1-9-11 Sunday, 5:55 am Springfield, 19 degrees, cloudy.
This morning the church will gather all over the world – some in houses, some outside, some in historic cathedrals, some in new facilities. The Word of God will be preached; children, youth and adults will be formed as disciples, with the resulting salt and light being sent into the world. At Wesley UMC in Springfield, I have the privilege of preaching the Word today, as 1000 people will gather throughout the morning. Matthew 16:24-26 will be my text, “Losing and Gaining fro Christ” will be my title.
Guide me most holy Lord as I interpret and apply the message of the cross and self-denial. May this cold, January morning be spiritually significant in lives which will transform the world by generosity and discipline.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 2011
1-8-11 Saturday, 6:24 am clear and cold, 22 degrees.
The Upward season began last night with 4 teams of 5th and 6th grade boys playing full court in the gym. Audrey and I went out to an early dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then stopped by the church. I led the two half-time devotions, and will do so again this morning. Today there will be 16 games involving 32 teams. I also have a wedding at Wesley this afternoon. Tomorrow will be a glorious Lord’s day involving worship, leadership, visioning, and a meet-the-pastors coffee.
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, Who have displayed your splendor above the heavens!” (verse 1) This psalm begins with a focus upon God in his majesty, splendor and excellency. George Wood writing in his wonderful A Psalm in Your Heart divides this psalm into three parts - God’s place, our place, and the vision (of God) that compels us.
In verse 3 the writer, David, contemplates the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, including the moon and the stars. I have a great “app” for my Droid called Google Sky Map which identifies all the heavenly bodies visible to the naked eye. By holding it up to a bright heavenly object, it labels it as Jupiter or Mars, or names the star and constellation. As much as I am amazed by this technology, I am much more amazed at the creation of God, its majesty, vastness, orderliness, mystery and infinitude.
Verse 4 asks the question “what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Given the majesty of God, and the enormity of creation, humans seem inconsequential. However, verses 5-8 describe the incredible role that God has given humans, above all creation, and just lower than God.
Verse 9 restates verse 1, and frames the whole psalm with the statement “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
O Lord, my Lord, as I recognize the excellence of your name, character, person and being, I am humbled by your involvement in my life, knowing the number of hairs on my head. I will focus on your majesty today, mindful of the role you have given me within your creation and within the body of those who worship and serve you alone, in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
The Upward season began last night with 4 teams of 5th and 6th grade boys playing full court in the gym. Audrey and I went out to an early dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then stopped by the church. I led the two half-time devotions, and will do so again this morning. Today there will be 16 games involving 32 teams. I also have a wedding at Wesley this afternoon. Tomorrow will be a glorious Lord’s day involving worship, leadership, visioning, and a meet-the-pastors coffee.
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, Who have displayed your splendor above the heavens!” (verse 1) This psalm begins with a focus upon God in his majesty, splendor and excellency. George Wood writing in his wonderful A Psalm in Your Heart divides this psalm into three parts - God’s place, our place, and the vision (of God) that compels us.
In verse 3 the writer, David, contemplates the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, including the moon and the stars. I have a great “app” for my Droid called Google Sky Map which identifies all the heavenly bodies visible to the naked eye. By holding it up to a bright heavenly object, it labels it as Jupiter or Mars, or names the star and constellation. As much as I am amazed by this technology, I am much more amazed at the creation of God, its majesty, vastness, orderliness, mystery and infinitude.
Verse 4 asks the question “what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Given the majesty of God, and the enormity of creation, humans seem inconsequential. However, verses 5-8 describe the incredible role that God has given humans, above all creation, and just lower than God.
Verse 9 restates verse 1, and frames the whole psalm with the statement “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
O Lord, my Lord, as I recognize the excellence of your name, character, person and being, I am humbled by your involvement in my life, knowing the number of hairs on my head. I will focus on your majesty today, mindful of the role you have given me within your creation and within the body of those who worship and serve you alone, in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7, 2011
1-7-11 Friday, 6:57 am Springfield, 36 degrees, partly cloudy
Today I will continue to develop my message for this weekend, and I will write the devotional I will give at halftime tonight and tomorrow for the first day of Upward basketball. Having been away for a weekend (in Los Angeles), I have a busy weekend ahead, with Upward devotions tonight and tomorrow, a wedding tomorrow afternoon, and the 4 worship services on Sunday, followed by the 3:00 Igniting leaders meeting, and the 4:00 Meet the Pastors coffee. Guide me today Lord as I prepare and get ready for these pastoral roles.
Matthew 6:1-24
Instructions on giving alms, prayer (including the Lord’s prayer) and fasting. All of these are to be done confidentially, not for public notice and recognition. These three practices are critical to a healthy spiritual life, and I must continue to cultivate them in my life in 2011, and encourage them in the lives of the congregation.
Verses 19-24 address the topic of possessions, and money. Storing up treasures on earth is futile, investing in heaven pays eternal dividends. Today we close on the refinancing of this house. We have secured an interest rate of 3.375 on a ten-year mortgage. I am very conscious of possessions, investments and the principal that “no one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (verse 24).
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I manage the earthly assets you have entrusted to me, even as I serve you fully, being devoted to you in love and complete surrender. Guide me as I “lose my life for your sake”, gaining eternal life and living into forever in your presence with the lasting fruit of a well-lived finite life on earth.
Today I will continue to develop my message for this weekend, and I will write the devotional I will give at halftime tonight and tomorrow for the first day of Upward basketball. Having been away for a weekend (in Los Angeles), I have a busy weekend ahead, with Upward devotions tonight and tomorrow, a wedding tomorrow afternoon, and the 4 worship services on Sunday, followed by the 3:00 Igniting leaders meeting, and the 4:00 Meet the Pastors coffee. Guide me today Lord as I prepare and get ready for these pastoral roles.
Matthew 6:1-24
Instructions on giving alms, prayer (including the Lord’s prayer) and fasting. All of these are to be done confidentially, not for public notice and recognition. These three practices are critical to a healthy spiritual life, and I must continue to cultivate them in my life in 2011, and encourage them in the lives of the congregation.
Verses 19-24 address the topic of possessions, and money. Storing up treasures on earth is futile, investing in heaven pays eternal dividends. Today we close on the refinancing of this house. We have secured an interest rate of 3.375 on a ten-year mortgage. I am very conscious of possessions, investments and the principal that “no one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (verse 24).
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I manage the earthly assets you have entrusted to me, even as I serve you fully, being devoted to you in love and complete surrender. Guide me as I “lose my life for your sake”, gaining eternal life and living into forever in your presence with the lasting fruit of a well-lived finite life on earth.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6, 2011
1-6-11 Thursday, 6:25 am Springfield, 27 degrees, clear.
Yesterday was my first day back in the office, and it was very good to return to the labor of pastoring. Our executive staff had a great bi-monthly meeting followed by a meeting with our pastors in the afternoon. The WOW evening meal was tasty with good conversations around the tables, and the 7:00 training of referees for Upward basketball was a good way for me to connect with that ministry. I will lead the upward devotion on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
I Thessalonians 3
Paul laments not being able to visit the believers in Thessalonica, whom he had formed as disciples. Stuck in Athens, he sent Timothy to them, and now has received Timothy back and is thankful for the good report, of their faith and love.
Verse 8: “for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.” It seems that this is a good measurement of spiritual fruit – that disciples “stand firm in the Lord”. What would this look like in the church today, and how can we who lead ministries envision this outcome in the context of 2011, or 2015, etc. Paul is standing firm, even with great persecution. He was worried that his difficulty might somehow weaken the faith or resolve of the recipients of this letter. He is comforted that they are standing firm.
Verse 13: “so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” This is one way that Paul envisions the outcome of his ministry with this church. Hearts established unblamable in holiness seems like a good, universal vision for individuals and churches.
Guide me today most Holy Lord, establishing my heart unblamable in holiness on this day, and everyday as I labor in your vineyard, among your sheep, and in the world where the darkness cannot overcome the light of your love and presence.
Yesterday was my first day back in the office, and it was very good to return to the labor of pastoring. Our executive staff had a great bi-monthly meeting followed by a meeting with our pastors in the afternoon. The WOW evening meal was tasty with good conversations around the tables, and the 7:00 training of referees for Upward basketball was a good way for me to connect with that ministry. I will lead the upward devotion on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
I Thessalonians 3
Paul laments not being able to visit the believers in Thessalonica, whom he had formed as disciples. Stuck in Athens, he sent Timothy to them, and now has received Timothy back and is thankful for the good report, of their faith and love.
Verse 8: “for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.” It seems that this is a good measurement of spiritual fruit – that disciples “stand firm in the Lord”. What would this look like in the church today, and how can we who lead ministries envision this outcome in the context of 2011, or 2015, etc. Paul is standing firm, even with great persecution. He was worried that his difficulty might somehow weaken the faith or resolve of the recipients of this letter. He is comforted that they are standing firm.
Verse 13: “so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” This is one way that Paul envisions the outcome of his ministry with this church. Hearts established unblamable in holiness seems like a good, universal vision for individuals and churches.
Guide me today most Holy Lord, establishing my heart unblamable in holiness on this day, and everyday as I labor in your vineyard, among your sheep, and in the world where the darkness cannot overcome the light of your love and presence.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 5, 2011
1-5-11 Wednesday, 7:55 am Springfield, 35 degrees, cloudy.
I am looking forward to getting back into the groove of pastoring this morning. Yesterday Jerry and I caught up during lunch, and I stopped by the office in the afternoon. Today I have the Nifty Nine staff meeting this morning, pastors this afternoon, and Upward Referee training tonight at 7. Guide me holy Lord as I return to the routine and the work to which you have called me.
I Thes 2
Paul encourages the gentile believers who have received from him the Word of God. In French, the word for heart is Coeur, and the English word encourage carries the meaning of “put the heart into”, as discourage comes from “take the heart out of”. Today I want to encourage many in my work as pastor.
I am looking forward to getting back into the groove of pastoring this morning. Yesterday Jerry and I caught up during lunch, and I stopped by the office in the afternoon. Today I have the Nifty Nine staff meeting this morning, pastors this afternoon, and Upward Referee training tonight at 7. Guide me holy Lord as I return to the routine and the work to which you have called me.
I Thes 2
Paul encourages the gentile believers who have received from him the Word of God. In French, the word for heart is Coeur, and the English word encourage carries the meaning of “put the heart into”, as discourage comes from “take the heart out of”. Today I want to encourage many in my work as pastor.
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2010
1-3-11 Monday, 7:55 am, raining, 46 degrees.
We had a great Sunday as we attended Bethany’s church and then out to lunch with her friend Natalie. Watching the Rams lose last night was not pretty, but it was good entertainment. Twenty-six years ago on this day God blessed us with our first child, and we rejoice to celebrate David’s birthday, albeit from afar. Today is our last day here in southern California, and we will fly home early tomorrow morning.
Colossians 4
Paul is writing from prison, and encouraging the church. He mentions several people by name, and hopes they will pray for him. In verse 17 he writes: “… tell Archippus, ‘do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.” I wonder what job this was, and what it would look like for him to do his best. Why did he need this encouragement? I could put myself in the place of Archippus, and apply this admonition to Bruce Baxter – “do your best in the job you received from the Master.” For me, this would involve pastoring at my very best. Having been away from Springfield and Wesley Church for a week now, I am in a good place to reflect upon what that will look like in 2011. Here are some thoughts:
• Creative, insightful, well-prepared sermons
• Intentional development of leaders
• Diligent application of the 5 prescriptions from HCI (Vision, staffing, worship, facilities, communication)
• Careful attention to the resources required for ministry
• Development of written material, for use in the church and beyond
As I plan for this new year of ministry, the above list is a great guide for my time and energy as the Master has appointed me to serve Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri!
I am your servant, most Holy One. My days, nights, weekends, holidays are yours. Guide me as one who is totally surrendered to your will and purposes, equipped to do your work in this generation into which I have been born.
We had a great Sunday as we attended Bethany’s church and then out to lunch with her friend Natalie. Watching the Rams lose last night was not pretty, but it was good entertainment. Twenty-six years ago on this day God blessed us with our first child, and we rejoice to celebrate David’s birthday, albeit from afar. Today is our last day here in southern California, and we will fly home early tomorrow morning.
Colossians 4
Paul is writing from prison, and encouraging the church. He mentions several people by name, and hopes they will pray for him. In verse 17 he writes: “… tell Archippus, ‘do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.” I wonder what job this was, and what it would look like for him to do his best. Why did he need this encouragement? I could put myself in the place of Archippus, and apply this admonition to Bruce Baxter – “do your best in the job you received from the Master.” For me, this would involve pastoring at my very best. Having been away from Springfield and Wesley Church for a week now, I am in a good place to reflect upon what that will look like in 2011. Here are some thoughts:
• Creative, insightful, well-prepared sermons
• Intentional development of leaders
• Diligent application of the 5 prescriptions from HCI (Vision, staffing, worship, facilities, communication)
• Careful attention to the resources required for ministry
• Development of written material, for use in the church and beyond
As I plan for this new year of ministry, the above list is a great guide for my time and energy as the Master has appointed me to serve Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri!
I am your servant, most Holy One. My days, nights, weekends, holidays are yours. Guide me as one who is totally surrendered to your will and purposes, equipped to do your work in this generation into which I have been born.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
January 2, 2011
1-2-11 Sunday, 7:02 am, 46 degrees, partly cloudy
Ahh, the first journal entry of this new year! Yesterday we arose at 5:15 and were in the car by 6:00, heading for the Rose Parade. It was excellent, meeting all of our high expectations. The arrangements Audrey had made for tickets, parking, directions, etc were all perfect. The weather was clear and cold, but very comfortable. A street preacher addressed the grandstand before the parade, and another guy walked up and down with a sign that said “God Kills” on one side, and “9-11 was America’s punishment” on the other. The crowd booed and heckled both. I felt like I was in the middle of some pagan crowd and it was not clear how I might best respond. I did so by staying silent, and I did not feel that a different response was required, or would be helpful.
I still am considering what approach I will make for choosing scripture on a daily basis this year. This morning I will open up the file of “One a Day with Welsey” that I compiled in 2008 through May. I am considering polishing it, and publishing it in some form for 2012. In it I chose a chapter a day, roughly based on the season, and the corresponding commentary from Wesley’s notes on the Bible.
I Pet 2
“So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God.” This is a great scripture for the first of the year. Peter goes on to describe Christ as the rock, the cornerstone for our lives. In verse 11 he reminds us that “this world is not your home, so don’t make yourself cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.”
Guide me today, and this year, most holy Lord, as I live with You, Christ as the cornerstone of my life, making a clean sweep every day, tasting You, living in the light of eternity and guarding against indulging my ego at the expense of my soul.
Ahh, the first journal entry of this new year! Yesterday we arose at 5:15 and were in the car by 6:00, heading for the Rose Parade. It was excellent, meeting all of our high expectations. The arrangements Audrey had made for tickets, parking, directions, etc were all perfect. The weather was clear and cold, but very comfortable. A street preacher addressed the grandstand before the parade, and another guy walked up and down with a sign that said “God Kills” on one side, and “9-11 was America’s punishment” on the other. The crowd booed and heckled both. I felt like I was in the middle of some pagan crowd and it was not clear how I might best respond. I did so by staying silent, and I did not feel that a different response was required, or would be helpful.
I still am considering what approach I will make for choosing scripture on a daily basis this year. This morning I will open up the file of “One a Day with Welsey” that I compiled in 2008 through May. I am considering polishing it, and publishing it in some form for 2012. In it I chose a chapter a day, roughly based on the season, and the corresponding commentary from Wesley’s notes on the Bible.
I Pet 2
“So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God.” This is a great scripture for the first of the year. Peter goes on to describe Christ as the rock, the cornerstone for our lives. In verse 11 he reminds us that “this world is not your home, so don’t make yourself cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.”
Guide me today, and this year, most holy Lord, as I live with You, Christ as the cornerstone of my life, making a clean sweep every day, tasting You, living in the light of eternity and guarding against indulging my ego at the expense of my soul.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)