10-10-11 Monday, 4:46 am Springfield, 62 degrees.
I am up early and feel well-rested. After devotions I will go to the airport and get some night landings while it is still dark. During this day I will get in a long workout (equivalent of 9 mile run) and spend a few hours at the office, as I will be traveling later in the week. Yesterday was a great Sunday of worship and ministry, with the combined youth/adult choir at all 4 services, and the message being a direct hit on the heart of Jesus’ message – “Love God (relationship) and love your neighbor (relationship). I articulated the difference between being religious and being in a relationship.
I Thessalonians chapters 2-3
The apostle Paul writes to a group of believers which he won to Christ during his missionary travels. He loves these believers and desires the best for them. He has sent Timothy to check on them, and upon returning to Paul, Timothy has brought a good report. In 2:12 Paul reviews the work he did among this body: “encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” This is also the work God has called me to do among the believers in Springfield – encouraging, comforting, and urging. Thank you Lord for this calling.
In 2:13 Paul describes the response of the believers: “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” Even though the work in the church involves the labor of humans, we must remember constantly that it is the work and the word of God which is a reality and though unseen is powerful.
Guide me today, this week, this season as I labor for the Master from the dawn to setting sun, bringing in the sheaves, planting, cultivating, encouraging, comforting, urging. I am yours holy Lord.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
October 9, 2011
10-9-11 Sunday, 5:41 am Springfield, 62 degrees
My alarm went off and my body was not ready to arise! I now have a good cup of coffee warming my throat and I am ready for the day. Yesterday was a good and full day of pastoral ministry. Today in addition to the morning worship services I will have three meetings in the afternoon-evening. I am looking forward to this day of serving God and loving His people. As I work on my sermon for this morning, I have been led to consider a famous chapter on love:
I Corinthians 13
God calls us into relationship with himself, and propels us into relationships with people around us. Here is what they look like: unselfish, costly, patient, persistent, nurturing, supportive, creative, sacrificial, and caring. Love is the operative word for relationships, and the Apostle Paul describes love as "patient, kind, not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." This is weird! If you love God and love people you are beyond normal!
Today Lord may my love for You and my love for people be congruous. Guide me by your Spirit as I teach about the Son and apply this to the way in which each of us live out our lives on this planet.
My alarm went off and my body was not ready to arise! I now have a good cup of coffee warming my throat and I am ready for the day. Yesterday was a good and full day of pastoral ministry. Today in addition to the morning worship services I will have three meetings in the afternoon-evening. I am looking forward to this day of serving God and loving His people. As I work on my sermon for this morning, I have been led to consider a famous chapter on love:
I Corinthians 13
God calls us into relationship with himself, and propels us into relationships with people around us. Here is what they look like: unselfish, costly, patient, persistent, nurturing, supportive, creative, sacrificial, and caring. Love is the operative word for relationships, and the Apostle Paul describes love as "patient, kind, not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." This is weird! If you love God and love people you are beyond normal!
Today Lord may my love for You and my love for people be congruous. Guide me by your Spirit as I teach about the Son and apply this to the way in which each of us live out our lives on this planet.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
October 8, 2011
10-8-11 Saturday, 7:05 am Springfield, 64 degrees.
Thursday night we met until 10 o’clock with the staff parish relations committee. Friday morning I designed the sermon for this weekend on relationships. I will continue with this preparation today, along with visits with parents preparing for an infant baptism and another with a couple preparing for marriage. My ankle has not recovered enough to run on, so I am limited to the elliptical machine at the gym. As I prepare for the Feb 5 marathon, I am aware of the passing of each day in light of how many miles I have trained. This is similar to how I have experienced the advance of the calendar in each of the three previous seasons (1981, 1995, 2006) leading up to a marathon.
Mark 12
Jesus faces several tests from those who do not believe he is God’s son. Verses 1-11 are a parable about an owner of a vineyard who sends servants and then his son to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. The tenants wounded and killed these servants and his son. Jesus asked what the vineyard owner might do – and his conclusion was destruction of the vine-growers and placing the care of the vineyard with others. The Jewish leaders realized that he spoke this parable against them.
In this chapter the Pharisees, the Herodians, the Sadducees and the Scribes all take issue with his message. He withstood their traps and testing well, and in verse 34 it says “and after that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.” As I follow Christ I desire to have the same wisdom He displayed, and to have an ever deepening understanding of the kingdom of God. Reading this chapter I realize that there will always be controversy around the lives of dedicated followers of Christ. We will appear weird to the world, and will raise the ire especially of “religious” people.
Guide me today most holy Lord as I live and breathe this October Saturday in the Ozarks. May my words, thoughts, actions, preparation and responses be according to your will and purposes all day long.
Thursday night we met until 10 o’clock with the staff parish relations committee. Friday morning I designed the sermon for this weekend on relationships. I will continue with this preparation today, along with visits with parents preparing for an infant baptism and another with a couple preparing for marriage. My ankle has not recovered enough to run on, so I am limited to the elliptical machine at the gym. As I prepare for the Feb 5 marathon, I am aware of the passing of each day in light of how many miles I have trained. This is similar to how I have experienced the advance of the calendar in each of the three previous seasons (1981, 1995, 2006) leading up to a marathon.
Mark 12
Jesus faces several tests from those who do not believe he is God’s son. Verses 1-11 are a parable about an owner of a vineyard who sends servants and then his son to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. The tenants wounded and killed these servants and his son. Jesus asked what the vineyard owner might do – and his conclusion was destruction of the vine-growers and placing the care of the vineyard with others. The Jewish leaders realized that he spoke this parable against them.
In this chapter the Pharisees, the Herodians, the Sadducees and the Scribes all take issue with his message. He withstood their traps and testing well, and in verse 34 it says “and after that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.” As I follow Christ I desire to have the same wisdom He displayed, and to have an ever deepening understanding of the kingdom of God. Reading this chapter I realize that there will always be controversy around the lives of dedicated followers of Christ. We will appear weird to the world, and will raise the ire especially of “religious” people.
Guide me today most holy Lord as I live and breathe this October Saturday in the Ozarks. May my words, thoughts, actions, preparation and responses be according to your will and purposes all day long.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 6, 2011
10-6-11 Thursday 6:57 am Springfield, 58 degrees
Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer yesterday at the age of 56. He was the college dropout who founded Apple Computer. His innovation and vision made a significant impact upon technology during the last 30 years. I have not been a fan of Apple, MacIntosh or the Iphone, Ipad. However I do appreciate his contribution to technology. Today I have a meeting with our director of communication and technology to discuss ways as pastor I can use Twitter to communicate.
Colossians 2:8-23
In these verses Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ. In verse 8 he warns against letting anyone “take you captive through philosophy and empty deception … rather than according to Christ.” Verses 9-10 are critical to a proper understanding of Jesus and the believer: “For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form, and Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.”
As I live out this day of ministry, I will be strengthened by these verses which remind and reinforce within me the work of Christ and the impact upon my life and the church. In verse 8 the warning not to be deceived reminds me of a comment I heard recently, which I have heard before and continue to ponder: “there are churches that let the world creep in…” I am not sure what this means, or what it looks like, but I am convinced that there will always be a tension for church leaders to submit completely to the Lordship of Christ and to reach the lost, spiritually asleep people who are “captive through philosophy and empty deception.” When some people say that “the world is creeping into the church” they are referring to modes of dress, types of music, use of technology, etc. I think these are more peripheral issues, and the heart of the matter is – does the church live in the heartbeat of Christ, or is the church human centered, controlled by the desires of people rather than the perfect will of God? Discerning what it means to live in the "heartbeat of Christ" is a daily, regular responsibility for pastors and church leaders.
Most Holy God, guide my steps, my thoughts, my actions, my speech today that in everything I may be centered in You, pursuing Your will, building Your kingdom, for Your glory.
Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer yesterday at the age of 56. He was the college dropout who founded Apple Computer. His innovation and vision made a significant impact upon technology during the last 30 years. I have not been a fan of Apple, MacIntosh or the Iphone, Ipad. However I do appreciate his contribution to technology. Today I have a meeting with our director of communication and technology to discuss ways as pastor I can use Twitter to communicate.
Colossians 2:8-23
In these verses Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ. In verse 8 he warns against letting anyone “take you captive through philosophy and empty deception … rather than according to Christ.” Verses 9-10 are critical to a proper understanding of Jesus and the believer: “For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form, and Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.”
As I live out this day of ministry, I will be strengthened by these verses which remind and reinforce within me the work of Christ and the impact upon my life and the church. In verse 8 the warning not to be deceived reminds me of a comment I heard recently, which I have heard before and continue to ponder: “there are churches that let the world creep in…” I am not sure what this means, or what it looks like, but I am convinced that there will always be a tension for church leaders to submit completely to the Lordship of Christ and to reach the lost, spiritually asleep people who are “captive through philosophy and empty deception.” When some people say that “the world is creeping into the church” they are referring to modes of dress, types of music, use of technology, etc. I think these are more peripheral issues, and the heart of the matter is – does the church live in the heartbeat of Christ, or is the church human centered, controlled by the desires of people rather than the perfect will of God? Discerning what it means to live in the "heartbeat of Christ" is a daily, regular responsibility for pastors and church leaders.
Most Holy God, guide my steps, my thoughts, my actions, my speech today that in everything I may be centered in You, pursuing Your will, building Your kingdom, for Your glory.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
10-4-11 Tuesday, 6:41 am Springfield, 50 degrees, clear
We are in a patch of gorgeous weather! Yesterday I planted some grass seed, knowing that I am about a month later than optimal, but hoping that it will sprout and get established before harsher weather. For the first time, I worked out 80 minutes on an elliptical machine, as I increase my mileage while nursing a sprained ankle. I have signed up for a February 5 marathon in California. Today I look forward to a regular Tuesday of staff prayer, worship planning, etc. There are several items related to leadership development and visioning that need my attention, and I look forward to my annual evaluation this afternoon with my district superintendent.
Colossians 1:1-17
In verses 9-12 Paul describes the content of his prayers for the believers, and his prayer makes a great description of a mature, grown up believer:
• be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
• walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects
• bearing fruit in every good work
• increasing in the knowledge of God
• strengthened with all power … for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience
• joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Yesterday I submitted to a publisher my commendation of Steve Rankin’s book Aiming at Maturity, and in reading the drafts I am convinced that spiritual maturity is a clear goal that has so often eluded the church. These six characteristics are a great goal and vision for me to press toward.
Lord, today may I be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, may I behave in a manner worthy of you, pleasing you in all respects, may I bear fruit in every good work, may I increase in the knowledge of you, be strengthened with all power, and joyously give thanks to you, on this fourth day of October in the Ozarks, and every day, in every place the rest of my earthly life.
We are in a patch of gorgeous weather! Yesterday I planted some grass seed, knowing that I am about a month later than optimal, but hoping that it will sprout and get established before harsher weather. For the first time, I worked out 80 minutes on an elliptical machine, as I increase my mileage while nursing a sprained ankle. I have signed up for a February 5 marathon in California. Today I look forward to a regular Tuesday of staff prayer, worship planning, etc. There are several items related to leadership development and visioning that need my attention, and I look forward to my annual evaluation this afternoon with my district superintendent.
Colossians 1:1-17
In verses 9-12 Paul describes the content of his prayers for the believers, and his prayer makes a great description of a mature, grown up believer:
• be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
• walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects
• bearing fruit in every good work
• increasing in the knowledge of God
• strengthened with all power … for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience
• joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Yesterday I submitted to a publisher my commendation of Steve Rankin’s book Aiming at Maturity, and in reading the drafts I am convinced that spiritual maturity is a clear goal that has so often eluded the church. These six characteristics are a great goal and vision for me to press toward.
Lord, today may I be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, may I behave in a manner worthy of you, pleasing you in all respects, may I bear fruit in every good work, may I increase in the knowledge of you, be strengthened with all power, and joyously give thanks to you, on this fourth day of October in the Ozarks, and every day, in every place the rest of my earthly life.
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3, 2011
10-3-11 Monday, 6:58 am Springfield, 41 degrees
I preached yesterday on the use of time, and my two application points were: study the life of Jesus and observe how he used time, and pay attention to saying no to good things, that the very best can get your focus, as you create margins in your schedule. So today I have my “day off”, my sabbath. I have an eye exam at 9:00 and the rest of the day unscheduled. After reading scripture I will build the list of possibilities for this day. Last night Audrey and I ate dinner at Lamberts in Ozark, our first time there and had a great dinner and great conversation.
Philippians 4
There are many spiritual jewels in this chapter. In verse 8 Paul gives advice about what to think upon: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” This verse has been meaningful to me over the years as I have intentionally adjusted my thought patterns. Norman Vincent Peale wrote extensively on the “power of positive thinking”, and though maligned by some evangelicals, he encouraged millions in this way.
In verse 12 Paul states that he has “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” This is a powerful accomplishment, to be content. When I preach on money later this month I will address this concept of “godliness with contentment” being a great gain. I am content. My circumstances are more stable and predictable than Paul’s were, and none of us know the future. I am confident in God that I will have adequate resources for the basic needs of life until the end of life. The culture in which I live is anxious about the future, and many people have not made any plans for their elder years. I am thankful for the resources available for my family, and generosity is a critical component.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Verse 13, NASB) This confident affirmation is a powerful verse for every Christian to memorize and apply. Today Lord I will think upon true and noble things, I will be content, and I will be confident that as you strengthen me, I can do your will. Guide my steps and order my day according to your perfect plan.
I preached yesterday on the use of time, and my two application points were: study the life of Jesus and observe how he used time, and pay attention to saying no to good things, that the very best can get your focus, as you create margins in your schedule. So today I have my “day off”, my sabbath. I have an eye exam at 9:00 and the rest of the day unscheduled. After reading scripture I will build the list of possibilities for this day. Last night Audrey and I ate dinner at Lamberts in Ozark, our first time there and had a great dinner and great conversation.
Philippians 4
There are many spiritual jewels in this chapter. In verse 8 Paul gives advice about what to think upon: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” This verse has been meaningful to me over the years as I have intentionally adjusted my thought patterns. Norman Vincent Peale wrote extensively on the “power of positive thinking”, and though maligned by some evangelicals, he encouraged millions in this way.
In verse 12 Paul states that he has “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” This is a powerful accomplishment, to be content. When I preach on money later this month I will address this concept of “godliness with contentment” being a great gain. I am content. My circumstances are more stable and predictable than Paul’s were, and none of us know the future. I am confident in God that I will have adequate resources for the basic needs of life until the end of life. The culture in which I live is anxious about the future, and many people have not made any plans for their elder years. I am thankful for the resources available for my family, and generosity is a critical component.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Verse 13, NASB) This confident affirmation is a powerful verse for every Christian to memorize and apply. Today Lord I will think upon true and noble things, I will be content, and I will be confident that as you strengthen me, I can do your will. Guide my steps and order my day according to your perfect plan.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
October 2, 2011
10-2-11 Sunday, 5:19 am Springfield 41 degrees.
For the first time this season I have ignited the gas fireplace to take the chill off the morning. I would rather have a wood-burning fireplace, but I must admit that flipping a switch is much easier than building a fire from scratch. I am looking forward to leading the congregation in the celebration of World Communion Sunday, and beginning the sermon series “Beyond Normal”. As I put the final touches on my preparation during this early morning hour, I am open to how the Spirit is leading.
Philippians 3:4-21 (One year Bible)
I find this Epistle really speaking to me this week. “… one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (13b-14) This is a great orientation for a person like me in latter middle age, not to sit on previous work, but to press on and strain to win the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus. Today I am pressing on the upward way (to quote an old hymn!)
Paul warns that there are obstacles: “… many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Verses 18b-20) Paul is describing “normal” people, who live for themselves, mind set on this world and all it offers. But we hold a different passport. We are in a different line preparing to immigrate. And we look “weird” to the people who are living as though this is all there is.
Guide me holy Lord as I preach and teach your Word to the flock that gathers at Wesley today. Help me to kindle a fire, to nurture faith, to bind up the broken and provide release to the captives. I am yours, my time is yours, my life is in your hands.
For the first time this season I have ignited the gas fireplace to take the chill off the morning. I would rather have a wood-burning fireplace, but I must admit that flipping a switch is much easier than building a fire from scratch. I am looking forward to leading the congregation in the celebration of World Communion Sunday, and beginning the sermon series “Beyond Normal”. As I put the final touches on my preparation during this early morning hour, I am open to how the Spirit is leading.
Philippians 3:4-21 (One year Bible)
I find this Epistle really speaking to me this week. “… one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (13b-14) This is a great orientation for a person like me in latter middle age, not to sit on previous work, but to press on and strain to win the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus. Today I am pressing on the upward way (to quote an old hymn!)
Paul warns that there are obstacles: “… many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Verses 18b-20) Paul is describing “normal” people, who live for themselves, mind set on this world and all it offers. But we hold a different passport. We are in a different line preparing to immigrate. And we look “weird” to the people who are living as though this is all there is.
Guide me holy Lord as I preach and teach your Word to the flock that gathers at Wesley today. Help me to kindle a fire, to nurture faith, to bind up the broken and provide release to the captives. I am yours, my time is yours, my life is in your hands.
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