost donkeys. They learn of the prophet Samuel and decide to ask him about the donkeys. God has told Samuel that a man will come to him the next day whom he should anoint king. Even though the people have rejected God from being king, and Saul would eventually reject God also, God guides the process of setting up the role of king, which will ultimately be filled by his son, Jesus.
As I get older (like Samuel) I desire to walk with God every day, ready for the unexpected, prepared to be used in ways beyond my abilities and human limitations. I do believe that God still works as He did during Samuel’s day, and uses us to accomplish His will.
My mind and spirit are ready for a Sabbath day. It is good for me to designate Monday as Sabbath. Eugene Peterson writes about his use of Sabbath, and I benefit from his reflections. As I write about my use of this means of grace, perhaps others will benefit.
I recognize a familiar feeling that appears in May, an anxiety that seems to have no focus, but elicits a sense of not being prepared, of getting behind, etc. Contributing to this could be the United Methodist Annual Conference which meets the first week of June, and for which I now have little responsibility (but for years I had much pressure). I have organized the Asbury Seminary alumni reunion lunch, and I will host a table for the Friday night of Ann. Conf. But this May feeling appears year after year, and it could be related to the aftermath of Easter, Lent, birthday, Mission Blitz, etc. It could be that there is in fact nothing that is pressing, and I need to adjust and peaceably live in the moment, day to day, week to week.
I Sam 8:1-9:27
Samuel has grown old, his sons do not follow God, the people worry about the future and request a king. God comforts Samuel and instructs him concerning a king. Saul and his servant are on a trip searching for his father’s lost donkeys. They learn of the prophet Samuel and decide to ask him about the donkeys. God has told Samuel that a man will come to him the next day whom he should anoint king. Even though the people have rejected God from being king, and Saul would eventually reject God also, God guides the process of setting up the role of king, which will ultimately be filled by his son, Jesus.
As I get older (like Samuel) I desire to walk with God every day, ready for the unexpected, prepared to be used in ways beyond my abilities and human limitations. I do believe that God still works as He did during Samuel’s day, and uses us to accomplish His will.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 9, 2010
5-9-10 Sunday, Mother’s Day, 5:51 a.m. 48 degrees, cloudy.
I just heard a pack of coyotes howling. To our south the James River basin is undeveloped, and plenty of room for them to wander. This morning we will celebrate Mother’s Day in many ways at Wesley. My message will be biographical about Lydia. This is the first Mother’s day in 25 years that Audrey will not see one of our children. They are both doing well, having grown up, and neither able to make the trip home for today. Bethany leaves from Los Angeles on a bus choir tour this morning, heading for the Pacific Northwest, and David will be celebrating Mother’s day with his wife's family in St. Louis.
Guide me Lord as I serve you today as husband, father, pastor, friend.
I just heard a pack of coyotes howling. To our south the James River basin is undeveloped, and plenty of room for them to wander. This morning we will celebrate Mother’s Day in many ways at Wesley. My message will be biographical about Lydia. This is the first Mother’s day in 25 years that Audrey will not see one of our children. They are both doing well, having grown up, and neither able to make the trip home for today. Bethany leaves from Los Angeles on a bus choir tour this morning, heading for the Pacific Northwest, and David will be celebrating Mother’s day with his wife's family in St. Louis.
Guide me Lord as I serve you today as husband, father, pastor, friend.
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