We head home today! Bethany will join us for breakfast, and Jerry will pick us up at the airport tonight. This has been a very good vacation. The marathon framed the trip for me, and having successfully completed it, I have thoroughly enjoyed the days here in Glendora. It is so good to live in Bethany’s environment for a few days, spend time with her friends and faculty, and adjust to her schedule. We do not currently have another trip planned, either to come here or for her to travel our way.
Acts 2
Reading this chapter from The Message version is a fresh and powerful experience, taking me back to that first day of Pentecost, the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh as prophesied by Joel. This chapter also contains a reference to David prophesying about the Christ, his descendant who would rule the Kingdom.
In the church we remember this event 7 Sundays after Easter. As a follower of Christ it is good to remember this event as often as possible, and to daily be open to the power of God that now flows through believers. In Springfield, in Missouri, California and around the world the power of God is available for salvation, for witnessing, for healing and for expanding the Kingdom.
May my walk today, most Holy Lord, be filled with Your power as I pursue Your will and serve You with joy.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 8, 2012
The New Testament books of Revelation and Matthew have been my devotional reading during the last two months. I am preaching from Nehemiah this week, a sermon entitled “Together We Can.” Devotionally, I will read a chapter a day from Acts, as I seek to live daily in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
Last night I enjoyed a visit to the Theology library at APU, browsing the periodicals and reference shelves. I picked up a magazine devoted to hymns, and read an article by Eric Mathis about the Hymn Society’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs in July, 2011 and the consideration of the role of screens in worship. I read an article in the journal published by the United Methodist Archives and History about Easter, 1964 in Mississippi concerning the issue of segregated worship. Two bishops, one black, one white were refused admittance to 11:00 am Easter worship in the largest Methodist church in Jackson, Mississippi because it had a church policy of whites only in worship. The denomination’s General Conference was held a month later, and could have dealt strongly with this issue, but appeared to be somewhat conciliatory and unwilling to firmly do away with segregation. I also read a reprint of a statement issued in 1963 by several Mississippi Methodist pastors, including Maxie Dunnam resolving to obey the 1960 book of discipline and support public worship in which all were accepted. It is good to stay in touch with the history and learn lessons for the present and future.
I also studied a display that was sponsored by a ministry that encourages APU students to invest their lives ministering among unreached peoples – those who will never meet a Christian unless Christians intentionally place themselves in the countries and cultures that are unreached. The display estimated that there are 2.8 billion of such people in the world today.
Acts 1
After declining to tell the disciples when the time will come in which the “Kingdom is restored”, Jesus tells the apostles “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This power is so important in serving God. John Wesley experienced this power as he ministered in 18th century England. He famously said "I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out."
The Pentecostal/Charismatic movements emphasize this power, sometimes in ways that are contrived and forced. The mainline churches often give lip service to this available power, but maintain the form of religion void of this power. My goal is to genuinely walk in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, daily cultivating a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled servant-hearted life. My experience is that with this orientation, the Spirit provides direction, promptings, guidance throughout the day, and occasionally operates in ways that are noticeable to others.
Guide me today Lord as I walk in the Spirit and am your witness, telling others about you here in southern California.
Last night I enjoyed a visit to the Theology library at APU, browsing the periodicals and reference shelves. I picked up a magazine devoted to hymns, and read an article by Eric Mathis about the Hymn Society’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs in July, 2011 and the consideration of the role of screens in worship. I read an article in the journal published by the United Methodist Archives and History about Easter, 1964 in Mississippi concerning the issue of segregated worship. Two bishops, one black, one white were refused admittance to 11:00 am Easter worship in the largest Methodist church in Jackson, Mississippi because it had a church policy of whites only in worship. The denomination’s General Conference was held a month later, and could have dealt strongly with this issue, but appeared to be somewhat conciliatory and unwilling to firmly do away with segregation. I also read a reprint of a statement issued in 1963 by several Mississippi Methodist pastors, including Maxie Dunnam resolving to obey the 1960 book of discipline and support public worship in which all were accepted. It is good to stay in touch with the history and learn lessons for the present and future.
I also studied a display that was sponsored by a ministry that encourages APU students to invest their lives ministering among unreached peoples – those who will never meet a Christian unless Christians intentionally place themselves in the countries and cultures that are unreached. The display estimated that there are 2.8 billion of such people in the world today.
Acts 1
After declining to tell the disciples when the time will come in which the “Kingdom is restored”, Jesus tells the apostles “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This power is so important in serving God. John Wesley experienced this power as he ministered in 18th century England. He famously said "I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out."
The Pentecostal/Charismatic movements emphasize this power, sometimes in ways that are contrived and forced. The mainline churches often give lip service to this available power, but maintain the form of religion void of this power. My goal is to genuinely walk in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, daily cultivating a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled servant-hearted life. My experience is that with this orientation, the Spirit provides direction, promptings, guidance throughout the day, and occasionally operates in ways that are noticeable to others.
Guide me today Lord as I walk in the Spirit and am your witness, telling others about you here in southern California.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 7, 2012
We had a good and restful day yesterday, walking around Glendora, lunch and dinner with Bethany, visiting with her roommates Rachel and Stacy and her friend Natalie. I had a great visit with Keith Reeves in his office, as we reviewed the marathon we completed the day before, and reminisced about our academic roots at Asbury Seminary and what we have done since. Today we have an unscheduled day, with Audrey visiting one of Bethany’s seminars this evening.
Matthew 28
Verse 18: Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” I could meditate on this sentence all day. The resurrected Christ, meeting with his 11 remaining disciples on a particular mountain tells them about the authority that he has been given. Then he instructs them: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Verses 19-20) Some call this the “Great Commission.” It is the marching orders for all of us who follow Christ. As a pastor it regularly reminds me of the balance of making new disciples, teaching them to obey all of Christ’s commands, and caring for existing disciples, guiding them to also be making new disciples.
Holy, all powerful, always present Lord, guide me thoughts, my actions and my steps on this most special day you have entrusted to me.
Matthew 28
Verse 18: Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” I could meditate on this sentence all day. The resurrected Christ, meeting with his 11 remaining disciples on a particular mountain tells them about the authority that he has been given. Then he instructs them: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Verses 19-20) Some call this the “Great Commission.” It is the marching orders for all of us who follow Christ. As a pastor it regularly reminds me of the balance of making new disciples, teaching them to obey all of Christ’s commands, and caring for existing disciples, guiding them to also be making new disciples.
Holy, all powerful, always present Lord, guide me thoughts, my actions and my steps on this most special day you have entrusted to me.
Monday, February 6, 2012
February 6, 2012
Once a decade I plan to complete a marathon. I have met this goal for the fourth decade. Yesterday I completed the Surf City marathon in 4 hours, 49 minutes. It was a beautiful setting, well organized, and I was prepared. My body is sore, and my spirit is healthy. In 1981 I ran my first marathon as a seminary student and determined I would run one a decade into my 70’s. It is very interesting to mark the passing of the decades with the preparation and completion of an undertaking of this magnitude. I both dread it and welcome it. Being a runner is part of what defines who I am. Accomplishing this large goal gives me confidence in other parts of my life.
Matthew 27
The trial, torture and execution of Jesus. It is hard for me to read this, as the pain is so severe, and the injustice so clear. There was pain all around, for his mother Mary, for his disciples, the suicide of Judas, and the wife of Pilate who had a nightmare and implored her husband to release Jesus. There is so much pain in the world today. This morning on the news I learned of the suicide death of Josh Powell in which he also murdered his two young sons by setting his own house on fire. This is pure evil, existing in this broken world.
This difficult chapter of Matthew is profitable for me and every believer to read. It is typically read during Good Friday as we remember and commemorate the crucifixion. I live in the shadow of the cross, of love freely given, of nothing held back. If God has given his son, will he not with him give us all things? What a gift, what a sacrifice, what a transforming act of love.
Guide me today, Lord, as I live a life of love and servanthood. Guard me from ever forgetting about your sacrificial death at the hands of Roman soldiers, betrayed by self-centered religious authorities.
Matthew 27
The trial, torture and execution of Jesus. It is hard for me to read this, as the pain is so severe, and the injustice so clear. There was pain all around, for his mother Mary, for his disciples, the suicide of Judas, and the wife of Pilate who had a nightmare and implored her husband to release Jesus. There is so much pain in the world today. This morning on the news I learned of the suicide death of Josh Powell in which he also murdered his two young sons by setting his own house on fire. This is pure evil, existing in this broken world.
This difficult chapter of Matthew is profitable for me and every believer to read. It is typically read during Good Friday as we remember and commemorate the crucifixion. I live in the shadow of the cross, of love freely given, of nothing held back. If God has given his son, will he not with him give us all things? What a gift, what a sacrifice, what a transforming act of love.
Guide me today, Lord, as I live a life of love and servanthood. Guard me from ever forgetting about your sacrificial death at the hands of Roman soldiers, betrayed by self-centered religious authorities.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
February 4, 2012
Audrey, Bethany and I had a great day yesterday. I ran 3 on the beach sidewalk (had a weird nerve-knee problem for the first time), we got some sun by the pool, drove to Glendora, then had lunch with Bethany, hung out at her apartment, I talked to her mechanic, we sat in on her opera rehearsal, then dinner at IHOP and drove back to our Holiday Inn in Newport Beach. Today my goal is to relax, rest, and hang out in preparation for tomorrow’s 26.2! We will spend some time on the beach this afternoon. I need to read up on Galloway concerning diet today. Hydration is important, with 6-8 ounces of water every waking hour today.
Matthew 25
The parable of the 10 bridesmaids – 5 had enough oil, 5 did not. Jesus concludes “so you too must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” (Verse13)
In the parable of the 3 servants - a master gives 5, 2 and 1 bags of silver. The first two invested and doubled the resources. The third one buried the treasure so he would not lose it. The master was pleased with the first two, and angry with the one who hid the treasure. The application of this is clear – use the gifts God has given you to expand the kingdom – take risks, expect increase. Do not sit on the gifts given you, and the level of gifts given is not nearly as important as what you do with what you have.
In verses 31-46 Jesus describes the final judgment. He compares it to a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. To the one group, he commends them for feeding, clothing, providing drink, caring and visiting. When they inquired about how they had done this, he said that when they had done it to the least of “these”, they had done so to him. The other group he condemned for not doing so, and when they begged to know when they had neglected his needs, his reply was when they had ignored the needs of the least.
As Wesley UMC in Springfield heads into the spring “Change the World” theme, this final judgment theme can speak to us directly. I always feel the tension of how to care for the needs of people, and to do so in a manner that draws them to Christ. In this illustration of the final judgment, Christ doesn’t focus on how the needy respond to God, but rather on what the servants of God do or don’t do. We have much opportunity in Springfield to care for the least, the lost and the spiritually asleep.
Guide me Lord as I seek to invest completely the gifts you have entrusted to me. Guard me from hiding or trying to preserve any. Open my heart daily to the needs of the poor. I pray for Skip and Tonya who daily live on the edge of survival in Springfield. Launch us powerfully into the spring Change the World theme this month.
Matthew 25
The parable of the 10 bridesmaids – 5 had enough oil, 5 did not. Jesus concludes “so you too must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” (Verse13)
In the parable of the 3 servants - a master gives 5, 2 and 1 bags of silver. The first two invested and doubled the resources. The third one buried the treasure so he would not lose it. The master was pleased with the first two, and angry with the one who hid the treasure. The application of this is clear – use the gifts God has given you to expand the kingdom – take risks, expect increase. Do not sit on the gifts given you, and the level of gifts given is not nearly as important as what you do with what you have.
In verses 31-46 Jesus describes the final judgment. He compares it to a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. To the one group, he commends them for feeding, clothing, providing drink, caring and visiting. When they inquired about how they had done this, he said that when they had done it to the least of “these”, they had done so to him. The other group he condemned for not doing so, and when they begged to know when they had neglected his needs, his reply was when they had ignored the needs of the least.
As Wesley UMC in Springfield heads into the spring “Change the World” theme, this final judgment theme can speak to us directly. I always feel the tension of how to care for the needs of people, and to do so in a manner that draws them to Christ. In this illustration of the final judgment, Christ doesn’t focus on how the needy respond to God, but rather on what the servants of God do or don’t do. We have much opportunity in Springfield to care for the least, the lost and the spiritually asleep.
Guide me Lord as I seek to invest completely the gifts you have entrusted to me. Guard me from hiding or trying to preserve any. Open my heart daily to the needs of the poor. I pray for Skip and Tonya who daily live on the edge of survival in Springfield. Launch us powerfully into the spring Change the World theme this month.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February 2, 2012
In Punxsutawney PA the groundhog has seen his shadow. Here in Missouri it will be a beautiful clear day, with the high reaching into the 60s. Even if there are 6 more weeks of winter, it has been such a mild winter that I will gladly embrace whatever weather comes along. I hear birds singing outside (unusual for this time of year) as I sit here by the fire. Jerry and I returned from Columbia last evening, having met for two days as part of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. I will be in the office today, catching up, planning ahead, making phone calls, etc.
Matthew 23
In this powerful chapter, Jesus addresses the legalism and hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. In verses 8-12 he instructs his followers not to be called Rabbi, father, or leader, because God is Rabbi, Father, and Leader. He concludes “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Verses 11-12). It is interesting to observe how this instruction plays itself out in the church, both among pastors and laity. There is a teaching role, a parenting role, a leadership role to be filled, and the key is to do so with a servant’s heart, and all in the name of and under the authority of Christ.
In verses 13-36 Jesus pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, concluding with “you serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell? (Verse 33) He is clear in his condemnation of these religious leaders. It is good for me, as a religious leader to carefully attend to what he says, because it is so easy for any religious leader to fall into the trap of an unhealthy, exalted view of self and a failure to rely completely upon God and the purity of His truth and love.
Guide me today as a pastor in Springfield, to serve you completely, in your name, led by your Spirit to advance your kingdom. I am yours, most holy, righteous omnipotent God.
Matthew 23
In this powerful chapter, Jesus addresses the legalism and hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. In verses 8-12 he instructs his followers not to be called Rabbi, father, or leader, because God is Rabbi, Father, and Leader. He concludes “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Verses 11-12). It is interesting to observe how this instruction plays itself out in the church, both among pastors and laity. There is a teaching role, a parenting role, a leadership role to be filled, and the key is to do so with a servant’s heart, and all in the name of and under the authority of Christ.
In verses 13-36 Jesus pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, concluding with “you serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell? (Verse 33) He is clear in his condemnation of these religious leaders. It is good for me, as a religious leader to carefully attend to what he says, because it is so easy for any religious leader to fall into the trap of an unhealthy, exalted view of self and a failure to rely completely upon God and the purity of His truth and love.
Guide me today as a pastor in Springfield, to serve you completely, in your name, led by your Spirit to advance your kingdom. I am yours, most holy, righteous omnipotent God.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February 1, 2012
Last night Romney won the Florida primary, with Gingrich and Santorum finishing 2nd and 3rd. There is much negativity in politics, and diverse ideology concerning the best route for the future of the country. I am not a politician. God has called me to be a spiritual leader and shepherd. I believe that God will lead me as I serve others. Jesus taught clearly that in His kingdom the last shall be first. I have decided to follow Jesus, and there is no turning back! Today I follow Him as I serve on the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. We are meeting in Columbia interviewing and voting on candidates to be ordained as elders in the United Methodist Church. I value this role.
Matthew 22
In this chapter Jesus continues teaching around the temple, during the last week of his earthly life. He illustrates the kingdom of heaven with a parable of a wedding banquet to which the invited guests chose not to come. The king commanded his servants to then invite everyone to the banquet. One guest was found not wearing a wedding garment, which made the king speechless, and resulted in the servants binding the man and taking him away to outer darkness. I am currently one of the servants who are inviting everyone to the banquet. I need to continue to pursue that invitation to those who are not yet part of the body of Christ. The wedding garment seems to be an image of the free gift of salvation, provided by God through Jesus Christ, and my task is to work with the guests I have invited to make sure they are putting on Christ, trusting Him alone for salvation and walking not in the filthy rags of their own righteousness, but in the beauty of His holiness, filled with praise and experiencing his grace.
Guide me today, most holy Lord in all that I do. Bless the Hatcher family as they celebrate the life and mourn the death of Keith, your beloved servant. May your kingdom come, your will be done today on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 22
In this chapter Jesus continues teaching around the temple, during the last week of his earthly life. He illustrates the kingdom of heaven with a parable of a wedding banquet to which the invited guests chose not to come. The king commanded his servants to then invite everyone to the banquet. One guest was found not wearing a wedding garment, which made the king speechless, and resulted in the servants binding the man and taking him away to outer darkness. I am currently one of the servants who are inviting everyone to the banquet. I need to continue to pursue that invitation to those who are not yet part of the body of Christ. The wedding garment seems to be an image of the free gift of salvation, provided by God through Jesus Christ, and my task is to work with the guests I have invited to make sure they are putting on Christ, trusting Him alone for salvation and walking not in the filthy rags of their own righteousness, but in the beauty of His holiness, filled with praise and experiencing his grace.
Guide me today, most holy Lord in all that I do. Bless the Hatcher family as they celebrate the life and mourn the death of Keith, your beloved servant. May your kingdom come, your will be done today on earth as it is in heaven.
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