7-16-10 Friday, 5:18 am Grayrock, 71 degrees
It is good to be back home. Our 13 days on the road were wonderful, and in addition to connecting with family, Audrey and I experienced the benefit of a change of routine and a break from the everyday. This morning I awoke at 2:30 ready to get back in the routine, and forced myself to lie in bed until 4:30. Now I am up with a fresh cup of coffee and a fresh energy for the day.
Last night I read from E. Stanley Jones A Song of Ascents concerning his focus upon the kingdom of God. He clearly ties together individual salvation and the social gospel in a compelling way. On pages 152-153 he states that an English bishop once said the he (Jones) was “obsessed with the Kingdom of God.” His response was it would be a magnificent obsession, and that Jesus was so obsessed, referring to the Kingdom of God over 100 times. Jones reflects on the difference of the Kingdom of God and any form of human totalitarianism – Nazism, fascism, communism – when a person surrenders to the Kingdom of God, he or she becomes free, when a person surrenders to a human totalitarianism, the result is bondage. It was interesting for me to read about this following our visit to the Lincoln museum in Springfield, Il yesterday and to contemplate the impact of the slave trade and the southern dependency upon this institution.
The birds are making quite a racket now (5:30) as they wake up the morning. I am not hearing songbirds singing as much as a chorus of noisy chirps.
Romans 3:9-31
The main thought of this chapter has given me great comfort over the years. Quoting Psalm 14:1-3 Paul establishes that the Old Testament affirms that no one is righteous, doing good, not even one. Later in this third chapter he says it succinctly in verse 23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. As an only child I often felt that I was the only one who had really messed up. When I fully comprehended that “all have sinned and fall short…” I began to understand the gospel which is contained in verse 24 “being justified as a gift by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”
Thank you Lord for your grace in redemption, and the gift to me of the awareness that all people have sinned and fallen short of your glory. Guide me as I seek to live out the good news and bear fruit in my toil building your kingdom.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010
7-15-10 Thursday, 7:27 am Springfield, Illinois, hot and humid.
Audrey and I will take in the Lincoln library as we begin our final day of travelling on this vacation. It has been a very good trip, one of our best as we have connected with many different family members and had wonderful visits and catching up. The last three days at Lake Geneva were “picture perfect” and as we left we expressed hope to return some day.
Romans 2:25-3:8
Paul addresses the question about value in being a jew and practicing circumcision. He states that there is no value in being circumcised if one does not keep the whole law. 2:29 “No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” This verse has great application also to the historic forms of the Christian faith – Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Reformed, Congregational, etc. Any and all of these traditions have great value, but only if the participant experiences a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit.
Psalm 11
David affirms his trust in God for protection, and remembers that “the Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth” (verse 4).
Reading this Psalm is a useful recalibration for me of my trust in God, and my understanding that He rules from heaven. Thank You Lord for Your close attention to every person on earth, including me on this day in the middle of July, in the middle of America.
Audrey and I will take in the Lincoln library as we begin our final day of travelling on this vacation. It has been a very good trip, one of our best as we have connected with many different family members and had wonderful visits and catching up. The last three days at Lake Geneva were “picture perfect” and as we left we expressed hope to return some day.
Romans 2:25-3:8
Paul addresses the question about value in being a jew and practicing circumcision. He states that there is no value in being circumcised if one does not keep the whole law. 2:29 “No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” This verse has great application also to the historic forms of the Christian faith – Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Reformed, Congregational, etc. Any and all of these traditions have great value, but only if the participant experiences a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit.
Psalm 11
David affirms his trust in God for protection, and remembers that “the Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth” (verse 4).
Reading this Psalm is a useful recalibration for me of my trust in God, and my understanding that He rules from heaven. Thank You Lord for Your close attention to every person on earth, including me on this day in the middle of July, in the middle of America.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14, 2010
7-14-10 Wednesday, 7:23 am Lake Geneva WI; Fog covers the lake as the local police block roads for a professional bicycle race starting in a couple of hours.
My cell phone is operational! I spent a long time on the phone with technical assistance, and completed a hard reset complete with all the reconnecting required. The good news is that I have recovered everything except the last few text messages I sent. Having spent only one day in the “twilight zone” of not having the phone and not knowing if it would recover has reminded me of how transitory digital media is, and also how transitory this life is. The metaphor extends to heaven, as when this life is over, all one’s deeds are recorded and will be rewarded by the all-knowing God, with whom nothing is lost.
Romans 1: - 2:24 (July 12-14)
I am blessed by this reading of Romans. It reminds me that God sees everything, rewards good and hates evil. Paul offers grace and mercy to the gentiles, and holds the chosen people accountable for their knowledge of the law, and the bad reputation they have among the gentiles. Paul’s desire is to visit Rome and to see spiritual fruit from his ministry. Spiritual fruit is the goal of every life lived in faith to please God, and I must be regularly reminded of this. Guide me Lord as I serve You today.
My cell phone is operational! I spent a long time on the phone with technical assistance, and completed a hard reset complete with all the reconnecting required. The good news is that I have recovered everything except the last few text messages I sent. Having spent only one day in the “twilight zone” of not having the phone and not knowing if it would recover has reminded me of how transitory digital media is, and also how transitory this life is. The metaphor extends to heaven, as when this life is over, all one’s deeds are recorded and will be rewarded by the all-knowing God, with whom nothing is lost.
Romans 1: - 2:24 (July 12-14)
I am blessed by this reading of Romans. It reminds me that God sees everything, rewards good and hates evil. Paul offers grace and mercy to the gentiles, and holds the chosen people accountable for their knowledge of the law, and the bad reputation they have among the gentiles. Paul’s desire is to visit Rome and to see spiritual fruit from his ministry. Spiritual fruit is the goal of every life lived in faith to please God, and I must be regularly reminded of this. Guide me Lord as I serve You today.
July 13, 2010
7-13-10 Tuesday, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Last night Audrey heard screaming in a room down the hall. Police eventually where involved, and the woman was cuffed and taken away. It was probably after 1:00 am when things got quiet again. My cell phone is malfunctioning, which is more disrupting than one might think. I have left the cell phone number and especially text messaging as the main way for folks to get in touch with me. I will need to either get it operational, or replace it in the next few days. Fortunately I downloaded all its data to this laptop at the beginning of this vacation.
I Chron 15:- 16:36
David uses the leaders among the priests and Levites to organize the transport of the ark to Jerusalem, after the failed attempt that resulted in the death of the young man who touched the ark on the wobbly wagon. David himself was wearing a priestly garment (15:27). As he worshipped before the Lord as the ark was processed into Jerusalem, his wife Michal, daughter of Saul, looked down from her window and was filled with contempt for David.
David gives to Asaph and his fellow Levites a song, recorded in 16:8 – 36. This feels very much like one of the Psalms. It attributes greatness to God alone, encourages the hearer to “search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, his miracles and the rulings he has given. … Remember his covenant forever – the commitment he made to a thousand generations.”
Yes Lord, I remember. I thank you for the New Covenant, and for your calling upon my life. Guide me as I guide others to a deeper, closer walk with you, and encourage living that is obedient and fruitful.
My causal reading these days involves Thoreau’s Walden Pond. He advocates self-reliance, as did his mentor Emmerson. He mentions that he does not have the temperament to do good works to help others. His life is not ordered around serving God, but providing for his own needs. It seems that his writings resonate with American readers because of the mythology of how we view ourselves – carving out a homeland in the wilderness with just an axe and a musket. As I prepare to head to Kentucky for a few days in the woods, I too must consider how much of that mythology is subconscious, and how I must intentionally allow God’s word to shape my heart and soul, especially given the culture in which I live and in which I have been raised.
Last night Audrey heard screaming in a room down the hall. Police eventually where involved, and the woman was cuffed and taken away. It was probably after 1:00 am when things got quiet again. My cell phone is malfunctioning, which is more disrupting than one might think. I have left the cell phone number and especially text messaging as the main way for folks to get in touch with me. I will need to either get it operational, or replace it in the next few days. Fortunately I downloaded all its data to this laptop at the beginning of this vacation.
I Chron 15:- 16:36
David uses the leaders among the priests and Levites to organize the transport of the ark to Jerusalem, after the failed attempt that resulted in the death of the young man who touched the ark on the wobbly wagon. David himself was wearing a priestly garment (15:27). As he worshipped before the Lord as the ark was processed into Jerusalem, his wife Michal, daughter of Saul, looked down from her window and was filled with contempt for David.
David gives to Asaph and his fellow Levites a song, recorded in 16:8 – 36. This feels very much like one of the Psalms. It attributes greatness to God alone, encourages the hearer to “search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, his miracles and the rulings he has given. … Remember his covenant forever – the commitment he made to a thousand generations.”
Yes Lord, I remember. I thank you for the New Covenant, and for your calling upon my life. Guide me as I guide others to a deeper, closer walk with you, and encourage living that is obedient and fruitful.
My causal reading these days involves Thoreau’s Walden Pond. He advocates self-reliance, as did his mentor Emmerson. He mentions that he does not have the temperament to do good works to help others. His life is not ordered around serving God, but providing for his own needs. It seems that his writings resonate with American readers because of the mythology of how we view ourselves – carving out a homeland in the wilderness with just an axe and a musket. As I prepare to head to Kentucky for a few days in the woods, I too must consider how much of that mythology is subconscious, and how I must intentionally allow God’s word to shape my heart and soul, especially given the culture in which I live and in which I have been raised.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
July 3, 2010
7-3-10 Saturday, 6:07 am; Another beautiful morning in the Ozarks – 67 degrees, mostly sunny as it rises in the east.
Yesterday I finished staining the deck, put away the wading pool, and mowed the lawn. Today I will work on getting the car and house ready for our trip. My body is sore from the bending, reaching, stretching, lifting, and I am fulfilled in a job well done. I have been dreading the work involved in washing and staining this deck. Now it is done until 2012.
II Kings 22:3-23:30
The word of God is discovered in the remodeling of the temple, and when read to Josiah in the 18th year of his reign, he makes sweeping reforms. He demolishes the pagan shrines, executes the pagan priests on their own altars, removes the living quarters for the male and female shrine prostitutes from within the temple and restores the celebration of the Passover. His work earned him the description in 23:25 “Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”
Even so, Josiah was killed in battle by Pharoah Neco of Egypt who was aligned with the king of Assyria. Josiah is remembered as a man who feared God, worked hard to serve Him, and in fulfilling his duties as king, lost his life. Guide me Lord as I live faithfully obeying your word, serving you at home, through the church, and in the world. Guard me from the pagan practices of this culture, and lead me in the way that leads to life everlasting through the atoning blood of Jesus the Christ.
Yesterday I finished staining the deck, put away the wading pool, and mowed the lawn. Today I will work on getting the car and house ready for our trip. My body is sore from the bending, reaching, stretching, lifting, and I am fulfilled in a job well done. I have been dreading the work involved in washing and staining this deck. Now it is done until 2012.
II Kings 22:3-23:30
The word of God is discovered in the remodeling of the temple, and when read to Josiah in the 18th year of his reign, he makes sweeping reforms. He demolishes the pagan shrines, executes the pagan priests on their own altars, removes the living quarters for the male and female shrine prostitutes from within the temple and restores the celebration of the Passover. His work earned him the description in 23:25 “Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”
Even so, Josiah was killed in battle by Pharoah Neco of Egypt who was aligned with the king of Assyria. Josiah is remembered as a man who feared God, worked hard to serve Him, and in fulfilling his duties as king, lost his life. Guide me Lord as I live faithfully obeying your word, serving you at home, through the church, and in the world. Guard me from the pagan practices of this culture, and lead me in the way that leads to life everlasting through the atoning blood of Jesus the Christ.
Friday, July 2, 2010
July 2, 2010
7-2-10 Friday, 8:25 am, another beautiful day in the Ozarks as viewed from my deck.
Yesterday was a day of work around church and home. I am finalizing projects and to-dos in preparation for being gone for a while, with a couple more things for today. Pastor Jerry and I will visit at 11:00 concerning some loose ends. I spend 8 hours staining this deck yesterday. Having power-washed it the day before, it was ready for the stain. Working on it brought back pleasant memories of my days as a painting contractor in the 70’s. At 9:15 pm I started cleaning the brushes etc, and my back was stiffer than I ever remember at the end of a day of painting!
We are more than halfway through the year. My “God Sightings” one-year Bible is a useful tool. Just opening it reminds me of the passing of time, and the timelessness of Scripture. We are currently near the end of II Kings, and in the later part of Acts. This format really fits my current devotional style.
II Kings 20-22:2
Hezekiah rules in Judah, and mostly pleases the Lord. Isaiah the prophet tells him his illness will result in death, and to put his things in order. Hezekiah prays and weeps, and God tells Isaiah to go back and announce that the king will live an additional 15 years. The sign chosen by Hezekiah is for the sun to go backwards 10 steps in the sundial. He is healed, and proceeds to show the Babylonian delegation all the treasures of Israel. Isaiah chastises him for this, and announces that it will all be carried away to Babylon, and life will not go well for his sons. Hezekiah shirks it off as allowing at least for him to live in peace. His comment and attitude about this reveals much about his character and outlook. I have always felt that his extra 15 years really did not benefit him, his heirs, nor the nation of Israel. Hmmm, what does this say about the extra years provided by technology?
Guide me Lord as I live this day in the light of your love and according to your will. Guard me from seeking anything for myself as I serve You with joy. Strengthen me according to your purposes and calling for my life.
Yesterday was a day of work around church and home. I am finalizing projects and to-dos in preparation for being gone for a while, with a couple more things for today. Pastor Jerry and I will visit at 11:00 concerning some loose ends. I spend 8 hours staining this deck yesterday. Having power-washed it the day before, it was ready for the stain. Working on it brought back pleasant memories of my days as a painting contractor in the 70’s. At 9:15 pm I started cleaning the brushes etc, and my back was stiffer than I ever remember at the end of a day of painting!
We are more than halfway through the year. My “God Sightings” one-year Bible is a useful tool. Just opening it reminds me of the passing of time, and the timelessness of Scripture. We are currently near the end of II Kings, and in the later part of Acts. This format really fits my current devotional style.
II Kings 20-22:2
Hezekiah rules in Judah, and mostly pleases the Lord. Isaiah the prophet tells him his illness will result in death, and to put his things in order. Hezekiah prays and weeps, and God tells Isaiah to go back and announce that the king will live an additional 15 years. The sign chosen by Hezekiah is for the sun to go backwards 10 steps in the sundial. He is healed, and proceeds to show the Babylonian delegation all the treasures of Israel. Isaiah chastises him for this, and announces that it will all be carried away to Babylon, and life will not go well for his sons. Hezekiah shirks it off as allowing at least for him to live in peace. His comment and attitude about this reveals much about his character and outlook. I have always felt that his extra 15 years really did not benefit him, his heirs, nor the nation of Israel. Hmmm, what does this say about the extra years provided by technology?
Guide me Lord as I live this day in the light of your love and according to your will. Guard me from seeking anything for myself as I serve You with joy. Strengthen me according to your purposes and calling for my life.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1, 2010
7-1-10 Thursday, 7:39 am Grayrock, 62 beautiful degrees, sunny, low humidity!
Today will be a beautiful day to stain the deck. I bought the stain a year ago, my power washer finally is operational thanks to Steve Collette fixing a stuck valve, and yesterday I prepped the deck using the washer and a deck detergent. It looks nice this morning, ready to be stained after a few more hours of drying in sun.
I have several loose ends to tie up related to pastoring before hitting the road. Yesterday’s daily action sheet lists them all. I will work on them from home this morning. Thank you Lord for this wonderful day.
II Kings 18:13-19:37
King Sennacherib of Assyria is on the march, and in the 14th year of King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah the Assyrians have set their sights on Jerusalem. This chapter records the exchange between the Assyrian chief of staff and three officials from Hezekiah, an exchange viewed and heard by citizens of Jerusalem on its wall. The Assyrian stated that his army would lay siege to this city and its residents would soon be eating their own dung and drinking their own urine. That no god had yet stopped his army and their god certainly couldn’t. He offered to receive their surrender with the promise to peacefully relocate them to his country. He spoke loudly and in Hebrew so listening citizens could get the message, as well as the delegation from Hezekiah.
The prophet Isaiah learns of this, and 19:21-34 records his prophecy against Sennacherib and for the deliverance of Jerusalem. This is a beautiful chapter. As I read it I realize the peace and security that I enjoy, yet the uncertainty and possible destruction facing the Hebrews. There are so many in the world today facing uncertainty and possible destruction with no human help in sight. It behooves us who know and serve the Living God to invest ourselves in the lives of vulnerable and desperate people.
Acts 21:1-17
The Apostle Paul and his party say goodbye to the Ephesian elders and head toward Jerusalem, where it is likely he will be arrested. He says he is ready to be arrested and even killed for the sake of the gospel. May this be my posture also, even though in this culture and this time it is unlikely that my life will be in jeopardy. Guard me Lord from complacency, especially in this comfortable culture.
Today will be a beautiful day to stain the deck. I bought the stain a year ago, my power washer finally is operational thanks to Steve Collette fixing a stuck valve, and yesterday I prepped the deck using the washer and a deck detergent. It looks nice this morning, ready to be stained after a few more hours of drying in sun.
I have several loose ends to tie up related to pastoring before hitting the road. Yesterday’s daily action sheet lists them all. I will work on them from home this morning. Thank you Lord for this wonderful day.
II Kings 18:13-19:37
King Sennacherib of Assyria is on the march, and in the 14th year of King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah the Assyrians have set their sights on Jerusalem. This chapter records the exchange between the Assyrian chief of staff and three officials from Hezekiah, an exchange viewed and heard by citizens of Jerusalem on its wall. The Assyrian stated that his army would lay siege to this city and its residents would soon be eating their own dung and drinking their own urine. That no god had yet stopped his army and their god certainly couldn’t. He offered to receive their surrender with the promise to peacefully relocate them to his country. He spoke loudly and in Hebrew so listening citizens could get the message, as well as the delegation from Hezekiah.
The prophet Isaiah learns of this, and 19:21-34 records his prophecy against Sennacherib and for the deliverance of Jerusalem. This is a beautiful chapter. As I read it I realize the peace and security that I enjoy, yet the uncertainty and possible destruction facing the Hebrews. There are so many in the world today facing uncertainty and possible destruction with no human help in sight. It behooves us who know and serve the Living God to invest ourselves in the lives of vulnerable and desperate people.
Acts 21:1-17
The Apostle Paul and his party say goodbye to the Ephesian elders and head toward Jerusalem, where it is likely he will be arrested. He says he is ready to be arrested and even killed for the sake of the gospel. May this be my posture also, even though in this culture and this time it is unlikely that my life will be in jeopardy. Guard me Lord from complacency, especially in this comfortable culture.
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