2-8-11 Tuesday, 7:14 am Springfield, 13 degrees, rosey glow in the clouds on the horizon as the sun would be appearing.
Yesterday I worked at the office and people were surprised to see me on my “day off”. It was good to get much done and to make progress for the week, anticipating a snow day tomorrow, and some time off at the end of the week. Working yesterday reminded me of the feeling I had as a CPA when on occasion I would go in to work on a Saturday – it felt odd and good and unusual. I suppose this means I have successfully oriented my inner clock to experiencing “sabbath” regularly on Mondays.
Isaiah 22
This chapter contains an oracle against Jerusalem and its leaders. They are celebrating and building their burial places while destruction is just around the corner. Their immediate future seems to be a relief from attack, but as they neglect to trust in God, His Word and purposes, they will be surprised by the swiftness of their calamity.
While the commentators struggle to define exactly what historical events to which this chapter refers, this morning my takeaway is that at any point in history there is a temptation for God’s people to lose sight of His power, might and purposes, and to engage in short-term revelry and self-absorption. I must diligently consider my own heart and mind and calibrate my orientation to God’s purposes, attending to the stewardship to which He has entrusted me.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
February 7, 2011
2-7-11 Monday, 6:24 am Springfield, 30 degrees, snow flurries
The super bowl is history, with the Packers beating the Steelers in an exciting game down to the finish. Our staff-parish committee met in the afternoon, and I stopped by our youth Super Bowl party as Christina Aguilera fumbled the words to the national anthem. Today I will put in a full day at the office, and switch my day off to Friday, as there are grant forms to finish, newsletter article to write, sermon planning and HCI task force preparations to be done.
Isaiah 21
This chapter contains two oracles against Babylon and those who trust her. According to Oswalt, there are many possibilities concerning the time frame and meaning of these oracles. For me this morning, my main take away is that strong governments and armies are not permanent (even though they might seem so) and our only trust should be in God as we carefully navigate the politics and power struggles of the world.
Lord I am your servant. This is the beginning of a new week. Guide my thoughts, my writing, my planning, my hopes and dreams, according to your perfect and holy will. Amen.
The super bowl is history, with the Packers beating the Steelers in an exciting game down to the finish. Our staff-parish committee met in the afternoon, and I stopped by our youth Super Bowl party as Christina Aguilera fumbled the words to the national anthem. Today I will put in a full day at the office, and switch my day off to Friday, as there are grant forms to finish, newsletter article to write, sermon planning and HCI task force preparations to be done.
Isaiah 21
This chapter contains two oracles against Babylon and those who trust her. According to Oswalt, there are many possibilities concerning the time frame and meaning of these oracles. For me this morning, my main take away is that strong governments and armies are not permanent (even though they might seem so) and our only trust should be in God as we carefully navigate the politics and power struggles of the world.
Lord I am your servant. This is the beginning of a new week. Guide my thoughts, my writing, my planning, my hopes and dreams, according to your perfect and holy will. Amen.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
February 6, 2011
2-6-11 Sunday, 5:51 am Springfield, 30 degrees, partly cloudy
I am eagerly anticipating the morning worship services today. We will celebrate communion and begin the 8-part series “Life Hurts, God Heals”. This morning I will be introducing the Sermon on the Mount and the first beatitude “it will go well with those who know their spiritual needs” (my paraphrase of “blessed are the poor in spirit”).
I will apply this scripture individually, and corporately to the church, emphasizing the necessity of regular spiritual audit for haughtiness or presumption. The main theme of this week is recognizing our needs, and identifying denial in any form. This is not easy, but it is foundational to a healthy, growing, Christ-centered life. Guide me Holy Lord today as I speak, serve and lead Your body, Wesley United Methodist Church.
I am eagerly anticipating the morning worship services today. We will celebrate communion and begin the 8-part series “Life Hurts, God Heals”. This morning I will be introducing the Sermon on the Mount and the first beatitude “it will go well with those who know their spiritual needs” (my paraphrase of “blessed are the poor in spirit”).
I will apply this scripture individually, and corporately to the church, emphasizing the necessity of regular spiritual audit for haughtiness or presumption. The main theme of this week is recognizing our needs, and identifying denial in any form. This is not easy, but it is foundational to a healthy, growing, Christ-centered life. Guide me Holy Lord today as I speak, serve and lead Your body, Wesley United Methodist Church.
Friday, February 4, 2011
February 4, 2011
2-4-11 Friday, 5:59 am Springfield, 17 degrees
There is snow in the forecast for this afternoon, as I plan to drive the short distance to Branson for the funeral of one of our staff member’s father. Yesterday was a fairly normal day at the church, with most of our folks making it in, and our preparation for the weekend looking pretty good. The Springfield public schools will be closed again today, for the fourth day in a row. Wow. (I just checked the School’s Facebook page for closings, and while on Facebook made several comments to friends around the country, including Snooks, Moehrings, Smiths, and Garskas.)
Isaiah 20
Continuing the oracle to Egypt, the prophet describes defeat at the hands of Assyria. The previous chapter closed with a section describing a future day when Egypt would return to worship the God of Israel, as would Assyria. This is a prophecy of the end times, or a time in the future when God takes definitive action in world events (19:16-25).
Chapter 20 reinforces the folly of trusting in Egypt for security. This chapter probably refers to actions around 713 and the defeat of Ashdod, the leading city of a revolt against Assyria. With Assyria crushing this revolt, the Egyptians, “faced with an Assyrian army on their borders, lost all of their bluster about defying Assyria …” (Oswalt, 383).
Today Egypt is in chaos. It is about the 8th day of mass protests in Cairo, demanding the immediate resignation of their president Mubarak. Counter protestors, pro-Mubarak, have violently attacked the peaceful protestors. The country has come to a screeching halt. The Muslim Brotherhood seems poised to fill any vacuum in the power structure. The United States is working behind the scenes for a peaceful transition. The news makes no mention of where God is in all this revolt. The book of Isaiah is clear that God is in charge at all times. I must constantly remember that even though God is not reported on in the media, He reigns over nations, peoples, nature, and is the Lord of my life.
Guide me today as a pastor in Missouri, caring for Your sheep, preaching your Word, seeking Your will, most holy, living Lord.
There is snow in the forecast for this afternoon, as I plan to drive the short distance to Branson for the funeral of one of our staff member’s father. Yesterday was a fairly normal day at the church, with most of our folks making it in, and our preparation for the weekend looking pretty good. The Springfield public schools will be closed again today, for the fourth day in a row. Wow. (I just checked the School’s Facebook page for closings, and while on Facebook made several comments to friends around the country, including Snooks, Moehrings, Smiths, and Garskas.)
Isaiah 20
Continuing the oracle to Egypt, the prophet describes defeat at the hands of Assyria. The previous chapter closed with a section describing a future day when Egypt would return to worship the God of Israel, as would Assyria. This is a prophecy of the end times, or a time in the future when God takes definitive action in world events (19:16-25).
Chapter 20 reinforces the folly of trusting in Egypt for security. This chapter probably refers to actions around 713 and the defeat of Ashdod, the leading city of a revolt against Assyria. With Assyria crushing this revolt, the Egyptians, “faced with an Assyrian army on their borders, lost all of their bluster about defying Assyria …” (Oswalt, 383).
Today Egypt is in chaos. It is about the 8th day of mass protests in Cairo, demanding the immediate resignation of their president Mubarak. Counter protestors, pro-Mubarak, have violently attacked the peaceful protestors. The country has come to a screeching halt. The Muslim Brotherhood seems poised to fill any vacuum in the power structure. The United States is working behind the scenes for a peaceful transition. The news makes no mention of where God is in all this revolt. The book of Isaiah is clear that God is in charge at all times. I must constantly remember that even though God is not reported on in the media, He reigns over nations, peoples, nature, and is the Lord of my life.
Guide me today as a pastor in Missouri, caring for Your sheep, preaching your Word, seeking Your will, most holy, living Lord.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February 3, 2011
2-3-11 Thursday, 5:55 am Clear and cold -5 degrees.
Audrey and I are up watching the news and sipping coffee. I have a breakfast meeting, a day at the office, and then an evening meeting of our pilot leadership experience. Even though schools are closed for a third day, we will open the church office as staff makes their way there.
Isaiah 19
“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; and they will each fight against his brother, and each against his neighbor” (Verse 2). This could describe last night’s evening news. The entire NBC evening news team, led by Brian Williams is in Egypt covering the massive demonstrations. Yesterday it turned ugly, with violent supporters of the president, referred to as goons, who attacked the peaceful crowds that have been gathering for days. What will be Egypt’s future? Verse 4 says “Moreover, I will deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, and a might king will rule over them, says the Lord God of hosts.”
This prophecy was written 2700 years ago, and continues to have a freshness. How does the current circumstances in Egypt relate to this prophecy? Only time will tell. I never want to be too quick to apply Biblical prophecy to current events, but always to keep in mind the presence and power of God in history and in the daily life of people and nations. The words of Jesus that I am digesting for this upcoming sermon series come from the beginning of his sermon on the mount, and I love the first one “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Guide me holy Lord as I recognize the poverty of my spirit, and seek you every moment of every day.
Audrey and I are up watching the news and sipping coffee. I have a breakfast meeting, a day at the office, and then an evening meeting of our pilot leadership experience. Even though schools are closed for a third day, we will open the church office as staff makes their way there.
Isaiah 19
“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; and they will each fight against his brother, and each against his neighbor” (Verse 2). This could describe last night’s evening news. The entire NBC evening news team, led by Brian Williams is in Egypt covering the massive demonstrations. Yesterday it turned ugly, with violent supporters of the president, referred to as goons, who attacked the peaceful crowds that have been gathering for days. What will be Egypt’s future? Verse 4 says “Moreover, I will deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, and a might king will rule over them, says the Lord God of hosts.”
This prophecy was written 2700 years ago, and continues to have a freshness. How does the current circumstances in Egypt relate to this prophecy? Only time will tell. I never want to be too quick to apply Biblical prophecy to current events, but always to keep in mind the presence and power of God in history and in the daily life of people and nations. The words of Jesus that I am digesting for this upcoming sermon series come from the beginning of his sermon on the mount, and I love the first one “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Guide me holy Lord as I recognize the poverty of my spirit, and seek you every moment of every day.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
February 2, 2011
2-2-11 Wednesday, 8:05 am Springfield, 6 degrees, 9 inches of snow on the ground, winds 16 mph out of the northwest, and the sun beginning to peek through the clouds.
Having spoken with several staff, and decided that the church office would be officially closed again today, I settle into this time of scripture, prayer, and writing. I will head to church late morning, and spend much of this day in sermon series preparation and planning. I also will make several phone calls today (expecting to find many people at home!) concerning the HCI tasks forces that are necessary.
Isaiah 18
It is interesting to read this chapter in light of the huge demonstrations going on in Egypt, with the call for its president (Hosny Mubarak) of 30 years to resign. Isaiah 19-20 is clearly an oracle addressed to Egypt. John Oswalt provides light on this somewhat mysterious chapter. Basically the chapter contains a message to all the world that God is Lord of all, and that people tall and smooth, even people feared far and wide will bring homage to the Lord of Hosts, even to mount Zion.
The news coverage of these mass demonstrations has not asked the question “where is God in all of this?” There are religious references, to the possibility of a radical Muslim regime, to a war between Israel and Egypt. But the sovereignty of God, His will and purpose for these times has not been covered. And though this is beyond the typical scope of the press, it is a clear question for followers of Christ to ask. The scripture is clear in pointing out that humans have a tendency to trust international alliances more than God. I must daily seek the face of God and His direction for my steps as I serve Him alone, and lead the church in developing disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.
Guide me on this snow-covered arctic day as I follow You and trust You for my life. May my words and actions resemble Isaiah’s as he pointed his people to trust You and to be aware of the destruction of the nations who rise up against You. Give me wisdom as this relates to Springfield Missouri in 2011.
Having spoken with several staff, and decided that the church office would be officially closed again today, I settle into this time of scripture, prayer, and writing. I will head to church late morning, and spend much of this day in sermon series preparation and planning. I also will make several phone calls today (expecting to find many people at home!) concerning the HCI tasks forces that are necessary.
Isaiah 18
It is interesting to read this chapter in light of the huge demonstrations going on in Egypt, with the call for its president (Hosny Mubarak) of 30 years to resign. Isaiah 19-20 is clearly an oracle addressed to Egypt. John Oswalt provides light on this somewhat mysterious chapter. Basically the chapter contains a message to all the world that God is Lord of all, and that people tall and smooth, even people feared far and wide will bring homage to the Lord of Hosts, even to mount Zion.
The news coverage of these mass demonstrations has not asked the question “where is God in all of this?” There are religious references, to the possibility of a radical Muslim regime, to a war between Israel and Egypt. But the sovereignty of God, His will and purpose for these times has not been covered. And though this is beyond the typical scope of the press, it is a clear question for followers of Christ to ask. The scripture is clear in pointing out that humans have a tendency to trust international alliances more than God. I must daily seek the face of God and His direction for my steps as I serve Him alone, and lead the church in developing disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.
Guide me on this snow-covered arctic day as I follow You and trust You for my life. May my words and actions resemble Isaiah’s as he pointed his people to trust You and to be aware of the destruction of the nations who rise up against You. Give me wisdom as this relates to Springfield Missouri in 2011.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February 1, 2011
2-1-11 Tuesday, 11:30 am Springfield, 19 degrees, blizzard in progress.
My schedule has deviated from normal, as I made a 6:15 am hospital call prior to a surgery, then visited the other hospital CCU. I saw folks from Wesley all over both hospitals, patients, doctors, staff, volunteers. This severe winter storm has shut down the schools, and most everything else that is possible. The National Guard is standing by, as this is predicted to be the worst winter storm in 100 years. I am safely at home, and looking forward to the next two days of writing and preparation from the comfort of this warm house, well-stocked with food.
Isaiah 17
This is a prophecy against Syria, including Damascus, which at the same time indicts Northern Israel (the glory of Jacob). This could have been written during the alliance between Syria and Ephraim (735-732 BC). The main message is that when anyone forgets God, does not remember the Rock of refuge, then even if you plant pleasant plants, “yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain.” (verse11)
It is so easy to disregard God, to trust in what can be seen, arranged for, negotiated. As a believer, I must daily trust God and rely totally upon Him in all that I do. The Honduran team is writing testimonies from their experiences last week, and Steve has shared how he relied upon God for every solution to the construction problems that surfaced, as ideas popped into his head, he recognized they came from God.
Guide me today Lord as I serve you with joy, worshiping you alone, trusting you as God in the midst of this incredible winter storm sweeping the nation. You are the one in whom I live and move and have my being.
My schedule has deviated from normal, as I made a 6:15 am hospital call prior to a surgery, then visited the other hospital CCU. I saw folks from Wesley all over both hospitals, patients, doctors, staff, volunteers. This severe winter storm has shut down the schools, and most everything else that is possible. The National Guard is standing by, as this is predicted to be the worst winter storm in 100 years. I am safely at home, and looking forward to the next two days of writing and preparation from the comfort of this warm house, well-stocked with food.
Isaiah 17
This is a prophecy against Syria, including Damascus, which at the same time indicts Northern Israel (the glory of Jacob). This could have been written during the alliance between Syria and Ephraim (735-732 BC). The main message is that when anyone forgets God, does not remember the Rock of refuge, then even if you plant pleasant plants, “yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain.” (verse11)
It is so easy to disregard God, to trust in what can be seen, arranged for, negotiated. As a believer, I must daily trust God and rely totally upon Him in all that I do. The Honduran team is writing testimonies from their experiences last week, and Steve has shared how he relied upon God for every solution to the construction problems that surfaced, as ideas popped into his head, he recognized they came from God.
Guide me today Lord as I serve you with joy, worshiping you alone, trusting you as God in the midst of this incredible winter storm sweeping the nation. You are the one in whom I live and move and have my being.
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