3-16-11 Wednesday, 7:11 am Wilmore, 40 degrees, breezy.
Yesterday was a good day of meetings, planning and fellowship. I wrote my pastor’s pen and worked on my sermon as well as being present for each session of the Asbury Alumni Council. Today we have another day of meetings, finishing up with dinner at Rose Hill, the president’s residence. I had good conversation with several pastors about their churches, especially the pastor of Mt. Pisgah in north Atlanta. He has defined discipleship with 5 statements describing what a disciple of Jesus Christ does.
Isaiah 51
Verses 1-3 address people who pursue righteousness, who seek the Lord.
Verses 4-8 are God’s statements to His people – even though the sky will vanish like smoke and the earth wear out like a garment, His salvation shall be forever, and His righteousness shall not wane.
Verses 9-11 address God, reminding Him of his great acts in the past, and pointing to the future when:
“the redeemed of the Lord will return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy will be upon their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow, and sighing will flee away.” (Bible song I learned in the 70s)
This is a beautiful chapter, with various voices. This morning with limited time to read it I am reminded of the work of God on behalf of His people, and how that in the middle of history as I am, I must daily realize that God is not finished yet. Yesterday I was reminded of Bonhoeffer’s words that when Jesus says “follow me”, he means “come and die with me”. I look forward to the end of time, when gladness and joy will be obtained, and sorrow will flee away. In the mean time I aim to live as a fully devoted follower of Christ, who worships, cares, and serves.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
March 15, 2011
3-15-11 Tuesday, 8:37 am (eastern daylight savings time), Wilmore Ky, 43 degrees, cloudy.
Audrey and I had a nice drive across Missouri and Kentucky yesterday, covering 600 miles, with a stop at Baxter Pines near Aurora. The weather was soggy, so we simply drove around the outside of the property, noticing the trees and the effects of an apparent winter ice storm. We arrived here at Asbury shortly before midnight. Today I have meetings with the alumni council from noon through dinner. This morning I will work on items for Wesley, including my pastor’s pen, etc.
Isaiah 50
In verses 1-3 God addresses Israel with the reason for their distress, and reminds them of His power, alluding to the Exodus.
Verses 4-11 are the words of the Servant. Scholars have many theories about who this is, from it being the collective Israel, to being “deutero-Isaiah” himself. I believe, along with Oswald that the Servant in this passage and the others in Isaiah is Jesus, the suffering servant whom God sent to be the savior of his people and the world. I am privileged to be one of his disciples, and to be entrusted with the message of salvation and hope which he proclaimed, taught, and modelled to the end of his earthly life.
Guide me today Lord as your servant, obeying your will, investing this short life in building your kingdom.
Audrey and I had a nice drive across Missouri and Kentucky yesterday, covering 600 miles, with a stop at Baxter Pines near Aurora. The weather was soggy, so we simply drove around the outside of the property, noticing the trees and the effects of an apparent winter ice storm. We arrived here at Asbury shortly before midnight. Today I have meetings with the alumni council from noon through dinner. This morning I will work on items for Wesley, including my pastor’s pen, etc.
Isaiah 50
In verses 1-3 God addresses Israel with the reason for their distress, and reminds them of His power, alluding to the Exodus.
Verses 4-11 are the words of the Servant. Scholars have many theories about who this is, from it being the collective Israel, to being “deutero-Isaiah” himself. I believe, along with Oswald that the Servant in this passage and the others in Isaiah is Jesus, the suffering servant whom God sent to be the savior of his people and the world. I am privileged to be one of his disciples, and to be entrusted with the message of salvation and hope which he proclaimed, taught, and modelled to the end of his earthly life.
Guide me today Lord as your servant, obeying your will, investing this short life in building your kingdom.
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
3-14-11 Monday, 7:16 am Springfield, 35 degrees, predawn.
The birds are singing, oblivious to the artificial advance of the clocks by one hour. At 7:00 it was still pitch black outside, and my body clock is not yet adjusted to this new time. I will lose another hour tonight as I drive to Kentucky for the Asbury seminary alumni council. This morning I will purchase the meat and rolls for the funeral hosted today for Wayne James. The news is reporting on the disaster in Japan, including the potential nuclear meltdown of 3-6 of their reactors. Earthquake specialists are predicting that the San Andreas fault is next, and with Bethany in school near that fault I am paying attention to this prediction.
Isaiah 49
Verse 23b “and you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.” Yes Lord, I hopefully wait for you, obeying your word, trusting in You for salvation.
The first 7 verses of this chapter refer to God’s servant. Verse six describes the work of this Servant, as not only restoring Israel, but also being a “light to the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” As technology has “flattened” the earth, and communication reaches readily around the globe, it is a joy to serve Jesus Christ who is the light to the nations. In this scientific era will people believe in the power of God to save? I might have twenty or so years left to proclaim the goodness of God, to testify to His power in my life and to build the church, His body. Guide me Lord today as I labor for you in this world in which I live.
The birds are singing, oblivious to the artificial advance of the clocks by one hour. At 7:00 it was still pitch black outside, and my body clock is not yet adjusted to this new time. I will lose another hour tonight as I drive to Kentucky for the Asbury seminary alumni council. This morning I will purchase the meat and rolls for the funeral hosted today for Wayne James. The news is reporting on the disaster in Japan, including the potential nuclear meltdown of 3-6 of their reactors. Earthquake specialists are predicting that the San Andreas fault is next, and with Bethany in school near that fault I am paying attention to this prediction.
Isaiah 49
Verse 23b “and you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.” Yes Lord, I hopefully wait for you, obeying your word, trusting in You for salvation.
The first 7 verses of this chapter refer to God’s servant. Verse six describes the work of this Servant, as not only restoring Israel, but also being a “light to the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” As technology has “flattened” the earth, and communication reaches readily around the globe, it is a joy to serve Jesus Christ who is the light to the nations. In this scientific era will people believe in the power of God to save? I might have twenty or so years left to proclaim the goodness of God, to testify to His power in my life and to build the church, His body. Guide me Lord today as I labor for you in this world in which I live.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
March 12, 2011
3-12-11 Saturday, 6:32 am Springfield, clear, 36 degrees.
I stepped out onto the deck and experienced the beauty of the moments before sunrise. The birds are singing, the earth appears ready to burst forth into springtime. My garden awaits the vegetables and flowers which I have sprouted in the basement. The last frost is about a month away, after which I will plant and tend the tomatoes, okra, zucchini and marigolds. It seems healthy for me to daily pay attention to the natural world, the weather, the growing season, as otherwise it is too easy to be insulated in home and car and office. Riding a motorcycle also helps me stay closer to the natural world as I ride through the elements. The Kawasaki mechanics are about finished with the tune up of the Concours, but are having difficulty getting tires.
Isaiah 48
The message continues to be the revelation of who God is, what God has done, and how the people of Judah have had this revelation for a long time. Verses 17-19 speak to me this morning:
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, and your offspring like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from my presence.’”
I pay attention to God’s commandments, and I teach and lead a congregation in paying attention to them. The promised results are powerful: “well-being like a river, righteousness like the waves of the sea!” Guide me Lord today as I visit and share with a family about baptism and their children, celebrate with the Upward participants and officiate at the wedding of two delightful young adults at the Pythian Castle. Use the message I am preparing on your beatitude “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” to foster well-being like a river. In Jesus name I pray this morning.
I stepped out onto the deck and experienced the beauty of the moments before sunrise. The birds are singing, the earth appears ready to burst forth into springtime. My garden awaits the vegetables and flowers which I have sprouted in the basement. The last frost is about a month away, after which I will plant and tend the tomatoes, okra, zucchini and marigolds. It seems healthy for me to daily pay attention to the natural world, the weather, the growing season, as otherwise it is too easy to be insulated in home and car and office. Riding a motorcycle also helps me stay closer to the natural world as I ride through the elements. The Kawasaki mechanics are about finished with the tune up of the Concours, but are having difficulty getting tires.
Isaiah 48
The message continues to be the revelation of who God is, what God has done, and how the people of Judah have had this revelation for a long time. Verses 17-19 speak to me this morning:
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, and your offspring like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from my presence.’”
I pay attention to God’s commandments, and I teach and lead a congregation in paying attention to them. The promised results are powerful: “well-being like a river, righteousness like the waves of the sea!” Guide me Lord today as I visit and share with a family about baptism and their children, celebrate with the Upward participants and officiate at the wedding of two delightful young adults at the Pythian Castle. Use the message I am preparing on your beatitude “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” to foster well-being like a river. In Jesus name I pray this morning.
Friday, March 11, 2011
March 11, 2011
3-11-11 Friday, 7:00 am Springfield, 31 degrees, clear.
The sun is beautiful, rising in the east, shining on the houses out my back window. This weekend we spring ahead, and sunset will move later by an hour, to 7:18, and sunrise will be later, to 7:25. On Easter, Sunrise will be at 6:25 am, sunset at 7:56 pm. I am always interested in the times of sunrise and sunset, because they progress so steadily throughout the year, almost imperceptably, and the daily addition of a minute or two over several months adds up to hours of more daylight.
Isaiah 47
The defeat and impending shame of the virgin daughter of Babylon, who will be hauled out of luxury, her nakedness exposed, she will be put to manual labor grinding meal with the millstone. The prophet represents Babylon as a beautiful and arrogant woman, who trusted in herself, who “felt secure in your wickedness” (verse 10). Like all people who trust in themselves, she will be humiliated. Even though Babylon had captured many nations, including Judah, she was not the master of her own fate. She was part of God’s plan for redemption through Israel.
Every human, and every nation has the temptation of self-reliance, resulting in arrogance. The United States was built by men and women who accomplished amazing feats, and the best were hard working, self-sacrificing people who relied upon God, serving God and viewing life as a stewardship of the gifts of God. Guide me today, holy Lord as I seek to take the same approach, as I guard against any temptation to be self-reliant or arrogant. I desire to be merciful, meek, pure in heart and spiritually poor. Guide me in your Way, Holy Master and Captain of my soul.
The sun is beautiful, rising in the east, shining on the houses out my back window. This weekend we spring ahead, and sunset will move later by an hour, to 7:18, and sunrise will be later, to 7:25. On Easter, Sunrise will be at 6:25 am, sunset at 7:56 pm. I am always interested in the times of sunrise and sunset, because they progress so steadily throughout the year, almost imperceptably, and the daily addition of a minute or two over several months adds up to hours of more daylight.
Isaiah 47
The defeat and impending shame of the virgin daughter of Babylon, who will be hauled out of luxury, her nakedness exposed, she will be put to manual labor grinding meal with the millstone. The prophet represents Babylon as a beautiful and arrogant woman, who trusted in herself, who “felt secure in your wickedness” (verse 10). Like all people who trust in themselves, she will be humiliated. Even though Babylon had captured many nations, including Judah, she was not the master of her own fate. She was part of God’s plan for redemption through Israel.
Every human, and every nation has the temptation of self-reliance, resulting in arrogance. The United States was built by men and women who accomplished amazing feats, and the best were hard working, self-sacrificing people who relied upon God, serving God and viewing life as a stewardship of the gifts of God. Guide me today, holy Lord as I seek to take the same approach, as I guard against any temptation to be self-reliant or arrogant. I desire to be merciful, meek, pure in heart and spiritually poor. Guide me in your Way, Holy Master and Captain of my soul.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10, 2011
3-10-11 Thursday, 5:38 am Springfield, 31 degrees, cloudy
I just read an article about the calculation for Easter Sunday, posted on the website of the USNO Astronomical Applications Department. It is complicated, and interesting to note that basically Easter falls on the first Sunday following the full moon occuring after the spring Equinox which is fixed on March 21. So, Easter can occur between March 22 and April 25. This year it falls on April 24, one of the latest possible dates.
Isaiah 46
“Bel crouches, Nebo cowers; their images have gone to beast and cow.” (verse 1) Bel and Nebo are two of the chief gods of Babylon (Oswald), and this section continues the theme begun in 45:20. God is superior to pagan gods in every way, but especially in his ability to deliver from the tragedies of life (Oswald).
God says to his people “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you have been borne by me from birth, and have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.” (verses 3-4) I am in my graying years, and I recognize that God, who is the same, has carried me, borne, me and shall deliver me. I must never substitute trust in anything made by humans for the protection and deliverance that comes only from God.
Last night we began Lent with the imposition of ashes and a large congregation gathered at Wesley. My message was simple – spiritual training is more important than physical training – read your Bible, pray, fast and you will draw closer to God and be prepared to celebrate the resurrection – at Easter and the end of time. Guide me today Lord on this second day of Lent, as I read your Word in Isaiah, pray without ceasing, and prepare for fasting tomorrow.
I just read an article about the calculation for Easter Sunday, posted on the website of the USNO Astronomical Applications Department. It is complicated, and interesting to note that basically Easter falls on the first Sunday following the full moon occuring after the spring Equinox which is fixed on March 21. So, Easter can occur between March 22 and April 25. This year it falls on April 24, one of the latest possible dates.
Isaiah 46
“Bel crouches, Nebo cowers; their images have gone to beast and cow.” (verse 1) Bel and Nebo are two of the chief gods of Babylon (Oswald), and this section continues the theme begun in 45:20. God is superior to pagan gods in every way, but especially in his ability to deliver from the tragedies of life (Oswald).
God says to his people “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you have been borne by me from birth, and have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.” (verses 3-4) I am in my graying years, and I recognize that God, who is the same, has carried me, borne, me and shall deliver me. I must never substitute trust in anything made by humans for the protection and deliverance that comes only from God.
Last night we began Lent with the imposition of ashes and a large congregation gathered at Wesley. My message was simple – spiritual training is more important than physical training – read your Bible, pray, fast and you will draw closer to God and be prepared to celebrate the resurrection – at Easter and the end of time. Guide me today Lord on this second day of Lent, as I read your Word in Isaiah, pray without ceasing, and prepare for fasting tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 9, 2011
3-9-11 Ash Wednesday, 6:37 am Springfield, 36 degrees, cloudy.
Today is the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. I have breakfast with a pastor, morning staff meeting, executive leadership team in the afternoon. We will have a service tonight at 6:00 pm at Wesley in which there will be singing, a brief meditation, and a time of commitment around the imposition of ashes to the forehead or hand of worshippers. I always appreciate the dedication and devotion of people who attend Ash Wednesday services and adopt Lenten disciplines.
Isaiah 45
Verses 23-24 “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’”
Yes Lord! Your word is powerful, sharper than a double edged sword. I bow my knee to You, I swear allegiance to You, in whom is righteousness and strength! Guide me every step this day, my every word, every thought, every idea.
Today is the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. I have breakfast with a pastor, morning staff meeting, executive leadership team in the afternoon. We will have a service tonight at 6:00 pm at Wesley in which there will be singing, a brief meditation, and a time of commitment around the imposition of ashes to the forehead or hand of worshippers. I always appreciate the dedication and devotion of people who attend Ash Wednesday services and adopt Lenten disciplines.
Isaiah 45
Verses 23-24 “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’”
Yes Lord! Your word is powerful, sharper than a double edged sword. I bow my knee to You, I swear allegiance to You, in whom is righteousness and strength! Guide me every step this day, my every word, every thought, every idea.
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