7-31-10 Saturday, 7:58 am Springfield; 74 degrees, partly cloudy.
Another night of rough sleeping, including a call at 1:15 which I was glad to take related to a death in a friend’s family. This morning I will stop by church as women gather for the spiritual spa. I will pick up some food from our small group and deliver it to one of our members who is hurting from the events of this week. I will visit a nursing home, and a couple of hospitals. My afternoon and evening will be invested in sermon planning for the months to come, as thankfully the Van Giesens will bring the message tomorrow at Wesley.
Romans 14
This is a great chapter for me as I prepare to preach about Christ-followers and religious cults. Last night I was working on my sermon related to Mormonism, and reading the biography of Joseph Smith. Rom 14:4 “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master (lord) he stands or falls;” This is a great caution for me, to approach Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses.
The rest of this chapter is instructional about self-denial on behalf of others and living with full conviction in obeying God. The presenting issues included those who observed special days and those who treated every day equally; those who avoided meat, either because it had possibly been offered to an idol, or simply to avoid any impurity; and what type of drink was acceptable for followers of the way. Verse 17 is crucial “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (18) For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
May it be so in my life, and in the life of the people entrusted to my leadership as a pastor. Lord, may my preaching be filled with grace, and my complete purpose be for the growth and health of all whom you call to follow you. Guide me today as I serve you with righteousness, peace and joy.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 30, 2010
7-30-10 Friday, 7:54 am Springfield; 73 degrees, sunny, birds quietly chirping, dogs barking.
I had a rough night of sleeping last night. Yesterday following my lunch I visited several folks in the hospital, including one who died last night, and one whose heart had stopped as I visited. He was transferred to the ICU and was stabilized, and by 10 pm was beginning to respond. I felt God’s Holy Spirit clearly guiding my steps yesterday. I pray the same for today.
My sermon planning was set aside yesterday with the hospital calls, and I will pick it up this morning. I have all day and evening, and the same tomorrow. I have pondered attending a 5:00 pm Sat. service to experience it as I ponder if and when we should add additional worship options.
Romans 13:1-14
This is a chapter about obeying the law, paying taxes, respecting authority and in summary “love your neighbor as yourself.” Verse 12 states “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” This reminds me of the urgency of living each day in the “shining armor of right living”, taking a “long view of this short life”. I must be careful to apply this scripture to myself first, before inferring application to anyone else.
I was speaking with a young man yesterday to whom this whole chapter applies, and I am recommending Teen Challenge as a vehicle for him to “clothe himself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (verse 14).
This morning I glanced at the paper and it chronicled the last 15 years of the 30 year-old accused of murdering two elderly people in their home near Lebanon on Monday. It reminds me of our nation’s problem with crime and prisons. His execution would be a great remedy. We have over one million men and women incarcerated, and for many the prison experience hardens them and furthers their life of crime. Residivisum is around 66%. I have three inmates with whom I correspond. I need to write them today, along with a young man at Boys Town.
Guide me Lord in the work of preparing the preaching schedule, and attending to the pastoral needs of the Wesley congregation. You are the great shepherd of the sheep, and it is a privilege to serve under Your Lordship.
I had a rough night of sleeping last night. Yesterday following my lunch I visited several folks in the hospital, including one who died last night, and one whose heart had stopped as I visited. He was transferred to the ICU and was stabilized, and by 10 pm was beginning to respond. I felt God’s Holy Spirit clearly guiding my steps yesterday. I pray the same for today.
My sermon planning was set aside yesterday with the hospital calls, and I will pick it up this morning. I have all day and evening, and the same tomorrow. I have pondered attending a 5:00 pm Sat. service to experience it as I ponder if and when we should add additional worship options.
Romans 13:1-14
This is a chapter about obeying the law, paying taxes, respecting authority and in summary “love your neighbor as yourself.” Verse 12 states “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” This reminds me of the urgency of living each day in the “shining armor of right living”, taking a “long view of this short life”. I must be careful to apply this scripture to myself first, before inferring application to anyone else.
I was speaking with a young man yesterday to whom this whole chapter applies, and I am recommending Teen Challenge as a vehicle for him to “clothe himself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (verse 14).
This morning I glanced at the paper and it chronicled the last 15 years of the 30 year-old accused of murdering two elderly people in their home near Lebanon on Monday. It reminds me of our nation’s problem with crime and prisons. His execution would be a great remedy. We have over one million men and women incarcerated, and for many the prison experience hardens them and furthers their life of crime. Residivisum is around 66%. I have three inmates with whom I correspond. I need to write them today, along with a young man at Boys Town.
Guide me Lord in the work of preparing the preaching schedule, and attending to the pastoral needs of the Wesley congregation. You are the great shepherd of the sheep, and it is a privilege to serve under Your Lordship.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29, 2010
7-29-10 Thursday, 7:40 am Springfield, 74 degrees, sunny, humid.
It was harder than usual to get up this morning. I had a long day yesterday, ran 4 miles in the noon heat, and ended up with 12,000 paces on my pedometer. Today I will continue sermon planning and research, which I enjoy very much, along with some pastoral work. I received an email from Audrey sent last night saying they had arrived safely, and everything was going well. This morning they will celebrate holy communion with the elements we consecrated as they were leaving.
Romans 12:1-21 The practical application of the preceding teachings.
This chapter dovetails with the preparation I have been doing for the fall series on fruitfulness. As I read it from the Wesley Study Bible, the notes refer me to Wesley’s sermon #40 “Christian Perfection”. I will read this sermon this morning and glean it for relevant contribution to this series I am working on.
Verses 11-12 speak to me this morning: “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Each of these phrases is clear, direct, instructional. I must absorb them today and live them out.
I just took a call from a young man who is homeless. He and I will meet for lunch. I am seeking to be Christ’s presence in his life. Guide me Holy Lord, as I serve you today – in ministry, in planning, rejoicing in hope, patient in suffering and preserving in prayer.
It was harder than usual to get up this morning. I had a long day yesterday, ran 4 miles in the noon heat, and ended up with 12,000 paces on my pedometer. Today I will continue sermon planning and research, which I enjoy very much, along with some pastoral work. I received an email from Audrey sent last night saying they had arrived safely, and everything was going well. This morning they will celebrate holy communion with the elements we consecrated as they were leaving.
Romans 12:1-21 The practical application of the preceding teachings.
This chapter dovetails with the preparation I have been doing for the fall series on fruitfulness. As I read it from the Wesley Study Bible, the notes refer me to Wesley’s sermon #40 “Christian Perfection”. I will read this sermon this morning and glean it for relevant contribution to this series I am working on.
Verses 11-12 speak to me this morning: “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Each of these phrases is clear, direct, instructional. I must absorb them today and live them out.
I just took a call from a young man who is homeless. He and I will meet for lunch. I am seeking to be Christ’s presence in his life. Guide me Holy Lord, as I serve you today – in ministry, in planning, rejoicing in hope, patient in suffering and preserving in prayer.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 28, 2010
7-28-10 Wednesday, 5:43 am Springfield, 72 degrees, bright ¾ moon in the southwest, birds just beginning to sing.
Audrey and the team heading to Honduras should be just about ready to board their 6:10 flight out of Kansas City en route to Houston. They will be in Tegucigalpa before noon. It is quiet here. As hard as it is for me to get out of bed on any given morning, I appreciate and enjoy the early morning. For the next few days I will be doing the work of planning and preparing the preaching schedule for the next few months. For the last three years I have done this from a state park in Kentucky, and this year I will do so from Springfield. Now for the Word.
Romans 11:13-36
Paul continues to write about the Jews, as he addresses the gentile recipients of his letter. He reminds them that they have been grafted in because of the unbelief of God’s chosen people. In verses 20-24 Paul makes the point that the natural branches of the cultivated olive tree, broken off for unbelief can certainly be grafted in again into their own tree. “Thus all Israel will be saved” (verse 26) So, through the belief in God’s saving power, made available to us beyond God’s original chosen people, those chosen people, the Jews will also have access through faith.
Dan Sered spoke to us at Wesley this spring about the work of Jews for Jesus in Israel. He is a son of Israel, his father fighting for Israel in their wars from 1967 forward. His father and mother are secular Jews. I continue to hold loosely the questions of the role of modern Israel in the overall plan of God. Even so, I hold fast and am motivated to pour all my strength and energy into building God’s kingdom through the church, which is clearly his people and his plan for this generation. Guide me today Lord as I plan and discern and prepare for the preaching of your word in the coming months.
Audrey and the team heading to Honduras should be just about ready to board their 6:10 flight out of Kansas City en route to Houston. They will be in Tegucigalpa before noon. It is quiet here. As hard as it is for me to get out of bed on any given morning, I appreciate and enjoy the early morning. For the next few days I will be doing the work of planning and preparing the preaching schedule for the next few months. For the last three years I have done this from a state park in Kentucky, and this year I will do so from Springfield. Now for the Word.
Romans 11:13-36
Paul continues to write about the Jews, as he addresses the gentile recipients of his letter. He reminds them that they have been grafted in because of the unbelief of God’s chosen people. In verses 20-24 Paul makes the point that the natural branches of the cultivated olive tree, broken off for unbelief can certainly be grafted in again into their own tree. “Thus all Israel will be saved” (verse 26) So, through the belief in God’s saving power, made available to us beyond God’s original chosen people, those chosen people, the Jews will also have access through faith.
Dan Sered spoke to us at Wesley this spring about the work of Jews for Jesus in Israel. He is a son of Israel, his father fighting for Israel in their wars from 1967 forward. His father and mother are secular Jews. I continue to hold loosely the questions of the role of modern Israel in the overall plan of God. Even so, I hold fast and am motivated to pour all my strength and energy into building God’s kingdom through the church, which is clearly his people and his plan for this generation. Guide me today Lord as I plan and discern and prepare for the preaching of your word in the coming months.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 27, 2010
7-27-10 Tuesday, 7:18 am Springfield, 73 degrees
Yesterday was well spent. At the end of the day I had supported Audrey in her final full day before leaving for Honduras, made arrangements for a fence to be installed around our yard, exercised at the gym, and worked in the garden and yard. I feel rested, stretched, and ready for this day of ministry and service. I will be at the church office for prayer at 9:00, worship planning at 10:00, and then lunch with one of our young men at 12:30. Mid afternoon I will come home to help in the final packing and loading, and then drive Audrey to Church at 5:30 for the group departure for Kansas City at 6:15.
Rom 10:14 – 11:12
Verses 14-15 are especially pertinent for today “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And How can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? This is why the scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
We send 10 messengers to Honduras today. Their feet are beautiful, their hands are beautiful, their suitcases are carrying blessings. These 2 verses also speak to the triangle of knowledge, experience and community, addressing specifically the knowledge required to experience the faith journey. This is a most helpful rubric concerning the Christian life.
Paul continues his treatise with the issue of the rejection by the Jews of the good news of God, and the opportunity the Gentiles have because the Jews have not accepted God’s prevenient grace. I am one of the gentiles who has so benefitted from God’s grace, and now I am privileged to tell people, near and far, about Jesus and His salvation.
Today Lord I am your servant. Guide me feet as I serve you as a shepherd in Springfield, and as a steward of your mercy and grace. I look forward to the ways your love will flow in and through this day.
Yesterday was well spent. At the end of the day I had supported Audrey in her final full day before leaving for Honduras, made arrangements for a fence to be installed around our yard, exercised at the gym, and worked in the garden and yard. I feel rested, stretched, and ready for this day of ministry and service. I will be at the church office for prayer at 9:00, worship planning at 10:00, and then lunch with one of our young men at 12:30. Mid afternoon I will come home to help in the final packing and loading, and then drive Audrey to Church at 5:30 for the group departure for Kansas City at 6:15.
Rom 10:14 – 11:12
Verses 14-15 are especially pertinent for today “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And How can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? This is why the scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
We send 10 messengers to Honduras today. Their feet are beautiful, their hands are beautiful, their suitcases are carrying blessings. These 2 verses also speak to the triangle of knowledge, experience and community, addressing specifically the knowledge required to experience the faith journey. This is a most helpful rubric concerning the Christian life.
Paul continues his treatise with the issue of the rejection by the Jews of the good news of God, and the opportunity the Gentiles have because the Jews have not accepted God’s prevenient grace. I am one of the gentiles who has so benefitted from God’s grace, and now I am privileged to tell people, near and far, about Jesus and His salvation.
Today Lord I am your servant. Guide me feet as I serve you as a shepherd in Springfield, and as a steward of your mercy and grace. I look forward to the ways your love will flow in and through this day.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26, 2010
7-26-10 Monday, 8:30 am Springfield, 75 degrees, sunny.
I am writing from my deck, with humming birds feasting at my feeder, insects humming in the trees, a dog barking, and the breeze gently blowing. This is a beautiful setting for morning devotions. I stayed up late until the Cardinals beat the Cubs in the 11th inning, knowing that today is my day off and I could sleep in if needed. Audrey and I both got up around 7:00, and have been enjoying the news and fresh coffee together. Today is her last full day here before leading the team to Honduras.
Romans 9:25-10:13
This passage really speaks to me this morning about the clarity and simplicity of God’s plan of salvation for all people. I read this in the context of preparing for a series of sermons on the cults, and their clouding of the simple gospel. Paul continues to communicate his love for his people, the Jews, God’s chosen ones. He describes how they missed God’s intention as they stumbled over trying to gain God’s approval by keeping the law in total.
Paul quotes Hosea 2:23 in which God says that “those who were not my people, I will now call my people.” In Romans 10:9 he lays it out clearly: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” And then in verse 13 he concludes “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (quoting from Joel 2:32)
I love to study the scriptures! Even as I have been familiar with this scripture since 1974, it is part of the “Roman road” group of scriptures, to read it fresh today, in the context of ministry and service where I live today, provides newness, reminder, and revs up my enthusiasm for the message of salvation today. On Saturday I had a great experience with Tom Albin at the School of Lay Ministry in Fayette. I presented a practical example of small groups in the church. He was the main weekend presenter and he was working from a triangle of knowledge, experience and community. This makes great sense to me, and I see the role and relationship of all three. Guide me holy Lord as I work with these three concepts.
I am writing from my deck, with humming birds feasting at my feeder, insects humming in the trees, a dog barking, and the breeze gently blowing. This is a beautiful setting for morning devotions. I stayed up late until the Cardinals beat the Cubs in the 11th inning, knowing that today is my day off and I could sleep in if needed. Audrey and I both got up around 7:00, and have been enjoying the news and fresh coffee together. Today is her last full day here before leading the team to Honduras.
Romans 9:25-10:13
This passage really speaks to me this morning about the clarity and simplicity of God’s plan of salvation for all people. I read this in the context of preparing for a series of sermons on the cults, and their clouding of the simple gospel. Paul continues to communicate his love for his people, the Jews, God’s chosen ones. He describes how they missed God’s intention as they stumbled over trying to gain God’s approval by keeping the law in total.
Paul quotes Hosea 2:23 in which God says that “those who were not my people, I will now call my people.” In Romans 10:9 he lays it out clearly: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” And then in verse 13 he concludes “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (quoting from Joel 2:32)
I love to study the scriptures! Even as I have been familiar with this scripture since 1974, it is part of the “Roman road” group of scriptures, to read it fresh today, in the context of ministry and service where I live today, provides newness, reminder, and revs up my enthusiasm for the message of salvation today. On Saturday I had a great experience with Tom Albin at the School of Lay Ministry in Fayette. I presented a practical example of small groups in the church. He was the main weekend presenter and he was working from a triangle of knowledge, experience and community. This makes great sense to me, and I see the role and relationship of all three. Guide me holy Lord as I work with these three concepts.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
July 25, 2010
7-25-10 Sunday, 6:18 am Grayrock Dr.; 70 degrees, partly cloudy.
This morning Audrey will deliver the sermon, a message she has been discerning for several months about Moses and Missions. This will be my fourth Sunday in a row not to preach. I will lead in other ways throughout the services, including baptizing a baby at 11:00.
Rom 9:1-24
The writer Paul continues his logic about God’s calling. He states that he would be cut off from Christ if this would draw his fellow Jews to Christ. But he realizes this is not the answer. He describes Jacob and Esau in the womb, and God’s revelation to their mother Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger son. He then asks if God is being unfair, and affirms that it is God who decides to show mercy and we can neither choose it nor work for it.
Psalm 19 – a beautiful song that praises the beauty and effectiveness of God’s word.
“The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.” (9b-10).
Today Lord I go among your people gathering to worship with the faith community called Wesley United Methodist Church. I have been apart from them for three weeks. Thank you for your calling upon my life, your mercy in my life, and your power demonstrated when your people gather to praise you and hear your word. May this be a day of new beginnings.
This morning Audrey will deliver the sermon, a message she has been discerning for several months about Moses and Missions. This will be my fourth Sunday in a row not to preach. I will lead in other ways throughout the services, including baptizing a baby at 11:00.
Rom 9:1-24
The writer Paul continues his logic about God’s calling. He states that he would be cut off from Christ if this would draw his fellow Jews to Christ. But he realizes this is not the answer. He describes Jacob and Esau in the womb, and God’s revelation to their mother Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger son. He then asks if God is being unfair, and affirms that it is God who decides to show mercy and we can neither choose it nor work for it.
Psalm 19 – a beautiful song that praises the beauty and effectiveness of God’s word.
“The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.” (9b-10).
Today Lord I go among your people gathering to worship with the faith community called Wesley United Methodist Church. I have been apart from them for three weeks. Thank you for your calling upon my life, your mercy in my life, and your power demonstrated when your people gather to praise you and hear your word. May this be a day of new beginnings.
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