8-10-11 Wednesday, 6:51 am Springfield, light rain, 73 degrees.
Our staff retreat went wonderfully well yesterday. The team building on the ropes course was excellent, and the high challenges were exciting. Today we will gather back at the School to the Nations and work in their classroom on the book The Equipping Church and on planning for the coming month.
Psalm 31:9-18\
“My times are in your hands … Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” (15-16)
Yes Lord, my times are in your hands. My life is in you Lord, my hope is in you Lord. Guide me on this day as I journey with the staff of Wesley with Sue Mallory and her work on the Equipping Church. Amen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
August 7, 2011
8-7-11 Sunday, 5:28 am Springfield, 76 degrees.
Thunderstorms rolled through the area last night and in the early morning hours bringing much needed rain. The upper air masses and jet stream are changing which will result in cooler weather this week, with highs on Wednesday predicted to be just 89 degrees. We have our staff retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I was hoping for a break in the extreme heat.
I awoke this morning to my alarm clock rustling me out of a dream. In the dream I was pastoring a small church, and on this Sunday not preaching. I was wearing a huge headset and mike, similar to my David Clark set that I fly with. The battery pack had gotten wet, and this particular one was set in a large oak box, with the bark still on. During the sermon I was trying to get the thing to work again, and I missed the end of the sermon. Things got quiet, and the leader was setting out mission information, and I did not realize the sermon was over and I needed to stand up and pronounce the benediction. Many of the congregation had left by the time I finally got up front. What a weird dream, and I can see threads of connection with various parts and my experiences this week.
Acts 2:1-24
This is the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. A mighty rushing wind, tongues of fire, speaking with other tongues all occurred. Bystanders came to watch. Peter stood up to preach and quoted Joel 2:28 stating this was that promised outpouring. Peter also preached that Jesus, who had performed miraculous acts, and had been nailed to a cross, was raised from death to life by God, “putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” (2:24)
In the first decade of the 20th century there was another revival of this outpouring which gave birth to the Pentecostal movement. Today there are around 600 million Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians worldwide. God is always pouring out His Spirit, and my message today will be one of openness to the fullness of God and to all that He intends for the believer and for the church.
I continue to read the biography of Bonhoeffer, and am up to about 1937 in Germany. It continues to be almost unfathomable to me the course of events and the horrors of the Nazi regime. I expect there will be future horrors which exceed those of Hitler. He embodied the anti-Christ more clearly than anyone to date, but did not usher in the end times.
Guide me holy Lord on this first Sunday of August, as I lead your church called Wesley in preaching, fellowship, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Use me and the spiritual gifts you have given me to serve this precious body.
Thunderstorms rolled through the area last night and in the early morning hours bringing much needed rain. The upper air masses and jet stream are changing which will result in cooler weather this week, with highs on Wednesday predicted to be just 89 degrees. We have our staff retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I was hoping for a break in the extreme heat.
I awoke this morning to my alarm clock rustling me out of a dream. In the dream I was pastoring a small church, and on this Sunday not preaching. I was wearing a huge headset and mike, similar to my David Clark set that I fly with. The battery pack had gotten wet, and this particular one was set in a large oak box, with the bark still on. During the sermon I was trying to get the thing to work again, and I missed the end of the sermon. Things got quiet, and the leader was setting out mission information, and I did not realize the sermon was over and I needed to stand up and pronounce the benediction. Many of the congregation had left by the time I finally got up front. What a weird dream, and I can see threads of connection with various parts and my experiences this week.
Acts 2:1-24
This is the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. A mighty rushing wind, tongues of fire, speaking with other tongues all occurred. Bystanders came to watch. Peter stood up to preach and quoted Joel 2:28 stating this was that promised outpouring. Peter also preached that Jesus, who had performed miraculous acts, and had been nailed to a cross, was raised from death to life by God, “putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” (2:24)
In the first decade of the 20th century there was another revival of this outpouring which gave birth to the Pentecostal movement. Today there are around 600 million Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians worldwide. God is always pouring out His Spirit, and my message today will be one of openness to the fullness of God and to all that He intends for the believer and for the church.
I continue to read the biography of Bonhoeffer, and am up to about 1937 in Germany. It continues to be almost unfathomable to me the course of events and the horrors of the Nazi regime. I expect there will be future horrors which exceed those of Hitler. He embodied the anti-Christ more clearly than anyone to date, but did not usher in the end times.
Guide me holy Lord on this first Sunday of August, as I lead your church called Wesley in preaching, fellowship, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Use me and the spiritual gifts you have given me to serve this precious body.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
August 6, 2011
8-6-11 Saturday, 5:27 am Springfield, 80 degrees.
Audrey and I have both arisen early and have watched last night’s news in lieu of news this morning. I will continue reading Ezra, and then get ready to host the funeral for Logan McConnell at Wesley at 10. I just saw a commercial for a national system of cancer hospitals in which Roger Stump was telling his story. I led a Bible study in his home in 1990 as I was developing a network for the new church SunRise. He and his wife Brenda had attended Shiloh in the last months I was there, and expressed interest in a new church. She and I corresponded with a common interest in David Wilkerson.
Ezra 3-4
The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem set to work to rebuild the temple. They laid its foundation, much smaller than the original, and old men who had known the original wept, and at the same time the current generation cheered the progress. The local residents volunteered to help and were turned away. They then wrote letters to the king and pointed out that Jerusalem had been a rebellious city with rebellious rulers in the past. The king, Artaxerxes, gave them permission to stop the building by force, which they did.
There is much in these chapters that has parallels to situations today. Old folks upset at how the current generation is leading, the secular culture trying to influence the faith community, external forces pushing against leaders of the faith communities using legal means (zoning laws, etc.)
Today we do not live in a time similar to Ezra’s day here in the Midwest of the USA. I am aware that there are environments around the world where factors are similar. Currently we experience much freedom to practice the faith as we choose, and the opposition is minimal. Our challenge is to make spiritual headway, not necessarily in building programs but in “developing more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care, and serve. In doing so there is regularly an eternal impact.
Yesterday I purchased a book by Craig Rochelle entitled Weird. He states that “normal” is not working, and followers of Christ will appear weird if they are radical disciples. Bonhoeffer experienced this as he sought to lead believers to understand the “cost of discipleship”. Our worship planning team is reading Weird with the possibility of gleaning from it themes to use in October.
Lord, may this day be one of obedience, service, and growth in following as you lead me through the hours.
Audrey and I have both arisen early and have watched last night’s news in lieu of news this morning. I will continue reading Ezra, and then get ready to host the funeral for Logan McConnell at Wesley at 10. I just saw a commercial for a national system of cancer hospitals in which Roger Stump was telling his story. I led a Bible study in his home in 1990 as I was developing a network for the new church SunRise. He and his wife Brenda had attended Shiloh in the last months I was there, and expressed interest in a new church. She and I corresponded with a common interest in David Wilkerson.
Ezra 3-4
The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem set to work to rebuild the temple. They laid its foundation, much smaller than the original, and old men who had known the original wept, and at the same time the current generation cheered the progress. The local residents volunteered to help and were turned away. They then wrote letters to the king and pointed out that Jerusalem had been a rebellious city with rebellious rulers in the past. The king, Artaxerxes, gave them permission to stop the building by force, which they did.
There is much in these chapters that has parallels to situations today. Old folks upset at how the current generation is leading, the secular culture trying to influence the faith community, external forces pushing against leaders of the faith communities using legal means (zoning laws, etc.)
Today we do not live in a time similar to Ezra’s day here in the Midwest of the USA. I am aware that there are environments around the world where factors are similar. Currently we experience much freedom to practice the faith as we choose, and the opposition is minimal. Our challenge is to make spiritual headway, not necessarily in building programs but in “developing more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care, and serve. In doing so there is regularly an eternal impact.
Yesterday I purchased a book by Craig Rochelle entitled Weird. He states that “normal” is not working, and followers of Christ will appear weird if they are radical disciples. Bonhoeffer experienced this as he sought to lead believers to understand the “cost of discipleship”. Our worship planning team is reading Weird with the possibility of gleaning from it themes to use in October.
Lord, may this day be one of obedience, service, and growth in following as you lead me through the hours.
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011
8-5-11 Friday, 6:01 am Springfield, 76 degrees, cloudy
I am scheduled to take a family flying this morning at 8. As the sun comes up I will get a better look at the weather and determine the feasibility of a this flight. I am feeling rested and ready for the day. Tuesday – Thursday were filled with meetings and appointments morning, afternoon and evening. Today my schedule allows for consecrated work on Sunday’s sermon, and tomorrow we will host a funeral for a victim of an auto accident.
Ezra 1-2 (The One Year Bible)
Cyrus, King of Persia had his heart stirred by God rebuild the temple in Jerusalem by releasing the captives of Nebuchadnezzar and sending them with the gold and silver articles captured from the temple. These two chapters record the names of the clans and descendents who returned.
I can only imagine what it must have felt like to be allowed to return to the country of one’s ancestors after 70 years of captivity. This was the beginning of realizing the promises of God through Jeremiah and Isaiah concerning the remnant who would return and live in Israel. This morning I am reminded of God’s promises to through the Word of His care, His watchfulness and His protection. Even as the stock market fell 4.3% in value yesterday (over 500 points in the Dow Jones average) God is God and will supply our needs. Guide me today Lord as I serve you in this present generation.
I am scheduled to take a family flying this morning at 8. As the sun comes up I will get a better look at the weather and determine the feasibility of a this flight. I am feeling rested and ready for the day. Tuesday – Thursday were filled with meetings and appointments morning, afternoon and evening. Today my schedule allows for consecrated work on Sunday’s sermon, and tomorrow we will host a funeral for a victim of an auto accident.
Ezra 1-2 (The One Year Bible)
Cyrus, King of Persia had his heart stirred by God rebuild the temple in Jerusalem by releasing the captives of Nebuchadnezzar and sending them with the gold and silver articles captured from the temple. These two chapters record the names of the clans and descendents who returned.
I can only imagine what it must have felt like to be allowed to return to the country of one’s ancestors after 70 years of captivity. This was the beginning of realizing the promises of God through Jeremiah and Isaiah concerning the remnant who would return and live in Israel. This morning I am reminded of God’s promises to through the Word of His care, His watchfulness and His protection. Even as the stock market fell 4.3% in value yesterday (over 500 points in the Dow Jones average) God is God and will supply our needs. Guide me today Lord as I serve you in this present generation.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011
8-3-11 Wednesday, 4:47 am Springfield, 79 degrees, clear
Every once in a while I wake up around 3:30, and after giving my body a decent chance to go back to sleep, I will get up and make coffee, which I have done today. My car, the 1999 LHS overheated yesterday on the way home, and I walked in the 108 degree heat until I met up with Audrey who was returning home from a day of errands. This morning I will take a look under the hood, and hopefully find a simple problem, such as the LHS is low on antifreeze and I can simply add some. Otherwise it will be a trip to the mechanic.
Our small group met last night at church, and began a new series by Ray Vander Laan called “In the footsteps of the Rabbi”. It seems to be an excellent historical background for discipleship in today’s world. We will meet twice a month, and begin a new study in October, as the other small groups do likewise. I also met with a couple planning their wedding for April, 2012. Today I will meet with the pastoral staff of Wesley, participate in the staff birthday lunch, and visit in the homes of two families planning the baptism of their children. I will work on planning this week’s sermon, and consider the fall schedule in preparation for our planning
meeting tomorrow morning.
II Chronicles 33:14 – 34:33
The end of King Manasseh’s reign, after his repentance and humbling himself before God. He removed the pagan shrines, Asherah poles and idols he had previously set up. His son Amon became the next king, and ruled only two years before being assassinated by his own officials. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. His son Josiah became king at the age of 8, and reigned for 31 years. He did was what pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. (34:2)
One of Josiah’s great accomplishments was the renovation of the Temple. He directed workers who “restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin.” (34:11). During the work of this restoration Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that was written by Moses. When Josiah read it, he realized that his people had not been obeying God, he led them in repentance, and a spiritual renew ensued. The prophet Huldah (the wife of Shallum) was consulted. She explained that God’s judgment would fall upon Jerusalem, but not until after the days of Josiah, who had humbled himself before God.
My desire Lord is to follow your will and purposes completely in this generation. May the work of the church never “fall into ruin” under my care. Today I pray that you would give me more of the spirit of Josiah and his zeal for keeping your Law, once it was discovered. May your word for me today be lived in the activities of serving as pastor, husband, father, and friend. Guard me from indolence and ease.
Every once in a while I wake up around 3:30, and after giving my body a decent chance to go back to sleep, I will get up and make coffee, which I have done today. My car, the 1999 LHS overheated yesterday on the way home, and I walked in the 108 degree heat until I met up with Audrey who was returning home from a day of errands. This morning I will take a look under the hood, and hopefully find a simple problem, such as the LHS is low on antifreeze and I can simply add some. Otherwise it will be a trip to the mechanic.
Our small group met last night at church, and began a new series by Ray Vander Laan called “In the footsteps of the Rabbi”. It seems to be an excellent historical background for discipleship in today’s world. We will meet twice a month, and begin a new study in October, as the other small groups do likewise. I also met with a couple planning their wedding for April, 2012. Today I will meet with the pastoral staff of Wesley, participate in the staff birthday lunch, and visit in the homes of two families planning the baptism of their children. I will work on planning this week’s sermon, and consider the fall schedule in preparation for our planning
meeting tomorrow morning.
II Chronicles 33:14 – 34:33
The end of King Manasseh’s reign, after his repentance and humbling himself before God. He removed the pagan shrines, Asherah poles and idols he had previously set up. His son Amon became the next king, and ruled only two years before being assassinated by his own officials. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. His son Josiah became king at the age of 8, and reigned for 31 years. He did was what pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. (34:2)
One of Josiah’s great accomplishments was the renovation of the Temple. He directed workers who “restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin.” (34:11). During the work of this restoration Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that was written by Moses. When Josiah read it, he realized that his people had not been obeying God, he led them in repentance, and a spiritual renew ensued. The prophet Huldah (the wife of Shallum) was consulted. She explained that God’s judgment would fall upon Jerusalem, but not until after the days of Josiah, who had humbled himself before God.
My desire Lord is to follow your will and purposes completely in this generation. May the work of the church never “fall into ruin” under my care. Today I pray that you would give me more of the spirit of Josiah and his zeal for keeping your Law, once it was discovered. May your word for me today be lived in the activities of serving as pastor, husband, father, and friend. Guard me from indolence and ease.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011 Tuesday, 6:59 am 81 degrees heading for a high of 108! (105 yesterday)
I flew yesterday morning in the Piper Cherokee, making 5 good landings. I ran three miles on the Frisco Highline trail, conscious of the extreme heat at 1:00, and careful with hydration and monitoring my body’s signals. There is something about extreme weather that is challenging and energizing, bringing out the best in me. Today will be a typical Tuesday at the office, with the addition of a member’s funeral in the sanctuary at 11:30, conducted by Pastor Jerry. Our small group meets tonight, and I have a wedding consultation.
I continue to read Metaxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer, and yesterday finished watching a great documentary on his life, including interviews with Eberhart Bethge and other close family and friends. For my devotional reading I will read Psalm 62 and consult Bonhoeffer’s sermon on this text from July 15, 1928 when he was 22 years old.
Psalm 62 (King James Version)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God; from Him cometh my salvation.” (Verse 1) During these morning quiet times my soul does “wait upon God” as I read His word, seek His direction, and consider the day before me. In the text of this Psalm the reader is encouraged not to trust in people of high degree, nor of low degree, and if riches increase, not to set one’s heart upon them. “Power belongeth unto God” and also mercy (verses 11-12). In the midst of a busy, technological culture, with debt ceilings, automotive recalls, political stalemates and millions starving in Sudan and Ethiopia, it is good to start this day with a centering upon God’s salvation, power, and mercy.
Today Lord I surrender all to your will and purposes. I prepare for this day with your word as my guide, your spirit as the power leading my steps forward. May I see each person I encounter as your opportunity for love and mercy, and may the planning, discerning, writing and preparing be your instrument of advancing your kingdom through Wesley UM Church in Springfield, and my servant leadership of this special part of Your Body.
I flew yesterday morning in the Piper Cherokee, making 5 good landings. I ran three miles on the Frisco Highline trail, conscious of the extreme heat at 1:00, and careful with hydration and monitoring my body’s signals. There is something about extreme weather that is challenging and energizing, bringing out the best in me. Today will be a typical Tuesday at the office, with the addition of a member’s funeral in the sanctuary at 11:30, conducted by Pastor Jerry. Our small group meets tonight, and I have a wedding consultation.
I continue to read Metaxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer, and yesterday finished watching a great documentary on his life, including interviews with Eberhart Bethge and other close family and friends. For my devotional reading I will read Psalm 62 and consult Bonhoeffer’s sermon on this text from July 15, 1928 when he was 22 years old.
Psalm 62 (King James Version)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God; from Him cometh my salvation.” (Verse 1) During these morning quiet times my soul does “wait upon God” as I read His word, seek His direction, and consider the day before me. In the text of this Psalm the reader is encouraged not to trust in people of high degree, nor of low degree, and if riches increase, not to set one’s heart upon them. “Power belongeth unto God” and also mercy (verses 11-12). In the midst of a busy, technological culture, with debt ceilings, automotive recalls, political stalemates and millions starving in Sudan and Ethiopia, it is good to start this day with a centering upon God’s salvation, power, and mercy.
Today Lord I surrender all to your will and purposes. I prepare for this day with your word as my guide, your spirit as the power leading my steps forward. May I see each person I encounter as your opportunity for love and mercy, and may the planning, discerning, writing and preparing be your instrument of advancing your kingdom through Wesley UM Church in Springfield, and my servant leadership of this special part of Your Body.
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011
8-1-11 Monday, 8:08 am Springfield, 78 degrees, clear.
Tomorrow is the deadline for the National debt ceiling and a potential default on United States debt. Last night president Obama and the leaders of congress reached an agreement which will be voted on today. It is interesting to watch this play out, with a heightened awareness across the country of the incredible debt we are accumulating – 40% of the federal government spending is borrowed. I am confident that our economy is solid, and I picture that in years and decades to come there will be difficulties caused by this era of an unbalanced budget.
Romans 16
The final chapter of this great writing by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, where he had not yet travelled, but would eventually spend time and then be executed there. In this chapter he specifically mentions by name many of the individual friends and coworkers in Christ. Most of these names are unfamiliar to me, but have been included in holy scripture for all time. This reminds me of the importance of every single individual who shares in the work of Christ throughout all time.
Wesley is a very large church, and each individual is precious. It is a privilege to serve as lead pastor. I live with the tension that I cannot know each individual in the same way, and I strive every week to know more people within and beyond the congregation. I am thankful for those who have known me in congregations through the years of my growing up and discerning the call to ministry.
Verses 17-27 are Paul’s final instructions. His main theme is to be careful to avoid people who cause dissensions and offenses. “I want you to be wise in what is good, and guileless in what is evil.” As Rome was the center of political, religious, social, and economic activity in Paul’s lifetime, there are many applications to us who live in the United States during this era.
Guide me Lord in all my thinking, acting, understanding, and living today as your servant on this first day of August, 2011.
Tomorrow is the deadline for the National debt ceiling and a potential default on United States debt. Last night president Obama and the leaders of congress reached an agreement which will be voted on today. It is interesting to watch this play out, with a heightened awareness across the country of the incredible debt we are accumulating – 40% of the federal government spending is borrowed. I am confident that our economy is solid, and I picture that in years and decades to come there will be difficulties caused by this era of an unbalanced budget.
Romans 16
The final chapter of this great writing by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, where he had not yet travelled, but would eventually spend time and then be executed there. In this chapter he specifically mentions by name many of the individual friends and coworkers in Christ. Most of these names are unfamiliar to me, but have been included in holy scripture for all time. This reminds me of the importance of every single individual who shares in the work of Christ throughout all time.
Wesley is a very large church, and each individual is precious. It is a privilege to serve as lead pastor. I live with the tension that I cannot know each individual in the same way, and I strive every week to know more people within and beyond the congregation. I am thankful for those who have known me in congregations through the years of my growing up and discerning the call to ministry.
Verses 17-27 are Paul’s final instructions. His main theme is to be careful to avoid people who cause dissensions and offenses. “I want you to be wise in what is good, and guileless in what is evil.” As Rome was the center of political, religious, social, and economic activity in Paul’s lifetime, there are many applications to us who live in the United States during this era.
Guide me Lord in all my thinking, acting, understanding, and living today as your servant on this first day of August, 2011.
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