7-8-11 Friday, 6:19 am Springfield, 69 degrees.
Audrey and I had a good time at Silver Dollar City yesterday, and a good meeting with a potential new team member for her January Honduras trip. Today we will be working around the house and yard, and working on errands. I will head out momentarily for a morning ride on the Concours.
I Chronicles 5-6
Geneologies and locations of the descendents of Levi. This book of Chronicles pays particular attention to the priests and their work. As I read through so many unfamiliar names, I imagined what their lives might have been like, their daily tasks, their struggles, their joys, etc. I pictured my name in a list in the future of pastors in America, and the 30+ years I served inferred in a phrase. I realize that the eternal truth is that God remembers! Each detail of every day God remembers and the investment I make in people, in the Word, in dying to self and living for Christ makes an eternal difference.
I am currently reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and remembering the impact that his 39 short years made as he invested his life well and God used it according to God’s purposes. Guide me holy Lord as I journey forward through this day. Guide my thoughts, my actions, my reactions. Do your work of recreation as I open myself completely to your will and purposes.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 7, 2011
7-7-11Thursday, 7:21 am Springfield 73 degrees, with 100% chance of thunderstorms and highs only in the low to mid 80s.
Last night Bethany returned to Los Angeles, arriving at LAX at 12:47 am Central Daylight time. She texted me, and I was still awake. Yesterday morning she and I launched the Folbot at Springfield Lake and paddled around for an hour. We had a great 9 weeks with her here in Springfield prompted by the surgery on her foot and the required recovery. Now she is beginning this new phase of post-college work and continued preparation for her vocation as a vocalist.
I will continue to be on vacation through the 12th. Audrey’s jury duty fizzled, as the official telephone recording informed her on Tuesday night that her section of the jury pool was no longer needed. We will go to Silver Dollar City today, and spend the next few days in R & R.
I Chronicles 4
The Introduction to Chronicles, written by Jim and Gerri Combs, is most helpful, as found in the Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible. It describes the difference between Chronicles and Samuel-Kings as “reflecting more of a providential standpoint,” emphasizing the altar, the temple, and spiritual history, probably authored by Ezra near the end of the Exile period.
As I prepared to read this chapter, I prayed that amid the genealogies, some nugget would stand out. And, alas, verses 9 and 10 contain the brief mention of Jabez, which led to the expansive writings by Bruce Wilkinson on the prayer of Jabez in verse 10, which is a wonderful prayer. “ ‘Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep my from harm, that it may not pain me!’ And God granted him what he requested.”(NASB)
Lord, on this summer day in Missouri, I pray that your blessing would continue to guide me, as I seek to enlarge not my border, but the work of your kingdom through my life. I covet your hand guiding me, as I serve you in these late middle age or early senior adult years of my life. I give you thanks for my two young adult children, whose childhood you blessed and whose lives are now independent of mine in a healthy way. I thank you for my wife of nearly 30 years and our partnership centered in your will and purposes. Guide me as I pray, and as I strive to follow where you lead, every day.
Having quoted Bruce Wilkerson above, I looked into David Wilkerson’s death on April 27. He died in a car crash in which the car he was driving swerved into the path of an 18 wheeler hauling logs in East Texas. His wife was with him, and she is recovering. I located his blog, and read the last couple of entries, including one the morning of April 27. He mentions death, demonic forces, and the failure even of prayer. He ends on an encouraging note to stand strong in the Lord. One writer suggests he might have swerved into the path of the truck. I have been tempted in this way since I was a teenager. I realized early on that this was a temptation of the evil one, to shorten my life and minimize my impact for the kingdom. I am thankful for the life of David Wilkerson, his teachings, his ministries, his devotion. Guide me Lord as I serve you faithfully, and as I resist all the arrows of the evil one!
Last night Bethany returned to Los Angeles, arriving at LAX at 12:47 am Central Daylight time. She texted me, and I was still awake. Yesterday morning she and I launched the Folbot at Springfield Lake and paddled around for an hour. We had a great 9 weeks with her here in Springfield prompted by the surgery on her foot and the required recovery. Now she is beginning this new phase of post-college work and continued preparation for her vocation as a vocalist.
I will continue to be on vacation through the 12th. Audrey’s jury duty fizzled, as the official telephone recording informed her on Tuesday night that her section of the jury pool was no longer needed. We will go to Silver Dollar City today, and spend the next few days in R & R.
I Chronicles 4
The Introduction to Chronicles, written by Jim and Gerri Combs, is most helpful, as found in the Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible. It describes the difference between Chronicles and Samuel-Kings as “reflecting more of a providential standpoint,” emphasizing the altar, the temple, and spiritual history, probably authored by Ezra near the end of the Exile period.
As I prepared to read this chapter, I prayed that amid the genealogies, some nugget would stand out. And, alas, verses 9 and 10 contain the brief mention of Jabez, which led to the expansive writings by Bruce Wilkinson on the prayer of Jabez in verse 10, which is a wonderful prayer. “ ‘Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep my from harm, that it may not pain me!’ And God granted him what he requested.”(NASB)
Lord, on this summer day in Missouri, I pray that your blessing would continue to guide me, as I seek to enlarge not my border, but the work of your kingdom through my life. I covet your hand guiding me, as I serve you in these late middle age or early senior adult years of my life. I give you thanks for my two young adult children, whose childhood you blessed and whose lives are now independent of mine in a healthy way. I thank you for my wife of nearly 30 years and our partnership centered in your will and purposes. Guide me as I pray, and as I strive to follow where you lead, every day.
Having quoted Bruce Wilkerson above, I looked into David Wilkerson’s death on April 27. He died in a car crash in which the car he was driving swerved into the path of an 18 wheeler hauling logs in East Texas. His wife was with him, and she is recovering. I located his blog, and read the last couple of entries, including one the morning of April 27. He mentions death, demonic forces, and the failure even of prayer. He ends on an encouraging note to stand strong in the Lord. One writer suggests he might have swerved into the path of the truck. I have been tempted in this way since I was a teenager. I realized early on that this was a temptation of the evil one, to shorten my life and minimize my impact for the kingdom. I am thankful for the life of David Wilkerson, his teachings, his ministries, his devotion. Guide me Lord as I serve you faithfully, and as I resist all the arrows of the evil one!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 6, 2011
7-6-11 Wednesday, 6:10 am Springfield, 76 warm and humid degrees.
Today is Bethany’s last day here. She flies to Los Angeles tonight. This morning she and I will take the Folbot out on Springfield lake. It has been hanging in my garage since the day we moved here. My dad built it from a kit in the early 80s. Yesterday I ran 6 over the noon hour, enduring well the 95 degree temperature. I averaged 10:59 a mile, and even though I walked often, I was pleased with this effort. This morning I will fertilize the lawn and tend the garden.
Acts 24
Paul appears before Felix, having been arrested by the Jews. He makes his case, proclaims his innocence and shares Christ with him. Felix delays any decision for 2 years, keeping him under house arrest, hoping Paul would give him money. Yesterday the jury came back with a “not guilty” verdict in the trial of Casey Anthony, accused of murdering her 2 year-old daughter in 2008. Our legal system today in not perfect, but it seems to be much better than the system during Paul’s day. Even as it seems he was treated unfairly, God used this to His glory, and Paul’s life and faith continued to develop.
On this hot, summer day, guide me holy Lord in all that I do, that it may glorify You. I am yours, a child of the King, and this midsummer day in Missouri in my opportunity to live for You, filled by Your Spirit, establishing peace with joy. Amen.
Today is Bethany’s last day here. She flies to Los Angeles tonight. This morning she and I will take the Folbot out on Springfield lake. It has been hanging in my garage since the day we moved here. My dad built it from a kit in the early 80s. Yesterday I ran 6 over the noon hour, enduring well the 95 degree temperature. I averaged 10:59 a mile, and even though I walked often, I was pleased with this effort. This morning I will fertilize the lawn and tend the garden.
Acts 24
Paul appears before Felix, having been arrested by the Jews. He makes his case, proclaims his innocence and shares Christ with him. Felix delays any decision for 2 years, keeping him under house arrest, hoping Paul would give him money. Yesterday the jury came back with a “not guilty” verdict in the trial of Casey Anthony, accused of murdering her 2 year-old daughter in 2008. Our legal system today in not perfect, but it seems to be much better than the system during Paul’s day. Even as it seems he was treated unfairly, God used this to His glory, and Paul’s life and faith continued to develop.
On this hot, summer day, guide me holy Lord in all that I do, that it may glorify You. I am yours, a child of the King, and this midsummer day in Missouri in my opportunity to live for You, filled by Your Spirit, establishing peace with joy. Amen.
Monday, July 4, 2011
July 4, 2011
7-4-11 Monday, 5:33 am Springfield, 70 degrees, 90% humidity, cloudy.
On this day in history, 3 United States presidents died – Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. What a coincidence that these great founding fathers died on this day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 35 years ago today I was celebrating with my English brother Malcolm on the St. Louis riverfront as we enjoyed the “Bicentennial” watching British made Harrier fighter jets hover in front of the arch.
Last year Audrey and I left for a 10-day vacation on July 3, enjoying the fireworks under the St. Louis arch, and then heading north for an Indiana and Illinois visit with family. On Monday, July 5 I visited Wesley Seminary on the Indiana Wesleyan University campus to learn about their new 72 credit hour Master of Divinity degree. This week we will have our last few days with Bethany before she heads back to Los Angeles, and Audrey has jury duty. We will then spend a few days of R and R in a yet-to-be decided location.
Yesterday was a great day at Wesley as we welcomed the Rev. Matt Kerner, his wife Sarah and their son Josiah to the pastoral staff. He preached on II Tim 3 and encouraged all of us to have a Paul and aTimothy in our lives, and also to be especially open to coming alongside college students.
Psalm 1 (from yesterday’s One Year Bible schedule)
The person whose delight is in the law of the Lord will be fruitful, like a tree planted by streams of water. In whatever this person does, prosperity follows. It is not so with the wicked, which are like the chaff blown away by the wind. Since 1974 I have delighted in the law of the Lord, seeking God with my whole heart. This is one of my favorite Psalms, as it paints a clear picture of the difference between a person who loves God and His Word, and a person who does not. Guide me Holy Lord on this Independence Day as I depend totally on you, your word, your spirit living in me.
On this day in history, 3 United States presidents died – Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. What a coincidence that these great founding fathers died on this day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 35 years ago today I was celebrating with my English brother Malcolm on the St. Louis riverfront as we enjoyed the “Bicentennial” watching British made Harrier fighter jets hover in front of the arch.
Last year Audrey and I left for a 10-day vacation on July 3, enjoying the fireworks under the St. Louis arch, and then heading north for an Indiana and Illinois visit with family. On Monday, July 5 I visited Wesley Seminary on the Indiana Wesleyan University campus to learn about their new 72 credit hour Master of Divinity degree. This week we will have our last few days with Bethany before she heads back to Los Angeles, and Audrey has jury duty. We will then spend a few days of R and R in a yet-to-be decided location.
Yesterday was a great day at Wesley as we welcomed the Rev. Matt Kerner, his wife Sarah and their son Josiah to the pastoral staff. He preached on II Tim 3 and encouraged all of us to have a Paul and aTimothy in our lives, and also to be especially open to coming alongside college students.
Psalm 1 (from yesterday’s One Year Bible schedule)
The person whose delight is in the law of the Lord will be fruitful, like a tree planted by streams of water. In whatever this person does, prosperity follows. It is not so with the wicked, which are like the chaff blown away by the wind. Since 1974 I have delighted in the law of the Lord, seeking God with my whole heart. This is one of my favorite Psalms, as it paints a clear picture of the difference between a person who loves God and His Word, and a person who does not. Guide me Holy Lord on this Independence Day as I depend totally on you, your word, your spirit living in me.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July 3, 2011
7-3-11 Sunday, 5:28 am Springfield, 74 degrees, clear.
It is a beautiful morning outside. The sky is just starting to reveal the predawn light of the sun, the birds are singing, the air is relatively cool. I had a good night’s sleep and I am ready for the day. I am greatly anticipating this first Sunday of Matt Kerner’s appointment to Wesley, and the message he will bring today from Paul’s words to Timothy about mentoring.
We are beginning the process of developing a new church directory. Pictures will be taken beginning in August and running through October. It was three years ago that we did the last one, and I have it by my side to review and pray through in preparation for this morning’s ministry among the people of Wesley.
2 Kings 22-23; Psalm 1:1-6
Josiah reigned for 31 years in Jerusalem, and these two chapters describe the reforms he brought to the nation. It began with the renovation of the temple which uncovered “a book”. “And it came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes.” (verse11) The following verses describe how the king ordered the destruction and defilement of the altars, idols, and worship of false gods and pagan beliefs. This culminated in the reinstitution of the Passover, which apparently had not been celebrated since the days of the judges (23:22).
As I read this account of reform and return to the faith of Yahweh as revealed to Moses, my mind inquires into this current day, and wonders if any practices have crept into the life of the church which should be discarded, and if there are any observances that have slipped out of practice. I am looking forward to the upcoming series on our Christian Family Tree to consider some of these questions.
Guide me today Lord as one seeking to follow you in Spirit and in Truth. Guard me from any religious buildup of false practices or from neglect of any essential practice or element of obedience to your Word. May this first Sunday in July be a glorious celebration of your Holiness, your sacrifice, your grace and your promises to the people of the Way.
It is a beautiful morning outside. The sky is just starting to reveal the predawn light of the sun, the birds are singing, the air is relatively cool. I had a good night’s sleep and I am ready for the day. I am greatly anticipating this first Sunday of Matt Kerner’s appointment to Wesley, and the message he will bring today from Paul’s words to Timothy about mentoring.
We are beginning the process of developing a new church directory. Pictures will be taken beginning in August and running through October. It was three years ago that we did the last one, and I have it by my side to review and pray through in preparation for this morning’s ministry among the people of Wesley.
2 Kings 22-23; Psalm 1:1-6
Josiah reigned for 31 years in Jerusalem, and these two chapters describe the reforms he brought to the nation. It began with the renovation of the temple which uncovered “a book”. “And it came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes.” (verse11) The following verses describe how the king ordered the destruction and defilement of the altars, idols, and worship of false gods and pagan beliefs. This culminated in the reinstitution of the Passover, which apparently had not been celebrated since the days of the judges (23:22).
As I read this account of reform and return to the faith of Yahweh as revealed to Moses, my mind inquires into this current day, and wonders if any practices have crept into the life of the church which should be discarded, and if there are any observances that have slipped out of practice. I am looking forward to the upcoming series on our Christian Family Tree to consider some of these questions.
Guide me today Lord as one seeking to follow you in Spirit and in Truth. Guard me from any religious buildup of false practices or from neglect of any essential practice or element of obedience to your Word. May this first Sunday in July be a glorious celebration of your Holiness, your sacrifice, your grace and your promises to the people of the Way.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July 2, 2011
7-2-11 Saturday, 7:39 am Springfield, 74 degrees, clear and sunny.
Ahh, the 4th of July holiday weekend. I have the honor of officiating at a small wedding at Wesley this morning. Yesterday we had a great worship planning session, including a drop in visit from Dwight, our district superintendent to welcome our new pastor, Matt Kerner. Tomorrow Matt will preach at all four services and we will have a reception for him and his family in the gathering area.
Psalm 150 – Praise the Lord!
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord. This glorious Psalm is the final one in the collection. It is pure praise. George O. Wood has written a very helpful devotional commentary on this Psalms, and he suggests that verse 1 gives the where of praise – the sanctuary and the heavens. The sanctuary on earth includes the temple in Jerusalem, the assembled congregation and the heart of the individual believer. “And praise ascends beyond earthly containment into the very sanctuary of heaven itself.” (p. 605 A Psalm in Your Heart)
Verse 2 gives the why of praise – exalt Him for His deeds and his character. Ascribe to the Lord… During my week at camp recently we worked on the psalm that encourages the believer to state the characteristics of God. Every year we should discover more reasons to be impressed with God. I am now sitting on the back deck and as I came outside my heart simply settled into a mode of praise for the wonders of God in creation – the birds, the trees, the sky, the breeze. I look forward to praising God every day of my life, exalting him for his deeds and his character.
Verse 3-5 gives us the how of praise – eight instruments are named plus dance. I desire to praise him in every way possible. Verse 6 tells us who should praise God – everything that breathes – that includes me, everyone I know, and all of creation. Jesus said that the rocks would break out into praise if others did not.
Lord, on this Saturday morning, sitting on my deck in the shade as the sun begins its (apparent) ascent, I praise your Holy Name. I know that You are Lord of heaven and earth, and that I live and move and have breath through your Spirit. Your life is my life, and I desire to allow your light to shine in the darkness that all nations may be drawn to you.
Ahh, the 4th of July holiday weekend. I have the honor of officiating at a small wedding at Wesley this morning. Yesterday we had a great worship planning session, including a drop in visit from Dwight, our district superintendent to welcome our new pastor, Matt Kerner. Tomorrow Matt will preach at all four services and we will have a reception for him and his family in the gathering area.
Psalm 150 – Praise the Lord!
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord. This glorious Psalm is the final one in the collection. It is pure praise. George O. Wood has written a very helpful devotional commentary on this Psalms, and he suggests that verse 1 gives the where of praise – the sanctuary and the heavens. The sanctuary on earth includes the temple in Jerusalem, the assembled congregation and the heart of the individual believer. “And praise ascends beyond earthly containment into the very sanctuary of heaven itself.” (p. 605 A Psalm in Your Heart)
Verse 2 gives the why of praise – exalt Him for His deeds and his character. Ascribe to the Lord… During my week at camp recently we worked on the psalm that encourages the believer to state the characteristics of God. Every year we should discover more reasons to be impressed with God. I am now sitting on the back deck and as I came outside my heart simply settled into a mode of praise for the wonders of God in creation – the birds, the trees, the sky, the breeze. I look forward to praising God every day of my life, exalting him for his deeds and his character.
Verse 3-5 gives us the how of praise – eight instruments are named plus dance. I desire to praise him in every way possible. Verse 6 tells us who should praise God – everything that breathes – that includes me, everyone I know, and all of creation. Jesus said that the rocks would break out into praise if others did not.
Lord, on this Saturday morning, sitting on my deck in the shade as the sun begins its (apparent) ascent, I praise your Holy Name. I know that You are Lord of heaven and earth, and that I live and move and have breath through your Spirit. Your life is my life, and I desire to allow your light to shine in the darkness that all nations may be drawn to you.
Friday, July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
7-1-11 Friday, 7:00 am Springfield, 74 degrees, clear and sunny
My glasses broke yesterday, with a lens falling out. I am wearing contacts this morning, which I have not done in a long time. I can see okay, but not great. This morning we will begin planning for Sunday themes in August and September. Yesterday while eating lunch with John (A.G. Dir of Prayer) I had a flash of designing a series on prayer, beginning with 9-11 and proceeding 3-5 weeks. Today will be Matt Kerner’s first day under appointment to Wesley. I am looking forward to all that he brings as associate pastor with primary responsibility for college-age and young adults.
Psalm 149
“O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your king. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people, he crowns the humble with victory.” (verses 2-4) This morning O Lord, I rejoice in you. I exult in your kingship and praise you name in my heart and in my life. There are so many things that could distract and derail the believer's walk with you. Guard me from them, guide me as I warn others. Use me as your servant in this generation. Amen.
My glasses broke yesterday, with a lens falling out. I am wearing contacts this morning, which I have not done in a long time. I can see okay, but not great. This morning we will begin planning for Sunday themes in August and September. Yesterday while eating lunch with John (A.G. Dir of Prayer) I had a flash of designing a series on prayer, beginning with 9-11 and proceeding 3-5 weeks. Today will be Matt Kerner’s first day under appointment to Wesley. I am looking forward to all that he brings as associate pastor with primary responsibility for college-age and young adults.
Psalm 149
“O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your king. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people, he crowns the humble with victory.” (verses 2-4) This morning O Lord, I rejoice in you. I exult in your kingship and praise you name in my heart and in my life. There are so many things that could distract and derail the believer's walk with you. Guard me from them, guide me as I warn others. Use me as your servant in this generation. Amen.
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